Thank you for your letter and questionnaire.
My answers are somewhat brief and are my personal views. However, in all such matters that will affect the residents of Shepway, I take into account the comments from those who have elected me and who I represent and therefore will not always expect my views to be the same as the majority.

DUNGENESS. Like it or not we live in a Nuclear age, Dungeness Power Station has been operating with a good safety record for over 40 years. It has benefited the community economically and has provided jobs in an area where employment opportunities would otherwise be limited. I therefore feel that the building of a new power station would be a positive step. Obviously any decision would be made by the Government.I do feel however, that we as a country should be self sufficient, producing our own power and not be reliant on power from abroad.

RENEWABLE ENERGY In many ways this is something that would involve the Romney Marsh region, as this area could be a prime site for a wind farm. I have seen many wind farms abroad and personally find them fascinating, however, the amount of power produced appears minimal to our needs. When local environmental issues are considered such as our special bird life, and the concerns of those living near proposed sites are considered, there suitability comes into question. Perhaps an offshore site would be more acceptable?

GM FOODS Yes I am aware of the Governments role. Personally I am against GM crops.

EMERGENCY PLAN Shepway does have an emergency plan.
I am very much against the issuing of potassium iodate tablets.
I feel that it is not necessary to alarm the public over every type of contingency plan.

CYCLING Yes I support safe cycle routes and feel the Shepway area is doing everything possible to cater for cyclists needs, with other projects in the pipeline.

OPERATION STACK I am of the opinion that the use of the M20 by the police as a lorry car park is an abuse of their authority. Eurotunnel and the Dover Harbour Board must be made to be more responsible for finding some emergency parking alternative, and until this is carried out, be charged for the use of the police, whose time I am sure could be better spent locally.

RECYCLING I believe Shepway is working hard in encouraging recycling, and have recently supplied certain areas on a trial basis with a wheelie bin for garden waste, dissuading unauthorised tipping and unnecessary bonfires. At the end of the day though it is down to individuals to decide to use recycling facilities, and take more care of their environment rather than abuse it.
Yours sincerely,
J F MacMillan (Mrs)