Participation at Council Panels, Committees and District Assemblies

I am the Chair of Stalybridge D.A. and have been since its inception.

I meet with staff and my Deputy regularly to arrange the running of the D.A.
Stalybridge District Assembly is in its eighth year and in this time we have seen it go from strength to strength. We have responsibility for services that have a real impact on people’s quality of life, from keeping our streets clean and litter free to making sure our parks are desirable places to visit. In addition to these vital services we also hold public meetings where local people can ask questions about any Council services or can listen to what is going on in Stalybridge.

I am also a member of the Mossley and Stalybridge North D.A. and attended all but one of these meetings this municipal year

I have attended Full Council meetings.

In the current year I have been attending Speakers Panel (Liquor Licensing) meetings.

I am now a member of the Speakers Panel (Planning).

Participation On Outside Bodies

I am a member of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

I am a member of the Ethics Sub-committee of the Pension Fund

And I am delighted that Stalybridge Market Hall is now open with antique fairs being held every month, this will hopefully bring the Hall into much better use.

I am the current Chair of the Ridge Hill Partnership through which massive funding has been gained for the area.

I retain my involvement with the local residents association when council duties permit, (R.A.S.H). This group is a credit to the community of Ridge Hill, and are showing what can be achieved when the community pulls together.

Constituency Work

I enjoy offering advice to and representing the town’s residents and various organisations, social, sporting and religious. I attend all Ward meetings of Stalybridge Labour Party and I am a member of Stalybridge and Hyde C.L.P.

I am the Chief Whip for the Tameside Labour Group.

I campaigned for more security for local people and was delighted that CCTV has now been provided in a number of areas in our Ward.

Achievements During The Year

It is difficult to measure the different levels of achievement, but ones which give me greatest satisfaction, are where one is able to benefit constituents.

Ridge Hill has benefited tremendously from new investment this financial year with
A new multi-use games area at Stamford Park and Ridge Hill School, new play area at Arlies, new Heritage trail and book about the history of the Ridge Hill area, and increases in Police numbers on the estate this year has been a fantastic one for the area.

We are now seeing the town benefit from the substantial works taking place on the Longlands Mill site.

I was delighted to finally find a way of honouring the missing men of Stalybridge.
These men were never recognised on Stalybridge war memorial after the 1st World War and special thanks must go to Catherine Booth for her incredible dedication in righting a wrong.

Youth provision is still a growth area within our plans. It was great to see so many kids from Ridge Hill benefiting from new investment in the area.

We continue to have youth centres at Ridge Hill Baptist Church, the Civic Hall and St. George’s Church on the Hague, provided or supported by T.M.B.C.  Additionally the new sports centre at West Hill School now established has added boxing to its activities.

It was my honour to have supported Staley Cricket Club in their quest for a long term lease finally looking if we will finally achieve this. Through the D.A. we continue to sponsor this proud club and it’s wonderful to see so many kids playing the game. Sports clubs like Staley contribute so much to their community. 

Other Local Groups

I have attended meetings of Broadbent Residents Association in Carrbrook. This group runs the old Manchester side of Crowswood estate and it has been a pleasure to help them with a number of issues and as with R.A.S.H. they are great credit to their community.

The conservation and heritage group at Carrbrook village continues to be active and popular as also is the residents association based in Heyrod. 

Surgeries

Councillor Bernard Walsh, George Roberts and I continue to provide surgeries throughout our Ward on a regular basis as follows:-

• Stalybridge Civic Hall
• Keyhole Centre Ambleside
• Broadbent Community Office
• Stalybridge Labour Club

We have also held roving surgeries and coffee mornings with our M.P. James Purnell, which has been extremely productive and enjoyable. You can contact me by the website.

I would like to thank the electors of Stalybridge North Ward, my two colleagues and members of Stalybridge Labour Party for their continuing support.