As elected representative for the Kellet Ward, I have consistently pressed for local views to be taken seriously when planning applications are considered. I have recently advised applicants and objectors on a range of planning and land use matters, and represented the interests of local residents in relation to proposals for wind turbines, hose extensions, and new-build housing, allotments, quarry extensions, and the safeguarding of minerals for quarrying. I have supported the building of an M6 link to Heysham, and I note that the project is now progressing towards a start date.

I attend Quarry Liaison meetings in the Kellet Ward, Parish Council meetings in Nether Kellet, Over Kellet and Arkholme, and Parish Meetingsboth at Borwick and at Priest Hutton.

I have campaigned for keeping services within rural villages, and for avoiding the double charging of parish residents for services the City Council only provides in urban areas. The unfairness of double charging arises when the City charges the whole District even though rural areas that choose to have these services pay for them through Council Tax charged by their parishes. I have also campaigned for the retention of the "dial-a-bus" service and the Keer Bridge recycling facility, for continued community access to the swimming pools at Carnforth, Heysham and Hornby, for City Council support for the International Youth Games, and for low charges for short stays at City Council car parks.

Conservative policies ensured that the £1.60 fee for two hours parking in a City Council Car Park in 2009-10 was the same as the fee that had been charged in 2007-8. We strongly opposed the latest increases in parking charges that take effect for 2011-12: in particular the 20% increase in the one hour parking charge from £1.00 to £1.20. It is our view that low car parking charges support the customers and clients whose patronage is vital to help shops and service providers stay in business in our urban centres in the continuing difficult economic climate.