“I had lived in West Watford for nearly 50 years when I was elected in 2011 as a councillor to represent my neighbours and the wider area of West Watford.

The streets were depressing, fly- tipping, dog mess, drinkers and drug dealing, something had to be done. I hoped I could make a difference, I managed to get Neighbourhood Watch signage put up in streets and I initiated the Vicarage Residents’ Association, which involved the square and part of Vicarage Road.  I often hold a surgery at West Watford Community Centre to listen to issues the residents may have, sometimes the police join me doing this.

With my colleagues we have organised Skips for most of the roads in West Watford, to get the residents to clear their alleyways, this has been a great success. We have worked with the police to try and reduce the street drinkers and drug dealing. I have helped homeless families; one family in particular was put out in the street by the landlord on a freezing cold night with three children under 5 years old; I was able to help them find temporary accommodation. I have also been involved with housing issues, where I have worked with the Watford Community Housing Trust.”