I am a language teacher and a former web developer / small business owner. I’m also an occasional poet and keen walker. I’ve been a volunteer editor of Middleton’s newsletter – the Village Pump – for many years, and was a governor at the school for almost 10 years.  I want to become a councilor because I believe I can make a difference.

I’ve lived in the Wirksworth area for nearly 15 years and my children grew up here. One of my greatest achievements was co-managing and writing poetry for HILL, a project about the local area which included various community events and which culminated in an exhibition in Buxton. It made me really proud to live here.

I think Wirksworth is a great place to live, but I think it can be improved. In particular, I would like to see the skateboard park at Fanny Shaw’s Park restored, and better maintenance of all local recreation grounds. I would also like to do more to support local businesses, for example by reviewing parking charges and local discounts for Business Rates.