North Middleton by-election - Jonathan Burns 'pitch'

Jonathan Burns

I am extremely pleased to have been chosen to be the Labour Party Candidate for the forthcoming by-election, and contest the seat previously held by hard working, dedicated Labour Councillor and campaigner Ian Robertson.

I have lived in Middleton all my life. I attended the Queen Elizabeth School, and went onto Higher Education to achieve qualifications in Media and Television Production, and later, in Youth and Community Work.

I have been actively involved in Middleton for many years, as a Youth and Community worker, volunteer, and as the Director of a well established Community Media Organisation based in the town.

Having worked in North Middleton, I am aware of the many issues affecting local people; these issues have become the focus of my campaign.

• I oppose congestion charging in Middleton.
• I oppose the Lib Dem Council proposed fortnightly bin collections.
• I understand the need for better recycling facilities and resources.
• I will support and encourage initiatives which cut crime and assist community policing.
• I will work hard to help combat anti-social behaviour of young people.
• I see the need for a cleaner and greener North Middleton and will work to help make this happen.
• I understand the difficulties people face in accessing local authority housing, and will campaign for better access to social housing.
• I am aware of the shortage of community activity for the young and old, and will work with the voluntary and community sector to improve local provision.

My experience of youth and community work and community activism puts me in a strong position to campaign, along with the two other Labour Councillors, Alan Godson and Maureen Rowbotham, to ensure that positive things happen for the community of North Middleton.

Labour has served the community of North Middleton well, providing opportunities for parents and families such as the Sure Start Centre in Boarshaw, supporting  local schools, and initiating the Police and Community Together scheme allowing the community to voice their concerns about crime and community safety; the addition of two children’s play areas on Brassey Street and Tennyson Road, cleaning up “grot spots” local people have identified, and the investment of Lottery Money to create two new multi-purpose sports pitches for young people in North Middleton.

As a Councillor I would also be part of Middleton’s Labour controlled Township Committee which is working hard to regenerate the community, the results of which are now beginning to show, such as the work starting on the spectacular new Middleton Arena due to open next year: the new facilities will offer local people fantastic shopping, leisure, and entertainment facilities as well as creating many new and much needed employment opportunities for local people.

If I am elected we would once again have a strong, full team of three Labour Councillors working in North Middleton. 

I am excited by the thought of working for local people, and being part of a great future ahead of North Middleton.