I’ve done my time, Preece explains Advice sessions are lined up for councillors
AN AINSDALE ward councillor has announced that he is stepping down after two terms. Liberal Democrat Haydn Preece has represented the ward since 2010 but said he would not run for re-election this year.
He also revealed that Jude Storer, an NHS nurse, will stand to replace him as the Lib Dem candidate for Ainsdale.
Reflecting on his time working on the council, Cllr Preece pointed to his role in the installation of Coastal Road speed alert signs and improved safety at junctions on Kenilworth Road, Heathfield Road and Carr Lane as achievements.
He also pointed to his work helping to instigate improvement at Ainsdale station and his time spent on the planning and licensing committees and as children’s services spokesperson.
But Cllr Preece remained ‘‘frustrated and bewildered’’ over the council’s decision over the former Ainsdale High School Sports Hall and not allowing the playing fields to be used for community use.
He said “It has been a honour to serve Ainsdale, Southport and Sefton. I informed John Pugh at the time of last May’s snap General Election that I would not stand again in 12 months’ time. That has given us valuable time to select an excellent candidate in Jude Storer to pass on the mantle and work with my dedicated colleague, Cllr Lynne Thompson.
“To win the 2010 Local Election on the day of the historic General Election, with the second biggest swing in the country, was a wonderful accolade.
“I have strived to communicate with all ward members quickly, professionally and with genuine support. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and worked with me in a whole host of capacities. I have endeavoured to focus on casework from residents, as in my view, that is the central core of a councillor’s responsibility.
He added: “Sefton, in my time, hit by enormous central government cuts, has had to remodel considerably to the detriment of all. In my eight years Sefton has had two highly talented MPs in John Pugh and Bill SOUTHPORT councillors John Pugh, Tony Dawson and Jo Barton will be holding their next advice surgery on Monday, February 12.
They will be available at 2-3.30pm at Delizzi’s Cafe, on the corner of Tulketh Street and Wesley Street, to assist residents with any local issues, problems or complaints.
Advice sessions at this location will continue on the second Monday of every month.
The councillors will also be continuing their Birkdale surgery, which they share with other Birkdale Lib Dem councillors.
This is held at the Red Brick Chapel in Liverpool Road, Birkdale at 11am on the first Saturday of each month.
The next surgery at this location will be on Saturday, March 3.
Alternatively, Lib Dem councillors can be contacted on the following:
John Pugh 07717 641012 johnpugh1@mac.com
Tony Dawson 07389 116613 tonyatsld@gmail.com
Jo Barton 07779 384802 jo_is@ talk21.com Esterson to represent the borough.
“Personally after eight years I have felt that the time is right to step aside. A councillor’s responsibilities are wide and diverse, demanding a great deal of time dedicated to meetings now primarily held in Bootle, while working full time and being a councillor is a very difficult balancing act.”