Participation at Council Meetings and Panels

I have continued to attend most of the committees to which I was allocated and believe that I have made a constructive contribution to all the proceedings.

I was Deputy Chair of the Overview Panel and so too the Audit Panel.

As a member of Greater Manchester Pensions Committee and in particular the Ethics and Audit Committee, I have continued to gain extended experience of the market, due to training provided.

My membership of the Learning Disability Partnership Board is of particular interest. Fortunately my attendance has been more regular this year although some difficulty continues because the meetings clash with other meetings.

Participation at District Assemblies

I have been Chair of Mossley and North-East Stalybridge District Assembly for the last two years. Whilst holding this position I try very hard to further the welfare of Stalybridge residents and also the people of Mossley.

Last year you will recall we were able to provide the young people with a small skating area in Mossley Park.

This year we have been able to build a multi-use games area in Mossley Park and renew the play equipment for the younger children.

We are in the happy position of giving further financial help to Mossley Hollins School Band as well as St. John’s Band.

Generous donations were made to Carrbrook Bowling Club and I was delighted to be able to give a large donation to the Mossley Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society.

Stalybridge District Assembly gives me the opportunity to assist in the large scale improvements in my hometown such as the Longlands Mill development, improvements to the Rail Station and various other projects.

Hopefully our successful bid for Lottery funding will allow us to introduce substantial improvements to Stamford Park and its environs.

Appointments on External Bodies

I remain a Governor at Ridgehill C.P. School which celebrates its Silver Jubilee this year and the three Ward Councillors have made funds available to give each child some memento of this anniversary.

We have now officially opened the new Children’s Centre. This is a wonderful asset to the community and will help to improve people’s lives.

The Ridgehill, Springs, Arlies and Hague Residents Association has seen changes of officiating personnel and I believe it will continue to maintain the improvements we have so far obtained such as multi-use games areas in both Stamford Park in addition to a similar facility within Ridgehill Primary School and a young children’s playspace on Arlies Field.

Residents groups in our Ward give Councillors awareness of people’s aspirations. The groups are based at Crowswood, Carrbrook Village and Ridgehill. The three Ward Councillors are available to assist, when the need arises.

Ward Commitments

Via the regular surgeries held in various parts of the Ward we can frequently be of practical assistance to our Electors.

One of the joys experienced by Councillors is seeing the results gained for individuals who are in need of help.

Big improvements have been achieved in Cheetham’s Park and in particular the children’s play area and some of the pathway and fencing restoration.

We are again indebted to the Rev. Jenny Wakefield and her congregation at the Baptist Church and the Rev. Ian Stubbs the Vicar at St. George’s and his flock for providing space for children and youth clubs.

Finally, I take pleasure in working with Councillors Welsh and Roberts and I believe we are an effective team in securing the best facilities possible for the hardworking friendly people of Stalybridge but in particular the people of Stalybridge North Ward.