Date: 03/07/2007
Councillor John Haken has lived in the High Peak for 19 years. He was elected to High Peak Borough Council's Simmondley Ward in May 2007, and has been appointed the Executive Member for the Environment. He is currently Chairman of the High Peak Conservative Party
John says of his Executive position: "I am looking forward to empowering individuals and the local community to take action for themselves, whilst helping my Council colleagues to keep a firm control over local council tax. I am delighted to have been invited to take the Environment portfolio because I have a keen interest in improving the quality of life in the High Peak."
The purposes of John's portfolio are to protect the environment and enhance the quality of the local and global environment. These aims are also paramount in his business life because he is the Chairman of a company that distributes biodegradable packaging throughout the UK and into Europe. He says: "It is possible to substitute most plastic take away cartons that currently litter the High Peak with bio-degradable cartons and this can be achieved through community action."
He confirms: "I want the High Peak to be a clean and bright Borough, so I am pleased to take responsibility for the cleanliness of our streets, and the development and maintenance of our parks and open spaces - especially in Glossop where I shall be overseeing the implementation of the Glossop Vision Master Plan and leading on decisions that involve the Glossopdale area."
However, John is also looking forward to his borough-wide priorities, which include licensing, food safety and recycling and refuse. He insists: "Even after Binnovation has extended to the whole Borough in September, I shall be seeking to increase our recycling rates further and I will ensure the overall efficiency of our refuse services. As regards litter and fly tipping, I shall be strengthening our enforcement policy."
Closer to home, John is looking forward to the challenges of being a ward Councillor and, together with his fellow ward Councillor Matt Crompton, he is currently involved in many aspects of life in his Simmondley ward.