My name is Mark Turner, and I have served as a Buckinghamshire Councillor representing the Chiltern Villages Ward since May 2021. Over the past four years, I have actively participated in various council committees, striving to make a tangible impact in our community. Below are some of the initiatives I’ve undertaken:

• Improving Connectivity:
  • Collaborated with Lane End Parish Council to establish a Gigabit Voucher Scheme, bringing gigabit fibre broadband to Lane End and also to other rural communities.
  • Secured a £30,000 grant for Frieth’s fibre installation, though the installer unfortunately withdrew.
  • Supported Hambleden Parish Church in obtaining broadband for live-streaming weddings and events, and have done the same for other Churches, helping them first obtain a postcode—a prerequisite for broadband access.
  • Currently assisting Medmenham Church in getting broadband installed.
• Community Development:
  • As Chair of the Community Board, secured grants for Frieth Village Hall to fund renovations and restore its iconic clock.
  • Facilitated funding for Fawley Village Hall’s restoration.
  • Installed a defibrillator in Fawley Village.
  • Helped Hambleden acquire cinema equipment to host monthly film screenings and supported funding a memorial for Major George Howson, founder of the Poppy Appeal.
  • Assisted in securing finance for the new Schools Boathouse in Marlow and Marlow FM’s new facility at Great Marlow School.
  • Supporting a community group in Lane End with Buckinghamshire Council funding to purchase Finings Wood.
  • Funding for the Lady Ryder Memorial Garden and the rebuilding of their old Vine houses. Lady Ryder memorial Garden volunteer group have just received a King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) 2024
• Tourism and Local Business:
  • Currently developing a “Visit Marlow” website to promote tourism in Marlow and its surrounding rural villages. S
  • Showcasing attractions like Marlow’s leisure businesses, restaurants, activities like horse riding in Ibstone, local vineyards in Fawley, Marlow and Hambleden, our rural pubs, restaurants, trail cafés, and cycling and walking routes.
• Road Safety and Infrastructure:
  • Worked with Medmenham Parish Council to reduce the speed limit on a dangerous bend below Danesfield from 60mph to 40mph, aiming to improve safety in a flood-prone area.
  • Addressed residents’ concerns about potholes by regularly coordinating with our local area technician to prioritise road repairs despite limited resources.
• Public Service Advocacy:
  • Acted as a liaison for residents dealing with challenges such as missed bin collections during the waste contract rollout, water supply issues in Northend, frequent leaks, and sewage spills in Hambleden and Mill End. I’ve been a trusted point of contact for resolving such problems.
• Engaging with Parish Councils:
  • Regularly attend Parish Council meetings, assisting with a variety of local concerns. Parish Clerks can attest to my dedication and hard work.

In addition to these endeavours, I had the responsibility of serving in several leadership and community roles, including:

• Chairman of South West Chilterns Community Board
• Member of West Area Planning Committee
• Vice Chair of Lane End Youth Club
• Chairman of Fawley Village Trust
• Chairman of Fawley Parish Meeting
• Treasurer and Trustee of Henley Choral Society

These examples reflect my commitment to delivering meaningful improvements in our area. There is more to be done and I’m here to listen and act.

Please call me on 07740 700750 if I can be of any assistance.