I have lived in the area since 2018, and like all who live here I have a love for the villages and their unique blend of community, connectivity, character and countryside.

Full statement

However for years the same issues have been raised, and for years, the same frustrations have gone unanswered. Our ward is home to the leader of the council, a career Politician who tells of the fights he has had on our behalf for many years.
However it is not always clear who he is fighting with, since the same issues seem to be present with nothing achieved, and things getting worse in some areas.

Our recent council tax bill for the year, has another increase of 5% from last year. And in many ways it seems we get less and less for that money. In this time of rising financial pressures that was another blow many of us could ill afford. Part of that rise will no doubt be to fund the Twyford Library, which was recently refurbished with a budget of over £1 million. I like the idea of a Library, however it doesn’t include a public toilet and in the days of the internet would seem to be little more than a vanity project, and I question if it is truely the best use of our money.

Meanwhile we have had at least three major new building developments approved in the ward and with the Council also declaring Wokingham a Borough of Sanctuary will soon place an additional burden on our beautiful area. This at a time when we are already seeing unprecedented traffic and parking issues, especially near the station, and at Ruscombe cross roads and have frequent reports of shop lifting and unlawful behaviour around our shops.

I am standing because Twyford, Ruscombe and Hurst each deserve stronger, more determined representation — someone who will challenge complacency, push for real improvements, and ensure that our villages get their fair share of investment and attention. We cannot keep accepting slow to no progress while our roads worsen, our services strain, and our village centre faces growing pressures.

If you believe Twyford, Ruscombe and Hurst deserve better, I am asking for your support. Together, we can bring about the change our villages have been waiting for.