Express your views on Leighton Buzzard and Linslade.

My name is Amanda Dodwell, and I have been a Conservative Councillor for Brooklands Ward (Leighton Linslade Town Council) and Leighton Buzzard South (Central Bedfordshire Council) since 2011. Previously, I was a Councillor in Wantage, Oxfordshire, on Wantage Town Council and The Vale of White Horse District Council. Originally from Buckinghamshire, I attended Waddesdon C of E Secondary School and Aylesbury High School, and studied Economics at Leeds Trinity University. I have lived in Leighton Buzzard for over 13 years, with my husband Adam and son Jack. I had the privilege to be Mayor of Leighton Linslade in 2013/14, and Leader of the Town Council in 2015/16. Since 2012 I have been Deputy Executive Member for Children, Families and Education at Central Bedfordshire Council, with a particular interest in looked after children (LAC). I am a member of the Fostering and Adoption Panels, and since July 2018 I have been Chair of the Corporate Parenting Panel, overseeing services for children in care. As the parent of a child with additional needs (Jack was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3), I am passionate about services for children and young people, and those with additional needs and mental health problems. View all posts by Amanda Dodwell