I grew up in Sevenoaks Weald and have known Tunbridge Wells since I was a child. After spending 25 years working as a diplomat, mainly in the Middle East and Africa, I had no hesitation in coming to live here when I decided to settle down. I am deeply attached to the area and want to use my experience of working in Government to ensure that the County Council provides the services it needs.
As a parent, I am passionately committed to ensuring that local schools offer the best education available. I am a strong supporter of both the grammar school system and academies. We are lucky in St James's, Sherwood and Pembury to have excellent schools. I will do what I can to ensure that they receive the resources they need to continue to thrive.
Roads are another priority. I am delighted that the Conservatives have committed to funding the improvement of the A21 at Castle Hill. I will also press for early action to ease congestion at North Farm and to improve roads, pavements and verges across the division, and intend to carry on the sterling work of my predecessor, Kevin Lynes, to secure funding for improving the safety of our roads, including for a crossing at Bull's Place in Pembury. And although not strictly a County Council matter, I want to see residents' concerns about parking addressed in a fair and practical manner, including a trial of the parking permit scheme in Clifton Road and a review of parking permit charges across Tunbridge Wells.
I also want to do what I can to get Kent County Council address your concerns – from the need to create more jobs for local people to opposing unsuitable developments, such as that proposed at Penn's Yard in Pembury, which impinge on the green belt and threaten to disrupt local communities.
Above all, I am committed to keeping Council Tax down. I am very conscious that the Council is spending your hard earned money. In these straitened times, there can be no excuse for inefficiency or unnecessary spending in any part of Government. I will use my experience of 25 years' working in Government to ensure your money is focused on providing front line services.
I am here to represent you, and am always keen to hear your views about how to make Tunbridge Wells a better place to live. If you are concerned about any issues, please don't hesitate to get in contact with me at the following e-mail address:
James.Tansley@kent.gov.uk
With my very best wishes,
James Tansley
