“I have worked in the Health sector for many years dealing with women’s health and family health in community settings. I have also worked at the Department of Health at Government level and have since provided consultancy work. I am a Trustee of a National Charity relating to women’s health and have lived in Greenhithe since 2002. I am now retiring to focus on local democracy and representation.

I was first elected to the Town Council representing Greenhithe for one term in 2007 and in my current term am Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Planning, Major Developments and Environment  Committee.

Having worked in Government and for Government I know how systems work and how to scrutinise and challenge decisions. I will bring this experience to KCC”

Local Issues NOT National Politics

You will no doubt get leaflets from the national parties that trumpet national policies. That is not what this election is about. KCC and DBC control local services which need local representation.

The SGRA has a track record over 45 years of doing just that. I have put local issues first as a Town Councillor for Greenhithe and will do the same at KCC. I will judge proposals on their merits irrespective of their source.

 The SGRA through Peter Harman were key in getting Dartford Borough Council to take action over the “Boy Racers” on Crossways Boulevard in Greenhithe. I will do the same for the similar problems in Ebbsfleet.

We have fought hard to hold KCC to account over the Galley Hill closure. Peter Harman, Graham Taylor and myself organised the “Unhappy Birthday” protest and got improvements to signage. Peter and Town Councillor Ann Duke then facilitated contact between the landowners and KCC which broke the deadlock to agree works on the cliff face and chalk spine.

I will organise further local update meetings and will continue to ask for faster progress and better mitigation measures in Swanscombe and the surrounding area.

Town Councillor Liz Wickham heads up the Lorry Watch team, of which I am a member, who report HGV’s over 7.5tons to the Authorities. This has led to some prosecutions. We also contact firms direct which has reduced infringements and has led to one firm adapting their Sat Nav to incorporate a Geofence to warn drivers and managers of the restrictions. Peter and Graham worked with residents in the Phoenix Parc area of Ebbsfleet ward to get KCC to improve the barriers.

Peter kept Ebbsfleet residents informed about other KCC projects such as the upgrade to the footpaths between Swanscombe and Whitecliffe and the removal of the traffic calming hump in Southfleet Road. Other SGRA members have publicised the changes to Fastrack. I will do the same.

Our 3 Councillors for Swanscombe, hold regular surgeries to listen to, and respond to, residents concerns. They have also been in contact with Arriva about the buses. I will do the same.

Lesley Howes, Town Councillor for Knockhall, through the Joint Transportation Board, is lobbying for action on the gaps between platforms and trains and better buses in Swanscombe. We have asked Network Rail to review access to Swanscombe station for people who cannot manage the stairs. I will follow up on these issues.

Peter Harris and Lesley Howes, as Town Councillors for Knockhall, have lobbied for the removal of access for Ebbsfleet construction traffic to Mounts Road and Alkerden Lane and its relocation to Watling Street.

Peter Harris and Graham Taylor have met with our New MP to get his support for moving the Lorry Parks out of Manor Way so that London Road has a reduction in HGV Traffic. This project is ongoing.

There are issues like access to first preference schools, provision of GP’s, easy access to public transport and clamping down on antisocial behaviour that are common to Ebbsfleet and all the surrounding areas. Just like Peter I will listen to concerns, lobby the appropriate authorities and seek solutions.

I am also aware that KCC provides a variety of services for vulnerable people that are under threat. I will speak up against poor budget decisions in the council chamber and lobby the KCC Cabinet and MP for good quality local services.

As Chair of the SGRA I lead a team working on all these issues, and more, as well as playing my part

Dawn Johnston Oct 2024

FOR residents BY residents

We exist to serve residents and to be a voice through consultation and engagement.

Our aim is to address residents’ concerns so that our area remains a safe, pleasant and desirable place to live

We are not aligned with any national political party. This means that we can genuinely promote and support the best interests of our community. 

Vote SGRA on 21st November 2024

We know another election is a pain but your vote really does count 

www.thesgra.com              sgra@thesgra.com               www.facebook.com/TheSGRA

Promoted by Graham Taylor, 12 Sara Crescent, Greenhithe Kent. DA9 9NY on behalf of Dawn Johnston, 29 Lightermans Way, Greenhithe, Kent. DA9 9FH