I have been a Councillor for three years now and I would like to boldly boast a 100% record for attending Full Council meetings. That includes being on time and never leaving early.

In my third year I have been the Deputy for the Technical, Economic and Environmental Services Scrutiny Panel and have also had a 100% record for attendance at the Scrutiny Panel meetings.

At this Scrutiny Panel I have contributed with new ideas for the Panel to consider such as the implementation of the Working Differently Programme and more recently a review of Unadopted roads in the Borough. This cross party panel works extremely well together.

I am also on the Energy Panel where I believe I have made significant contributions over the past two years.

I am a member of Ashton District Assembly and have contributed to these meetings throughout 2008-2009.

At Ward level I have worked with my colleague in dealing with Constituents’ issues to the best of our ability.

I have also worked tirelessly with my fellow Councillors and local activists by conducting surveys and delivering leaflets to keep people informed of local developments.

In Hurst our most notable success was to call a meeting in protest of the proposed closing of the Broadoak Post Office. This meeting was so popular that we could not accommodate all those who wanted to attend for Health & Safety reasons. Nonetheless we were successful and managed to save Broadoak Post Office from closure.

With my colleague and fellow activists we also supported residents opposed to a new building programme in Hazelhurst that would have taken away some valuable green space.

I intend to continue supporting and assisting my Constituents for the forthcoming year. This will include the issue of Pay & Grading, which will result in many employees having a reduction in their pay. The Conservative group is fighting the proposals that have been put forward by the ruling Labour Group.

Cllr John Kelly