My top priorities reflect the local concerns and aspirations of our community: 1️⃣ Safety and Well-being: I am committed to tackling anti-social behaviour, and crime, and enhancing public safety and social health.

Full statement

I will work tirelessly to improve road safety, including advocating for 20 mph limits within our ward which I am currently leading on. I feel that my 16 years of experience in Policing and 13 years as a town and parish councillor make me the right person to tackle these issues as a local priority.

2️⃣ Enhancing Local Connectivity:

Championing the importance of public transport and rural connectivity is crucial. I have a track record in safeguarding services like the number 6 bus. Volunteering as a driver and volunteer for the CB3 bus and most recently lobbying Dorset council and our MP to protect the ring and ride service.

I also worked to secure funding which resulted in Beaminster being the first full-fibre town in West Dorset, and I will keep working to improve access to other important services such as cash and banking for our residents. These local issues affect us all from children going to school or college to residents who rely on public transport for essential travel. These are local problems I will fight to improve.

3️⃣ Your Voice, Your Share:

Our Town and villages deserve a strong local voice to champion our local issues in the decision-making processes of Dorset County Council. I'm dedicated to ensuring that Beaminster gets its fair share of public services, investment, and representation in the County Council including finding ways to offer better financial support to local groups that provide vital community services such as the Prout bridge project, CB3 and Ring and ride services. My priority is your local priorities. These are the things that affect you and our ward the most!

I have taken on a diverse range of local community projects over the years, from organising our regular litter picks to actively participating in the council's local engagement plan during the challenging times of COVID-19. These initiatives have allowed me to connect with my fellow community members, fostering a sense of unity and a cleaner, more vibrant environment. In addition, I've been privileged to lead various local community events, including the memorable Jubilee celebration, Christmas lights and the Coronation which brought our community together.

I'm proud of my active involvement in initiating the Beaminster Community Fridge and establishing a valuable partnership with Fareshare to deliver the Beaminster Community Larder. These local initiatives have been a significant force in our community, effectively diverting tons of food from ending up in landfills and instead, redistributing it within our local area.

In addition, I coordinated the Plastic Free Beaminster campaign, working closely with schools, businesses, and community groups to promote our shared commitment to reducing plastic waste.

These efforts reflect our community's dedication to sustainability, addressing food waste issues, and promoting eco-conscious practices to create a healthier and more environmentally responsible neighbourhood.

My commitment to our local rural connectivity is unwavering and evident in my volunteer work as a driver for the Beaminster town council's CB3 bus service, providing crucial transportation services to our community.

Beyond that, I have actively engaged with our local Member of Parliament, Chris Loder MP, to advocate for improved and more reliable public transport in our local rural areas.

I have made a strong case for the necessity of better connectivity, not just for local transportation, But also for essential services like banking and access to cash to remain accessible to our rural residents. My dedication to enhancing connectivity is driven by a genuine desire to improve the quality of life in our rural community and make it more accessible for us all.

Why me and Why now?

I am a local resident interested in addressing the local issues we all face. My tenure as Chairman of the Beaminster Town Council has not only been an honour but a testament to my leadership capabilities and dedication to our local community. I firmly believe that I am the best local person to represent the Beaminster area ward because my commitment to this community runs deep, and my passion for its well-being is unwavering.

Through my leadership in the Town Council and active involvement in various community projects, I've demonstrated a strong track record of advocating for our community's local issues and interests.

With an open ear, a strong local voice, and a genuine desire to serve our local community I'm ready to champion our community's needs and aspirations. If you put your trust and faith in me, I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the Beaminster area thrives and remains a wonderful place to call home