We met some fantastic people and it was a pleasure to serve. I have many people to thank who have helped me in my political career to enable this to happen. They mentored me and gave me advice which has stood with me all my political life
As well as carrying out the duties of Deputy Mayor, which saw me being the busiest Deputy for some time due to the illness of the Mayor. I also remained the Chair of Heavy Woollen Planning committee and also took over the Chair of Huddersfield Planning committee half way through the year due to the incumbent also being unwell.
I also took up a position on the Strategic Planning committee, all in all a very busy year.
I look forward to taking over as the Mayor this municipal year.
The battle continues with the Mid Yorkshire Health Trust, to retain services at Dewsbury Hospital. The Trust seem to lurch from problem to problem; it is my intention to hold the Trust to account over the next year in the promises that they made, prior to the Government accepting their “need for change” initiative.
It is not acceptable and is dangerous for our community to lose so many high dependant services.
Participation at Full Council and Committees
Quite a strange year, being Deputy to the Mayor at Council Meetings. I tried to bring a little humour to the proceedings and being supportive when necessary, it was interesting being at the front of the Council after twenty years in the benches.
My work as Chair of both Planning Committees took up a tremendous amount of my time, dealing with ward and area based applications, meeting developers and driving policy changes on things like consultation, changes in policy, regeneration and housing targets and Government legislation.
My ward colleagues and I attend many tenants and residents groups, listening to local issues, anti-social behaviour problems waste and rubbish management and investment needs.
As a member of Dewsbury District Committee I have been successful in gaining financial support for many groups in my Ward, resulting in some much needed inward investment.
I supported local individuals and groups, one of which was the Dewsbury Sea Cadets, in a campaign to secure the future of the group.
Participation on Outside Bodies
I continue to be a member of Dewsbury Endowed Trust, Greenwood Homes Trust.
Ward Work
I have dealt with many individual cases in my role as Councillor, including:
- Traveller issues; I am happy to say that most of our areas now have some form of barrier to stop access by the Travellers
- I have worked tirelessly with developers of the Dewsbury Rams stadium to maximise community gain within the development at the Stadium, securing in excess of £1.2 million for our community.
Achievements during the year
There have been many achievements this year, the money spent on environmental improvements in Chickenley which has turned around a jaded estate, investment in the road network but by far my proudest achievement is becoming Deputy Mayor and representing my ward.
Ensuring Kirklees College brings back Construction courses to its Dewsbury Campus.
Winning and election both nationally and locally in our ward.
Members Surgeries
We continue to hold surgeries at Dewsbury Town Hall the first Friday in the month; street surgeries are also carried out.
We also ensure the residents of Dewsbury East are informed of many major changes within the Council to ensure they are aware of Government savings and cuts which can effect them.
We provide correspondence to ward members on various issues, consultation, investment, service changes, throughout the year.
We also attend many action committees and pressure groups.
Training
I continue to attend training on planning, regeneration, enforcement, finance and other subjects. This assists me in making knowledgeable decisions in line with Government changes.
