Councillor Paul Richards
Email: cllr.paul.richards@hertsmere.gov.uk
Paul is the Leader of the Lib Dem group Hertsmere Borough Council. He is the deputy Leader of Hertsmere Council, Vice-Chair of Hertsmere's Executive, and sits on the Planning Committee and the Licensing Committee
Paul, a IT and digital research professional, has been serving North Bushey as a councillor since 2019. His focus lies in addressing Hertsmere's concerning environmental track record, with a staggering 55% of our waste ending up in landfills. Paul is determined to push for improved household and street-bin recycling measures, as well as initiatives to expand solar power, electric vehicle charging points, and promoting low-carbon design in new housing developments.
Significant work lies ahead to preserve Bushey's greenbelt. Approximately 200 acres remain under threat. Right from the beginning, Paul and the Lib Dem team opposed the destruction of our fields and farmland in the draft Local Plan. Within the council chamber, they will continue to fight to safeguard this land from construction.
Councillor Louise Nicolas
Email: louise.nicolas.busheylibdems@gmail.com
Louise is the Chair of the Personal Committee and sits on the Operations Review Committee.
"I love North Bushey. I’ve lived here for nearly 30 years. I stood for the council because I want to give something back."
A local teacher Louise is determined to secure improved facilities for local voluntary groups, children, and the elderly. Her other key areas of focus include advocating for better local buses, addressing road maintenance issues, and tackling the problem of fly-tipping.
Louise understands the challenges ahead but welcomes them with enthusiasm!
Councillor Alan Matthews
Email: cllr.alan.matthews@hertsmere.gov.uk
Alan sits on Hertsmere's Executive with the Housing and Housing Development portfolio. He's also the Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee.
Alan, a North Bushey councillor since 2021, brings valuable experience as a former local authority housing director. He is dedicated to ensuring social housing is fairly allocated and goes to those in greatest need. With a focus on addressing local poverty, Alan advocates for extended free school meals and emergency grants for families facing hardship.
“The most rewarding part of being your councillor is helping residents with their council problems, big or small - from housing to parking, benefits, bins, pavements, maintenance, or access to services."
While acknowledging that not every problem can be solved, Alan and the Bushey Lib Dem team ensure that residents receive a fair hearing and that their voices are heard.
Hertsmere Borough Council is responsible for:
● The Local Plan for future development
● Planning applications
● Housing needs and homelessness
● Parks and leisure
● Controlled Parking Zones
● Waste and recycling collections
● Litter and fly-tipping
● Using developers’ levies to improve local infrastructure
● Bushey Country Club
● Elstree Film Studios
● Allotments and green spaces
● Benefits
● Community safety
● Council tax
● Engineering services
● Hackney carriages and private hire licensing
● Parking enforcement
● Public health and protection (air and noise pollution, food inspections, health and safety at work, licensing)
Some issues can be reported directly to the relevant departments at Hertsmere Borough Council
Use the link below to report:
● Abandoned vehicles
● Alleged breach of planning control
● Bonfire nuisance
● Customer service complaints
● Fly-tipping
● Food Hygiene Issues
● Freedom of Information requests
● Graffiti
● Missed bin collections
● Noise nuisance
● Street cleaning
If you have reported an issue to Hertsmere and not received a satisfactory response, please let your borough councillors know so they can follow up.