The following article is a candidate profile for the Peasedown St John Independent B&NES Council candidate, Karen Walker. All views expressed are solely those of the author.

It’s been one of the greatest privileges of my life to represent Peasedown St John on B&NES Council for the last 8 years.

I’ve developed a reputation for being an active, community-focused councillor that gets things done!

For the village, over the last decade I have:

• Founded and organised Peasedown Party in the Park

• Founded and managed the Peasedown Community Library

• Campaigned for an extra £45,000 for street lighting improvements

• Secured £20,000 for pavement improvements

• Successfully secured an extra £8,000 for community groups

• Persuaded B&NES to spend £110,000 to resurface Braysdown Lane

• Secured £3,000 for mental health services in Peasedown St John