Focus on Littleborough: Littleborough Lakeside Councillors

Peter Evans

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Have you ever wondered why your local councillor became a councillor? Or what they did before they took up the role, or even what their hobbies are?

Fear not, as part of Rochdale Online’s Focus on Littleborough reporter Laura Wild has caught up with Littleborough Lakeside’s Councillors to find out a little bit more about them.

Here is the first instalment which focuses on Littleborough and Lakeside Councillors, Peter Evans, Rosemary Jones and Stephanie Mills.

Peter Evans, 70, has been a councillor for Littleborough Lakeside and for the past 15 years.

Councillor Evans has lived in Littleborough for over half his life, he moved to the area 37 years ago.

As life stories go Councillor Evans’ is a tale of many events, many achievements and various career changes.

Throughout his life Mr Evans has worked in communications, as a police officer and also in finance.

Councillor Evans became involved with the council, following his involvement with the funding issues at Smithybridge School a number of years ago, because of his knowledge in finance Councillor Evans helped to explain information to parents when he was a parent governor at the school, it was suggested he become a councillor, and as they say… the rest was history!

Councillor Evans has engaged in numerous tasks as a councillor, and at 70 years old he is still learning.

“The more you know the more you realise you don’t know,” is a favourite saying of the long standing councillor.

Speaking about his role as a councillor, Mr Evans said: “Doing the little things for people who deserve it, to see the joy in peoples faces, is so rewarding, it is phenomenal – you can’t buy it.”

Councillor Evans has four children, his eldest son is a Doctor of Physics, his second son is an RAF pilot, his daughter studied psychology and his youngest son studied Chemistry.

Rosemary Jones, 69, has lived in Littleborough for 38 years and has been a councillor for 12 years.

She was asked to be a councillor by former Littleborough Councillor Colin Bleach.

“I found it an honour to be asked by Colin, I greatly respected him and his advice and knowledge and all the work he has accomplished – so I took his advice and became a councillor.

“I very much enjoy it, but it is hard work because I am never away from it my phone can ring between 6.30am and 11.30pm. But, I know, as a Councillor that I am helping people and that is my main forte.”

Councillor Jones said one of the highlights of her time as a councillor was working to have a skate park in the area, her task began 8 years ago and with the help of various people throughout the council a skate park was built in Hare Hill Park 4 years ago.

“It is very well used, of course it wasn’t totally my doing, but I instigated it and I must thank all the council officers for their help.”

Aside from being a councillor, Ms Jones was a foster parent for many years, over that time she has 21 foster children.

Councillor Jones is a cat lover; she enjoys gardening, making jam, baking cakes, going for walks and writing letters.

“I am very lucky to live in Littleborough,” she said, “My favourite thing in Littleborough is the people.”

Stephanie Mills was elected as a councillor for the Littleborough Lakeside ward at this year’s local election.

“I decided to be a councillor as a result of being a member of the friends of Hollingworth Lake group. I felt the need to speak up for Littleborough Lakeside.

“I am enjoying all the new challenges and meeting all new people and trying to help them with their issues,” said Councillor Mills.

After just a few months Councillor Mills said the constant issues that come up are pot holes, dog fouling and litter.

The highlight for Councillor Mills, since May, was being invited to the Rochdale Borough Sports Awards at the Middleton Arena

“It was great to see people from across the borough receiving their awards,” said Councillor Mills.

Councillor Mills is a keen horse rider and described herself as “lucky” because she rides horses for a living as well as it being her hobby.

“I also enjoy swimming but I don’t have a lot of time at the moment. I am looking forward to the central baths being built as that will be a nice facility.”