COUNCILLOR MIKE COLSTON

This year Buckinghamshire was declared to be the best place to live in the U.K in terms of social values. The tranquillity of our countryside, the quality of our schools, our services to older people and disabled, low levels of crime and anti-social behaviour are all things that we as Conservatives value and are prepared to work to maintain for our children’s children.

As a County Councillor for the Great Missenden area I have been committed to protecting our countryside, businesses and farming industry and I have resisted opening up our byways to motorised leisure activity and have challenged the National Air Traffic consultation that would have seen an increase in flights across our villages at very low levels. I have pursued a village safety strategy that has seen installation of features such as pedestrian crossings and other improvements. I have used my community fund to support toddlers groups, older people’s lunch clubs, youth football and other activities that support our communities. I have helped to solve problems for families ranging from school placements to care homes and pressed forward issues on village regeneration, schools catchments policy, school safety zones and winter gritting.

As the portfolio holder for Adult Social Care in Buckinghamshire from 2004 - 2011 I led policy development to modernise service delivery and in particular the redevelopment of our care homes. Two are already open and six more are under development that will offer the right facilities to our vulnerable residents.

Michael was elected Chairman of the County Council in May 2011.  He continues to oppose HS2.