Meet your Councillors from the Bradstowe Ward & Cliftonville East Ward

Meet Cllr David Parsons – Bradstowe Ward

I decided to offer myself for election as a result of my desire to ensure additional representation on several emerging issues of District-wide significance. Local politics in Thanet was becoming interesting. Manston Airport had recently closed, the new Local Plan was starting to gather widespread attention, and the inactive Port of Ramsgate had a much needed and renewed focus. Following encouragement from my friends and family, I decided to enter my party’s selection process in which I was successful and was subsequently elected to serve the people of Bradstowe Ward in the beautiful town of Broadstairs.

Being a Councillor is an enormous privilege and I have had much pleasure in helping to resolve a wide variety of issues for the residents of my ward. I am regularly presented with concerns regarding planning, waste collection, inconsiderate parking and economic development.

The number one issue consuming much of my inbox is without doubt, the closure of Manston Airport. The vast majority of people who contact me are extremely keen to see the site reinstated as an operational airfield, which I also strongly support. Having attended many of the events in support of the airport, I have seen just how committed and dedicated people are, and how passionate they are to see planes flying from this historic airfield. Many, including myself, feel there is much potential in Manston as a solid base for opportunities and job creation. I was deeply disappointed when the current UKIP administration at Thanet District Council decided to exclude the airport from the Local Plan and designate the site for mixed-use development. This is clearly at odds with wishes and desires of the local population and completely inconsistent with the many ‘Save Manston’ electoral pledges which were made prior to the 2015 council elections.

The fight for the airport will continue and I shall continue to thoroughly enjoy being an elected Councillor.”

Meet Lesley Game – Cliftonville East Ward

I decided to run for Councillor as I had lived in Cliftonville for many years and was aware of the many issues and difficulties that face those living there. I decided that rather than sitting on the sidelines and just moaning and complaining I should do something positive and proactive to make my voice heard so that I could help our community as best I could.

Following a successful business career, I became a Carer during my late husband’s last illness and as my father was in a local care home I understood the difficulties that Carers face when trying to find the best treatments and services for their loved ones.  As a mother and grandmother I was also very conscious of issues such as bullying – especially on social media – availability of good school places, mental health and discrimination of all kinds.  These are just some of the reasons that led me to stand for election.

I am an avid supporter of the Save Manston Airport campaign and am anticipating it’s successful return.

As a TDC Councillor and now also a KCC Councillor I fight passionately for the issues I care deeply about which include –

Manston – let’s have an airport, not housing!

Crime – burglary and anti-social behaviour needs to be addressed immediately

Health – we need to support our local hospital and GPs

Transport – we must have reliable, well maintained public transport, especially bus services