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Coventry City Council

Question: what do u do as a councillor? do u like being a councillor? would you help us if we wanted you to improve a park or something ?

Asked by pinky to Ed, Jim, Lynnette, Rae on 14 Oct 2010 in Categories: . This question was also asked by midge.

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  • Photo: Ed RuaneEd Ruane answered on 13 Oct 2010:

    My aim as a councillor is to try and improve Coventry, and the issues on how to achieve this can vary enormously, for example yesterday I was working on plans to improve the shops in the city centre of Coventry, to make it a more modern shopping facility…similar to the Bullring in Birmingham, and the day before that I was working on new ways to tackle childhood and adult obesity in the city as more people are becoming fatter which is dangerous for their health but also puts more pressure on our health services, so the issues can vary enormously.

    I really enjoy being a councillor mainly because you get the opportunity to discuss such a wide variety of issues which keeps things interesting and your always learning new things.

    I would certainly provide help in improving your park, as I’ve helped recently with 2 play areas in my own area, so please let me know what park or help you want and I’ll see what I can do. 🙂

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  • Photo: Lynnette KellyLynnette Kelly answered on 13 Oct 2010:

    Yes I like being a councillor, even though there are some bad days.
    Yes, I would certainly help you if you want to improve a park. Contact me and I’ll see what can be done – I need to know where you think work needs to be done.
    What I do depends on what is needed and what is going on. Here is my last week:
    Wednesday last week I was on the radio first thing, talking about the cuts to Coventry’s school building programme. Then I had a long meeting at the council house to where they explained about what further cuts we are likely to have and what the effect of that will be. Then I had a meeting about the provision in Coventry for children excluded from school (even if your school throws you out, I am determined to get you an education somehow!) and also the hospital education service for children who are in hospital or are very ill, so they don’t miss out.
    Thursday was a fairly quiet day so I spent it writing letters, making phone calls, and generally responding to things that residetns raised with me. Thursday evening I met wit hsome residents and a head teacher about the future of a community centre, to try to make sure it keeps going. Then I was straight to a meeting with another set of residents all about the redevelopment of Wood End Henley Green and Manor Farm. The first houses are being built, and it’s exciting because one has been sold already! .
    Friday I was out early to meet the binmen at 7.30 to try to sort out an area where they keep on not emptying bins. The problem is with cars blocking the road. Then I had to visit a few people in the ward, and sort out some problems as well as have a general chat about things.
    On saturday I was at a fun day at Moat House leisure centre. I didn’t HAVE to be there, but I went to meet residents, show them my support for what they were doing. Saturday morning I met with a different set of residents to talk about a housing development that might go ahead to find out their views so I know what to argue for.
    Sunday was a day off.
    Monday was spent doing emails and trying to get a few problems sorted. I had a few hours with the police, being a ‘visible presence’ in an area where there have been problems. Then there was a Labour councillors meeting in the evening.
    Tuesday I spent time looking at all the primary schools and nurseries in Coventry, seeing where support is needed, what problems there are, what else needs to be done and so on. Then in the evening I was at a Wood End residents meeting.
    Today I was at Sidney Stringer in the morning, having a look around and talking to the head about what changes she’s made since they became an academy. I went in one of their citizenship classes and was very impressed! Then I had to discuss what is going on in Social Services. Then it was off to Barrs Hill to talk to 2 classes there. I went to Barrs Hill so it was nice seeing some of my old classrooms.
    And every day there are emails to answer, phone calls to take, and people to talk to.

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  • Photo: Rachel LancasterRachel Lancaster answered on 14 Oct 2010:

    I help & support residents and do casework, I attend meetings that make decisions that affect the city. I do like being a councillor.

    There are lots of plans to improve parks in Coventry, I’m not sure what area you are from but if you go to the city council website they list them all so you can see if one’s in your area. I would certainly help you if I can

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