We are concerned that unwanted housing development in our villages is taking away their fundamental identity. We need to ensure the original character of our villages is retained.
We should be highlighting that good agricultural land is reserved for food production; that we respect the AONB’s and all ancient trees and historic hedgerows. To ensure food security we need to support our local farming communities by shopping local and thus reducing vehicular traffic.
Any future development should take into account the requirements of the local population, and more importantly that the infrastructure is there before any building takes place. This would include. roads, water supply and sewerage. Youngsters need a reliable free bus service to travel to their schools and a more frequent commercial service is highly desirable for the wider population.
Green spaces are especially important for the wellbeing of residents. Cleaner air helps to keep us healthy, encourages us to take exercise and improves our mental outlook. During the Covid lockdowns many people said how much green spaces helped them to cope.
Potholes seem to pop up everywhere on our well used but rural roads and I have already contacted the Kent County Highways to try and improve the rate of repairs.
We are very concerned about how the cost of living is affecting us all and Aline feels she is helping those with housing and debt problems etc. by being heavily involved with the Ashford Borough Advice Bureau which has offices in Tenterden as well as Church Road Ashford.
If you agree that keeping our villages as ecologically green as possible then we trust you will be able to vote for both of us at the forthcoming Borough elections. And don’t forget to take a form of identity with you if voting in person.
Nicola & Aline
