Failsworth Conservative News
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Failsworth News - 22nd June 2008
Cllr Barker attacks state of roads in Failsworth West
Failsworth West Conservative Councillor Ian Barker is calling for Oldham Council to invest some much needed cash into what he calls ‘quickly deteriorating’ roads in the ward. Ian is concerned there is a lack of investment in maintaining the roads of Failsworth West particularly when compared to the amount of funding that goes into neighbouring Failsworth East. He is particularly concerned about roads such as Farm Street, Marlborough Drive, Stott Street and Propps Hall Drive. Ian says, ‘I have identified these roads as being in dire need of attention with regards to maintenance and resurfacing. I am also going to be pushing for ‘appropriate’ safety measures on Lord Lane and Clive Road’.
It wasn’t too long ago that, under Labour administration, Oldham’s roads were labelled the worst in the country. Although the then ruling Labour party promised action Ian feels that Failsworth West has been forgotten. In comparison Failsworth East has benefited from cash to implement schemes on Roman Rd, Hibbert Crescent and Brierley Ave. There are future plans for improvements on Ashton Road East and in Woodhouses Village.
A particular bone of contention are past plans for safety measures in the Lord Lane area of Failsworth West. Ian has slammed the plans as ‘a complete waste of money’. He says, ‘The plans included traffic calming measures in excess of 40 road humps on Lord Lane. The residents said ‘no’’. There are now plans for a revised consultation in 2009/10 but Cllr Barker feels the new scheme should be proposed much sooner. He added, ‘I opposed the original plans along with residents even before I was elected. I feel that a new proposal should be made quickly after first consulting with residents for their opinions on what is ‘appropriate’. These views should then be taken into consideration when drawing up a new proposal. This would save time and money instead of going backwards and forwards between the Council and the residents.’
Lastly Cllr Barker said he was ‘appalled’ at the way that the Labour councillors of Failsworth West have allowed the roads of the ward to go without this vital investment for so long. He insisted he would leave no stone unturned in securing this investment for the long suffering residents of Failsworth West.
Article by Cllr Ian Barker (22/6/05)
Failsworth News - 22nd June 2008
Ian and Paul already claiming accolades in their role!
The time has flown since Paul Martin and Ian Barker were elected by Failsworth to be their Councillors. But what does being a ‘councillor’ mean?
A lot of people think that being a councillor is a passport to lots of expenses and perks at the tax payers expense. After Ian, who is also my husband, was elected I had lots of comments about being on the gravy train etc. At first I was shocked that that was peoples’ perception of local politics and politicians, but then when you pay the council tax we do and struggle to name your councillors or know the name of the ward you fall into I suppose it does look a bit ‘hit and run’. The truth for Paul and Ian is a lot less glamorous, but ten times more rewarding.
Each of them has been inundated with matters from residents on a wide range of issues. Some are new matters and others are long standing where promises of action from past Labour councillors have come to nothing. And the great news for residents all over Failsworth is that they are winning, through perseverance and sheer hard work. In future newsletters we will highlight some of these wins to reinforce our positive message of ‘Vote for a change’. In the cases they are dealing with currently the change is certainly being delivered.
This, for me, is the meaning of being a councillor, supporting those residents with concerns and contacting the right people within the Council to get things done. It is also about awareness of proposals that will affect residents and consulting them about them to ensure the best outcome is achieved for all. It is to recognise opportunities to improve the area and reduce problems such as anti-social behaviour and under age drinking. These issues are a worry for parents as well as the public at large.
Paul and Ian will not need to fill their newsletters with posy pictures and landmarks in future election newsletters as they will not have enough room due to the success stories they have played a part in achieving. As a future candidate for Failsworth East I have the pleasure in being part of this mini-revolution as I work alongside Paul in the ward.
Finally please do not hesitate to contact us with any issues that are currently affecting you, we will endeavour to do our best in representing you.
