Building on success.
It has been a privilege and honour to have served as a Cheshire West and Chester member for Parkgate Ward for the past four years and something that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I believe and hope that I have represented you well.
There have been many challenges and obstacles along the way. However, I believe that with hard work and dedication I have achieved a lot, which I hope has been recognised throughout the ward.
I am looking forward to standing for re-election on May 2nd this year, again as an independent as I believe that this is the best and most effective way of getting things done locally for the benefit of our residents. And, as I have shown through my influential position on the Council and what has been achieved locally – party politics is not necessary for success.


Working with Cwac to ensure our local areas receive a fair level of investment
Extension of Coastal path from Quayside to Old Quay
Campaign for Plastic free Parkgate and Neston
Continued maintenance works on the marshes to reduce risk of mosquito menace including new ponds
Support local businesses and investment for local jobs
Campaign for investment for local public realm initiatives
Working with Neston Town Council and local steering group in supporting local Neston Neighbourhood plan
Expansion of Parkgate and Riverside in Bloom
Support for local green space including Parks Field and West Vale field
Continue to campaign for improvements to A540 to ensure better connectivity for local road users.
Improvements to public transport including better more frequent service to Hooton station
Work and support young people for local campaign for CH64 low carbon initiative
Campaign for introduction of charge points in local car parks for electric vehicles
Support initiatives for visitor economy
Head up local community events
What I believe in.


Martin cares about
Community – supporting community groups
Access – with clear focus on improved traffic and transport
Recreation – better facilities and events for local people and visitors
Environment – protecting our beautiful area
Safety – tackling issues that keep people safe, such as crime and traffic.


Martin takes action
An independent voice for Parkgate and Neston
Concentrates on delivering election promises
Taking your concerns to Chester
Investing in your community
One priority – making life better for local people
Not driven by party politics
What I've done.
2009Neston Town Council
Elected member of Neston Town Council since its inauguration in 2009, representing Parkgate since being elected in 2011. Mayor of Neston 2011/2012.2015-2018Independent voice of Nestons Parkgate ward
For the past 4 years I have held the influential position of the Chair of Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) Overview and Scrutiny Committee, examining important policy issues such as budget-setting, the Management Performance Framework, Residents' surveys, community engagement, considering Councillor Objections to Cabinet decisions, Adult Social Care, Child Safeguarding and Council-owned businesses.2015-2017Flood Resilience Plan
Working in partnership with CwaC in initiating flood resilience plan for Parkgate after the floods on the parade in 2013. This achieved national recognition - http://www.sustainabilitywestmidlands.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2_14_Cllr-Martin-Barker-Cheshire.pdf2015Action on sea wall maintenance
I have cut through the arguments about ownership which have prevented urgent repairs from being carried out, securing commitment from CwaC to improve and maintain this vital defence of local business and homes.2016Inadequate parking in Parkgate
Development of Ropewalk carpark to create 30 extra free spaces and a landscaped public realm space with newly planted trees shrubs and flowers2016Litter bins
New litter bins on Parkgate Parade replaced by double-sized heritage type bins that reduce litter overflow.2016-2018Inconsiderate parking
Introduced double yellow lines on Grenfell Park, Station Rd and Moorside Lane2016Mosquito warning
Introduced traffic light warning system on Neston Town council website to assist residents and visitors to control this nuisance.2016Speed limits
Introduction of 20mph speed limit on the Parade and 40mph speed limit on The Runnel and Leighton Rd making these roads safer for all.2016Environment
Assisted residents on Leighton Rd with environment issue from local factory2016-2018Mosquito menace
Continued to provide funding via Neston Town Council to maintain and dredge the main gulley in Parkgate to inhibit mosquito numbers.2017Ropewalk play area
Helped to raise funding for the refurbishment of playground on Ropewalk.2017Middle slipway
Refurbishment of middle slipway to create an attractive public space for the boat commissioned by Parkgate Society.2017Manorial Road footpath
Raised private and public shared funding to refurbish footpath between North and South Manorial road to improve access, especially for those with limited mobility.2017-2018Planters
Provided funding for 6 Planters for Parkgate in Bloom.2017-2018Parkgate Festival
I was a member of the organising committee for the very popular and successful Parkgate Fest which has already raised funding for additional planters for Parkgate in Bloom.2018Pill box
Worked in conjunction with CwaC to create a habitat for bats in the Pill Box on Ropewalk carpark.2018Committee memership
Member of Cheshire Fire Service Board of Governors, the Corporate Parenting Panel and School Governor for Parkgate Primary School.2018Access to Wirral Way from Boathouse Lane
Created new access via pavement side of road to provide a safer route from Boathouse Lane onto the Wirral Way.2018Leighton Road
Lobbied to secure the funding for the resurfacing of Leighton Road which was completed in Oct 20182018Parkgatefest
Wirral Life award for Outstanding Contribution to Leisure and Tourism, for Parkgatefest - bronze award.On-goingCommunity spirit
Have continued to Work and support the Parkgate Communtiy spirit group on monthly litter picks and ground maintenance.On-goingParkgate Society
Working in partnership with Parkgate Society for the Parkgate in Vision ProjectOn-goingParkgate Action Group
Meet every 6 to 8 weeks with representatives from Traders, Parkgate Society, Residents and Parkgate Fest organisers to maintain the sense of local community pride and protect our environment and heritage.On-goingResidents' complaints
Resonded quickly to residents complaints on many issues, including planning, environmental issues, public rights of way, dog mess, public spaces and Wood LaneOn-goingRSPB and the Mosquito menace
Work in partnership with RSPB to sustain marsh improvements, including plans for more extended ponds, similar to the pond off the Donkey Stand.

Events
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