🌷April 2025 — Monthly Update

April has been a powerful mix of campaign energy, community representation, and serious planning matters — including standing up for our villages against inappropriate development. Here’s a look at what I’ve been doing on your behalf this month:

🏛 Full Council & Representation

• Attended Full Council, where I presented a motion on solar farm development, calling for greater fairness, transparency, and local benefit in the planning process — and I’m proud to say it was passed unanimously. This is a strong step forward for protecting our countryside while supporting communities.

• Took part in the Corporate Parenting – Health & Wellbeing Sub-Group, helping oversee how we care for children in the council’s protection, with a focus on both physical and emotional health.

🗳️ Campaigning with Residents at the Heart

• Delivered mayoral campaign leaflets in Sproatley alongside fellow ward councillor John Holtby, backing Anne Handley’s plan for a stronger, fairer East Riding.

• Also delivered campaign leaflets across other parts of the ward — making the case for proven, local Conservative leadership that works with communities, not against them.

🏞️ Planning & Standing Up for Rural Holderness

• Took part in a pre-planning presentation on the proposed Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage and Production facility, pressing developers for answers on environmental and visual impact.

• Cllr John Holtby and I spoke at the meeting on this major application — objecting on behalf of East Garton and Aldbrough residents. We argued strongly that while hydrogen storage may have a role, open countryside should not become a production zone. Villages must not be sacrificed for industrial sprawl.

🏘️ Local Communities & Meetings

• Attended Withernwick Parish Council, continuing my regular commitment to working closely with our villages and listening directly to residents’ concerns.

• Met with local groups who use Skirlaugh Pavilion and the playing field to discuss the ongoing issues of the building and council tax rates.

🧠 Health, Wellbeing & Care Support

• Joined the Health, Care & Wellbeing Overview & Scrutiny Committee, ensuring rural voices remain central to NHS service planning.

• Received an update via a Teams meeting on the progress made so far in setting up the Combined Mayoral Authority.

• Attended a meeting about the new Carer's Hub - for previously Looked After Children aged 18 and over.

• Took part in White Ribbon training, deepening my understanding of how councillors can play a role in tackling domestic abuse and promoting safe communities for all.