Drafting this annual report for the readers of the Gazette & Herald has become an enjoyable Christmas tradition since my election as a Councillor in 2022 while offering a chance for reflection at the same time.
I believe that keeping local people updated with the work I carry out is essential for democratic accountability.
I wrote twelve months ago that every option was being explored to restore full-time postal services to Helmsley. As you know by now, this was achieved recently just in time for the busy Christmas period.
Many of you would have met the new business operator, Jagadeesh Kumar Kandasami, an experienced postmaster who runs similar outlets in other areas.
For over a year, I have been working closely with Jagadeesh on his investment in Helmsley, so I am incredibly delighted that this has come to fruition.
There have been other significant positive developments, such as securing the future of the cash machine in Helmsley, repairing the infrastructure of our roads, and improving the bus route that connects Nunnington, Harome, Helmsley, Sproxton, Ampleforth, Oswaldkirk and Malton, and also the service between Helmsley and Scarborough that stops at Beadlam, Nawton, Wombleton, Kirkbymoorside, Sinnington and Pickering.
Immediately after my election as a Councillor and appointment to the Howardian Hills National Landscape back in 2022, I have been seizing every possible opportunity to make the case for our breathtaking and attractive area.
While my public attendance record at Council meetings is 100%, I have also used the platforms I had in local, regional and national media to beat the drum for our spectacular part of the world.
A number of publications recognised Helmsley. In 2023, we featured on the list of the UK’s best locations to live and were declared the prettiest market town in North Yorkshire.
However, I was over the moon when the Good Food Guide named Helmsley and the Howardian Hills the ‘Most Exciting Food Destination’ for 2024 as it is such a prestigious award.
One of the key highlights was working with George Gyte and the local community to create the new Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail. This is a walk of about 40 miles that links iconic churches around Helmsley, and has been widely acknowledged as a phenomenally successful initiative.
Meanwhile, I continue to keep residents informed by diligently sending press releases to our fantastic Ryedale newspaper, the Gazette & Herald.
Representing our community across Helmsley, Sinnington and the many beautiful surrounding villages has been an enormously fulfilling experience – thank you everyone for the amazing support that you continue to provide me as your Councillor.
Finally, I would like to wish you all a joyful and healthy 2025!
