This, the first of many newsletters, conveys to you news from the front line. It will attempt to put you in the picture concerning current issues affecting this ward.
Attendance at Parish Meeting
Short of illness or holiday I have successfully attended all Parish Council meetings. This has been invaluable. My support to your parishes will be increasing more relevant with the implementation of the Localism Bill. Attendance has also yielded issues from local residents; issues far beyond the scope of the parishes. Your attendance to your local parish meeting is encouraged.
Broadband
For the County to function economically it desperately requires better broadband connection. I run a business from home; I too am suffering. The Council will be addressing this need.
Rural needs
I sit as a member on the Rural Members forum. This is a group of rural based Councillors committed to highlighting and addressing needs specific to our rural locality. Issues for discussion have so far included: fuel poverty, schools, bus service (or lack of) and the isolation we all feel with regard to decisions taken in the town and city (e.g. parking charges).
Road defects / Unofficial lay-bys / Road side tipping / Poorly marked junctions / Speeding
Hot on my agenda is an attempt to remedy the state of our ward roads. Unfortunately we are suffering from decades of neglect and poor or little investment. The £2.4m advance from central government has done little to dent the problem. I currently have several high priority issues with Amey and one with the Police – issues I intend to see through to resolution.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
I am a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This has given me sight to the mechanics of our Council on topics such as school transport, car parking charges and planning. I am focused on ensuring we achieve value for money that you and I expect from your Council. This is my goal.
Ward surgery
Consideration has been to stage ward surgeries to allow you to voice your concerns to me in person. A better solution to be tested is for me to attend the currently staged PACT meeting at the village shop, Weobley. The dates for the next foreseeable future are listed. I will be in attendance between 9:30am and 10:30am:-
Thursday, 2nd February
Thursday, 1st March
Thursday, 29th March
Thursday, 26th April
A closing comment
I came to this role with the intention to be proactive. I did not merely decide to be your Councillor simply for the title. If you have any comments or concerns that you wish to be on my agenda please do not hesitate in contacting me.
COUNCILLOR MJK COOPER
Golden Cross with Weobley Ward
01544 318001
Latest Eardisland News
