I live in Longnor and have been District Councillor for the Manifold Ward for the past two years.

Full statement

In this role I support residents on many issues and concerns. I work with people on everything from active travel, traffic calming, river pollution, rollout of broadband, grit bin refills, pot-hole repairs and lack of school transport to name but a few. My approach is always to listen to residents concerns and support them whole heartedly. I enjoy my role and through working with residents am successful in getting results.

*Nature and Climate
If elected as County Councillor I would ensure that improving the local environment and biodiversity remains a top priority in Leek Rural and the County Council. I would push for carbon neutrality in Council operations and promote low carbon development. Additionally, I would promote schemes that improve energy efficiency in homes across Leek Rural.

*Travel and Highways
Many roads in Leek rural are in a poor state and the delay in repairing them is lengthy. The reporting system is frustrating for all who have tried to use it. If elected I would ensure that road surfaces in our area are kept in good order, with repairs done quickly and efficiently. I would campaign for more traffic monitoring and calming measures. I would press for more investment in dedicated cycle and foot-ways.

*Sustainable Economy
Economically our area is struggling. We need a strong economy in Leek Rural that will support happy, healthy and fulfilling lives for all. As your Leek Rural Councillor, I would ensure that local independent producers and retailers were supported. I would support the farming community. This would include identifying grants available to aid diversification and new business ventures. I would support the development of a green economy and the growth of the eco-technology business sector.

*Housing and Community
Decent and affordable housing should be an entitlement for everyone and local authorities have a key responsibility to ensure this is a reality. As your County Councillor, I would support the provision of more social housing and ensure that private rentals give a fair deal to landlords and tenants. I would press for the development of zero carbon homes that are more affordable to run, along with increasing energy efficiency of existing housing stock and grant support towards this.

*Education
I have worked in education for most of my life. First as a Secondary teacher and later as an adult educator. I know about the importance of education in our communities. Schools need support and investment. Yet it is not just schools that need supporting. In recent years, the Youth and Adult Educations services have been decimated and I would campaign hard to reinvigorate these.

*Social Care and Justice
The promotion of a caring and just society in which everyone feels valued, all voices are heard and everyone is able to pursue their personal gaols is a key theme in The Green Party. As you County Councillor, I would support more community based programmes that combat social isolation and loneliness. I would also press for more investment in police community support officers and for more visible police patrolling in our communities.