I will champion safer, cleaner streets and pavements in East Folkestone, support residents with cost-of-living advice and access to vital services; promote our vibrant local independent businesses; protect our wonderful green public spaces; listen to residents and represent everyone.

Full statement

With my career in environmental sciences, I am passionate about making sure the council enforces the planning conditions imposed on new developments, especially regarding clean up of historical pollution and ensuring new developments are sustainable for the local community, natural resources and comply with the biodiversity net gain targets. These local elections offer a choice between four more years of the same disregard for democracy and ‘we know what’s best for you’ recklessness, and a new council with honesty and integrity, ready to listen, involve and work hard to deliver the best for the whole of our district. I want to be part of a new ‘Green team’ at Folkestone and Hythe Council doing all we can to provide green jobs that offer a secure future; support our high streets; provide affordable homes that are cheaper to heat; insulate all council housing to reduce energy bills and produce an action plan to help homeless people all year round. We want to improve local democracy with a citizens’ assembly and new democratic committee system. Green councillors will work to secure more biodiversity on council land and net carbon zero council buildings, improved recycling rates, less waste and more reuse. We will continue to oppose development on Princes Parade and fight for ambitious environmental standards for Otterpool. We will also pursue active travel schemes that make walking and cycling safer and more enjoyable; seek a review of where, when and how a new leisure centre can be provided and work in partnership with community groups to support vulnerable people and those struggling to make ends meet.

Promoted by Malcolm Watkinson on behalf of Shepway Green Party and Dr Marianne Brett. Both c/o White Lodge, Church Road, New Romney, TN28 8EX.