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.

 


Manifesto

  • 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.

ParkgateFest 2017 held on the fields next to Marsh Nursuries, ParkgateParkgateFest 2017 held on the fields next to Marsh Nursuries, Parkgate

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.


ParkgateFest 2018ParkgateFest 2018

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.pdf
  • 2015Action 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 flowers
  • 2016Litter 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 Lane
  • 2016Mosquito 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 factory
  • 2016-2018Mosquito 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 2018
  • 2018Parkgatefest

    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 Project
  • On-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 Lane
  • On-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.

  • Sue Saunders
    Having always voted Conservative in the past, moving to Parkgate it became clear local people really care about this area. Now having seen for myself all the work that Martin Barker has achieved locally for Parkgate so far, my vote is definitely independent going forward. I believe his ideas to improve and keep investing in the local area has benefits to all ages form improving the Ropewalk play area, new local school equipment, planters to enhance the area and improvements on Boat House Lane to the community defibrillator. Keep up the good work!
    Sue Saunders
    Parkgate resident
  • Roy Wilson
    The top three three things I like about Martin Barker
    1. He gets involved in local matters.
    2. He starts and finishes projects.
    3. He lives in Parkgate.
    Roy Wilson
    Parkgate resident
  • Peter Burke
    “Since moving to the area two years ago, i’ve been impressed by Martin's ability to get things done. Martin has always been open to meeting to listen and act upon things he thought would benefit the locality. It’s refreshing to have a local councillor so proactive in campaigns and projects that impact on the community and environment and benefit all ages of society."
    Peter Burke
    Local resident


Events

Scrutiny working group for Council owned companies
Attending Wirral Life award ceremony for nominations for 'most outstanding contribution to tourism for Parkgatefest 2018'
Chairing Overview and Scrutiny Committee

See what I'm saying on Social

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