Councillor Jim Middleton

Participation at Council Meetings and Panels

This year I have been a member of the Speakers Panel and the Personal and Health Services Scrutiny Panel and I have attended the majority of meetings during this municipal year.

Participation at District Assemblies

I have served as the Chair of Droylsden District Assembly again this year. This role has enabled me to become involved in all aspects of the town. Droylsden is improving, but there is still more that can be done in the forthcoming year and I look forward to that challenge. In early February work started on the Metrolink and although travel within Droylsden has been difficult at times, the outcome will most certainly be well worth it.

Droylsden has been awarded a grant of £613,000 from “Fair Share”, which is a government initiative, which we are still spending. I am looking forward to liaising with members of the Droylsden Fair Share Panel, who are drawn from different areas within the community, on how we can best utilise this grant for the benefit of the people of Droylsden. Many places in Droylsden will see the benefit.

Participation on Outside Bodies and Partnerships

• Vice Chair, New Charter Housing Trust Homes Committee
• Greater Manchester Pension Fund – Chair of the Ethics and Audit Sub-committee
• Executive Committee, LAPFF

Constituency Work

I deal with complaints from my constituents on a daily basis, which I receive in person, by letter and by telephone. I always aim to deal with all matters promptly and keep my constituents fully informed of any progress. I also have a surgery at Droylsden Library each Thursday at 5.00pm. I am becoming more involved with local housing groups, which are being formed in the Ward, along with my Ward colleagues.

Training and Development

During the past year I have attended various training sessions designed especially for Elected Members and sessions organised by the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

Achievements During the Year

I have been involved in some quite complicated constituent complaints this year, but I have been pleased to be able to achieve some positive results. Resolution of these problems has frequently involved liaison with other agencies, such as New Charter Housing Trust, the Police, Utility companies and private businesses.

A new children’s play area with equipment worth over £130,000 has now been installed to improve the facilities for the younger children. The marina development is continuing making these extremely exciting times for the town. Also another play area for toddlers on the Littlemoss farm estate which we are proud of.