Chairman of Licensing Committee, we make decisions about alcohol free zones, licensing taxis, pubs,  clubs etc. We look at objections from local people (opening hours for example).

Development Control (Planning), decisions are made (I hope wise ones) about building development in the Forest.

Ward work is a major part of being a Councillor, this is where local issues are raised. It might be re-homing, roads (lobbying County Council) fly tipping, attending Parish Council Meetings, supporting lunch clubs and volunteering help.

Most of what I do is very confidential, as a Ward member I have to be careful not to fall prey to local gossip.  Empowering local people to solve their daily problems.

Scrutiny Committees, where Cabinet and Full Council decisions can be reviewed independently.

On the flood task group, local flood issues are looked at. It involved going round inspecting drains and talking to local people about their experiences of the floods. Was very interesting.

I have managed to attend nearly all the young people’s events and meetings with the Youth Forum. I want to show an interest as a local Government Representative. Young people play such an important part in our community, they are our future.

Monday, check the mail early, later went to visit someone who had concerns about a development they didn’t believe had planning permission. Helped a pensioner fill in a form. Evening meeting.
Tuesday, Left home early after dealing with animals to go to site visits all over FOD.
Wednesday, wrote more emails, walked dog, attended older persons delivery group.
Thursday, looking at and photographing potholes. Visiting a pensioner who had recently retuned from hospital. Audit meeting in evening.
Friday, Reading government papers. Planning applications.
Saturday, visit social event in my ward and chat to local people. Might visit youth event.
Sunday, Attend church, do housekeeping for animals, make calls to local people who have asked me to ring, .
No week or day is the same which makes being a councillor so interesting.

The current generation of youngsters are experiencing a more difficult time to grow up than any previous generation. We can’t compare it with the war years, there was a great deal of hardship then, but the whole county was in a similar situation.

 Today – the bombardment of advertising, the so called examples of celebrities and all their wealth, the lack of guidance on moral values; where are the youth of today to turn? Have you driven around the Forest after school and seen the number of youngsters delivering papers? Attended numerous events these talented youngsters developing their skills with sheer hard work and determinations? It’s not the fault of the youth of today that they can’t get jobs, who created this situation, not them!

 I feel very strongly that the youth of today are totally misunderstood. The media only seem to give youngsters a negative press.

I would like to push forward the idea of a Youth Council in the Forest to work alongside Councillors in an advisory capacity. Helping with youth services and problems that arise with the youth of the Forest.