I was born in Walton on Thames and spent most of my earlier years in Weybridge. I have been fortunate enough to travel, backpacking around many countries and living and working in New Zealand. I settled in Hersham over twenty years ago and continue to live here with my husband and two teenagers. I have held managerial positions in sales, hospitality and customer service industries in the UK and Europe. I now work in the early years sector, supporting children to learn through play, develop communication skills and find positive strategies to support them with the skills they need in order to continue their learning journey. I have worked in two Hersham schools and volunteered at a Hersham baby/toddler group.

Hersham comprises a mixture of land use, green belt, riverside, farm, woodland, technology/industrial parks and residential. It has a variety of housing styles, single storey, town houses, low rise and higher rise dwellings. Hersham offers a unique village feel attracting a major supermarket, successful independent businesses and has a welcoming café culture. Hersham faces multiple over development challenges. As with every part of Elmbridge it struggles to provide affordable accommodation for existing residents and their families.

We need to protect and enhance the green belt, parks and green spaces and ensure that Hersham remains an attractive, vibrant, diverse and welcoming place for new and existing residents, businesses and visitors. I would like to increase opportunities and activities for all ages, from toddlers to mature residents in our community centres.

Correspondence address: 
c/o Civic Centre
High Street
Esher
Surrey
KT10 9SD

Email: wgibbs@elmbridge.gov.uk