Hello

 My name is Sharon Ainsley and I am PIP candidate for St. Mary's ward.

I have had the privilege of serving as Ward Councillor for St Marys Ward since May 2022.

During this time, I have strived to serve our community and fulfil my obligations by attending all Council meetings, training sessions & briefings, together with sitting on several committee’s: Member for Environment, Licencing and Wellbeing (Chair 2023),

And of course, being available to help residents whenever asked to do so.

All whilst holding down a full-time job!

I am passionate about protecting the Environment and have made it a personal mission to hold Anglian Water to Account. In Oct 23 the Environment PSC called Anglian Water in to face robust questioning. We believe Anglian Water should adequately address the very many ongoing concerns, poor service, and lack of investment across Castle Point and the Wider Essex Area.

A founder member of Jotmans Farm Action Group, for many years, I have fought to stop inappropriate development in the Greenbelt. I am equally passionate about protecting our green spaces and improving air quality.

In my time as a Councillor, I have: -

Last summer arranged for the Wellbeing Team from ECC to hold a Stall in Sainsburys in the High Road. They had lots of helpful advice and freebies to give away. I hope to bring more such events to Benfleet this year,

Listed all the defective streetlights in St Mary’s Ward and submitted a report to ECC Highways. Within 6 months all the lights apart from a few with electrical defects (Still working on those, were illuminated again.

Residents from Merrivale, contacted me to ask for help with the lighting on the stairs. Within a few days, the lights were back on, much to the appreciation of many residents.

I also arranged for the walkway floor to be upgraded as it posed a slip hazard.

A certain road, which shall remain nameless, to the West of St Marys, has so many complex issues. My support is ongoing. I think they will agree, PIP Cllrs have not let them down.

I am a regular visitor to South Benfleet playing Fields/ Richmond Park, where I walk my dog. Together with our rangers, I keep my eyes peeled for issues and regularly pick up litter, especially from the Childrens playground.

I have designed, submitted plans, and had funding approved to create a Sensory Garden in Richmond Park. This I’m sure will be welcomed by so many and will offer a calming space filled with scented wildlife friendly plants, restful seating; a therapeutic space for people to recuperate; a learning zone full of exciting things to touch and smell and accessible for people with sight loss or wheelchairs to be fully independent.

All this has fuelled a strong desire to continue serving you in this capacity. And I hope you will lend me your vote.