I have had the privilege of representing Ashford Rural East on Kent County Council since 2017. The division stretches from Chilham and Old Wives Lees in the north, to Aldington and Bonnington in the south, encompassing the wards of Downs North, Bircholt, Wye, Kennington, Little Burton Farm, Mersham, Sevington South and Finberry, and roughly half of Saxon Shore ward.
The rural areas of the division has some of the most beautiful countryside and charming villages in the county – largely untouched by major developments, though constantly under threat from inappropriate projects such as the proposed large solar farm in Aldington. My role is to do whatever I can to help protect the rural way of life while ensuring infrastructure such as the road network and broadband connectivity, remains of high quality. Though resources for maintaining roads, cutting back hedges, and keeping road markings and signage clear are limited, I understand their importance to my residents. By working closely with parish councils, I strive to ensure KCC Highways addresses problems and implements improvements wherever possible.
Around a third of Ashford Rural East falls within the urban part of Ashford town. Here, the primary concerns tend to revolve around the housing developments that accompany the town's expansion. Although Ashford Borough Council oversees planning, I monitor developments closely and step in when county services are impacted. Road conditions remain a key concern in these areas as well.
Each county councillor receives a small grant to support local groups and charities. I’m pleased to have contributed to a wide range of projects and events including Wye Tennis Club, Chilham Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and summer fête, Stour Music Festival, Friends of St, Mary’s Church Chilham, Wye Village Hall and Recreation Field, Aldington children’s tennis coaching, Molash Village Hall, Godmersham traffic calming, Crundale jubilee mugs, Brabourne verge repairs and allotment pathway, Sevington salt bin, Mersham Village Hall, Brook Museum, Aldington Led by the Wild project.
Kent County Council’s responsibilities are extensive, with social services and special needs education consuming much of the budget. In addition to representing my division, I served as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care from 2019 to 2023. Currently, I oversee the Community and Regulatory Services portfolio, which includes libraries, registration and archives, community wardens, trading standards, Kent Scientific Services, public rights of way, coroners services, the arts and creative economy, the Kent Film Office, voluntary sector support, community safety, liaison with Kent Police, the PREVENT anti-terrorism initiative, and emergency planning. Running these services under tight financial constraints is challenging, but I find my role rewarding, contributing to the council’s mission of serving Kent’s residents.