I have lived in Ashford for over 30 years and in May 1989 was first elected to Ashford Borough Council where I served as member for the former Central Ward for the next 14 years. After a 4 year break I returned to contest the seat at Bockhanger and won with a substantial majority. During that campaign it became clear how neglected Bockhanger had become through lack of proper representation, so I immediately set about righting that wrong by speaking out on behalf of the residents, on matters relating to the Ward, providing information through my Bockhanger Bulletin newsletter and tackling any number of individual problems and concerns.

Now I am seeking re-election and once again asking for your support on Thursday May 5th.

As a local councillor I am aware that I hold a position of considerable responsibility and whenever you need to make an approach to your Ward member you are entitled to expect the best possible help and advice. Like a doctor a councillor should always try to be 'on call' although I did once draw the line when a lady rang me one Christmas Eve to ask if I could fix her TV aerial.

We live in economically difficult times with an enormous amount of national debt that has to be addressed. Ashford Borough Council, however, is well placed to maintain frontline services as well as freezing this year's Council Tax, a testimony to sound economic management. In addition now the shackles of the last government's housing targets have been removed we are masters of our own destiny as far as future development goes and when I say 'we' I mean locally elected members and residents who know their area best. Working together is the way we can ensure the Borough can move forward and prosper and so meets the needs of the people who live there. Everyone has a right to be heard and everyone will be heard, on that you have my word.