Date: 26/06/2007
Councillor Tony Kemp wants to boost tourism and help local businesses achieve a thriving High Peak economy.
As High Peak Borough Council's new Executive Member for Regeneration, Cllr Kemp"s role is to implement the Regeneration Strategy and progress the Local Development Framework, to create jobs and prosperity.
He also plans to improve our car parks and markets, push forward a number of vital regeneration projects, and enhance the local economic infrastructure.
The Councillor for Corbar Ward says: "I was delighted to be asked to serve on the Council"s Executive, and the Regeneration portfolio is exciting and challenging.
"I want us to create a thriving local economy by developing our tourism, and helping our local businesses. I shall also be looking at how we can improve our car parks and markets " both of which play an important role in the borough"s economic infrastructure.
"Much has been achieved in the High Peak already, but there is still more to do, and a large number of vital regeneration projects to progress forward."
He adds: "I want to my portfolio to be responsive to local communities, so I shall be paying particular attention to the regeneration of Glossop"s mills, historic buildings and spaces, and not least the plans for Woods Mill.
"In Whaley Bridge, I shall be involved in finalising the work towards the much needed Goyt Bridge construction.
"I am looking forward to overseeing the start of the the Crescent and Thermal Spa development project in Buxton, and I will be leading the consultation on the future of Station Road.
"The options for the future of the Pavilion Gardens complex also feature in my portfolio."
However, Cllr Kemp, who has lived in Buxton for 24 years, assures he will not lose sight of the fact that the residents of Corbar ward, in Buxton, elected him to represent them.
He said: "With my fellow ward Councillor, Linda Baldry, I intend to hold regular surgeries and issue periodic newsletters in Corbar. We will also welcome any innovative suggestions people may have regarding better ways to keep in touch."
Cllr Kemp said: "My wife Diana and I have lived in the High Peak since 1983, first in Whaley Bridge, and more recently, next to the Upper Serpentine Walks, in central Buxton.
"I worked as a General Manager in the NHS until 1989, after which my wife and I ran a successful nursing home in Bramhall.
"We sold the business in 2003 and I became the part-time Chief Executive at Blythe House Hospice. After retirement in 2005, I took up occasional taxi driving - something I thoroughly enjoy because I meet all sorts of interesting people."
He revealed: "My frustration with central Government, for removing decision making from local councils and local people, gave rise to my selection as a Conservative candidate for Buxton Corbar Ward."