Dear Constituents
Here is my December newsletter to keep you informed on the work that I have been doing supported by Birley Ward Labour Candidate for the next election Matt Dwyer:
Monday 4th December – I am a member on the Licensing Sub Committee. Three councillors are required to hear cases each Monday and Tuesday. I was part of the committee hearing cases on this date.
Tuesday 5th December – At 5 pm I attended the Birley Health Centre Patient Participation Group. It was followed by a quick dash home to join the South East Local Area Committee informal meeting online. This is a meeting for elected Councillors only where we receive briefings from Council Officers and discuss issues relevant to the South East.
Wednesday 6th December – Full Council meeting. I seconded the amendment to continue to encourage our communities, partners and all of us here today in supporting the development of the city’s new Cohesion Framework. This gave me an opportunity to give examples of the great work that takes place in the Birley ward. How the community came together to keep open our two libraries that are both run by volunteers and offer warm and welcome spaces for all. Also the development of the S12 Community Pantry that has quickly become a community lifeline, offering much needed support, activities and advice – where everyone is welcomed.
Saturday 8th December – Myself and Matt Dwyer attended the Frecheville Library Christmas Fair.
Monday 11th December – I visited Charnock Recreation Ground car park as I had received a complaint from a resident about the pot holes. This is an unadopted road. I went to check on the work that had been done. Road plannings had been used to fill the holes but with the amount of rain this had been swept away. I am now working with various partners to see what can be done.
This visit was followed by the councillors monthly surgery 2-3 pm at Gleadless library.
Tuesday 12th December – As a member of the Communities, Parks & Leisure Committee I attended the meeting. During discussions around libraries I used Frecheville library as an example of how it has become a community hub and is valued by the local community. This was picked up and reported on by The Star newspaper
Sunday 17th December – Myself and Matt Dwyer were out door knocking on the Birley estate (Steven Mangle Close and Newstead Drive) and picked up concerns including a request for seating at Birley Lane tram stop, a suggestion for less grass cutting and more wild flowering, anti social behaviour around the tram stop and worries about pupils safety when crossing roads particularly in winter months. These have all been reported through to relevant partners and departments.
Monday 18th December – I attended a meeting at Birley Primary Academy along with Councillor Denise Fox to discuss the results from the recent survey on the parking issues around the school and the next steps. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who responded. We will be contacting those who said they would like to be part of a working group shortly.
Tuesday 19th December – Myself and Matt joined the volunteers at Scowerdons Pantry for an early 8 a.m. start to help set up for their Christmas event.
At 4 pm we returned to Scowerdons Community Centre Youth Club to hear them sing Christmas carols followed by their Christmas disco.
Wednesday 20th December – I popped into Hackenthorpe Community Centre to see those attending the lunch club who had been successful in putting in a bid for funding to the Birley Ward pot.
If you have concerns please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Birley Ward Labour Candidate for the next election Matt Dwyer.