Participation at Council Meetings and Panels

I have attended all Full Council Meetings and spoken on behalf of Waterloo residents.

I am Deputy Chair of Resources and Sustainable Communities Scrutiny Panel, a role I enjoy because I feel that Scrutiny makes a real difference in improving our services.

I also serve on the Speakers Panel (Planning), where by careful consideration of planning applications, I feel that I can make a positive contribution to development in Tameside.

Participation at District Assemblies

I have attended all Ashton District Assemblies, where I feel that people can have a say in their local community affairs. Members of the District Assembly make sure that the environment is cleaner, greener and safer for all our residents.

Once again I have been the District Assembly representative for Community Safety, working with the Police, Patrollers, Fire Safety Officers and the Council’s Community Safety Unit to improve safety across the borough.

Participation on Outside Bodies and Partnerships

I have been appointed as the AGMA (Association of Greater Manchester Authorities) representative on the DIGM (Dance Initiative Greater Manchester) Board. A body set up to promote dance for all ages and abilities across the region.

Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Trust.

I am a Non-Executive Director of Tameside and Glossop PCT – a role in which I can use my experience as a Tameside Councillor to help improve local health services.

Participation on School Governing Bodies

I am Chair of Governors at Stamford High School – LEA governor. I have been very involved in the Building Schools for the Future programme and the development of the new Ashton Academy which will benefit the education of young people of Ashton in future years. When the Academy begins in September 2008 I shall look to join another local school governing body.

Constituency Work

I am always available to listen and help people. With my colleagues in Waterloo I have helped many constituents with problems they were experiencing.

I attend local residents groups and the Waterloo PACT (Police and Communities Together) meetings.

With CouncilIors Piddington and Whitley, we have jointly distributed our Ward funds to help local groups across Waterloo.

Members' Advice Surgeries

Along with Councillors Whitley and Piddington, I hold two surgeries each month, one at Taunton Sunday School (First Monday of the month 6-7pm) and one at Store Street Children’s Centre (First Saturday each month 11am-12noon). My colleagues and I deal with all the many problems constituents bring. We also walk the Ward and talk to residents. We will be holding more street surgeries this coming year.

Training and Development

I have attended Scrutiny seminars, TMBC Councillor training sessions and many other training courses.

Achievements during the Year

My chief role as a Councillor has been working for Waterloo constituents and I feel that I have worked hard for the people of Waterloo and carried out my role as Councillor to the best of my ability.

Some things I am working on with my Ward colleagues:

• Getting funding and developing plans to improve Waterloo Park, including the Neighbourhood Centre, the Bowling Green and children’s play facilities
• More traffic calming and 20mph zones
• More environmental improvements across Waterloo – we have secured funding and work will be completed Spring 2008 on Taunton Brook
• Improving roads and pathways

I am delighted that the new Children and Family Centre on Store Street has opened, this brings better early years support for our local children and parents. We are hoping that it will open its doors to wider community use.