During the 1980’s I joined Lt Blakenham Parish Council and in May 2007 was elected a Suffolk Together District Councillor for Mid Suffolk District Council representing the Somersham ward. My reason for standing then was that I was disillusioned with our voice not being listened to at District Council level and the same appears true at Suffolk County Council level which is why I am contesting the Bosmere Division in the County elections.

Two major issues, in addition to those outlined elsewhere, include the County’s determination to press ahead with a major incineration programme that will tie the County - and us, the taxpayers - into a costly 30 year contract with a supplier. Their preferred site is at Great Blakenham with all the potential pollution and additional traffic that such a major undertaking will involve. Interestingly the typical break down of a black bin is: 15% will not burn, i.e. soil, glass metals, etc; 15% recyclables; 65% compostable with a by product being methane that can be collected to run a generator for electricity and create compost for garden or farm use. Only 10% would remain for either landfill or if the County has it’s way, incineration.

With technology changing almost monthly in the waste industry I will campaign for a greener, more cost effective and healthy way of disposing of our waste.

Another key issue people are raising is the question of the proposed unitary changes and I will be campaigning for Suffolk to be kept as a single unitary council and strengthening the role of locally elected Town and Parish Councils to bring democracy to grass roots level.