Environmental improvements

Reversing the decline in biodiversity and nature we've seen across the UK in recent years is one of the most important things we’ll ever do.  

Here in the Garden of England we’re blessed with some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. It's ecologically important, but also sustains so many people’s way of life and wellbeing. It makes people feel connected to where they live, and provides a setting for so many of the wonderful things that we do in our free time.

Two years ago the Government passed the Environment Act - one of the most ambitious environmental programmes of any country on earth. It includes legally binding targets to protect the environment, clean up our air and rivers and boost nature.

Part of the funding was to launch 48 local strategies across the country, and I was in Lenham in October for the launch of ours - Making Space for Nature in Kent and Medway.

Kent County Council have got ideas coming out of their ears, and by teaming up with our them, community groups and charities, I want to kickstart projects across the constituency – and find ways for anyone who wants to get involved.

Keep an eye out on this page for upcoming details and events, and please do get in touch if you've got an idea for a project you want my help with. 

Together we can be the first generation to leave our natural environment in a better place than we inherited it.

News

Toughening up water company dividends

Water companies shouldn’t be rewarding shareholders while letting the rest of us down.

That's why earlier this month I wrote to the water regulator Ofwat calling on them to start taking enforcement action against water companies that don't link their dividend payments to performance.  

Winning Litter Angels poster takes pride of place

It’s one of my biggest bugbears seeing litter lying around locally.

We live in such a beautiful part of the world, and seeing it spoiled by a thoughtless few is so disappointing. 

Progress on wastewater improvements in Faversham

For too long parts of Faversham have been blighted by flooding.  

Over the past 12 months I’ve been working with Southern Water, Kent County Council, and local councillors to fix problems with our wastewater network.

More support for electric vehicles

Moving to cleaner and greener transport is vital if we’re going to meet our net-zero targets, as well as saving people money on fuel.

One of the reasons why people are reluctant to switch to an electric car or van is the lack of charge points.

New plan to tackle noise pollution

Traffic is one thing, but from time-to-time ear-splitting engines shatter the peace in a town or village.

I know there are some places that suffer particularly badly – including Ospringe, where the A2 goes through the village.

Young farmers are the future

On Easter Saturday I called into Cobtree Young Farmers Club.

Farming is a big part of our local economy and at the heart of rural communities across Faversham and Mid Kent.

Promoting walking and cycling in Kent

Many of us discovered the benefits of walking and cycling during the pandemic.

As we recover from Covid, I’m determined to make it easier for people to walk and cycle around our towns and countryside.

Litter Angels posters go on display

I recently visited Maidstone Services to see the winning poster from my Litter Angels competition take pride of place at the service station.

Last year I invited Year 5 pupils from across Faversham and Mid Kent to design a creative and vibrant anti-litter poster.