| 
This
page icovers some of my recent major achievements covering
community development, the local economy, well-being of residents,
healthcare, education and social care.
But
I still believe that other issues to do with anti-social behaviour
(not only by the young but also adults e.g. dog-fouling and
inconsiderate driving and parking), car parks and their charges,
pot-holes in the road and uneven pavements are also important
matters to residents of the area.
Meanwhile
here is a selection of areas where I have been active in recent
years:
- I
have led a very successful campaign to bring vital Broadband
internet access to the area for home use, working from home
and tele-working - improving prospects for local employment.
- I
have established the non-political Brook Farm Residents
Association to protect and promote local interests. It is
thriving and now the largest residents association in Suffolk.
(see www.bfra.org.uk)
- I
have recommended the formation of a local charity to promote
local arts and recreation.
- I
have established a social enterprise to support the personal
development of young adults with additional needs, making
the transition from school and college into local employment.
(see www.pastel.org)
- I
havealso previously campaigned vigorously
(including becoming involved in legal processes) to help
save the proposed new Saxmundham and district “One-Stop”
Health & Social Care Centre - which was being threatened
by the local Primary Care Trust, refusing to part-fund thei
share!
- I
left the Saxmundham Town Council to help set up The Saxmundham
& District Community Interest Company (SADCIC), being
encouraged and supported by Suffolk Coastal Distict Council.
I became a founding volunteer director of this social enterprise,
established to help regenerate Saxmundham and help make
it a vibrant and thriving town and provide a social and
community centre. (see www.saxcommunity.co.uk)
- I
have helped Mid Suffolk District Council develop a Community
Interest Company and Business Plan to secure the long-term
future of Wingfield Barns - as a place of entertainment
and culture for the local community. This experience will
help SADCIC with their proposed Saxmundham Community Enterprise
Centre.
(see www.wingfieldbarns.com)
Being
a local councillor should not mean only getting involved with
designated local authority matters. Residents can become confused
with the number, type and tiers of local authorities. If I
can help cut through the bureaucracy, I will do my best -
whether directly or indirectly.
Here's
a guide to how the local 3-tier system of local authoriies
works:
Suffolk
Coastal District Council deals with a number of services including:
- waste
and recycling collection;
- planning
and building control;
- housing;
- housing
and council tax benefits;
- sport
and leisure;
- community
safety;
- environmental
health;
- public
conveniences;
- street
cleaning;
- car
parks and CCTV;
- business
support and development;
- coastal
protection;
- abandoned
vehicles; and,
- cemeteries.
They
work closely with a number of partner, community and voluntary
organisations, from Suffolk County Council and parish councils
to local social enterprises and the Police.
Suffolk
County Council mainly deals with:
- education;
- social
services;
- roads
and transport;
- births,
deaths and marriages;
- fire
and rescue;
- libraries
and archives; and
- trading
standards.
Saxmundham
Town Council looks after facilities such as:
- allotments;
- park
benches; and
- some
playgrounds.
Use
the "Contact" page to ask my views, involvement
and action in a matter of interest to you. |
