Beth Sharp

Cllr Beth Sharp  – St James’ Ward

MY WARD PRIORITIES

As a resident of the St James’ Ward I have seen firsthand the concerns resident face.

I want to ensure a strong voice for all residents with any of their issues from protecting our green belt, to cleaning up our streets and road safety.

Training completed          

·         Safeguarding through Barnardo’s

Work in the community

I was elected to serve the St.James’ ward as a Conservative Councillor in May 2021 and the Conservative Council group elected me as their Deputy Group Leader.

Since my election I have spent time familiarising myself with the workings and procedures of the Council to help me better serve the ward.

I serve as the substitute on the Health Scrutiny Committee, the Policy Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

I am the Shadow Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Employment and Enterprise and meet regularly with the Director and Officer Lead to discuss matter relating to the wider portfolio.

I have attended training on safeguarding.

I have attended Planning Committee meetings and spoke on behalf of residents regarding applications in the ward.

I deal with casework from residents across the ward and hold monthly street surgeries which I advertise in advance. I also carry out ward walks and report any issues found to Council.

I have spoken in Council on matters relating to the ward and on opposition business relating to the Town Centre proposals in an attempt to ensure funding allocated to Oldham Council through Central Government is used wisely and not wasted.

I have met with officers in various departments regarding issues across the ward, such as the derelict sites in Derker. I will continue to work to ensure the £6.5 million funding from Central Government to commence building on Abbotsford Road meets the aspirations and needs of the community. I have also secured commitment from the Chief Executive that the promised meeting with residents to discuss these plans will take place soon.

I recently organised a community meeting with residents from Moorside and Sholver and GMP. This has resulted in a further meeting to set up a Home Watch Group for the area. A similar meeting is to be held for residents of Derker and Watersheddings and GMP.

I have also worked with a local community group to submit a bid to the Local Improvement Fund to develop a much-needed community facility at the Sacred Heart Church building in Derker. Sadly, this was not supported, and the building remains empty and unused. I will continue working with the community to achieve this facility.

Since May 2021 I have attended several community social events from coffee mornings to a Christmas sing along. I have also used the community budget allocated to me to fund Christmas decorations for the three Care Homes across the ward, supporting events such as the Flower Show at Sholver Community Centre and summer activities for families in Stoneleigh Park.

I will continue to work hard in the next municipal year to ensure that the concerns and need of St.James’ residents are met and resolved without delay.

Contact me

E: beth.sharp@oldham.gov.uk

Surgeries

I have carried out monthly ward street surgeries since I was first elected.