I was first elected in 1991 and have the pleasure & privilege  of firstly representing North Turton and after the 1997 boundary reviews North Turton with Tockholes This as you know is a rural ward covering approximately 50% of the Borough’s total area, with widely separate and quite independent villages in the Ward.  Our three junior schools are amongst the best in the North West and have all recently received excellent Ofsted reports, due to the enthusiasm of their staff and the support of the Governors and  PTA’s.

I know that over the past months the changes in waste collection have caused minor problems, but we are now exceeding the projected re-cycling figures, and this helps to keep the Council Tax to a low figure. My thanks for all you efforts.

The condition of our roads has been a concern for many years. In this years budget we have clearly identified monies to begin the road repair programme.

There are several projects underway in the villages, the upgrading of the playground at the Barlow Institute, the Community Orchard at Birches Road. The toilets on the Moss in Belmont are finally being rebuilt working in conjunction with the Parish Council.  By the time you read this the new play equipment and skateboard park on the Moss will be installed. Substantial sums of money have been raised from grants for the play equipment and towards the toilet rebuild.