Four candidates are standing to serve as Parish Council members. All have been invited to say something about themselves here, on the Sellindge & District Residents Association website:
PAT VAGO. (Independent)
My name is Pat Vago. I live on Stone Hill and I am standing as a candidate in the forthcoming Parish Council Election. I have lived here in Sellindge, with my husband, for thirty six years. Our children went to local schools and I taught at the North school in Ashford for 17 years.
Over the last five years I have played an active role in the Sellindge and District Residents Association - fighting to stop the Anaerobic Digester development on the quarry - helping develop the proposal for the new Sellindge Village Green - suggesting we line the A20 with trees to encourage drivers to slow down as they drive through the village.
Today, we all know that Sellindge is going to change. Shepway's new 'Core Strategy' means that there will be new housing around a village green opposite the Post office. This will have implications for the surgery and the school. At the same time, issues such as the Quarry, the Wind Turbines and the Lorry Park will continue to loom. Yes, Sellindge is going to change and if you vote for me, I will do all I can to make that change, a change for the better.
CARLTON CHISLETT (independent).
My name is Carlton Chislett. My family came to Sellindge in 1939 and have been here ever since. I have continuously lived and worked in Sellindge all my life as a general builder and feel it's a great place to live, not just for myself, but also for my wife and children.
I am a member of the local Resident's Association and feel that the work carried out over the past five years has been paramount in keeping greedy and short sighted developers at bay. My vision for Sellindge is one that we can all contribute to. We have all seen how 'people power' works, whether it be the march against the Quarry development or the attendance of Parishioners at Shepway's Development control committee that threw out the single turbine application last December.
If I had to describe myself, I would simply say I'm a straight talking, no frills kind of person 'that does what it says on the tin'. I am sure that the experience gained within the Resident's Association would serve me well should you wish to vote for me as one of your new Parish Councillors.
CHRIS MASON
Hello. My name is Chris Mason and I am standing for election to the Parish Council. I am 53 years old and have a long background in carpentry and general building. I have been around the village of Sellindge for many years, having my store yard at the premises of the late Mr. Walker's Homelands farm. I have taken a background interest in the development of Sellindge, but as I now have sufficient time, wish to become more involved.
We all know the Government plans for the expansion of rural communities and I would like to be iinvolved so that the essence of Sellindge is maintained whilst complying with the rural plan.
Having talked to councillors, I believe that a more pro-active council can help to improve the village, whilst maintaining a tight control on budgetary affairs. If elected, I hope to bring my experience to bear to help maintain and improve village life.
The election is on the 20th June and I hope you will vote for me to maintain village life.
JANET MATTHEWS
My name is Janet Mattews. I am standing for election as parish councillor.
I have lived in Sellindge for 23 years. I have three sons who attended Sellindge Primary school over the years. I am head gardener for a small estate in Lympne, and care passionately about the environment.
I am a member of the Sellindge Village Hall Committee, supporting the maintenance, upkeep and running of the hall for others to use for village clubs, outside clubs and functions. I was also a founder volunteer along with others in the setting up of a village youth club four years ago.
I believe supporting, where I can, village views and concerns on village issues, whether it be development, traffic, pot holes or any other issues people have, however big or small.
PLEASE VOTE ON THE 20TH JUNE, 2013 IN THE VILLAGE HALL.
