As an experienced engineering consultant in the mining industry, I understand the importance of balance between development and environmental concerns. I promise to bring this knowledge to Ashford Borough Council and work towards creating a sustainable future for Washford and for the whole of Ashford.I am an engineering consultant who has spent his working life in the mining industry in the UK and across the world, most recently involved with their associated environmental issues. My career has given me the opportunity to gain experience in working with people from different backgrounds and cultures.As well as being a keen gardener and allotment holder, I am involved with coordinating events raising money for local and national charities. I have lived in Ashford with my wife for the past 25 years, bringing up a family of three children through schools here to adulthood.As your elected Borough Councillor for Washford I will:

• Protect and improve green spaces and recreation grounds and make sure they are kept safe from future development.
• Look for sensible ways to address traffic congestion issues.
• Make sure any future development takes a balanced approach to providing more schools/school places, GP surgeries, and other much needed infrastructure, and is sustainable.

During this time I have seen and experienced the changes that have been made to Ashford and continue to be made, impacting on the lives of local residents - some positive and some with less desirable consequences: Ashford has an expanding population with building projects resulting in the loss of green spaces and recreation grounds, traffic congestion and pressures on schooling. Future development requires a balanced approach taking such factors fully into account. Being now semi-retired I am able to devote time to being a Councillor in Ashford and being involved with addressing such issues of concern to local residents.