Looking Back on 2024: A Year of Hard Work and Achievements
As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on what we’ve achieved over just the past six months (12 months would be just too many things):
Community Improvements
- Shinfield Road crossing will now go ahead after a long fight.
- Lib/Lab U-turn on scrapping litter bins following our call-in to scrutiny.
- Agreement to our motion for WBC to resist the massive, undeliverable increase in housing targets from the new Labour Government.
- Happy to get Jackie Rance elected in the Shinfield By-Election.
- Parking restrictions in Dunaways Close reached formal consultation after a 2+ year campaign.
- Earley Town noticeboard and bollards replaced at Hightree Drive.
- Liberals supported our motion on Winter Fuel Allowances (Labour didn’t).
- We proposed a motion to encourage schools to keep uniforms simple and reduce costs for parents, which was unanimously agreed. Local charities report increased school queries on uniform issues.
Sorted out a closed path in Shinfield.
Constructive Challenges
- Pushed Lib Dems to rethink plans to charge for free car parks.
- Wrote to the Chancellor on National Insurance increases and winter fuel payments.
- Scrutinized WBC’s budget and council plans to emphasize value for money.
- Challenged Hall Farm development proposals in the LD Local Plan.
- Questioned the LD exec member on Marefield parking, securing the promise of a temporary solution by year-end and a permanent one later. (24 hours to go!)
- More drug patrols in Whitley.
- Encouraged LinkedIn recruitment, and reduce use of expensive agencies, saving WBC money on hiring costs.
Also supported/attended some fun Community Events
- Christmas school carol concert
- Parliament Day Debate at Madejski Academy.
- Shinfield Charity Cricket Prize Giving.
- Sonning Show
- Earley Green Fair.
- Visits to the RE3 Recycling Centre and Earley Repair Café
- Addington tour and conversation with the Head and Chair of Governors (enlightening and touching)..
- Unveiling of the Earley quilt
- Laurel park FC community day
- Cultural celebrations like Srinivasa Kalyanam, Ratha-yatra Festival, and more.
Thank you to everyone who supported these efforts or invited me to attend. Together, we’ve made a difference, and I’m looking forward to building on these achievements in 2025!
#CommunitySupport #WorkingForYou #2024Reflections
In addition this year I have dealt with more than 6,000 council emails and very roughly 1,500 cases.