Dylan Williams
Labour Party
East Middleton Ward
A BIT ABOUT ME. As the election is fast approaching I wanted to tell you a bit about me personally.
I have lived in Middleton since birth to present- all of my life (I am 26 this year). I absolutely love our town and am proud to be from Middleton, Manchester.
I grew up on York Road West on the council estate part of Alkrington and I know what it's like to go through hard times and not have much money growing up.
I got my first full time job at 16 as an apprentice in social housing initially starting off on the phones dealing with housing repairs and neighbourhood nuisance.
During this time I was also a full time carer for my grandmother who had dementia who sadly passed away. This was very challenging but taught me lots of life lessons.
In the past 5 years I have been working still in social housing, but specifically homelessness. I've also always been active in my union unite, of which I've served as a trade union rep for a number of years.
I became a councillor just under 2 years ago for East Middleton. Contrary to what some people may think I still have to work full time as well to pay my bills as you don't get paid a wage as a councillor, it's voluntary with a fixed allowance. This is why I and other councillors who aren't retired do most of our case work at evenings and weekends. We don’t get paid like MPs do.
As councillors, unlike MPs we can only deal with LOCAL issues. Sometimes that’s frustrating but I don’t let this get in the way with dealing with the local smaller issues I’m here to deal with.
I've also started to chair and run the Jumbo Social Centre, Middleton Junction and made a big difference there too, but especially the youth club I've started every Friday and all the other activities that we do.
I am very proud to represent East Middleton Ward as it's where I grew up and I know like the back of my hand. I'm also proud that I've knocked on every door over the last 2 years, not everyone has been home but me and Terry have done lots of knocking.
I’ve spoken to so many residents and helped so many people with their issues that matter to them since being a councillor, this really has been the best part of the role- being able to make a difference and help my local community.
I want the very best for our local area and I fight for the very best for East Middleton- Alkrington East, Middleton Junction, Moorclose, Mills Hill, Baytree and Tonge every single day. In less than 2 years I've started to make a real difference and if you give me 4 more years I will do so much more to improve our area for the better.
These are some of my pledges I want to make to you if I am relected on the 2nd May:
IMPROVED PARKS AND OPEN SPACES- I will fully resurface all of the paths in Wince Brook Nature Reserve and Penrhyn Park. I will also get more play ground equipment put in our 3 play parks- King George V, The Downs and Kirkway. Including bringing formal sports provision back to King George's Park and bringing the old Bowling Pavillion back into use.
CRACK DOWN ON CRIME & ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR- I will continue to work with GMP, Community Safety and partner organisations in East Middleton. Attend meetings with the Police Chiefs insuring they are tackling crime. Maximise the use of deployable CCTV in the worst affected areas, stand up for my residents and also continue monthly PACT Meetings.
FIXING OUR ROADS & PAVEMENTS- I will get multiple roads and pavements repaired and fully resurfaced. Continue to fix potholes and uneven flags. Replacing broken/ faded signage and also re-paint faded road markings.
CLEAN AND TIDY WARD- I will continue to keep our ward clean and tidy. Keeping the Council on their toes. Improved street cleaning, grass cutting, tree pruning, more litter bins, deep cleans and tacking weeds/ overgrown vegetation.
BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORT- I will continue to campaign and push hard for better bus services in our ward as we join the new Bee Network, increased frequency of busses and improved routes. I will also campaign and lobby for a return to half hourly services from Mills Hill Train Station.
GOOD YOUTH SERVICES & COMMUNITY FACILITIES- I will continue to run the East Middleton Junior Youth Club, make sure the council continues to provide full time youth provision at Spring Vale Youth Zone and also push for more detached youth work across the ward. I will also continue investment into Junction Library and Jumbo Social Centre insuring they are both vibrant community facilities following the huge improvement works I secured.
ACTION FOR LOCAL BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT- I will work with the RDA and Council to help local businesses in East Middleton. I will also work with the RDA and Councils Teams to improve employment opportunities, including helping residents access help in securing employment, apprenticeships and support upskilling to higher paid jobs.
Thank you for taking the time to read my message, Dylan.
A Middleton lad standing up and working hard for East Middleton. Providing ACTION not words all year round. Vote Labour Dylan James Williams on Thursday 2nd May.
