I live in Eynesbury with my husband and our dogs, and I am standing as an Independent candidate for St Neots Town Council and Huntingdonshire District Council because I believe councillors should live in and truly understand the communities they represent.

Full statement

With 27 years’ experience working in local government at both District and County level, and now working for a national charity supporting councils across the country, I understand how councils work and how to ensure local voices are heard and taken seriously.

Why This Election Matters
This year is an important one for local democracy. Alongside the Town Council elections, residents will also be voting in the upcoming Huntingdonshire District Council election, at a time when we are waiting for a decision on which Local Government Reform (LGR) option will be chosen for our area. These changes could shape how services are delivered and how decisions affecting our area are made for many years to come. I believe it is more important than ever that St Neots and Eynesbury have strong, independent voices at Town Council and District level, working constructively with County councillors to stand up for our community.

An Independent Voice for Eynesbury
I am standing as an Independent because I have no party political agenda. My focus is on:
• Representing the best interests of Eynesbury residents
• Listening to your concerns
• Speaking up for your priorities
• Focusing on practical, deliverable outcomes

Experience and Local Involvement
Over the past two years, I have been closely involved in shaping decisions that affect our area. I chair the Multi Parish Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, serve as Vice Chair of the Council’s Environment & Emergency Committee, have contributed to the District Council’s Local Plan. I am also on the working group that reviews proposed changes to our streets (Local Highways Improvements), always focused on practical, deliverable outcomes for Eynesbury.

Protecting Green Spaces
One issue I hear about time and again is the importance of green spaces. Access to green space is vital to our wellbeing, and in St Neots we are fortunate to have an extraordinary green corridor that allows us to walk from Eynesbury through to Little Paxton, taking in the Pightle and Riverside Park. This is a precious resource, and one I am determined to protect. I support green spaces not just in words, but through action. I am a trustee of the Pightle Millennium Green Space and I support the Grow Wild Wood in Eynesbury.

Safer Streets and Traffic
Another concern regularly raised with me is traffic through our area. Like many of you, I am worried about the volume and flow of traffic through Eynesbury. As a Town Councillor, I will continue to work with Cambridgeshire County Council to push for sensible, practical improvements that make our streets safer for everyone.

My Commitment
If elected, I will continue to represent Eynesbury honestly, independently, and with care, particularly during a period of change for local government.

With best wishes,
Samantha Smith
Independent Candidate
St Neots Town Council
Eynesbury
Sjsmith2024@outlook.com