Bar Hill, Boxworth, Dry Drayton, Girton and Lolworth are wonderful villages, each with their own unique character and community, writes Lynda Harford – the Conservative candidate in the County Council Bar Hill division by-election on Thursday, 12 February.
I’ve lived in Cambridgeshire for over 20 years and am retired after a career in training and people development.
I was elected as a South Cambridgeshire District Councillor for nearby Cottenham ward in 2010 – I’ve a track record in the Council of being hardworking, accessible and driven by a desire to achieve the best outcomes for all those I represent, regardless of their political persuasion.
The role of County Councillor will help me to deliver more for local communities.
My practical, collaborative approach to working helps to get things done efficiently – and, importantly, makes resources stretch further.
Lynda is concerned about...
■ Preserving the countryside around our villages.
■ Managing development and providing affordable homes for first time buyers.
■ Resolving local concerns about the A14 upgrade and local connecting roads.
... with these current issues being at the top of the agenda:
■ Roads The proposed A14 upgrade must provide its obvious benefits – but
not at the cost of unacceptable impacts on our villages. Consideration must
be given to Girton, particularly, with regard to noise and air quality.
■ Flood risk management It’s an absolute priority for me to ensure Parish,
District and County Councils, the Environment Agency and Anglian Water
collaborate to prevent local flooding in the future. This is a major concern
in Bar Hill, Dry Drayton and Girton, where you have all suffered serious
flooding in the last two years.
■ Broadband infrastructure I continue to press Broadband UK to connect
Lolworth – the most recent dates given for starting work and ‘going live’
must be adhered to.
■ Speeding through villages is a concern voiced by many residents,
especially in Boxworth – the ease of access to the major road network
from the village must not be abused: I will actively support local efforts
to address this issue.
Lynda Harford
by her local Conservative District Councillors
Bunty Waters – Bar Hill. “We work as a team in our wards for all residents – and Lynda is a full team player who has a good knowledge of our villages and will, given her enormous hard work ethos and communication skills, ensure the continuation of John Reynolds’ legacy.”
Roger Hall – Bar Hill. “I have known Lynda Harford for many years, considering her not only to be a hard-working District Councillor, but also someone who cares deeply about local issues, attending, when possible every meeting of her parish councils and village events.”
Tom Bygott – Girton. “Lynda’s District Council ward includes Oakington, which abuts and has much in common with the Bar Hill County division. The stream connecting them will require much attention and investment in the next few years – which Lynda will be very good at championing on your behalf.”
Why is there a County by-election on 12 February?
Sadly, because of the unexpected death of John Reynolds last November. He had been your County Councillor for almost 30 years.
“His successor will have a huge amount to live up to,” says Lynda Harford. “You can be sure I will do my utmost to serve you as well as John did.”
Your polling station – the Bar Hill and Girton stations are being used for the first time
■ Bar Hill Bar Hill Church, Hanover Close.
■ Boxworth Village Hall, High Street.
■ Dry Drayton Village Hall, 23 High Street.
■ Girton Sheltered Housing Communal Room, Orchard Close.
■ Lolworth Robinson Hall, High Street.
They are open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm.
To contact Lynda Harford
07889 131 022
cllr.harford@scambs.gov.uk