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Notes:
WYRE FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT OF ACTIVITIES 2008/09
COUNCILLOR: Jeffrey Baker
WARD: Franche Ward
Activities
I have carried out my normal casework i.e. pot hole reports, areas that need to be cleaned up, including parks and open areas, liaising with the police on parking issues, and all the general things that come up in the Ward on a day-to-day basis.
I am a member of the Franche Tenants Association along with my fellow Conservative Councillor Mrs Anne Hingley. The Tenants Association meet on a two monthly basis where we discuss with tenants' representatives, park rangers, Police and other bodies, anything that is relevant to the Ward in general.
I also take part in a walk around the ward every so often where I note any problems i.e. vandalism, broken fences or smashed windows, etc, these things are noted and the necessary repairs carried out. These walks cover only the Council estates.
I am a member of the Franche Partners and Communities Together (PACT) committee. Councillors and police meet with local residents to try and find solutions to general problems that they have to deal with. These meetings are quite lively.
Council Activities
Community Services Committee
Licensing and Environment Committee - Chairman
Kidderminster Educational Foundation Committee
Kidderminster Town Centre Management Committee
Alcohol & Substance Misuse Review Panel - Chairman
The Carpet Museum Trust
Achievements During the Year
During the past year, I have been Chairman of the Alcohol and Substance Misuse Review Panel. This has been the most in depth and far reaching scrutiny review that I have been on since I was elected to the Council in 2004. The Committee interviewed many representatives from a wide spectrum of both alcohol and drugs organisations including the police and a representative that advised the schools regarding the drug problems. Nearly all the recommendations made by the Committee were accepted by the Community Services Scrutiny Committee.
I am pleased to have had a circular wall around a large tree repaired in my ward. Many of the bricks were broken and loose and they were being used as missiles by local youths. I paid for this out of my locally determined fund and I consider this amount of £600 to be money well spent.
I have been involved in the Talking Newspapers move to its new and permanent premises in the former St Barnabas School which is in my Ward. I made a cash donation to this very worthwhile cause and attended the opening ceremony on 14th March 2009.
I have also, in partnership with Councillor Anne Hingley, organised a petition against a phone mast that was planned for our Ward.
Members' Surgeries
I have had two surgeries during the year but I have carried out a number of home visits to listen to residents' views. I find these visits are more useful than surgeries where the attendance is usually very low.
Training and Development
Chairmanship 20/05/2008
Scrutiny 21/05/2008
CAIRO 01/09/2008
Annual Report as a representative on an
Outside Organisation – 2008/09
Name of Outside Body: Carpet Museum Trust
Meeting Commitment:
4 meetings during the past year
Meetings attended:
Attended 2.
Details of any topics of particular relevance to Wyre Forest District Council
Wyre Forest District Council is a trustee.
First stage 1 pass – £1.6 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
£75,000 had to be found by the trust for matching funding for stage 2.
The Educational Foundation Committee gave £25,000 towards this.
Details of any significant decisions made
To create the Carpet Museum, to get artefacts and carpet samples, etc, from the start of the industry to the present day and put them on display.
Details of any matters in progress
The preparation work of Stage 2 Heritage Lottery Fund is in and we should know the results in September. It is hoped that the Carpet Museum will open in the Spring of 2009.
Information on any allowances received undertaking this role
I have never claimed or received any expenses on my time on this committee.
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