Hello! I’m Tamsin Holkham.

Full statement

and I’ll be standing as a Liberal Democrat candidate in the May 2021 local council elections for the new Buckinghamshire Council (replacing the 4 district councils & Bucks County Council).

Having grown up in High Wycombe and been educated here I have always had a strong connection to the town. I moved back here over 10 years ago. I have always regarded myself belonging to Wycombe even when I didn’t live here. I joined the local party in 2016. The reason I want to stand is I am a great believer in Education being the great leveller I believe it is important for every single child to have the very best start in life. I also believe in improved services regarding Mental Health and I like the fact as a Party at National level we believe that it should be treated in the same way as physical illness.

Campaign Priorities:

1) REGENERATE OUR TOWN:

- Restore the buried River Wye to surface level, running through the heart of High Wycombe town centre.

- Create green social spaces for outdoor entertainment, street stalls and pop-up markets.

- Transform derelict shopping units into vibrant leisure, fitness, food and drink

venues.

2) SPEED ENFORCEMENT:

- Speed enforcement measures are urgently needed to curb dangerous and reckless drivers on Amersham Hill, Amersham Road and Totteridge Lane.

- Introduce several fixed speed cameras covering both directions -

2 on Amersham Hill (Up and Down)

2 on Amersham Road (Up and Down)

2 on Totteridge Lane

- Listen to local residents views on potential changes to the road layout at the junction between Geralds Road and Amersham Road.

3) BOOST SMALL LOCAL BUSINESS:

- Create a new pedestrianised ‘Green Zone’ to encourage independent cafés, bars & restaurants to locate overlooking our beautiful chalk river.

- A new ‘Creative Quarter’ bringing together independent retailers and a social bar and events space, including locally sourced street food, vintage shopping, live music and comedy shows.

- Soft-play centre for families with young children.

4) STRENGTHEN YOUTH SERVICES:

- Incorporate youth services into new safe spaces as part of the town centre regeneration.

- Develop a community-led programme to employ local young people in new independent businesses.

- Set up community workshops with young people, who can hear from victims of knife crime and gang violence, as part of an early intervention approach to help young people choose a safer lifestyle.