Participation at Council Meetings and Panels

• During the year I have attended Council meetings on a regular basis to ensure the groups policies and the Hurst Ward residents concerns have been heard. I have led discussions at Full Council and responded to those I do not think are in the best interests of my constituents or the Borough.
• I am currently Chair of the Personal and Health Services Scrutiny Panel. During the year we have undertaken a review of the dental provision in Tameside; the dignity of care and cleanliness of the hospital following the damning report from the Coroner. My Panel has interviewed and scrutinised the work of the CEO and many Directors of the PCT and ACT. I am also a member of the Joint Mental Health Overview Panel.
• I am a member of the Tameside Council Overview (Audit) Panel that scrutinises all aspects of the Councils activities.
• I play an active role in monitoring the progress of the new Academy to be built in my Ward.
• I am the Opposition spokesperson for Community Safety.

Participation at District Assemblies

• I have attended all District Assembly meetings and brought forward the concerns of the residents of Hurst. This has ensured prompt responses from the Town Manager and appropriate action where necessary. When this has not been undertaken I have continued to raise the matter at future meetings and fought hard to keep constituent concerns in the foreground.
• I campaigned hard for Council assistance towards the Hippodrome Theatre.
• I have, and still do, actively encourage all constituents to attend the DA and voice their opinions.

Participation on Outside Bodies and Partnerships

• Committee member of SACRE (Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education) overseeing the teaching of RE in every school in Tameside.
• I am an active committee member on the Patient Reference Group.

Participation on School Governing Bodies

• I am an LEA School Governor at Broadoak Primary School.

Constituency Work

• I have played a lead role in raising the awareness of vandalism and youth annoyance within the Ward. I have regular meetings with the Police (PACT) and they have accompanied me on occasions at surgeries.
• This last year I have concentrated hard on matters relating to the Ward. My focus has been on improving safety in the area, whether this be concerning crime or physical features such as pavements and roads.
• I attended two public meetings (by invitation) to address the inappropriate attempt to build houses on Green Belt land causing over development.
• I have campaigned strongly to improve the safety of our roads and footpaths, especially where parking is concerned. Through this initiative extra funding has been provided to ease the problems around Mossley Road / Gorsey Lane.
• I have assisted sports organisations in the Ward to achieve recognition and future security. Ashton United F.C. / Ashton Rugby Club / Ashton Lacrosse Club.
• I ensured that over 100 senior citizens of Hurst enjoyed a Christmas lunch at Hurst Community Centre and have given support to the Youth Drama Group and the dancing classes.
• I have written, had printed and helped to distribute a regular Conservative newsletter, (Hurst First) to residents of Hurst, keeping constituents aware of my activities. (There have been over 12 issues since my election in 2004)
• I have accompanied residents when dealing with their concerns regarding the Council or New Charter.

Members' Advice Surgeries

• During the year I have held regular surgeries at Hurst Community Centre. These have been well attended and proved a valuable communication link with local residents. Through persistence I have been able to help many constituents resolve their complaints/concerns.
• When it has been difficult for residents to attend my surgery I have visited them at home to take their complaint forward.

Training and Development

• I have attended all training sessions relevant to the positions I hold within the Council. These have included IT training and Councillor Development sessions.

Achievements during the Year

• It has been a busy year in the Hurst Ward and I have been active in many areas. Resident Associations have grown and are performing well within the Ward. I regularly attend all meetings when invited.
• On at least two occasions persistent campaigning has led to a change in the Council’s outlook to their actions within the Ward.
• The Conservative group in Hurst is one of the strongest in the Borough and along with other members we have grown in stature gaining a lot of trust within the Ward.