I’m never keen to outline a list of “my” priorities over the next four years, as I strongly believe the role of a councillor is to serve those they represent and try and take action to deliver the priorities of the community.

Full statement

And while a councillor can never change the world, by being available to listen to problems – however big or small they may seem – they can change the lives of residents for the better, both individually or as a whole. Indeed, fixing bin collection issues so rubbish is collected from the right place, at the right time, with the bare minimum of fuss is incredibly satisfying!

That said, there are some areas I would like to highlight as they have been raised with me time and again by people from across Tankerton, from Bennells Avenue to Baliol Road, from Marine Parade to Queens Road, and everywhere between.

Making our roads safer, enhancing our streets and shopping area

The 20mph speed limit set to be introduced in the shopping area is only the first step of a long-term project. Marine Parade, Northwood Road and Queens Road are a logical next stage, at which point it would make sense for the whole Tankerton grid to follow. And this is not just about reducing a speed limit: it’s the key to unlocking so many more opportunities for making the whole area even more welcoming, which I hope will initially give a real boost to our wonderful local businesses, who continue to do so much to put Tankerton on the map and make each day seem brighter.

I’ll continue to work tirelessly with Kent Highways for much-needed improvements across the whole of Tankerton, including thrashing out a plan to do something about our jigsaw-like pavements as it truly upsets me to hear from so many of you who have to walk with your eyes permanently looking down for fear of tripping.

Cleaning up our coast, whatever it takes

It’s simply outrageous that we have sewage blighting our coast and businesses in 2023. This may be a national issue, but the local impact is huge and must be tackled, whatever it takes. In order to ensure local voices are heard as much as possible, as well as attending countless local meetings and workshops, I’ve joined the Kent Flood Risk Management Committee, the Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority and the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and continue to push for improvements.

I hope this can complement the incredible efforts so many are making locally, and those efforts by local residents have already resulted in the water company making Tankerton a priority area. And, for what it’s worth, my overriding concern is getting a waste water system that actually treats our sewage as we’d expect. If that can be best delivered by a return to state control, I certainly wouldn’t be against it.

Reducing the impact of local development

While there isn’t scope in Tankerton to be impacted by the construction of hundreds of houses in one place, when there are a dozen pavements closed for extended periods, at the same time, across just a few roads, it can sometimes feel just as bad. There will always be building work but a new approach is needed to avoid never-ending pavement closures – and they must be properly repaired when work is completed.

I’m certainly not against home improvements, but development regulations make it easier to manage huge building sites than smaller ones, and I sympathise with those who have complained to me about how they feel as though they live in a permanent construction site. I intend to work with both councils to try and set realistic time scales to improve this and, if needed, to lobby for changes on a national level to create a fair framework for all.

Keeping our streets tidy and open spaces maintained

Now things have settled down following the council-owned Canenco taking over the grounds maintenance and bin collections, it’s time to make some tweaks. While there are lots of litter bins on the Slopes and promenade, there are almost none on the residential roads, where many prefer to walk their dogs. I’ve began mapping out locations and hope for some positive changes soon.

Extra bin provision will be on top of what is available already, and nobody wants a return to daily overflowing bins following a relatively successful summer thanks to new arrangements. I’m also pleased public recycling bins are also being trialled across the district and have asked for this to be rolled out across Tankerton at the earliest possible time following the requests I’ve had from many of you.

It has been an absolute honour to serve as Canterbury City Councillor for Tankerton and it would be a privilege to continue to do so for the next four years. Working together, we have achieved a lot but there is always room for improvement if we are to continue to make Tankerton the truly special place it is.