I would like first of all to mention
Cllr Molly Walton, who has retired this year. It has been an honour to work
with Molly since I was elected in 1999, and she will be missed in the community
and on council. I wish her all the best in her retirement.
During the 2015/16 year, I have
served on the following committees:
- Labour Group
- Full Council
- Huddersfield District Committee
- Huddersfield Planning Sub-Committee
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.
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
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.
