Councillor Vincent Ricci

Participation at Council Meetings and Panels

I have attended all Full Council meetings during this municipal year and have continued to serve on the Speakers Panel (Planning), where planning and highways matters are discussed/considered for approval. I have also served on the Overview (Audit) Panel which provides dialogue between the Executive and Scrutiny and overviews the Council’s budget and service delivery. I hold the position of Chair of this Panel and I have attended all meetings, in addition to briefings and interviews carried out in this capacity.

Participation at District Assemblies

The District Assembly continues to be very popular and well attended. I have attended six meetings of the Assembly in this municipal year. It has proved an excellent forum for giving local people an opportunity to raise areas of concern.

Participation on Outside Bodies and Partnerships

• New Charter Housing Trust – Chair of the Building Company and New Charter Operations Committee. We meet on a monthly basis to discuss reports on repairs and maintenance, voids and financial matters;
• Member of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund Management Panel.

Participation on School Governing Bodies

I continue to serve as a Governor at Russell Scott Primary School and have attended meetings during the year. I am very pleased to report that the nursery facility has now opened and I am sure that this will prove invaluable to the local community.

Constituency Work

• Homewatch meetings – I continue to be involved with Fairlea Drive, Taylor Lane and Broomfields Residents Associations. Joint meetings are held with the Police and local residents regarding issues of concern, including environmental improvements and crime prevention matters.
• PACT Meetings – I have attended meetings with the Police and PCSO
• Ward meetings – I continue to report monthly to the Ward about ongoing work and developments in the area and to discuss any issues of concern. I have attended eight meetings this year.
• District Labour Party meetings – I have attended five meetings
• Constituency Labour Party meetings – I have attended six meetings. Both provide the opportunity to discuss current and future Labour Party issues.

Members Advice Surgeries

I hold an average of five surgeries per month, which I attend with my Ward colleagues, at venues across the Ward. I continue to ensure that I deal promptly with all issues of concern raised by residents.

Training and Development

I have attended several of the training courses offered to members as part of the Member Development programme, including the new Local Government Bill and Corporate Governance (the model Code of Conduct) and Greater Manchester Pension Fund. I have also attended seminars as a member of the New Charter Housing Trust Board.

Achievements During the Year

• Christmas Lights Switch-on – This was repeated again in 2009. It was an enjoyable evening which was well attended. It was a real community event with Carmel Christian Centre’s Jigsaw Club leading the carol singing. We had contributions from Denton Brass Band, Egerton Park Arts College’s Salsa Band and a spectacular firework display. The Mayor of Tameside was there and of course…Santa!
• Crown Point North – The retail park which opened in 2004 has attracted a number of major stores to the area and it continues to be a major success story for the town.
• Band Stand, Victoria Park – The refurbished band stand was re-opened following an investment of £80,000 to restore it to its original glory.
• Opening of Denton Civic Square.
• Additional funding spent on Victoria Park and play area and I am very proud that the park has once again received a Green Flag Award
• I continue to work closely with my constituents and am able to meet with people on a regular basis in the community centre.
• We continue to provide the Electorate with regular information regarding local issues via regular news letters/leaflets.