During my election I said that politicians should put their money where their mouth is, they should be passionate about something, and importantly, have purpose.
In November, I delivered a heartfelt speech on mental health to Birmingham City Council, with them voting unanimously to update their suicide prevention plan. The following month I seconded a motion for the City Council to adopt a UK-wide strategy to support our veterans, this was also passed. In September I demanded Labour exempt private cars from their clean air zone, affecting the poorest, but unfortunately they voted it through anyway!
Road Safety has also been a major issue, and despite a rejected petition from the previous Councillor. I’ve following a more aggressive approach and can confirm that the highways budget is being carried over to install chicanes on Holly Hill road from next year.
The hedges have finally been cut back, the pot holes are (slowly) getting attention, Balaam Woods park has finally opened, CCTV has been installed to target fly tipping, and the derelict Cock Inn site has had planning permission approved for a care home, creating 60 new jobs for the area.
The only place I let residents down was the buses, but following an aggressive campaign I am pleased to announced they are returning the 61 to the back of Frankley from next year!
We also ran a successful media campaign to promote private security patrols in Hollymoor & Great Park to tackle the rise in burglaries. As predicted, the Labour PCC got involved to criticise me while your local Labour MP attempted to smear me in Parliament, only for the Home Secretary to point out that he voted AGAINST increased police spending! Since then, The West Midlands Police have increased overnight patrols in Frankley!
That’s right, not only have I completed all election pledges this year, but I’ve managed to get your Labour MP to do something!
Thanks to these achievements, I’m pleased to say the West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, will be coming to open a Skills Show right in the heart of Frankley next year! I promised I would work with businesses to bring jobs and opportunities to the area, and I am delivering!
Under Labour, people referred to this ward as ‘Forgotten Frankley’. Now you’re run by a Conservative, you are forgotten no more. I will continue to work all year round, to restore our local pride and put Frankley back on the map!
Together, we’re moving Frankley Forward!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Together, we will move Frankley forward!
Thank you once again for voting!