An introduction with Councillor Gillian Wroe

Town councillor Gillian Wroe

In a new series, we are featuring introductions to your Liberal Democrat councillors and candidates in Westhoughton. Next up is Gillian Wroe, who was elected as a town councillor in 2022.

What inspired you to become a town councillor?

Councillor David Wilkinson, who I’ve known for about 40 years, asked me to stand in a by-election for Westhoughton Town Council in May 2022. He is committed to Westhoughton and is a real inspiration.

Gillian pictured with Councillor David Wilkinson, who she has known for 40 years

The seed had already been sown years ago by my parents. I was brought up in Kearsley where my parents were Liberal councillors in the 1960’s. Political conversations were the norm in our house! I saw how my parents valued community issues and that they put that at the heart of everything they did. I was always in awe of their determination to serve others to the best of their ability whilst providing a happy home for their five children.

After reorganisation in 1974, when Kearsley became part of Bolton,  I saw how Kearsley lost a lot of its identity and its town hall.

When I moved to Westhoughton 20 years ago I saw how the people in the town have been determined to hold on to their identity and, at the heart of the community, the Town Hall.

Gillian, pictured on the far right, taking part in the Big Spring Clean

What issues are you concerned about?

I’m concerned that Westhoughton might lose its unique identity as the town grows and the wishes of the people are ignored by Bolton Council. Keeping Westhoughton Town Council gives us more of an identity and focus than other parts of Bolton. I’m impressed by how Howfeners still have a pride in their community and I hope that after 20 years I might become an adopted Howfener! As Westhoughton grows I share the worry of the residents at the erosion of basic amenities such as school places, doctors, dentists, police officers and community spaces. Together we need to keep fighting for an increase in these amenities. It’s obvious that when new estates are being built there is increased pressure on our roads and infrastructure.

Gillian, pictured centre, with town councillors Alison Jackson and Arthur Price

How do you find time to be a town councillor?

I’m a retired early years teacher but I still have many interests, such as singing in a choir, gardening, going to the theatre. You can always find the time to do something that you are interested in or passionate about. It’s about being organised and working out priorities. A lot of people say that they’re not political but if you are passionate about your community then you are political and there’s nothing wrong with that. So think about becoming a councillor!

What skills do you bring to the role of councillor?

As an early years teacher I had to be organised, disciplined and caring to deal with a class of 30 very young children. I also had to deal with issues affecting my pupils’ family life and the wider community in which they lived. In school I worked closely with others, each person bringing their own skills and personality to make a strong team. That’s why I enjoy being part of the Liberal Democrat team on Westhoughton Town Council. We have a range of talents and personalities to complement each other so that together we make a strong team to take our town forward.