I have lived in Brook since 1994 and I have been vice chair of the parish council since 2014 and enjoy being actively involved with all aspects of my local community.
My experience as a parish councillor shows what can be achieved when a group of individuals work together without any political pressure to toe the party line. It is the similar lack of political interference or having to follow a party whip, that has motivated me to stand as your Ashford Independent candidate.
As your neighbour in Bircholt Ward, I fully appreciate the challenges our communities face from the onslaught of inappropriate development and the strain this places on our already inadequate infrastructure and services. In particular, I believe strongly in the need to protect our villages from the urban sprawl of Ashford’s continuing expansion. I therefore, firmly support the continuing need for green corridors in Ashford and the introduction of suitable buffer zones around our villages.
The Ashford Local Plan 2030 will shortly be under review and the concerns that you raise at the public consultation stage will need strong representation, to ensure that future development is appropriate and meets the needs of local communities. As a parish councillor, I have dedicated myself to defending my local community from inappropriate development and will bring the same dedication to representing your views as a borough councillor.
I believe in the importance of parish and borough councillors working together, and if elected as your ward councillor, I intend to regularly attend parish council meetings. This will ensure that your concerns can be raised with the relevant council departments when required and enable projects to be supported by ward grants.
As someone who enjoys our countryside, I would encourage the provision of new dedicated routes linking communities specifically for cycling, walking, horses, pedestrians and disabled users, not for motor vehicles. Furthermore, I would support the requirement for all new buildings to have solar panels or roof tiles as part of the borough’s net zero commitment. This would reduce the need for any loss of agricultural land or countryside caused by the need for ground based solar panels, which would materially change the character of the borough.
I will bring the same high level of dedication and enthusiasm that I have for being a parish councillor to this wider role and I look forward to receiving your support on 4th May so that I can serve our community as your Independent Borough Councillor for Bircholt Ward.
I am an Ashford resident, born and bred, having grown up in Singleton, Wye, Great Chart, Woodchurch, Willesborough and Kennington. As a local girl, and with a daughter of my own, I would like to help shape the way our Borough grows, because as a long term resident, Ashford’s changes greatly affect my own family’s future.
I am a former Highworth Grammar School and Sixth Form student. I spent my university years at Canterbury Christ Church studying Education, after which I qualified as a teacher. I taught in local primary education for five years before becoming a Mum.
I have been a Borough Councillor for the last four years. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting acquainted with people in that role and working hard for changes to make our ward a great place to live and raise our families, and I’m hoping for your continued support on May 4th!
Throughout my elected term, I have championed recreational spaces. I petitioned for additions to the play park in Little Burton, supporting the project with my Ward grant, and defended the open park area. I made sure that changes were made to the proposed Queen’s Green Canopy tree planting scheme, that would have reduced the open space. I worked alongside residents who know the park, to describe how it is used by the community. Together we ensured that use could continue.
In another project I worked with Ashford Borough Council’s Community Safety Unit to replace waste bins outside One Stop with larger capacity ones to keep our streets tidier. I highlighted the maintenance of hedges and shrubs to Aspire Landscape Contractors and developer Persimmon. Hedges became a feature for me – having a small child in a buggy illustrates just how important clear and safe pedestrian and cycle paths are.
At times, caring for Conningbrook and Little Burton became a family effort. I enlisted the aid of my mother and daughter to clean road signs; identifying and reporting any in need of replacement as we went. My family and I also repaired the Book Stop cupboard after a nasty storm damaged it, restoring it for the continued use of the community.
If re-elected, I promise new residents at Conningbrook Lakes you will have my support, as an Ashford Borough Council representative, with any development issues that may arise. I will make your voice heard and work to represent the views of all residents in Conningbrook and Little Burton. I would very much like to see a conclusion to the play area improvement and will endeavour to complete the installation of play equipment for 2-5 year olds, as requested by you, the residents. I would like to get a noticeboard installed near the One Stop shop to help community communication. There used to be one but it rotted and was removed for safety reasons. I dare say you will still see me out with hand shears occasionally and I will continue to ensure hedges and shrubberies are maintained.
Over the past 12 years I have demonstrated that I put your issues first and foremost and am willing to work tirelessly on your behalf. I focus on getting things done through pragmatic thinking, teasing the most out of people with often radically different views. Listening ranks high on my agenda. A can-do attitude is fundamental, and I never shirk to tackle thorny issues to get the right result. My ability to influence a shift in thinking brought the successes you asked of me in 2019 and by asking for your vote on 4th May 2023, I give my commitment once again to work tirelessly for your success over the next 4 years.
As a resident for 45 years, I have witnessed dramatic changes within our Borough, some were good but many made no sense. The constant dash for growth did little to revitalise our town centre and arguably destroyed some of our beautiful countryside. The strategy had the opposite effect: leaving our Town Centre impoverished; brought more traffic and inadequate infrastructure; diminishing quality of life for many.
Ashford and its people deserve better. I believe a Councillor has a foremost responsibility to understand the views and aspirations of their community and to represent these at Council. It may not be possible to achieve everything a community desires, but a Councillor should spare no effort to achieve as much as possible. Party politics should play no part at Local Council level. My party whip is you– I take my instruction from you.
