An introduction with Councillor Alison Jackson
Westhoughton town councillor Alison Jackson
In a new series, we are featuring short introductions to your Liberal Democrat councillors and candidates in Westhoughton. First up is Alison Jackson, who was elected as a town councillor in 2022.
What inspired you to become a town councillor?
I was inspired to be a councillor by Gillian Wroe and Arthur Price who are both Westhoughton Councillors.
I had spoken to Arthur many times as I met him and his dog when I was out walking. I shared with Arthur my concerns about Westhoughton. I talked to him about many issues including whether the crossing at The Gates school could be improved. Arthur was able to tell me when the work had been agreed.
Town councillors Gillian Wroe, Arthur Price and Alison Jackson on the campaign trail recently
Gillian suggested I could consider being a councillor. I was very unsure at first, but I would now recommend it to anyone. It is so interesting, and I have learnt so much more about Westhoughton and the concerns of people who come to council meetings. Before I became a councillor I did not know the public could go to Westhoughton Town Council meetings and ask questions or raise concerns. Had I known I would have gone and maybe I would have become a councillor years ago ? The Liberal Democrats organise litter picks and I have done this myself over 20 years so I knew I could help with this.
What is one issue you are concerned about at the moment?
The town hall and the plans for changing its use has caused great concern and I share this wholeheartedly. The Town Hall used to have offices for Social Services which gave our residents direct local access to advice, and this is not coming back. I used to be a Social worker so I do understand the pressures people face.
Instead, we are told we will have a café, a restaurant, an optician, and maybe planned community meetings with the Police. The plans that the Conservatives are rail roading at us include altering the windows to make them larger to allow passers-by to see in. I find it heart-breaking that the intention is to cut into the red brick of a 1903 historic building, a jewel of our town. I think we need to preserve not wreck historical buildings !
The Tories want to cut into the red brick of the town hall to put in a glass front
I was one of 159 people who filled in a consultation about the Town Hall but what is now proposed is very different .There were plans for a café and offices for start-up businesses. If everything has changed then surely the early consultation which took place before the pandemic is redundant. Everyone I speak to says why do we need more cafes and restaurants, instead people wanted community services.
Another great concern I share with residents of Westhoughton is the extent of new housing which has been built or are in the process of construction. All this without too without enough secondary school places surely that is not a good deal for our new residents. Plus, the roads are too busy so getting around or out of town can take far too long.
What are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to the Big Clean from 17th to 19th March and to our celebration with volunteers on the 1st April with tea and cake. Litter picking is fun, good exercise and you feel a sense of achievement when an area looks better.
How do you find the time to be a town councillor?
I am retired now but I still have responsibilities to my family, and I can balance the two as well as most people with interests or hobbies. Near the election I will be busy with more leafleting and talking with residents and meetings.
