Buckhurst Hill East Parish Candidates 2021: 4 -Matt West

 

Matt has close links to Buckhurst Hill and the surrounding area, having grown up in Abridge before moving to Rayleigh at the age of eight. He holds a History & Politics degree from the University of Essex and after graduating began a successful career in business and political journalism, working for among others the BBC, Channel 4 News and, as managing editor of the political news website politics.co.uk. Matt is now a PR Manager for a financial services trade association attempting to protect consumers from fraud, amongst other things. 

He has lived in Buckhurst Hill, with his wife and two young sons, since 2015.

Buckhurst Hill East Parish Candidates 2021: 3 -Anne Redelinghuys

 

Anne is an active member of the local community. She is passionate about the community, people, and nature. Always in the process to engage, empower and support local communities. Anne is a committed Christian, and works for a food bank.

In 2016 she was the driving force for the establishment of the very successful  GROW  Community garden and is in the process of recruiting to get another community growing space established. Her vision is to engage more people in organic food and flower growing activities.

She supported the establishment of the 3food4u food distribution group. 

Experienced in the environmental charity sector and collaborating with various groups and organisations, it is her vision to support building resilience and create environmental awareness. Believing in diversity and inclusivity to make a difference, empowering people is at the heart of her enthusiasm

Buckhurst Hill East Candidates 2021: 2 -Alison Hall

 

Alison Hall is standing for Parish Council and lives in the ward. She is a semi retired teacher who has run her own business. Alison says “ I’ve lived in Buckhurst Hill for 17 years and I love living here. I have recently semi-retired from teaching although I’m still helping students as a Learning Support Assistant at Redbridge Institute of Adult Education. In this role I help students who might be having difficulties. I assist in classes for students with learning difficulties and students who are studying for a Level 3 qualification.

 

I left school at 16 with no qualifications but went back to school in my late 30s and came out with a Degree just after my 40^th birthday. I started my teaching career at Barnet College and finished at Working Men’s College in Camden. I discovered that teaching is the most rewarding occupation especially teaching adults. In between I, with my daughter, started our own business which ran for 5 years. 

 

I am passionate about Buckhurst Hill, the diaspora of constituents and the closeness of town & country. We have been doing well but I believe with the right people, we can do better and I hope you will allow me, by voting for me, to assist in improving the lived experience of all people in Buckhurst Hill.”

Buckhurst Hill East Candidates 2021: 1 -Simon Heap

 Simon Heap has represented Buckhurst Hill East since 2016. Simon, who recently secured a commitment from Essex to resurface Albert Road and Buckhurst Way (currently scheduled to take place from July to September ), works in the creative sector in design and project management. He was born and lives in Buckhurst Hill and is married with two grown-up children.

He is standing the county council, seeking re-election as a district councillor and standing for the Parish Council. Simon has been a diligent and hard-working counsellor for Buckhurst Hill East. Among his achievements is getting Dene Road resurfaced, getting compensation for some residents adversely affected   by the building of new Council housing in Hornbeam Road, getting Epping Forest District Council to greatly delay any development at the shops and flats at the top of  Lower Queens Road, and countless pot holes and lights fixed. On Epping Forest District Council he has been effective thorn in the side of the ruling group by asking challenging questions about the council’s Qualis, the set of companies set up by EFDC, that services are being outsourced to, and the local plan.

Simon believes Essex county council is very badly run. He also believes that yet another Conservative councillor will not effectively challenge the status quo. Essex has served us badly. Our roads are in an awful state. They’ve cut back on children services, libraries and youth services, with the latter cut to the bone. At county hall he will be able to affect more effectively challenge the proposed Clean Air Zone of Epping Forest.

Greens in action

 Recently Steven has had the service road/path next door to the river housing allotments near the Boxted Close

entrance resurfaced and made level. He also got a park bench put back into the Roding Valley Recreation Ground.