Dear Barrie Botley,
Response to our telephone conversation on Monday 13th April.

I have researched the items in your letter dated 9th April 2003, which I believe has been sent to all the May 1st election candidates.

There are many issues that have to be considered in any decision/policy, if elected on May 1st would make it my duty to encourage the Council to be honest and open.

Shepway District Council should welcome educated and informed input from all sources.

My personal views on each topic mentioned in your letter are as follows:

Dungeness & Renewable Energy: I personally believe that the way forward is to use alternative energy sources such as wind farms and rooftop solar panels (Government grants available to home owners). Obviously employment and public opinion needs to be considered as the lives of so many people will be affected.

GM Foods: I have written to the local press with regard to this topic, personally I feel that there is not enough consultation or research done on the affects to consumers or the environment. There appears to be a lot of' 'Big Business' pressure and involvement in pushing GM foods onto the public.

Emergency Plan: There should be information in the press by local government, we all need to be aware of the risks and the action to be taken in the case of an emergency.

Cycling: Safe cycle routes in any location should be available. Priority should be given to routes that will be used by children wherever they are going.
I think some car drivers need to read up on the highway code, some think the cycle lane markings on Wear Bay Road are not to be crossed.

Operation Stack: There is an HGV lorry park/customs clearance depot in Ashford and a lot of parking space at the Channel Tunnel going to waste, it certainly needs to be looked into.

Recycling: This is one of my major issues, Britain as a whole, has a very poor standard and even the government thinks it will not reach targets set by the EU. Folkestone's refuse collection service is one of the worst I have ever come across. Homes and especially business's need encouraging to dispose of their refuse sensibly. There is a severe need for the council to set an example, residents will resent anymore costs as we all pay enough already. As you can see, there is a lot to be done, it will not get done if Councillors do not show up at meetings or have little desire to get off there rear ends and get working.

I have joined the Liberal Democrats because they are the only one's that you see all year trying to get the council motivated, on our behalf.

Every political party has it's problem area's and each one 'knocks' the next, so what do we do? What needs to be done needs doing today not tomorrow or next week, but NOW.

Even if I am not elected I will still write to the press and listen to people. To do my best.
I hope this answers some of your questions and I look forward to the challenges ahead and to meeting with you in person.

Thank you,
R.E.Green Liberal Democrat Candidate Folkestone Harvey Ward.