| Biography: |
Many know me as I was born and have lived on the Island all my life, however I have travelled, stayed in hotels and worked throughout the South (east and west) prior to taking early retirement from BT. I then started an independent communication consultancy which I stopped on being elected back in 2001. I started up a family bed/furniture business, which we have since sold on to others. I have always held belief that the Island and its' residents are very special and therefore this needs to be respected in everyday life, no matter what you do.
I was re-elected as an Independent Member at the elections in May 2005 and again in June 2009, In this current year as the Vice Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council it has been my intention to ensure that the civic office plays a stronger supporting role to all in everyday life, striving to raise the profile of Island initiatives in all fields from trade and commerce to tourism,health and many more.My nomination as an Independent Councillor allows me to represent the views and concerns of local residents, unfettered by political decisions. Within the debate on education we had Primary, Middle, and High schools in my area of Ryde West, and the decision to close Middle schools will continue to create quite a considerable increase in pupils attending both Haylands Primary and Ryde High School...with no plans to move the increased numbers to another site to spread the load (although I had suggested that a new High school site be researched, or a 6th Form College for Ryde on another campus). I did not support the newly mooted changes on concern over the increase in pupil numbers alone. If you are a local resident you will be aware that there is heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the district at school opening and closing times. There is also the existing parking burden brought about by inadequate parking on the High school site which will again have further the problems of additional staff and pupil parking.
I have always put the district and those residents of Ryde West at the forefront of my decisions, and will continue to do so.
I have been criticised by others for representing residents views at IWC Planning in regard to contentious matters, but I have always held that local knowledge is paramount when considering decisions. We live on a unique Island and need to protect our environment, whilst also weighing up the need for sustainable employment. |
