Councillor Roy Etchells

I am a native of Mossley in my ninth year as an Independent Councillor elected to serve on TMBC, CRB checked and hold a Child Protection Certificate.

Participation at Council Meetings and Panels

I have attended all Full Council meetings and currently serve on the Services for Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel, Children’s Services Panel, Children’s Care Committee, Community Safety Panel and Speakers Panel (Planning). I am a member of the Micklehurst Fair Share Panel and I am also the Spokesperson and Leader for the Independent Group.

Participation at District Assemblies

I am a member of Mossley and Stalybridge North District Assembly and am responsible for Community Safety.

Participation on Outside Bodies and Partnerships

I am Vice-president of Mossley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, Member of the Time of your Life Club, Mossley Town Council Steering Committee, Member of Friends of Mossley Park and have entertained at social events and also been Father Christmas for the younger children at several Mossley locations.

Constituency Work

I meet with residents groups to discuss and council primary building planning concerns on all developments in the town. I work with the Mossley Partnership Group involving New Charter, Mossley residents, Youth Club and Sure Start partners. I also work with the PACT group involving the Police, PCSOs, Patrollers, Youth Workers and New Charter officials, which meets monthly. Most important are our eight operational CCTV cameras, all this became quite positive in reducing anti-social behaviour in the town. I meet with Tameside Council Officers and Engineers on site, most of my constituent work is in person, telephone, letter, e-mail, surgery visits and Ward rounds. I distributed my allocated Ward funds to Mossley organisations.

Members Advice Surgeries

I hold my surgeries at All Saints Institute and the George Lawton Hall, my colleagues and I have covered 50 surgeries this year.

Training and Development

I have attended all special training sessions for 2010/2011. I attended the three day Building Schools for the Future presentations in 2009 and am pleased to see the completion and occupation of the building of the new Mossley Hollins School. The Council has received two awards for Member Training and Development, the North West Charter Member Development Level Two Exemplar Status and the Municipal Journal Regional Prize for Member Development.

Achievements during the Year

Being involved in the start and further achievements of the progress of the Farmer’s Market, but sadly through lack of public support, it has now been put on a trial period of six months in Stalybridge. After Mr Wilson and myself started the formation of the Friends of Mossley Park it is good to see the achievements that are being made. At the Partnership meeting held at the Mossley Youth Base I suggested that “Grow to Eat” allotments would be a good way forward on educating our youth on a green, eco-friendly future. This has moved forward and allotments are now in place and have received a grant of £30,000 over the next three years.

Summary

After being involved or consulted with the Mossley Steering Committee from the start in 1989 and being elected to Mossley Town Council from the onset of 1999, also being Mayor of Mossley 2000/2002 and 2005/2006, I retired from the Town Council in 2007 due to the work load and issues involved in being a Councillor for Mossley on TMBC. All the people that I have helped know my achievements with the service I have provided both on the Town and Borough Councils. During the last twelve months I have been in negotiations with the Leader and Cabinet Deputy (Lifelong Learning) to support the saving of a library in Mossley. I have one more year left to complete my Term of Office at TMBC. I am proud of the people of Mossley wanting to retain their independence. I firmly believe in true democracy and unless there are different parties (including independent) involved in decisions, democracy cannot be achieved.