FELICITY HARVEST

I’ve lived in Wadhurst for 8 years and my daughter attended Uplands.  I’ve recently stopped working for the Arts Council, for whom I was regional director, and I am very proud of my record in making things happen, which is a skill I would bring to the Council.  As someone who’s worked in the cultural sector for many years, I am strongly in favour of the development of local cultural and sporting facilities.

One of the biggest issues in the village is retaining a healthy mix of local traders, and making sure people have access to them.  How that is achieved should be a matter for open debate and consultation, not something that happens behind closed doors.  I am therefore committed to public consultation on all significant issues, and to making sure it’s not only the loudest voices which are heard. 

While the Parish Council has few actual powers, it can be very influential. It can certainly exercise damage limitation, and should have a strong voice on village issues with the District and County Council.  It can argue strongly, for instance, for more affordable housing so young people can afford to stay in the village.