I am Alison Webb and I’ve been selected to stand in the upcoming County Council election for Dereham North.

Full statement

I love Dereham. I live in Dereham and very passionate about getting the best for our town, our communities and our residents.
I previously worked for the MoD, starting at RAF Swanton Morley as an Administrative Assistant and over the 27 years I was employed I was promoted to the Senior Civil Service. Most of this time, I was employed on Human Resource issues, including Head of Communication for the Tornado and Harrier aircraft which I feel was the area I most enjoyed as it involves people issues.
When I retired in 2010, I wanted to give all my efforts to the people of Dereham. I decided that I would concentrate on renovating a derelict windmill which belonged to Dereham Town Council. This was a massive challenge, but I did not realise until I asked what community support there was to open the windmill again. Along with my husband, we created a team of Trustees and over 50 volunteers and within 3 years of much hard work raised the £300,000 to restore and reopen it to the public as a Community Exhibition Centre. Then the challenge came to raise more funds to build toilet facilities as it was so popular. Another £250,000 worth of fund raising resulted in the Windmill Community Coffee Shop which is very popular not just to visitors to the Windmill but our residents as well!

I was elected to Breckland Council Dereham Neatherd Ward over 10 years ago. I was then chosen to be on the Breckland Executive Board, a role that I enjoy greatly as it gives opportunities to improve the life of even more residents in the Breckland area. I also led during Covid the ‘Dereham Cares initiative’, which ensured that our Dereham and Toftwood residents had much needed help during lock down of prescription collection/delivery and basic food essentials. More recently I led on making the Dereham Parkrun possible, bringing Dereham Town Council, Breckland Council and Norfolk County Council to make this weekly event
possible. I am also a member of the Dereham Litter pickers and Deputy to MP George Freeman in the Dereham Action Partnership. Finally, I am currently working with a local Care Home and Football Club to improve highways issues which have been caused by the increase in traffic in Dereham.
My ambition at County level is very much the same as the other two tiers of government - to
champion the needs of all residents and to secure the best outcomes for Dereham and Toftwood residents and businesses. Should I be fortunate enough to be elected in May, my community would benefit from a strong, steadfast voice across all three tiers of local government, aligning communication, and working to see Dereham and Toftwood aspirations listened to, and met, by each of the relevant authorities.
What are my priorities?
• To secure improved infrastructure for Dereham
• To secure a Health centre for both Dereham and Toftwood residents, to allow sufficient access to both Doctors and Dentists.
• To improve and support the Dereham Town businesses to encourage residents to shop locally.
• To fight to ensure public money is invested in growth areas to improve Dereham town centre.