10 achievements & Top 10 aims for Whaley Bridge & Blackbrook

I’ve listed a few of the things I’ve achieved specifically in Whaley Bridge and some of my priorities for the future.

I would welcome hearing from you about your priorities, so please do get in touch by using the contact form or sending an email to [email protected]

If you want a councillor who is independent, hard-working and there for you, please support me on 1st May.

10 Achievements for Whaley Bridge

1. Made sure there are free school buses from Whaley Bridge to Chapel High
2. Ensured DCC spent the £2.3m Safer Roads Funding for Long Hill with new safety barriers, the cycle route behind White Hall surfaced and average speed cameras due to help stop Whaley Bridge and Fernilee being used as a speedway route.
3. Persuaded Northern Rail not to proceed with charging for Whaley Station car park last summer. Sadly, High Peak Council have now collaborated for it to go ahead in future.
4. Liaised with the council and contractors over roadworks to inform and represent residents’ interests, including a shuttle bus for the duration of the rail bridge repairs.
5. Volunteering: I cook regularly for Whaley Bridge Churches Together Luncheon Club and help out at Whaley Bridge Food Bank when I can.
6. I successfully applied for grants for Elnor Lane Park and I help residents improve it. 
7. I pressed for new play equipment at Elnor Lane and Mevril Road parks – now planned.
8. I’ve been involved with Toddbrook Dam restoration since the start. I liaise with Kier and CRT and successfully pressed for the return of the old footpath from the foot of the dam to the football field and a new footbridge over the slipway by the play area.
9. Funding and advice to ensure 3 new defibrillators cover gaps around the Whaley area
10. My councillor grants included Footsteps community café, Whaley Food Bank, the Brass Band, British Legion, Whaley Bridge Juniors, Walking Football, Good News Church and the Uniting Church and a leaflet showing all local businesses.

My Top 10 aims for Whaley Bridge & Blackbrook  

It’s likely to be only 2 or 3 years until the next elections for a unitary council – probably covering North Derbyshire. My knowledge of services across Derbyshire will help me make the best case for new provision to be easily accessible from Whaley Bridge and Blackbrook.

If I am honoured to be elected again on 1st May, my priorities will include:

1. All beds in Whitestones Care Home being used, with more respite for family carers.
2. Supporting Peak Special School in Chinley with their proposed school expansion and plan for training up to age 25 including reopening the Branching Out Garden Centre.
3. The proposed improvements to Whaley Bridge Memorial Park being done. I will press for water levels to be low enough for a circular walk round Toddbrook reservoir.
4. Continue working with residents to improve Elnor Lane and Mevril Road play areas.
5. Better community transport so more isolated people can enjoy our great local groups.
6. The new Chinley Community Centre is fantastic. I’ll continue to support Furness Vale Social Club, Buxworth Club and Footsteps Community Cafe in their improvements.
7. Improvements to bus services, plus safe crossings and Real Time bus timing displays
8. Make sure the path from Forge Manor estate to Chinley Primary School is created.
9. A safe cycling and walking route on as much of the Peak Forest Tramway as possible.
10. Road safety: I’ll continue to push for improvements and Community Speedwatch for Whaley Bridge, using equipment from my councillor funding as the Chinley Group do.