Participation at Council Meetings and Panels

• During this last year I have attended many Council meetings to ensure the views of Hurst residents are voiced. I have opened discussions at Full Council on issues such as the Hippodrome, crime figures, weekly rubbish collections and the budget.
• I remain Chair of the Personal and Health Service Scrutiny Panel and this year we have examined the safety of Tanning Salons, the areas of weakness that concern patients at the hospital as well as embarking on a major review of obesity within the Borough. We have interviewed many people who have a direct bearing on the care being given, including the Chief Executive and the Director of Nursing.
• 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.
• I receive updates on the progress of the new School Academy being built in my Ward.
  I am a member of the Overview Panel which scrutinises all aspects, especially the financial side of all Council activities.
• I am the opposition spokesperson for Community Safety and receive the true crime figures for my Ward and the Borough.

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 continued, in vain, to campaign for the retention of the Hippodrome. 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. The current discussion revolves around a North of England burns care unit and involve location and finance.
• 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 an LEA School Governor at Broadoak Primary School.

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 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 F.C., the Brass Band competitions held at the two venues in my Ward.
• I have also contributed to the successful Christmas lunch for over 100 citizens in and around Hurst. 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.
• These have been well attended and proved a valuable link with residents of Hurst Ward. 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. These have included trips to London as well as local in house training sessions.

Achievements during the Year

• I organised the Public Meeting at the Broadoak which involved many e-mails and telephone calls to the Post Office to ensure their attendance. It was imperative they witnessed the feeling of local residents. I invited our M.P. and other Councillors to show a united front. History shows it was a successful campaign.
• I attend all Residents Meetings when invited to do so – these are an invaluable source of local knowledge.

• I encourage all constituents to attend Council Meetings, (Full and DA) whenever possible to witness how decisions are made.

Any other comments

• A busy year in Hurst, not helped by the economic climate. I have applied myself to all residents and accept that a minor concern to one can be a major upset to another and I treat all as individuals.