Patricia Dale
Labour Party
South Middleton Ward
After retiring from a long career in teaching, in 2018 I was elected as a South Middleton Councillor. Having lived most of my married life in Rhodes and Alkrington, I recognised the issues which were important to South Ward residents. For the past four years I have been determined to make a positive difference to the ward, in any way I could.
During this time, I have listened to the concerns of residents and responded to them immediately. Just one example of this was when the Alkrington Post Office closed. Many residents told me that not having a local post office was making life difficult for them. After visiting a library in Leeds which ‘housed’ a post office, and seeing how successful it was, I was determined to ensure a post office would come to Alkrington Library. With the help of the Council and my Labour Councillor colleagues, Alkrington residents now continue to have a Post Office on their doorstep and the footfall to the library has increased. This is just one example of the work I have been doing which demonstrates the importance of responding to the needs of residents in a timely manner.
The last two years have been very challenging for all of us. The pandemic has meant that as a community we had to ‘pull together’. The amazing work of our Neighbourhood Hub ensured our vulnerable residents received the support and care they needed. With the magnificent help of the Council and the Independent Sector, it was a privilege to be able to contribute to these efforts.
I know that residents are now starting to feel the consequences of the ‘cost of living crisis’. Unfortunately, there is worse to come. I believe it is important that residents should have confidence in their elected members. They need to know that their concerns will be listened to and responded to. All three of your Labour Councillors have a proven record of supporting their residents.
Throughout the last year we have been working hard with the Council to introduce a twice yearly free collection of Bulky Waste. We also succeeded in bringing back Highways Repairs under Council control this month. This will mean that we will have greater control over the quality of the work.
Despite the challenges ahead, the future of Middleton is looking very positive. With my Middleton Labour Councillor colleagues, we have continued to work with the Council to produce a Master Plan for the future of Middleton’s Town Centre. The plan focuses on delivering new homes, commercial spaces, transport and environmental improvements. New walking and cycling routes will pave the way for the planned expansion of Metrolink to the town centre.
I, like my colleagues, am very excited by the plans and I hope all residents will take the opportunity to engage with the future consultation process. Everyone will have the opportunity to help determine the future of their historic town centre.
Finally, if I am re-elected, I will continue to support our local community groups which provide a rich variety of activities across the ward. I will continue to support my residents, to advocate for them and continue to play an active and visible role throughout the ward.
I am now asking the residents of South Middleton to put their trust in me again.
I would also like to urge residents to give their 3 votes to their local Labour Team, Patricia Dale, June West and Peter Williams on 5th May.
Thank you.
Patricia Dale
