County Councillor George Koowaree for Ashford East

Welcome to my webpage, where I will keep you informed of the work for the residents of Ashford East

I was first elected to Kent County Council: April 2004. I am the KCC Liberal Democrat Group Secretary and Lib Dem Group Adult Social Services Spokesperson.

I am the Lib Dem Member for the following committees: Adult Services Policy Overview Committee, Planning, Kent & Medway Fire & Rescue Authority (Authority, Personnel Committee and Standards Committee)

I am also an Ashford Borough Councillor.

Trustee of Ashford Parochial Charities,

Trustee of Ashford Old People Welfare Committee,

Trustee of Ashford Almshouses Charities,

Company Secretary for the Centre for Voluntary Services,

Member of Willesborough Urban Community Forum Steering Committee and Trustee Ashford Youth Centre Shuttle Bus.

As the elected Lib Dem County Councillor for Ashford East, my 5 main aims (in bold) and my progress to date are:

1. To represent my electorate and deliver a consistently high quality service to all residents in my County Division.

STREET AND FOOTPATH LIGHTS: This year, I have revealed that nearly 600 street lights in Ashford are out and 200 lights have been out for more than a month. KCC has promised 'significant improvements'. Please let me know of street lights which are out to make sure they are reported and repaired straight away.

'Ashford in the Dark' Press Release.

Question to Cabinet Member re: Street & Footpath Lighting.

HOSPITAL CAR PARK CHARGES: I continue my campaign for a review of car parking charges at William Harvey Hospital. The East Kent Hospital Trust ranks the fifth highest earner of car park income in the country with an income of over £1.6million from car park fees. I have written to Howard Jones, Director of Facilities, asking him to review the charges and agree to a more flexible approach.

'William Harvey hospital share in £1.6 million car park profit' Press Release.

'Petition Vs Inflexible Hospital Parking' Press Release .

SPRINKLERS IN NEW HOMES: At a meeting of the Kent & Medway Fire & Rescue Authority, Chief Fire Officer Charles Hendry, agreed to my request to talk to Ashford Councillors and developers in Ashford about installing sprinklers in new homes.

'Let's Save Lives - Call For Sprinklers In New Homes In Ashford' Press Release.

Charles Hendry will attend the Ashford Developers Forum for a discussion on the installation of sprinklers in new homes.

2. To have East Kent Hospital Trust's Green Transport Policy scrutinised by KCC.

3. To make M20 Junction 10(a) a reality.

Budget Cuts Mean Delays On Ashford Ring Road Press Release.

The junction 10 roadworks are continuing to cause traffic congestion problems. The situation is now being monitored by the Highways Agency and myself. If you have any particular concerns regarding the roadworks please contact me.

4. A dedicated Lorry Park near Folkestone / Dover area.

5. To be an excellent member of the KCC Lib Dem Group.

Grant Aid

All parts of my Division can receive grant aid from my annual local members grant of £10,000.

Details of how I spent the £10,000 in previous years and how to apply for a local members grant in 2007-08 are available via this link:

County Councillor Financial Support.

Details of other sources of funding are also available by clicking on this link:

Looking For KCC Funds? KCC Can Help.

If you would like any more information, please do not hesitate to contact me. My contact details are available on the following page:

County Councillor Contact Details.