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Notes:
WYRE FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT OF ACTIVITIES 2007/08
COUNCILLOR JEFFREY BAKER
WARD - FRANCHE
Activities
For the past 12 months I have been the Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, representing the Council at a variety of events and functions. This appointment has been very busy, and both my Consort (my wife Rita) and myself have spent time in locations all over Worcestershire. This does mean that the time for Council Committees and the time that can be given to these activities is restricted. My main focus to my Ward has been the improvements to the road structure, the roads in Franche were badly in need of attention and upgrading and this is now being done. I have spent many hours lobbying the County Council Highways Department to carry out much needed road repairs. I am a member of the Partnership and Community Together (PACT) Committee and have attended most of the bi-monthly meetings.
I am also a member of the Franche Tenants' Association Committee along with other Councillors from Franche and representatives of Council House Tenants, the Community Support Officers (CSO's) and Rangers. We also have a monthly walk around the Ward where problems can be seen at first hand, and then be dealt with accordingly. I have focused on keeping the ward clear of litter and dog fouling. This is a very difficult job, but our Streetscene team have done a great deal to keep the ward clean and tidy. In association with my colleague Councillor Anne Hingley, I have worked hard for extra facilities in White Wickets especially for the youth of the area. Plans are in hand and a multi-use games area is due to go onto the White Wickets site, this is badly needed and will be of great value to the youngsters in the Franche area.
Council Activities
Corporate Service and Performance Scrutiny Committee
Audit Committee
Newswyre – Member of Editorial Board
Outside Bodies
Town Centre Development Committee
The Carpet Museum Trust – This organisation is trying to set up a fully operational carpet museum on the Morrisons site in Green Street, Kidderminster. Representatives of various Carpet Committees past and present attend meetings held at the Carpet Foundation Offices in New Road. The Carpet Museum Trust is trying to make up a complete history of the Carpet Industry, and artefacts and samples are being collected and logged ready for inclusion in the new carpet warehouse. The Trust has forwarded a detailed and very comprehensive lottery grant request which will be required to carry out this major project.
Kidderminster Educational Trust – This body is made up of Councillors one from each party and handles requests from groups who have some association with education. Schools, religious groups, community groups and sports associations have in the past made applications. Organisations can only apply for a grant after 3 years from a previous application.
Kidderminster Town Centre Partnership – This group consists of Mr Peter Picken as Chairman, Steve Singleton from the Council, shop and business owners and representatives of various organisations ??? the Police, Disability Wyre Forest, and Wyre Forest Councillors and County Councillors. The main success this year has been the appointment of the Town Centre Development Officer to co-ordinate and devise new business applications in an attempt to kick start the regeneration of the Kidderminster Town Centre.
Achievements During the Year
Following persistent lobbying of the County Highways Department my main achievement during the past year has been enabling the resurfacing of many roads in the Franche Ward
Work on the roads started towards the end of 2007 and has carried on into 2008, much to the delight of the citizens of Franche Ward. The work is on-going and there is still much to do.
To be elected as Chairman of the Council was a major achievement, and I am proud to have been involved in such an eventful year. The highlight for me was being in Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 1st March 2008 for the inauguration of the new Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, this was an impressive ceremony which I was privileged to attend.
Together with my Consort Rita, I met the Duke of Gloucester at the Severn Valley Station at Bewdley and rode with him and other dignitaries along the Severn Valley Railway to Kidderminster. We were both delighted to be asked to ride on the first train on the line following the completion of the work after the disastrous floods, this too was a day to remember.
To take part in the carnivals of Bewdley, Stourport and Kidderminster was a great delight, also to be part of the switching on of the Christmas lights in all three towns was a privilege and a joy. This has been for me a memorable year which I will long remember. I have met many wonderful people and been to some memorable events, I hope I have represented the Wyre Forest as well as my distinguished past Chairman.
Members' Surgeries
4 Member Surgeries have been held during the year.
Training and Development
Groupwise 20/02/2007
Chairing Skills 28/03/2007
Code of Conduct 29/05/2007
Audit Training 20/06/2007
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills 04/07/2007
Personal Effectiveness 17/07/2007
Attendance Percentage for 2007/08
100%
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