In June 2001 I was elected by the voters in the Barton and Northgate Wards to represent Canterbury East on Kent County Council.

Within K.C.C. I have been appointed as Lead Member for Regeneration: this gives me responsibility for focussing on economic and business activities to support regeneration across Kent; specifically locally:

• involved in work to create a garden on the waste tip at Sturry Road;

• supported the proposed Innovation Centre at the University of Kent at Canterbury, which has the potential to increase jobs for local people here in Canterbury;

• active in promoting initiatives to support highways and transport especially in East Kent. I am especially concerned about developing public transport links from Canterbury.

Locally many residents have spoken or written to me about a range of issues locally that are of concern to them. The most serious of these is the proposal by the Labour Government to downgrade the Kent and Canterbury Hospital. I served on the KCC Health Services Select Committee and all Conservative representatives supported the retention of services including A&E and Cancer Treatment. I am continuing to support local groups as well as initiatives direct to the Government in support of the retention of services at our local hospital. THIS IS VITAL FOR US ALL.

Many parents with have contacted me about the difficulty in finding suitable education for their children within local schools. I am concerned about the problems that people have experienced this year and I am working to achieve changes in future years.

I have supported residents on a variety of local issues such as housing, highways, local planning matters and funding for local projects. I have been pleased to take these up with Canterbury City Council officers and as appropriate with our local MP Mr Julian Brazier.

Please contact me if there is any way that I can help you.

Graham K. Gibbens
County Councillor for Canterbury East Division