Serving the community
About me
I’ve lived in Underhill with my family for over 24 years and have spent many of those years working alongside local residents to protect and improve our community.
Protecting our green spaces
One of the first issues I became involved in was the protection of a seven-acre Green Belt playing field that was at risk of being leased to an out-of-area football team and fenced off from public use.
Working with residents, I helped organise the campaign to register the land as a Village Green, ensuring it would remain protected for community use.
The council opposed the application, leading to a three-day public inquiry where they were represented by a QC barrister. We had no legal representation - only the evidence I compiled on behalf of the community.
After a five-year campaign, the Planning Inspector ruled in our favour and the land was successfully registered as a Village Green.
You can read more about this here:
https://quintavillagegreenresidents.org.uk/f/quinta-village-green-residents-association-news-clippings
Standing up to development pressures
Since then, I’ve continued to help lead community responses to threats to local Green Belt land - including proposed developments and a traveller site.
I’ve coordinated objections, gathered evidence and represented residents at public inquiries. More recently, I submitted a Judicial Review (without legal representation) in relation to the approval of a large extension on neighbouring Green Belt land, which I believe is disproportionate.
Working on local issues that matter
Alongside planning and environmental work, I’ve been actively involved in a wide range of local issues, including:
- Representing residents at Community Action Panel meetings with the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team
- Working with Barnet Hospital and the Council to address parking pressures
- Campaigning for better consultation on the Mays Lane road safety scheme
- Supporting residents affected by the stalled regeneration of Dollis Valley Estate
- Speaking at Council meetings and making deputations on local issues
- Leading opposition to development proposals affecting Whalebones green space
- Organising campaigns to protect and maintain the Village Green
Organising community litter picks and tackling fly-tipping issues
Protecting community assets
I have also been involved in registering a derelict former community building as an Asset of Community Value, and I am now working with residents on a community business plan to bring it back into use for local people.
Tackling parking and CPZ issues
More recently, much of my focus has been on the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) and the impact of parking charges on our local shops.
I’ve organised and chaired meetings bringing together councillors, MPs, hospital representatives, council officers, school leaders and residents to try to find practical, workable solutions.
Part of the community
I currently serve as Chair of the Quinta Village Green Residents’ Association, which has almost 250 members.
Through this role - and simply as someone who cares deeply about where I live I’ve been involved in a wide range of community initiatives over the years.
Why I’m standing
Through this work, I’ve become well known locally among both residents and the council. I’ve also been encouraged by many people in the community to stand for election.
I’m proud to have the support of local residents, businesses and community representatives who have seen first-hand the work I’ve done.