A Week In The Life Of A Chiswick Councillor

Sam Hearn discusses issues of local interest

Cllr Sam Hearn, who represents the Riverside ward in Chiswick, is chairman of the Chiswick Area Forum. He has written this account of his life as a busy local councillor.

Saturday - 4th October: Unexpectedly found myself running the Saturday morning Surgery at Chiswick Library. Only two clients arrived but both with problems that I had not dealt with before. I discovered that one of them actually lived in Hounslow and that technically (although I did help her) that she should be speaking to her own Ward Councillors. I drove the other client home partly because it was pouring with rain but also to see at first-hand the nature of the problem being complained of.

Sunday – 5th October – Contacted by a resident with three issues that were fortunately relatively easy to deal with. Received an update on a vulnerable adult’s current position.

Monday – 6th October : Took my council I-Pad and Laptop into the Civic Centre to resolve some recurring technical problems. As an added bonus I also received some training on the members’ casework software. A great idea - but I understand many councillors are having problems with it. Joined the meeting of the Area Forum Chairs where the results of the Citizen Engagement Consultation were discussed. Some painful home truths were aired and I spoke too much.

Tuesday – 7th October: Confirmation from Officers that the consultation on a 20 mph speed limit is part of a broad programme of works to introduce such zones around all primary schools within the borough. Still not clear why a paper had not come to the Area Forum first. A resident newly arrived in the area has complained about the delays in obtaining a parking permit without first having a Council Tax bill.

Wednesday – 8th October: More feedback from Officers about the waste recycling problems of certain blocks of flats in the Ward. Some possible progress is being made but no explanation as yet for the delays in responding to residents’ enquiries and complaints.

Thursday – 9th October: Canvassing rained off and therefore arrived early for a working meeting with Mary Macleod MP and local activists.

October 10, 2014