Councillor Richard Ambler

Participation at Council Meetings and Panels

This last 12 months has been an extremely busy and active period in the Council with many extra meetings being called. Barring holidays I have attended all Full Council and Panel meetings to allow the voice of residents in Hurst to be heard. Subjects have ranged from dog fouling to serious breaches of mal-administration.

I remain active on the Personal and Health Scrutiny Panel and have questioned Executives and Directors of the Hospital and PCT. Although improving the standards are still not high enough and Tameside remains a poor area as far as health is concerned.

I am also a member of the Joint Mental Health Overview Panel which oversees the care of Mental Health throughout the West Pennine, Bury, Stockport and Rochdale regions. Major reorganisation is taking place and the panel ensure that the patients do not endure unnecessary disruption.

Participation at District Assemblies

Unless I have been on ‘official business’ I have attended all District Assemblies and raised concerns that have affected residents of Hurst. These have included planning applications, street and domestic waste and the general appearance of the Ward.

I have campaigned strongly for urgent improvements to our roads and footpaths which are in a dreadful state of repair due to long term under funding.

I liaise regularly with the Police and Fire Service.

Participation on Outside Bodies and Partnerships

I attend meetings with the Democratic Services Officer regarding major projects affecting the services offered to the Borough.

I am a member of the Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education which monitors the teaching of RE in all our schools and plays an active part in Faiths United.

Participation on School Governing Bodies

I am the Chair of School Governors at Broadoak Community Primary School. and work extremely hard to maintain the high standards the school has achieved, being recognised as one of the best in the Country.

Constituency Work

I have a good liaison with the local Community Police and Patrollers and they have willingly assisted to resolve and problems that have needed their involvement. I attend monthly meetings with the Police and Community Together group at Broadoak Police Post.

I have responded to many enquiries from my constituents and questioned Officers of the Council on their behalf. These have included tree pruning, fly tipping, planning applications, waste collection and concerns regarding housing associations such as New Charter.

I continue to campaign for the safety of our residents as far as traffic is concerned, especially in the vicinity of schools.

I try to assist local organisations and sports clubs and this last year have aided, Ashton United FC, the Brass Band competitions held at the two venues in my ward.

I have also contributed to various social and charitable schemes within my ward.

I am a very active member within my ward.

Members Advice Surgeries

During the year I have held regular surgeries at the Hurst Community Centre.

Since the cessation of advertising these surgeries attendances have fallen and I have taken more calls direct.

Through persistence and knowledge I have been able to help many residents improve the quality of their life.

I am quite willing and have, on numerous occasions, visited constituents at their home.

Training and Development

I have attended all training sessions that have been relevant to the positions I hold.

Achievements during the Year

Continual scrutiny of the health providers in Tameside including GPs, Dentists and hospitals.

Campaigning strongly for raising the standards of care, whether this be health or environmental issues.

Any other comments

A busy year in Hurst, not helped by the economic climate. We are all now well aware the next few months will be hard but we have made a start on the road to recovery and balancing the books. Tameside Council Executives have done extremely well in minimising the impact on Services and Staff.

I have applied myself to all residents and appreciate that a minor concern to one can be a major upset to another and I treat all as individuals.

My personal pledge is that I will continue to put the views of my constituents first and offer help and advice to all who ask.

I am always available for an enquiry or plea for help/advice.