MOSSLEY has two new town councillors with Helen Jamison and James Hall chosen to serve the local community.
An election was held to fill the vacancies caused by the resignations of Maggie Thomas and Martin Stimson.
Five candidates came forward – Helen, James, Sally Davies, Catherine Elliott and Mary Mitchell – with each giving a pitch to town councillors who made the decision at their December meeting.
Helen was elected to serve Lancashire Ward and James Yorkshire Ward until May 2023 with both Labour Party members.
While previously the town council has struggled to fill vacancies, they were surprised by the response this time.
“Not only that, but we had an astonishing level of expertise that came forward,” explained town clerk Mike Iveson.
Mother-of-two Helen, 41, has been active locally opposing the development at Brookfields and a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) next door to her home on Stamford Road.
Helen, who was raised in Grasscroft, moved to Mossley four years ago to start a family because she and her husband saw it as a vibrant community.
She said: “Through Brookfields and the HMO, I have got to now people from the local community.
“I wanted to get more involved which is why I stood for the town council so hopefully I can make a difference.
“I want to give something back to the community and it will be a privilege to do it, especially after everything that has happened in 2020.”
Helen is keen for Mossley to develop a neighbourhood plan to help safeguard green spaces in the town which continue to be under threat.
“Rather than reacting to every planning application, a neighbourhood plan would prevent that as there would be a strategy in place for the town,” she explained.
“It would take a huge amount of work but would be brilliant if we could get the backing and funding to make it happen.”
Helen, who has a Phd and was originally a scientist, currently works as director of external communications for NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence).
Before working in communications, Helen was employed in the public sector in scientific research and health as well as a trustee for the charities Compassion in Dying, which supports people at the end of life) and Science Media Centre which ensures the public and policymakers get accurate information about science and health issues in the news.
Helen is keen on astronomy and a member of the Huddersfield Astronomy Society, though that hobby has been mothballed due to having children aged four and one.
James, 38, who originates from Biddulph, Staffordshire, moved to Mossley when he took up a post as a project manager for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) where he is a member of their cycling and walking team.
He has worked in local government for Transport for London, Lambeth Council and Sustrans, a charity that makes it easier for people to walk and cycle.
And transport is something he is keen to pursue locally by improving cycling and walking routes.
James, who lives with his partner on Vernon Street, Top Mossley, is hoping through his expertise as a projects manager he can help the town council deliver initiatives they are working on.
A keen cricketer, James has joined Greenfield having previously played for Knypersley, Staffordshire. He also enjoys running.