About Dave Smith.

DAVE SMITH:
1 Rowan Close, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7LP. Tel: 01622 715487.

Dave is a local man. He was born in Parkwood, Maidstone and has lived on the Greenacres Estate for over 20 years.

Dave has been married to Michele for over 25 years and they have two grown up sons, who were both educated at Teapot Lane School.

For most of his working life Dave has worked in the transport industry. He ran his own business in the 1980’s and, until recently, he worked for Safeway at Forstal Road. He has recently gained a City & Guilds in Carpentry & Joinery and is aiming to launch a new career in this trade.

Along with neighbours and local residents, Dave led the successful neighbourhood campaign to stop another fast food takeaway opening on Premier Parade. The final outcome changed Planning Case Law and can now be used throughout the country by other groups campaigning to protect their local environments from similar noise and pollution.

Dave has never been politically active, but was so impressed with the support he received from local Conservatives, that he has joined the Action Team to continue his work on behalf of the community.

About John Balcombe.

JOHN BALCOMBE
423A London Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 6DB. Tel: 01622 718175.

John is 59 and is Chairman of Aylesford Conservatives.

He and his wife, Viv, have lived in Aylesford for over 20 years. They have one son, James, who is just finishing a Masters Degree at Southampton University.

For the first 20 years of his working life John helped run his family fruit business, but changed careers when he moved to Kent and now runs a successful recovery and repair garage in Hildenborough.

John is a well respected local campaigner. He has led campaigns to cut down on vandalism and anti-social behaviour and for improved youth facilities in Aylesford. He also organised the petition, signed by over 1,000 residents, to try and save Greenacres Post Office from closure.

His commitment to the local community was recognised in 2005 when he won a by-election to Aylesford Parish Council with over 70% of the vote. He is now Vice Chairman of Planning.