An Election Address from Allen Alderson
I have been your District Councillor for the last seven years, representing the Swaffhams Ward. This covers the area between Upware and Newmarket's National Stud. It includes the villages of Reach, Swaffham Bulbeck and Swaffham Prior. I have lived in Reach for 21 years, being married to Rachael for48 years. We have 3 grown up children, the youngest of whom went to Swaffham Prior and Bottisham schools. For several years I was a member of Swaffham Prior school PTA, with 3 years as its chairman. My main interests are gardening and walking my two dogs in the surrounding countryside.
As a councillor I have been involved in many local issues. Whilst helping lead the ' Dont Ditch our Lodes ' campaign, I managed to obtain the unanimous support of East Cambs Councillors for our successful fight against major alterations to Reach and Burwell lodes proposed by the Environmental Agency, thus preserving them in their present form. Also I helped obtain District Council Funding for the Reach Village Hall improvements..
Sanctuary Hereward Housing finally erected safety handrails for its elderly residents at The Beeches, Swaffham Prior after sustained pressure by the Parish Council and myself.
By working hand in hand with the Parish Council and the local action committee representing concerned local residents I helped to successfully block Council plans for Brook Farm in Swaffham Prior to become a travellors site.
I have also campaigned for greater use of the swaffham Bulbeck village stores. The shop and its post office perform a very valuable service, particuarly for our older residents and those without a car.
But now is not the time to be resting on laurels, there is still much work to be done.
There needs to be more provision of low cost housing, thus creating the opportunity for people to stay within their community.
We need better community and public transport for our rural area.
Also more leisure activities for our younger residents.
The continuation of the weekly refuse collection . With your support on May the 5th I can hopefully work towards achieving these.