Harpenden West
Welcome to the Harpenden West ward page. The ward includes the High Street, Rothamsted, and near the Station.
Fiona Gaskell (District Councillor)
Email: harpendenwest@stalbanslibdems.org.uk
Phone: 07946 483432
Fiona Gaskell has lived in Harpenden West since 1992, and she is an active member of several community organisations and the congregation at St Nicholas church. A former school governor when her three children were at Harpenden schools, she ran a postgraduate diploma in public relations at West Herts College for several years and is now retired. As Chairman of Harpenden Seniors Forum she worked to help seniors in the town, and the Town Council presented her with an Award of Merit to recognise her achievements. As a councillor she would take a special interest in the concerns of seniors.
One of the voluntary roles of which she is especially proud is her work as a bereavement visitor for the Parish of Harpenden. She knows the value of good listening skills combined with the energy and organisational skills to achieve results.
Harpenden’s trees and green spaces attracted her family to move here, and she regularly walks on the Nickey Line and on the surrounding country paths. She is offended by littering and flytipping, and as a councillor she would look to reduce and report it. She also supports 20mph speed limits on residential roads.
John Galvin (District Councillor)
Email: harpendenwest@stalbanslibdems.org.uk
John Galvin has lived in Harpenden for 20 years. He and his wife have raised their family here and he has worked as a volunteer in several youth groups including Harpenden Colts and Harpenden Swimming Club. A former London commuter working in finance, John also served as a non-exec board member for an adult learning charity. He now works remotely as a finance consultant.
He was inspired to become more active in local politics after Brexit and he served as treasurer for Harpenden for Europe. He then managed the Lib Dem campaign for Hitchin and Harpenden in the 2019 general election, which achieved the sixth-largest vote increase in the country.
John is passionate about liberal values and protecting our democracy. He regularly runs on the Nickey Line and our surrounding countryside and he is committed to fighting the increasing threats to our local environment. As a councillor, John will use his professional skills to support local sustainable businesses. He will also focus on policies that promote the wellbeing and development of Harpenden’s children and young people.
Gill Haynes (District Councillor)
Email: harpendenwest@stalbanslibdems.org.uk
Phone: 07720 608007
Gill Haynes has lived in Harpenden for over 10 years and is a recently retired civil servant with a background in HR. She loves Harpenden for its community feel, busy high street and open spaces such as the Nickey Line where she walks the family dog. A strong supporter of 20s Plenty, promotion of green spaces and facilities for all age groups to enjoy, she also recognises the need for additional and affordable housing with adequate supporting infrastructure, including more electrical vehicle charging points.