Jeremy Clapham is our candidate for Tunbridge Wells South Division of Kent County Council (and also for Park Ward of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council) on 1st May. Here is his message to residents:
‘With the cost of living crisis, it’s not been an easy year for any of us and our bills are going up all the time – we really need change.’
More of the same won’t work
‘Kent County Council has long been run by the Conservatives and what a mess they have made, with spiralling debt and cuts to services – from poorly maintained roads to lost bus services and less support for care and for children with special needs.
The Lib Dems have been in control of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council but have you noticed any improvement in services or the provision of affordable housing?’
I’m Passionate about our Local Environment
‘We are so lucky to live in beautiful Tunbridge Wells but our local councillors have not done enough to protect our town. We’ve all been jolted by the potholes that seem to get worse every year. The Frant Road is blighted by traffic with heavy lorries speeding past parents dropping their children off at school. The threatened 400 houses on the rugby ground will destroy countryside and increase traffic whilst adding to the burden on our local GPs, schools and utilities.’
Your Priorities are My Priorities
‘I’ve been working hard on local issues all year and you may have seen me around Pantiles, Ramslye and Showfields talking to residents and shopkeepers and learning about what matters most to people who live and work here. I will make your priorities my priorities in building a better Tunbridge Wells.’
The Actions I Pledge to take are:
- Improving integration of social care with hospital discharges to home
- Working with groups making safer streets for women and girls
- Taking action on anti-social behaviour in public places
- Lobbying against the 400-house development on the rugby ground
- Promoting building of truly affordable housing and a new GP surgery
- Promoting active travel and improving public transport and traffic flow
- Fixing potholes faster and getting drains unblocked
‘This is just scratching the surface; there is much more that could be done.‘
We are the fastest-growing party in Kent
‘We need strong, independent voices on Kent County Council, people who will stand up for Tunbridge Wells and not be tied to a party line. The Green Party already has five councillors on Kent County Council and leads the opposition but your vote can help us win more, to make us the strongest voice protecting and enhancing our communities and services.’
About Jeremy
‘I recently retired after a career in arts administration – during which time I ran eight London marathons in a row! I have been a School Governor and founded a Tenants and Residents’ Association. I passionately believe in giving back to the community and am currently involved in addiction recovery and support programmes in West Kent.
I would be honoured to represent you on Kent County Council and TWBC.’
Get in touch with Jeremy
jeremy.clapham@tunbridgewells.greenparty.org.uk or 07843 161527