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My name is Anne Fennell, I have been your ward councillor in Ormskirk West (Previously Scott Ward) since 2021.

It has been a pleasure to meet many of you on the doorstep when I am out and about door knocking this gives you the opportunity to tell me what matters to you.

The biggest issue is the roads, reporting potholes to Lancashire County Council is almost a daily task and reporting roads that need resurfacing to our County Councillor Nikki Hennessy. I am pleased to say that a small pot of funding has been accessed, Rutland Crescent has been resurfaced, Lonsdale Avenue is next on the list and I haven’t forgotten Hurlston Drive needs resurfacing too. I will continue to press for resurfacing of Green Lane and Southport Road.

There is good news for funding using the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL monies), this is collected from developers and is used by the council to deliver much needed projects.

West End Park will have £80,000 worth of improvements that will include fencing along the brook, tree planting and wildflower planting. The path from the playground to Heskin Lane will be completed. I am delighted that after 3 years of asking this work will be done this year. You will also have noticed that the collapsed bank has been repaired.

Whittle Drive playing field and the changing rooms will also benefit from CIL money together with improvements to Halsall Lane park.

Our environmental impact day (skip day as it’s known as by most of us) was well attended by residents who were able to bring their bulky household items for disposal. We will be having our next one in October so look out for this.

I know residents of Grimshaw Lane were disappointed that a tree on Whittle Drive playing Field had to be cut down as it had died and had become dangerous, this was the main consideration here. Following discussions with council officers, we ensured that the lost tree would be replaced with not one, but three, new trees. Residents for years to come will be able to watch these grow and mature.

This past year I have been the Portfolio Holder for Communities on the council, which has brought me in touch with many charities working in the borough. I was able to support several organisations and individuals with Community Chest Grants.

·        Churches Together £500 for their event in Coronation Park in June

·        Community Lives Matter £500

·        42nd Ormskirk Scout Group £500

·        Burscough Methodist Church £500

to name but a few.

I worked with our Community Connectors and Wellbeing team to deliver a fantastic initiative to help our residents this winter with WRAP UP WEST LANCS. This was a coat donation and distribution project to help residents who were struggling with the cost of living. Residents were asked to donate pre-loved coats at locations around the borough, we then had locations where they could be collected. Over 600 coats were donated so we were able to help lots of people across the borough. I was happy to support this by helping out on collection and distribution days and by promoting this on BBC Radio Lancashire. The initiative was a huge success, and we will repeat it again next year so look out for the posters advertising this.

This year as the Dementia Champion on the council, I have been visiting dementia choirs across the borough to see the marvellous work they do. I get the opportunity to have a sing and play some instruments. Please come along to Brookside in Aughton Street if you are experiencing memory loss or you are a carer for someone, it is very supportive, it’s free and you get a cup of tea and biscuits!

I do hope you can support me to continue to be your voice on the council, and vote for me on 2nd May.