Councillor Richard Overton

Ward: St Georges

Group: Labour

About this councillor

I have lived in St Georges all my life and it is a pleasure to serve and represent the community that I have known since birth. I have been a Parish Councillor since 1994 and a Borough Councillor for the area since 2003.

As a Councillor, I see one of my main roles as being a link between the Council and the local community trying to break down barriers and ease communication, and also as a community leader helping to explain decisions and the directions of the council.

I have always been active in the local community and believe the direction our area takes is shaped by the way we work with and help our young people to evolve. To this end I have been a Football Manager with Oakengates Rangers FC since 2004 and club Treasurer since 2006. I was previously a Scout Leader for St Georges & Priorslee Scout Group and a school governor at the local primary school.  I have also managed St Georges Juniors for the season 2010/11 to stop them folding.

Since being elected I have strived at all levels to act in the best interests of my ward. I am proud to have started an annual senior citizens outing organized through the Parish Council which continues to expand year on year. We have also seen investment in safety with CCTV as well as repairs done to footpaths and highways.

I do care about my community and that is why I will always try to help where I can and to face the challenges ahead. The Cockshutt Piece is one such challenge where we must try to encourage all users to do so in harmony. The closure of our Youth Club and the future of facilities available for the young people of the area is another. Your views and suggestions on this and any other matters are welcome. I am now on the management board of a local voluntary youth club that runs from the local chapel rooms.

In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, watching and playing football, especially Aston Villa FC, Formula 1, playing badminton and of course attending Labour Party meetings I have just stood down as Chair of Telford Constituency Labour Party after 12 years and I am the current Chair of North Telford Branch Labour Party.  I also do voluntary work for charities that are dear to my heart like RSPCA, PDSA and Barnardos. I am a member of the UNITE trade union and enjoy supporting the credit union.  I am a co-operative Labour party member and share the values of co-operative societies. On the second Tuesday of every month, from 4pm - 5pm at St Georges Parish Council Offices, I will also be holding street surgeries - please look out for details of when I will next be 'in your street'.

I have recently been appointed as Deputy Leader of the council with special responsibility for Borough Town Development and Policy. I am always available to listen and look forward to hearing from you. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email, telephone or in writing or by attending my regular monthly surgeries.