Geoff Rowe, County Councillor for Malling Rural North East

Welcome to my webpage, where I will keep you informed of the work for the residents of Malling Rural North East - Wouldham, Burham, Ditton and Aylesford (Walderslade, Bluebell Hill, Eccles, Aylesford North and Aylesford South).

I was first elected to Kent County Council: May 1999.

I am KCC Liberal Democrat Group Chairman, Deputy Leader, Lib Dem Group Communities Spokesperson, Lib Dem Representative on the Going Local Select Committee and Lib Dem Representative on Kent (and Medway) Police Authority.

I am the Lib Dem Member for the following committees:

Communities Policy Overview Committee,

Personnel Committee,

Kent (and Medway) Police Authority- My Leader Member role has been extended to include protection of vulnerable people (including Every Child Matters) along with my Lead Member for Diversity and Lead Member for Tonbridge & Malling.

Tonbridge & Malling Joint Transportation Board

Parish Partnership Panel for Tonbridge & Malling.

I am also Chairman of Opportunities Through Leisure Community Youth Association.

Trust Board Member of The Hospital of The Holy Trinity, Aylesford.

As the elected Lib Dem County Councillor for Malling Rural North East, my 4 aims and achievements are:

1. Represent my electorate.

PARISH COUNCILS FEEDBACK: I attend all Parish Council meetings and submit a report. I feedback to the community though FOCUS on a regular basis.

2. Deliver a consistently high quality service to all the residents and the parishes in my County Division.

I support local campaigns:

RESIDENTS OF ECCLES / BULL LANE VS SOUTHERN WATER SLUDGE: Eccles is victorious. Southern Water has withdrawn their appeal to expand their waste water recycling plant in Eccles.I worked with Eccles residents right up to the end. his is a real victory for the local community who has campaigned so vigorously to achieve this result. I am sure the residents of Eccles will be celebrating.

Eccles Victorious! Press Release.

Southern Water Sludge Appeal Press release .

A Personal Thank You To The Residents Of Eccles! Press Release .

COMMUNITY FACILITIES: I am supporting the 3 Villages Laision Committee campaign to have, as part of the Peters village development, provision for footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways; and working with Tonbridge & Malling Council to obtain appropriate community facilities within the development.

HOUSE IN DISREPAIR: No. 28 Mount Pleasant, Aylesford - This grade 2 listed building, lying in the heart of the conservation area of historic Aylesford is one of 6 terraced houses. I have asked Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council officers to thoroughly investigate this case and take robust action to make sure that this house is brought back into use as quickly as possible  in order that the residents in the rest of the terrace can fully enjoy their properties.They have all been responsible custodians of our heritage but TMBC need to improve their performance.

SAVE AYLESFORD LIBRARY CAMPAIGN: Due to my vigilance, Aylesford Library remains open. BUT, all residents in Aylesford need to make better use of its resources if it is to remain open.

NO MORE TAKEAWAYS: Premier Parade against 3rd takeaway a victorious campaign, working with the local community by providing advice, information and support.

SAVED RBLV WARDEN: Successfully supported the residents in RBLV sheltered accommodation to save their full time warden.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH FIELD OFFICERS POST SAVED: Last year I was notified by my former Kent Youth Service colleagues that the part -time Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme officers in Kent had been notified of their pending redundancy. An orchestrated campaign had the proposals called in to KCC Scrutiny, in order to challenge and force debate on the integrity of the new arrangements. The outcome is that the proposals have been withdrawn, the Duke of Edinburgh Field Officers posts have been saved, and the scheme continues as before. This was a real achievement by everyone, involving so many volunteers within our community, who had their faith in the democratic process given back to them.

WALKING BUS SCHEMES: Tunbury Primary School, Walderslade, Aylesford Primary School and St Peters Church of England Primary School in Aylesford are 3 Primary Schools in my division that I have been able to provide £500 each to purchase walking bus tabards for from my £10,000 members grant.

I am very pleased that the walking bus scheme at Tunbury Primary School has been such a success, that they've launched a second one.

For information about the walk to school charity call 01227 825383 or view

kent walking bus.

Grant Aid

3. Maximise grant potential through Local Boards.

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.

4. Improve partnership working at all levels.

I am a member of the T&M CDRP representing Kent (& Medway) Police Authority Network. I also provide community networking throughout my Division.

I could be set to tread the boards of the West End after taking part in a diversity theatre production known as 'Stix and Stones'. The play was held at the Kent Police College looking at different strands of diversity including racism, sexuality, gender, religion, disability and ageism.

The event was produced by Walk Tall and toured eight venues across the county attracting representatives from diverse communities.

everyone entered into the spirit of things and took part

The interactive session was split into different stages with young people carrying out a performance. Adults were then asked to take part in a role play showing different scenarios to portray messages of discrimination and negativity. "The session was very good and gave adults food for thought. Normally adults shy away from role plays but this time everyone entered into the spirit of things and took part."

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

County Councillor Contact Details.