The 2023 Local Election result will be significant for Ashford since there are important decisions to be made. Do we continue on the same past tack or change direction? The town must grow both economically and socially to create a legacy for future generations. One of the things facing the new Council is the quantum of housing needed and the infrastructure required. It is clear that past disconnected thinking is no longer sustainable. Ashford Independents forming the new Administration, in part or whole, will bring a shift change in thinking; one that truly represents residents.
I am a semi-retired engineer, teacher and family man who has lived in Kingsnorth for over 30 years and been involved in the community through Kingsnorth Parish Church and Council for much of that time. l would like to work for the benefit of our whole community and make the your voice heard more loudly in Ashford Borough Council.
Helping the community
My family and I are very much local people. Our children grew up here, attending Kingsnorth Primary School. During the late 90’s I was Chair of The Friends of Kingsnorth Church. My wife and I regularly support Kingsnorth Parish Council. We have been involved in many community events. Whether a village resident or part of the growing population in Bridgefield, there’s nothing like a fete to bring everyone together.
A desire for fair play, realistic goals and transparency
As a Chartered Engineer I have an extensive resume of Industrial and academic qualifications, having held several managerial roles in diverse contractually driven ventures in Coal Mining, Open Cast, Tunnelling and Civil Engineering projects. I have an eye for detail and skills in meeting strict budget deadlines and contractual obligations. I later qualified to teach secondary level mathematics and loved mentoring 11 to 18 year olds. I have taught in and around the Ashford area for over eighteen years and seen many changes in our education system.
Semi- retired now, I wish to channel my skills and experiences to community benefit. The chemistry created by an engineering and teaching background has created in me a desire for fair play, realistic goals and transparency. If elected, my efforts and loyalty will be focused on representing the people of Kingsnorth and Bridgefield. It would be the simplest of choices; working towards developing amenities and providing social stability in what can only be described as “tough times”. These are ideals I wish to represent on your behalf in Ashford Borough Council. I have the platform of knowledge to make this work for you.
This will be my first venture into local government but I believe that as your neighbour I am well placed to speak up in council and pledge to do that on your behalf. I would like to work with you and for you and invite your ideas so that we can work together for Kingsnorth and Bridgefield. I am said to possess a “Pig Headed, self-determination” for getting the job done!
As Vice Chairman of Kingsnorth Parish Council I have thoroughly enjoyed working for our community. I am a parent and want to help make Kingsnorth and Park Farm a great place for families to live. With your support, I would like to take this further as your Borough Councillor.
When I moved to Kingsnorth in 2015 I was keen to get involved in community projects. I joined Kingsnorth Parish Council in 2019 as the Member for Park Farm North. Since then, I have dedicated my time to listening to resident concerns and providing support to people, not just in my own ward but in the Parish as a whole. My fellow councillors voted me Vice Chairman of the Parish Council in 2021 and I have been in that role ever since.
A neighbour and community volunteer
I have had the pleasure of working on some amazing community projects during my time on Kingsnorth Parish Council; open air cinema events, country fairs, the Christmas winter festival, community litter picks, Christmas lights around the Moat. These events bring us together, instilling pride and making a home. I helped set up the Kingsnorth Community Cafe, which operates in the sports pavilion. This fantastic local resource is fully run by volunteers and supports the local community in so many ways. I am now supporting the important campaign to try to keep fishing available at the Moat.
As a parish councillor, residents voices have been the guide for any decision-making that impacts us all. I would very much like to keep our ward Independent in the upcoming local elections to continue this philosophy of putting people before politics. If elected, I will ensure that the parish and borough representatives are working together to the benefit of residents. I will take your voice into Ashford Borough Council, working for you on a new level, with the same dedication.
The next few years are going to see many changes on the national landscape. I want to be sure that the local issues that are important you and me do not become lost within any national debate. I would like to make sure our voices are heard.
I have been a Borough Councillor for the last four years and dedicated myself to supporting our community. I have raised my family here and, as a neighbour, appreciate the many issues we face.
One of the highlights of my elected term was the opening of The Limes Community Garden. I pledged to turn this unsightly piece of wasteland into a space residents could be proud of. I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped to make that happen. Collectively we’ve turned it into a thriving, welcoming space for all members of our community. It was a huge honour to be shortlisted in the 2020 Local Government Councillor Awards for Community Champion for this project, even if I didn’t win. The nomination was an acknowledgement of what we had all achieved to be featured in this event in London. As a food scientist, I know just how important access to fresh food is. The Limes provides much more than a garden for our community, it is also a source of free fresh produce & eggs that gives some families a real boost. During COVID lockdown, it was a safe space for families where children could let off steam and adults find healing in nature and the thrill of nurturing plants into produce.
Another highlight of this term has been the opening of the Brisley Centre within Singleton Environment Centre. This provided a long-promised Community Space for the people of Brisley Farm/Chartfields ensuring the developer’s allocated funds were not returned to them as the deadline to use it was approaching. This, of course, was done in partnership with our neighbouring Parish Council & Singleton Environment Centre.
