Penny Peerless, Pantiles: ‘I am a local mum and live in the Ramslye part of the Pantiles ward and have also been a Tunbridge Wells resident for over 20 years. I believe passionately in social justice and am a volunteer at the Hygiene Bank which is a grassroots, people-powered charity that distributes personal hygiene and cleaning products to people struggling to afford basic necessities. I also campaign to protect our lovely local environment in Ramslye through RARD, Residents Against Ramslye Development. As a councillor I would do everything I can to protect the Greenbelt. I also want to see more done to help small businesses and community groups.’
Sue Lovell, Sherwood: ‘I am a therapeutic musician and promote well-being through singing groups. I’m passionate about wildlife and campaign to protect what is left of our green spaces. I have lived and worked in the borough for all my life and have been concerned at how the landscape has been changing over the years.’
Alasdair Fraser, Park: ‘Tunbridge Wells has been home to me and my family for 11 years. Cycling is my passion. I coach the youth section of the local cycle club and also sit on the committee. I have been an allotment holder at Hawkenbury, within ‘Park Ward’ for 6 years and have practiced and promoted organic gardening. On a personal level I am deeply concerned about the loss of biodiversity and the ecological damage being done due to climate change.’
Victoria Moll, Culverden: ‘I grew up in Kent and lived most of my adult life in Switzerland. I returned to Kent three and a half years ago and chose to settle in Culverden. I enjoy using the beautiful parks in Tunbridge Wells and walking in the surrounding countryside and villages. I have become increasingly concerned about the effects of climate change on our environment as well as the habitat for our wildlife over the last few years. As a councillor, I would promote cycling, encourage more extensive use of public transport for all and maintain public footpaths, pavements and roads.’
Michael Calvert, Pantiles: ‘I have lived in Tunbridge Wells for over 20 years and work as a lawyer in London. We all know that climate change has to be addressed urgently. And we all know that not enough is being done. What we need from our politicians, local and national, is leadership and ambition. We can make a difference but only if we show our representatives that they need to do more too. Whatever your politics, a vote for me is a vote for action now. There won’t be a Green council after these elections but every Green vote sends a message to the Council that business as usual just won’t do.’
Paul Froome, High Brooms: ‘I’ve lived in Tunbridge Wells for over 20 years and love it here. I enjoy being part of the strong community and there’s so much on offer, from theatres, a unique music venue, a huge variety of pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops, to wonderful open spaces. All our neighbouring boroughs have Green Party councillors pushing hard to create local jobs, make our homes more sustainable, champion social justice and protect the environment. I am standing as a Green Party candidate as I want Tunbridge Wells to benefit from the positive energy that Green Councillors are bringing across Kent. The traditional parties have let us down. Only the Green Party is committed to making the changes needed, in a fair way, to protect our environment and our children’s futures.’
Maria Gavin: St James’: ‘I live in Southborough and I am a member of the Tunbridge Wells Friends of the Earth. I care about our local environment and worry about our changing climate. I want to help find ways to make it easier for people to live in a greener and more environmentally friendly way.’
Adrian Thorne, St John’s: ‘I have lived and worked in Tunbridge Wells for over 20 years. I’ve been working with community groups to try and protect our local Green Belt and improve air quality near schools as well as picking up litter, chasing up traffic safety and trying to ensure the Council lives up to its promises on climate change. I want to be a fresh and independent voice on the Town Council.’
Kate Sergeant, Pantiles: ‘I have lived in the borough for over 20 years and have been campaigning locally on environmental issues since 2006. I love living here, between London and the coast, with access to so much countryside, history and culture. I work from home managing community support services for people living with dementia. I believe in the power of communities to make life better for everyone now and into the future. I am a passionate advocate for community energy – harnessing the power of renewable energy for the local community – and promoting better home insulation and retrofitting older homes to reduce our carbon footprint and help with fuel poverty. No one should have to choose between heating and eating.’
For a fairer, greener Tunbridge Wells – Vote Green!