I've grown up and worked in Balderton and Newark my whole life.

Full statement

I was educated at John Hunt, The Grove Comprehensive, completed AAT at Newark Tech, and have been working here for over 30 years. I am local through and through, with a deep connection and understanding of local life and the issues people care about and face.

I’m proud and passionate about our wonderful town and surrounding villages, steeped in history, beloved green spaces and diverse neighbourhoods.

I'm community-orientated and enjoy championing local groups and causes that benefit the environment and people’s mental health and well-being. I regularly organise community litter picks and campaign to protect our local wildlife

I'm running as a councillor because I want to provide a crucial bridge between the community of Balderton and local authorities. I would love to create a transparent focal point for constituents where communication can be easily exchanged on local issues affecting them, by holding surgeries, establishing local newsletters and WhatsApp groups; a neighbourhood network so we are all in touch.

Over the last 30 years, I’ve witnessed significant changes and new developments in Balderton, with not all of them benefiting the local area and people. Newark Growth Point has expanded to connect Winthorpe to Claypole to Farndon, replacing many valuable green spaces. This has affected local wildlife, people’s health, and loss of local identities and memories. We’re also feeling the strain of overcrowded and underfunded surgeries, schools, dentists and social services.

It is important to ensure all communities are properly consulted and listened to, putting their well-being and concerns first and focusing on the next generation, rather than benefiting property developers and mass corporations.

As your local Councillor, I will strive to:

Promote the need for more social housing and ensure that our local infrastructure matches building growth, including providing stronger local health services, public transport links, schools and shops.

Initiate discussions with local communities to establish their needs and advocate local youth meeting points, promote apprenticeships and job fairs.

Tackle crime by encouraging a ‘report it’ community - helping each other protect residents and their property.

Work closely with local schools and Parish Councils, to ensure services and events are fully inclusive.

Listen to representatives of local organisations, interest groups and businesses to best represent people fairly and openly and ensure local money funds local initiatives.

Champion local campaigns and encourage community events in our neighbourhoods.

Local politics should always put local people, businesses and services first. As an independent councillor, free from the pressures of party politics, I will work tirelessly for safer, healthier, more productive communities, without the burden of over-development and loss of services and greenspace.