Building a community
I have worked very closely with Stanhope and Kingsnorth Parish Councils throughout the term as I believe that best results for a community comes from everyone working together. I have represented our community in Planning Committee and South of Ashford Garden Community meetings. I have been accessible to residents and active in helping to resolve issues as they arise. I have been delighted to support local projects with my Ward Grant – from the Kingsnorth Community Café, to kit for grassroots sports teams, to a community drumming group and local primary schools to name but a few.
I have been a Borough Councillor for the last four years and have dedicated myself to defending our community from the onslaught of development and to being a voice for villages in our council.
I have lived in Aldington since 2006. Though a short time by many standards, this is the longest I have ever lived in one place so Aldington is very much my home. I love quiet lanes, open fields and hedgerows full of wildlife. Ashford and Folkestone and the emergence of renewable energy projects propose to dramatically change the landscape in Saxon Shore. Whilst national needs are important, I strive to voice concerns, support local views and defend the qualities of rural living that we value.
Working together
In 2019 I said that Parish Councils and Borough Councillors should work constructively together. Since then, I have attended almost every Aldington & Bonnington, Bilsington and Ruckinge meeting, taking concerns to Council departments when necessary and supporting projects with my Ward Grant. I have chaired Aldington & Bonnington Parish Council since 2021 and championed the now draft Aldington & Bonnington Neighbourhood Plan that documents local opinion and priorities. The draft will be out to consultation in coming weeks. I very much hope that the Aldington & Bonnington’s Neighbourhood Plan will ensure the future growth is appropriate.
I have enjoyed working for all ward communities. We have had many challenges, some of them unexpected, like the COVID lockdowns; some of them simmering long term issues such as the erosion of our dark skies, or underperforming drains; some of them specific to an individual or property. Within the Council my role has grown over the period. I have been part of ABC’s Planning Committee throughout my term and joined the Local Plan & Policy Task Group, both roles being relevant to the concerns that led me to become a Borough Councillor. I hope to be re-elected to continue my work.
I have been a Borough Councillor for the last four years and have dedicated myself, along with my fellow Councillor, George Sparks, to defending our community from the onslaught of development and to being a voice for villages in our council. As your neighbours we appreciate the many issues we face and hope for your continued support to voice them in council.
I grew up in Kent and, after college, I spent most of the 1970’s in Berkshire, initially working in botanical research but, after moving for a spell in industry, I embarked on a 40 year career in the Environmental Health profession, working within local government. I returned to Kent and worked many years at Canterbury City Council and later for two other Borough / District Councils in Kent.
I moved to Shadoxhurst ten years ago. With retirement looming, I joined Shadoxhurst Parish Council eight years ago and have had the honour to be its Chairman. With the help of a great team of Parish Members, we have achieved a lot of tangible successes. These include a weekly drop-in coffee club, increased clubs and activities, fund raising, improvements to the recreation ground and eventually securing a reduction of the speed limit through the village. I also prepare and edit the bi-monthly Village Newsletter.
A former Vice Chairman of the Ashford Committee of Kent Association of Local Councils, I spearhead two active sub-committees on Traffic and Planning issues through which I have steered participation in national consultations on planning policy.
My priority is to ensure that the residents in the four villages of Weald South (Hamstreet, Shadoxhurst, Warehorne and Woodchurch) have a voice and make sure that Ashford Borough Council listens.
I have been a Borough Councillor for the last nine years and have dedicated myself to speaking up for communities across the Borough and being a voice for villages in our council.
I made my home in Wye over 30 years ago. I was born in Challock and grew up with 6 siblings. Much like today, Wye acted as a hub for the surrounding rural communities and my mother taught dance at Wye High School (now Oxenturn House). I attended the 1st Wye scout troop, where I learned many of the valuable life skills that still serve me well. Stepping onto the housing ladder, a brief spell in Ashford followed, before eventually settling in Wye with my young family. I currently live on Naccolt Road with my wife Kathryn and run the family business in Ashford. Being my own boss gives me the flexibility to represent you and means that I apply business skills as well as a lifetime of local knowledge to my role in Ashford Borough Council.
Active on your behalf
As leader of the Ashford Independents since 2015, I have seen much change, both in the group and in Ashford Borough Council. As leader of the largest opposition group I have Chaired the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the last four years. This committee is responsible for reviewing and challenging council decisions and operations, including budget decisions. In this role I have been able to build a strong working relationship with many senior officers within the council. With your support I am certain this will be a benefit going forward, as Ashford, like every council in the current economic climate, faces many challenges. Unlike some, we also have opportunities.
Experience put to work for you
Many of the issues in Wye carry over from one electoral term to the next. The advantage of my continuous service is the experience that comes from long term involvement in the Wye Neighbourhood Plan and major developments involving Wye College and its grounds. As Chair of Wye with Hinxhill Parish Council I have led the recent acquisition of the Methodist Church. I was delighted that we were able to secure this building for continued use by the community. I see my roles in both parish and borough as complimentary and a strength that ensures that your parish councillors are well informed of council activities and able to work to the advantage of Wye and Hinxhill residents.
