Dylan Jones

Election Statement by
Labour Party Candidate for Ashford Borough Council, Norman Ward

About Me

I was born and bred in Ashford, going to school at Norton Knatchbull. After studying Politics at Aberystwyth University, I was a fundraiser for South Ashford charity Find a Voice. I joined Royal Mail as a postman in 2013, and am currently a distribution manager. I am also a keen runner and completed the 2014 London Marathon for Find a Voice. This is my fourth time as an Ashford Borough Council candidate, the opportunity to represent the people of Ashford is something I am passionate about.

I Oppose the East Stour Park Development

This new development was unveiled at a public consultation on 6^th March. I attended this event, and was very concerned at the following.

1. Entirely 1 or 2 bedroom leasehold flats – This is not the family housing that South Ashford needs.
2. No affordable housing – This is legal because the build is in close proximity with the town centre.
3. No additional infrastructure – This places further pressure on existing doctor’s surgeries and schools in South Ashford.
4. The development is at risk to flooding – There are reasons why this land hasn’t been built on before. Due to the large amount of building in Ashford, land that was previously deemed unsuitable is now being used for development.
5. Lack of Parking – This development only has 1 parking space per flat. A lack of parking is already a problem in South Ashford, I believe this development could worsen the situation.

I understand that Ashford is a growth town and we need more housing, but this is the wrong development for Norman ward. We need freehold affordable housing, allowing hard working South Ashford families to get onto the property ladder.

Why you should Vote Ashford Labour

In my opinion the Ashford Conservative party have too much power. They currently have 34 of the 43 councillors in the ABC. As a result large amounts of developments are gaining planning permission, with little scrutiny or opposition. Ashford has seen continuous building, without the necessary infrastructure of doctor’s surgeries, schools and roads.

The East Stour Park development and many others will be voted on by the ABC planning committee after the May 2019 elections. We need as many Labour councillors in the chamber as possible to provide effective opposition and hold the Conservatives to account.

I and my fellow Labour candidates in South Ashford understand local public services are overstretched, and will campaign for an additional doctor’s surgery and primary school in south Ashford. We will protect South Ashford’s green spaces, to ensure a pleasant environment to live in.

We will act in the interests of the people of South Ashford, who I believe have been neglected by the current Conservative Borough Council.