Article by Failsworth East prospective candidate Jenni Barker.(22/6/05)
Failsworth News - 21st June 2008
Cllr Ian Barker clean sweep for Queen Street
Failsworth West Councillor Ian Barker was contacted by residents regarding their growing concern surrounding the inaccessibility and general overgrown state of their back alley at Queen Street. One resident in particular who relies on a mobility scooter to get around was becoming housebound due to the problem. Ian took immediate action by contacting environmental services at the council.
As a result of his swift actions the back alley (pictured) has been cleared of its overgrown shrubs and is now perfectly accessible for residents. Other issues regarding accessibility have been addressed also.Ian said,"'As one of the first matters as councillor I am particularly pleased with this success. The positive response from residents on Queen Street has been rewarding and numerous other issues have been raised as a result. Residents have seen that they can rely on their Conservative councillor to get jobs done."
Article by Cllr Ian Barker (21/6/05)
Failsworth News - 16th June 2008
Cllr Ian Barker pictured at the clean up.
Failsworth East Councillor Paul Martin has submitted a petition to Oldham Council on behalf of the newly founded Woodhouses Allotments Association. The Association, headed up by Woodhouses resident Mr Geoff Boniface, invited Failsworth Conservative Councillors Paul Martin and Ian Barker to their inaugural meeting at the Woodhouses Working Men's Club seeking the support of the newly elected councillors. Over 25 residents have made a commitment to runnign a small holding as part of the new association. BBC's Gardeners world have shown an interest and are looking to cover the project from the start.
Councillor Martin says " I was honoured to be invited and to be asked by the Association to present their petition to the Council for land for Allotments in Woodhouses. The meeting was very well attended and I was very impressed with the enthusiasm shown for the project by all those present. They have my full support".
Article by Cllr Paul Martin (16/6/05)
Cllr Paul Martin pictured with residents
Failsworth News - 10th June 2008
Youths rampage on Lord Lane playing fields
Paul Martin digs in for allotments!
Lord Lane playing fields have suffered yet again at the hands of yobbish behaviour by youths. Up to twenty underage drinkers showed a complete disregard for anyone when they embarked on a 3-hour drinking rampage on our local playing fields. They were observed by residents drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. They also started two fires, one of which was close to residents and could have easily endangered property. The youths are also alleged to have indecently exposed themselves whilst vandalising residents' fencing. One angry resident said he called the police and claim they never attended. “We telephoned the police several times and they told us that officers had had a word with the youths at 6:30pm. We never saw anyone, and if they did call why not move them on?”
Conservative Cllr Ian Barker, who visited the site on Monday 9th June said “It’s not pleasant for residents. I have re-visited the site and an urgent clean up has taken place”. Ian has been in touch with the emergency services regarding the issue. He added “The Police did call out, but at the time the youths were playing football so the they didn't feel the need to question the them. Later in the evening the fire service attended and dealt with two fires on the fields and faced strong verbal abuse. This is simply not acceptable.”
He urged parents to support the community by ensuring they keep tabs on their children and ensure that they are not taking part in these kinds of activities, 'If I found my son or daughter was involved in this I would be mortified as I'm sure would the parents of the youths who were involved on this occasion.'
Ian will be visiting the playing fields regularly to make sure that if this kind of behaviour occurs again it is dealt with promptly.
Article by Cllr Ian Barker (10/6/05)
Failsworth News - 7th June 2008
Flats are passed, but only on the condition we get the community centre we have been promised
Cllr Ian Barker has been contacted by residents in relation to the outline planning application for 150 apartments as part of the proposed new Failsworth District Centre. They have been very concerned by the recent press reports not making mention of the proposed new community centre.
We would like to reassure concerned residents that the planned apartments at Failsworth District Centre will only happen IF we get a new community centre and when the plans for the new community centre have been submitted to planning and passed. These conditions were stated on the application planning notes but to make absolutely sure the conservatives still asked the representative of the applicant for reassurances that the condition of the community centre was there and concreted. It is a worry as instances have occurred in the past where conditions of planning consent have been overlooked. Geoff Willerton (Head of Planning) and Cllr Hindle (Planning Chair) also confirmed that this condition would have to be honoured.
In summary as far as we are concerned the apartments will not be constructed without a new community centre.
Article by Cllr Ian Barker (7/5605)
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