I have represented Ruspidge on the District Council for 12 years and I have been very proud to have done so. It is a beautiful part of the very beautiful Forest of Dean. I hope that I have served the residents well and I have worked closely with a number of them with their Planning Applications and their concerns with other plans that have affected them. I am available to residents who can contact me to ask for help or raise any issues that they may have. I shall not list any of them here, and, unlike one or two Councillors I do not use social media to blow my own trumpet by stating how many shopping trollies I have collected, or road signs I have cleaned. I have worked hard when necessary for the residents of Ruspidge. Throughout the Covid pandemic I contacted many vulnerable residents to make sure they were looked after and provided for. I hope to continue to be able to help Ruspidge residents for the next few years. As a District Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Economy, much of my time has been spent dealing with the effects of the Pandemic through the wider District. We have processed something like £75 million to attempt to ensure the viability of many businesses, be they large, or the many small businesses we have such as bars, restaurants, cafes, hairdressers, nail bars and beauty establishments,, and the many local shops. I am so pleased with what we have achieved during these difficult times. Another success that I have been involved in is the establishment of over 20 new small businesses through our start-up grant scheme, which has provided £1000 for suitable applicants. Examples of these successes are Woodside Distillery, a craft gin distillery in Cinderford, Cafe on the Hill, a cafe and lounge bar in Tutshill and St Briavels community shop,Lydney coffee shop, Coco & Bliss a dog-friendly coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating, Carrington Lime a community interest company that specialises in heritage skills training, providing practical courses which include traditional lime plastering and pointing, Hope Farm Retreats, on the edge of St Briavels with composting toilets for their glamping site and most recently The Picture House in Cinderford received a £1000 grant to help set up a weekly market in their courtyard, and open an art gallery. There are many others which can be seen on FODDC website. On a Personal note I was very proud to be nominated, and shortlisted for Councillor of the Year for 'Resilience and Recovery' through the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU). I hope that I can count on your support on May 4th as Progressive Independent.