My areas of focus are
- Preserve the multi-cultural nature of Bedford. Maximising the skills of migrant workers, making them feel part of our community as has been done since after the war, with the Italian and Polish, Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi and Afro Caribbean communities. My children are a good reflection of Bedford's make-up, being half Indian and a quarter Irish and a quarter English.
- Bring more affordable housing onto brown site developments, supported by local jobs- not instead of.
- Support free school dinners- they are a healthy option but not all parents can afford the expense.
- Introduce a local council tax based on salary rather than house value, which unfairly penalises those who may now be retired or on low income but whose home has had capital growth.
- Working with local government to reduce the council tax, ensuring Bedford Borough delivers the promised cost savings for the new unitary authority. With the recession we have all had to tighten our belts.
- Preserve and create jobs in our local economy- reverse the downward spiral and loss of Jobs from manufacturing and light assembly in Bedford. Help to steer our community through the current economic downturn- securing grants and support for local businesses and start-ups. I lost my job in this recession- being out of work for eight months, now working in Northamptonshire in the Automotive industry.
- My three children were born in Bedford Hospital. I have been an in patient and would ensure this hospital continues to thrive at the heart of Bedford.
- I have been a Governor to BMS Junior School and to a Mid Beds Lower School. I would ensure the Harpur Trust continues its partnership with the State Sector, and look forward to the new Bedford Academy.
- Local schools must be preserved as our schools are the “hearts” of our communities. Where they close as part of the two tier restructure, opportunities to preserve them as community facilities should be made rather than losing the green areas.
- Protecting our mixed urban and rural nature. Protect and improve community facilities- Post Offices, Shops, & Parks .
- Enhance facilities like Community halls, allotments, children’s recreational facilities, and Youth Clubs.
- Improve road safety, such as pedestrian crossings and 20 mph zones, especially around schools & nurseries.
- Improve our Transport links, with regular, cheaper and “greener” buses and trains. Ensure proper support is given to ensure we maximise Park and Ride facilities, and re-activate the East-West rail link that has been on and off for the last 40 years, linking Oxford and Cambridge through Bedford.
- Work with Police to increase patrols and reduce crime, and encourage Community Homewatch schemes.
- Improved, high quality services, schooling, safe roads, affordable “greener” housing, curb green-field developments, free social services & heath-care
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