I want to make Linton an even better place.

Full statement

My priorities are affordable housing and a more rational traffic system

Hello, I’m Ernie Turkington. I’ve lived in our area for almost 20 years. Before retiring I was a headteacher at a special school for emotionally disturbed children. A very rewarding but at the same time a very challenging job.

It taught me a lot about being patient and not being over-demanding. It also allowed me to hone my listening skills, then putting into action the outcomes of what I’d heard.

As a Councillor one of my priorities will be to see how we can sort out our traffic system and I’ll be keen to hear your views on possible improvements.

I’m very concerned about the lack of affordable housing. It means that many young people simply can’t afford to live here where they grew up and are forced to move away. I back Labour’s plans to insist on a minimum of 40% affordable housing in new developments. And to use programmes such as Community Land Trusts and Rural Exception sites that enable building affordable housing for people with local connections.

Now I’m retired, I will have the time to put my energy into making these policies become reality.