Councillor Josephine A. Burton

Biography

Like many of the Rotherham Councillors, my family is local to South Yorkshire, and most of them still live here. In the past however, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel and as a young woman, I travelled overland to Pakistan where I lived for a year working mainly as a teacher. I have to say that this was an inspirational time for me.

I came back to this area in 1972 and after a varied career as a social worker and teacher in Further Education. I was elected as a Councillor for Anston and Woodsetts in 2004 and now work part time as a relief worker in a women's' Refuge, in order to give more time to Council Work. 

I have lived in North Anston for over 24 years and I know that a primary consideration for both Anston and Woodsetts is a clean, safe and healthy environment. This means not only encouraging the work of Streetpride but also trying working with all local groups to create a real sense of community involvement.  

I also know that many residents became very worried about the new twenty year plan or "Local Development Framework" as it is called. With the election of the new government in May these plans will change. Even so, I do want to reassure people that this is a very preliminary look at what needs to be considered in terms of housing and general development up to 2026. It is a long term plan. We cannot set ourselves in aspic but equally I am very keen that we should not be creating concrete jungles. We can build sensitively, with a view to good design and harmony with the environment. We can also have affordable houses that suit our needs if we are prepared to think about it carefully.

At present my main Council responsibilities are with:-

Community Involvement, Planning and Public Health.
I have also been active in helping to set out the Rotherham Women's Strategy, and part of that strategy is to encourage more women into public life in Rotherham. In particular we would like to see more women on the Council. So if anyone thinks that they might be interested, please give me a ring.

I would encourage all residents to take advantage of the many mechanisms now available to discuss things with the Council and help make the changes that they want to see. Increasingly we have a regular dialogue with the Police, with community groups, with Health Service Professionals and with others and through that dialogue I hope that we can build a better community for all of us.

My Surgeries

Woodland Drive Family Centre, 1st Saturday of the month - 10.00 am to 11.00 am
South Anston Community Centre, 3rd Wednesday of the month - 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm
Anston Parish Hall, 2nd and 4th Friday of the month - 6.30 pm - 7.00 pm
Woodsetts Pavilion, 1st and 3rd Friday of the month - 6.30 pm - 7.00 pm

Committee and Meeting Information

Further information on this Councillor can also be accessed via the link below specifically relating to personal/prejudicial declarations at meetings,  special responsibilities, committee appointments, terms of office, and appointments to outside bodies.

Further information

Register of Interests

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