Candidates

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

Al is proud to be the youngest Ashford Green Party candidate standing in the local elections.  He is an active member of Ashford Young Greens and believes it is important to have better representation of young people on the council. 

He lives in South Ashford, and works in the town centre in a catering role.  He regularly helps out with Community Litter Picks and campaigns to safeguard our NHS from cuts and privatisation. 

He believes it is vital now for Ashford to have a far more diverse council to better represent the views of residents, than the current make-up of predominantly Conservative members and would be honoured to listen to and speak up for the residents of Norman Ward.

Election Statement by 
Conservative Party Candidate for Ashford Borough Council, Beaver Ward

Dilly and I know the shops, the churches, the schools, nearly all the ingredients that make Beaver Ward, because it’s where we live.

Failing sight has not stopped me campaigning for my local community and for the things that matter to us.

I was the ABC Councillor for Singleton South Ward from 2007 to 2015 and a local Parish Councillor until my reduced sight meant I had to retire.

Now I have my faithful furry friend, Dilly, I am able to continue fighting for causes close to my heart and with your support I would like to highlight issues that affect the most vulnerable in my community, and to be a champion at the Council for those with disabilities.

I am looking forward to working with the South Ashford Community Forum so that local people’s voices can be heard at the top.

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.