Norreys residents told us they wanted safer crossings and now, after years of hard work, we are delighted to see not one, but two new crossings installed.
We raised the issue in the council chamber. We organised two petitions and asked Norreys residents to sign them. We campaigned. We followed the council’s processes and kept everyone informed.
We did not make false promises about when the crossing would be installed. We were honest about the work council officers do behind the scenes before any work could start.
Last month, we celebrated as the crossings were completed. It has taken years of work, but they now make a massive difference to the lives of Norreys residents.
Wokingham Labour and its councillors work hard to make a difference in everything we do.
You will find us out in all weathers getting on with the job, be it litter picking, removing graffiti, or helping at Community Speed watch sessions. We will report fly tipping, overgrown vegetation, and clear away leaves ourselves to keep pavements safe for residents. If you would like to be part of such community events, please get it touch.
Cleaning road signs is one of the most visible things that I and my Labour colleagues do.
Sign cleaning was previously a service provided by the Council but was discontinued during the years of Conservative austerity. We have stepped in to continue this work and help our residents feel safe in their community. We received hundreds of appreciative comments on social media, in person and drivers tooting their horns in appreciation.
All because residents have pride in their communities and want clean and tidy neighbourhoods.
All effective councillors listen to and engage with their residents. That’s why, week in, week out, Wokingham Labour’s team are knocking on doors asking you what is on your mind.
Another key aspect of our role is to hold the ruling group to account. Earlier this year, we brought about a U-turn from the Lib Dem administration who delayed their plans to introduce car parking charges at Cantley Park for one year.
Swift action from Labour saw more than 2,000 people sign a petition forcing demonstrating residents’ strength of feeling on this issue. We will continue to campaign against these car parking charges which the Lib Dems have refused to rule out in future. We take our places on council committees, scrutinising initiatives, standing up for residents and ensuring their views are taken into account when decisions are made.
We help residents navigate the sometimes-confusing world that is a local authority. Like all good councillors, we do what we can to support people as they use council services. We do it regardless of whether they voted for us or not.
Working with Thames Valley Police and anti-social behaviour teams, we will pick up on concerns and try and find resolutions that work for everyone.
And you will see us out and about regularly. I, along with my fellow Norreys councillors Rachel Burgess and Marie-Louise Weighill and a dedicated team of supporters, talk to people on the doorsteps to find out what matters to them. We also attend, where we can, events, charity initiatives, and engage with community groups.
We do this all year round, not just at election time. We think all councillors should be doing this – you shouldn’t see councillors only when they want your vote. If you see us, stop us for a chat.
We will continue to campaign on your behalf. We will continue to do our bit to help keep Wokingham clean, tidy, and safe. We will continue to raise issues that matter to you in the council chamber. And will continue to work hard for you, not just as we get close to polling day, but all year round.
Yes, it’s good to talk; we also like letting our actions speak for themselves.
Nagi Nagella is a Labour councillor in Norreys Ward on Wokingham Borough Council
