My name is Tracy Bowes and I am the county councillor for Belmont Rural.

I was born in Burton on Trent and have made Hereford my home, living with my partner James in Belmont.  James helps to run his family owned golf course at Brampton near Madley and we can regularly be seen around the estate with James’ children, on the parks, in the library or generally out and about.  I have fallen in love with Herefordshire and the people who live here, those born here and those who have, like me, made it their home.  Since moving to Hereford I have obtained an NVQ in Stewarding and have helped at charity / public events in the county.

I didn’t set out to be a Councillor, it never occurred to me until I was approached by “It’s OUR County!”, the local party that is just for Herefordshire, and asked to think about it.  I’ve had personal experience of battling with the council regarding potholes and I thought well if I don’t do it, I can’t complain if nothing changes.

I then thought about all the other issues that face us on a daily basis, gridlock on Belmont Road into Hereford, overgrown grass on our playing fields, parks and verges, bus services being slashed, lack of affordable houses in the county, and no real decent job prospects for our children.

Now is the time for us to work together as a community and decide what we want to become, where we want to go and how we want to get there.  I think we are a unique county with a bright future.  We need to meet the challenge of that future.  I am a new Councillor, I don’t have all the answers but I want to work with people in my ward and across Herefordshire to try and make a brighter future for everyone.

I look forward to hearing from you.