I was honoured to
be re-elected in the May 2015 local elections and would like to thank all those
who helped campaign for me, and especially those who voted for me – it is a
privilege to be a local councillor and I will always do my best for local residents,
even in these difficult times of cuts and austerity.
During the 2014/15
year, I continued to serve on the following committees:
- Labour Group
- Full Council
- Huddersfield District Committee
- Huddersfield Planning Sub-Committee
Crosland Moor & Netherton is a very
diverse ward, from rural farming areas to more deprived inner urban communities,
so our work as councillors is really varied.
Whilst my two ward
colleagues receive numerous queries from our Asian population, I tend to get
the most – particularly from the older residents who often find it easier to
communicate in our common language. I also assist my ward colleagues in dealing
with casework where language may be an issue by acting as an interpreter.
I run a small business which many locals use as an office as a way of
contacting me, and I have a room set aside in my shop for this purpose. Many
residents bring planning applications, passport or taxi license applications
for me to assist with which I am happy to do.
Other issues I
have been called upon to help with this year include:
- Domestic disputes
- Road repairs and potholes
- Housing issues
- Fly tipping
- Street lighting
- Cleanliness of local parks
- Bus services
- Dog fouling
- School appeals
- Benefit queries
- Parking issues
- Visa applications and immigration issues
I would encourage
residents with any issues to contact myself or either of my ward colleagues and
we will do our best to help. Many of you may know that last year I suffered two
slipped discs and was physically unable to attend many meetings and events, or
carry out visits. Although I still suffer with pain occasionally, I am now well
on the road to recovery and have been much more active this year, visiting many
residents in their homes.
Local councils are
under a lot of pressure at the moment with severe cuts by central government to
much of our budget, and we are seeing lots of problems get worse – from roads
which don’t get repaired as quickly, to increases in poverty and deprivation.
But Labour is committed to helping vulnerable people wherever we can and we
will always put residents’ needs first.
