Tony Williams

Having lived in Norfolk for many years, I have always tried to contribute to the community. I was proud to be a Director of the Aylsham Show in 2006, not only is this traditional agricultural show, the largest one day show in the country, important to the local community, but it raised £40,000 for charity.

I’ve been involved with the National Farmers Union since 1970. I gained great enjoyment during my two terms as Chairman of Norfolk NFU and Vice Chairman of a national committee.

Reepham Rotary allows me to socialise and pursue some of my interests for instance, I climbed the ‘three peaks’ in 30 hours and raised £9,000 for children’s hospices.

I’ve had a varied working life, starting by following in my father’s footsteps farming in the Cotswolds. I still maintain an interest & involvement in farming. I then went on to teach Farm Business Management to HND and Advanced Farm Management (Post-Graduate) courses at the Royal Agricultural College. Finally spending 20 years in banking with my final 9 years spent as Business Centre Manager for Aylsham & North Norfolk.

I’ve always been interested in politics, again following in father’s footsteps; he was a County Councillor in Gloucestershire. Having retired early I stood for election to the County Council in 2004 and was delighted when you elected me to represent the Division of Hevingham and Spixworth.

My main responsibilities are:

• Cabinet Member responsible for Commercial Services and Efficiency
• Director of the County Council companies (NORSE)
• Chairman of the Corporate Procurement Panel
• Member of the Joint consultative & Negotiating Committee
• Member of the Regional Improvement & Efficiency Panel
• Vice Chairman of the Eastern Shires Procurement Organisation (ESPO) Management Committee

The Efficiency Programme delivered £58 million savings in the last four years and continues to drive out savings to keep council tax down. I also chair the Eastern Region Efficiency Panel.

The council’s companies have grown to provide 6,000 jobs, contribute £5 million a year to council funds and spend £100 million a year in Norfolk, for example we provide 30,000 school meals a day. We will continue to develop these companies so they contribute even more to the Norfolk economy

I chaired the Disability Discrimination Act Working Party. The council is recognised for ensuring equality.

I have enjoyed representing the area and meeting you at Parish Council meetings and elsewhere.

During the last four years we’ve seen improvements at all our local schools, including a classroom at Hevingham, three at Horsham St Faith and another at Hainford, replacing mobile classrooms.

As Chair of Reepham High School Finance Committee, I was instrumental, with the help of conservative colleagues, in bringing forward the completion of the new £6 million sixth form. Meaning 130 local young people will benefit from this September, doubling next year.

I have worked to improve road safety and our environment:

• A new 7.5 ton weight restriction on some local roads
• Safety resurfacing
• Flashing speed signals
• New footpaths in Hainford and Spixworth
• Road junction improvements in Stratton Strawless

I will work to keep Beeston, Spixworth and St Faiths’ out of any proposed Greater Norwich Unitary Council if you or your parish councils say you do not want to become part of that proposed council.

I will continue to do all I can to represent the concerns and needs of local residents, but to allow me to do so, please vote for me on June 4th

Please don’t rely on others to vote, they may be relying on you