Thank you for choosing me as your District Councillor and I pledge to work in the best interests of The Warren and St John’s Ward.
I have a record for taking action on the issues that concern and affect residents, e.g. town centre traffic congestion, AONB Conservation, lack of infrastructure, provision of services and housing for the elderly; all aspects that affect the quality of our environment.
My wife and I returned to Wealden in 1999; we have a son and a daughter. We are both qualified Tennis Umpires and one of my local interests has been working with Crowborough Tennis and Rugby Clubs for the proposed Sports facilities at Steel Cross.
I joined the Wealden District Council in 2003 and am the current Chairman of the Licensing Committee, a member of Development Control North Sub-Committee, Internal Scrutiny Committee and Joint Development Control North and South Sub Committee. I have also been following the Crowborough Community Centre project with close interest, as it is also important to ensure, as Crowborough develops, links are encouraged between the Arts, local business and residents.
Because of the exceptional nature of the St John’s and the Warren, it is vital to maintain the intrinsic and unique character of St John’s and the Warren in relation to Crowborough and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a critical and practical approach is required to balance the planning and infrastructure issues.
Ours is a Community partnership and we need mutual support for me to continue to work on your behalf. It is our Community and we should influence any changes together. I cannot promise to get a satisfactory conclusion but I will ensure your right to be heard, and that the major changes occurring within our community will not destroy the unique neighbourhoods that makes the Warren and St John’s such attractive areas.
The current concerns are;
- Campaigning to keep Free Car Parking in Wealden – keeping car parks free for as long as is possible and encouraging people to shop locally.
- Protecting the unique character of the Warren and St John’s through the planning process and policies.
- Controlling Costs – make sure that the money spent by the District Council is spent carefully and only raising Council Tax to cover actual costs.
- Pro Road Safety – work to make the A26 and the lanes and roads of Crowborough safer for all users: pedestrians, cyclists, riders and drivers.
- Support and encourage crime prevention measures that protect the people of Crowborough and their property.
- Supporting initiatives that improve our Environment including recycling and waste reduction.
- Housing – support efforts to build affordable homes, starter homes, homes for key workers and sheltered housing for older people where it is wanted and needed within the District.
- Continue working with the Town Council, Crowborough Tennis and Rugby Clubs for the proposed Sports facilities at Steel Cross and Crowborough Community Centre.
- The closure of hospital departments and Post Offices .
- Lack of public transport and other infrastructure (doctors, dentists schools etc.)
- Pension problems facing older residents.
However, the infrastructure, community and environmental requirements, especially housing development, the closure of hospital departments and Post Offices and other infrastructure difficulties (doctors, dentists, roads, schools etc.) and reducing crime and disorder are important on-going issues.
As a keen supporter of appropriate Policing, I supported the additional Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) within Wealden, and their efforts in reducing crime and disorder, and the prosecution of those who vandalize our property and environment, and the Wealden Policy of a Cleaner, Greener, Brighter Wealden, which resulted with a MORI poll finding Wealden the best place to live.
If you would like to discuss any issues, please do not hesitate to contact me; my telephone number is 07769721116. I ask for your continued support in helping me towards these goals.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Hollins
LOCAL CONSERVATIVE, LOCAL ISSUES, LOCAL ACTION.
Cllr.jim.Hollins@wealden.gov.uk