Our
Councillors
All our councillors are volunteers, many having lived in the area for a long time and have a good understanding of the community and how changes to services impact it. Our councillors have good local knowledge and a wide range of skills and expertise, which they use to inform their decisions while working to tackle local issues and strive to make improvements for the benefit of all residents.
Click here to see the list of committee members Structure Chart July 23
Councillor Joan Bottomley
Ward
Contact Details
Committees
Member of Environment, Staffing and Asset Management
Background
I have lived in Holywell Green for 34 years and worked at Huddersfield Technical College (now Kirklees College) for 30 years as a lecturer in administration and IT. I have one son and my husband is very supportive, he is also retired and involved with various charities in Halifax.
I care about my community and area and want to contribute to the improvement of the environment and facilities for local people; for example, the improvement of Shaw Park which is ongoing. I would also like to improve our environment by getting rid of litter and invasive species such as Himalayan Balsam. I wish to help to provide facilities for young people by using the halls at the church or Sowood Community Centre for activities.
Councillor Lisa Fieldhouse
Ward
Contact Details
Committees
Vice Chair of Environment, Member of Planning
Background
My journey to becoming a Parish Councillor started with the Stainland and District Community Association back in 2006 and I served as its secretary before it was replaced by the Parish Council in 2018. During that time, I helped organise local events such as the Open Gardens Weekend and the Stainland Christmas Lantern Parade.
I have lived here for over 30 years and seen lots of changes that have diminished our environment and our community spirit. So, I am incredibly pleased to be able to begin the next stage of our journey with our team of councillors and residents working together to create a vibrant and thriving community.
I worked as a senior science technician at a school in Huddersfield and for 10 years was a volunteer at Holywell Green Primary School, where I helped to create the school wildlife area and to run the Gardening and Wildlife Club.
I have taken the role of Chairman of the Parish Council in April 2022.
I am also part of the Environment & Communications Committees, I also volunteer at The Outback Community Garden for Halifax Opportunities Trust.
Councillor Mark Mullany
Ward
Contact Details
Committees
Chair of Planning Committee.
and member of Environmental Committee.
Background
I grew up in Outlane and lived there for many years within the parish area before moving to Barkisland where I now live. My affinity for the area sparked an interest joining the new parish council and I was delighted to be elected to it in 2019.
Since then I have served on the Council’s Planning Committee, helping to provide responses to consultation from Calderdale Council on local planning applications and on other planning proposals affecting the parish such as Calderdale’s Local Plan. I also serve on the Environment and Events and Communications Committees.
I work as an Admin Officer in the Civil Service. Previously I have had experience in local government, as a planning officer, and in the private sector as part of a local environmental consultants. In my spare time I help to run a local amateur football club and enjoy exploring the parish’s footpath network.
Councillor Jill Knights
Ward
Contact Details
jill.knights@sdpc.uk
Committees
Chair of Stainland & District Parish Council. Member of Communications, Planning, Asset Management and Chair of staffing.
Background
David Mitchell
Ward
Contact Details
david.mitchell@sdpc.uk
Committees
Vice Chair of the council. Member of Environment, Staffing, Communications and Asset Management
Background
I was born and raised in Holywell Green & I have spent most of my adult life here and I am deeply committed to our community’s well-being and development. I was an HGV driver for over Thirty years & had to retire due to health reasons in 2020, I have seen much of this country throughout my working career. I have seen the changes that have taken place in our Stainland & District Parish over the years, and I am proud of the progress that we have made. However, I also recognize that there are many challenges ahead, and I am eager to work with you all to find solutions that benefit our community. In my role as a parish councillor, I hope to be a voice for our residents and to represent their interests to the best of my ability. I believe in the importance of listening to and engaging with the community, and I am committed to working collaboratively with my fellow councillors and local organizations to promote the common good.
Parish Clerk: Laura Peckover
Contact Details
Positions Held
The Clerk to the Council is its Proper Officer and fulfils a statutory duty to perform those activities which are defined for this role in legislation. These include an obligation to act impartially as the Council’s professional advisor in any matters put before the Council for decision and to provide any necessary administration of its activities as may be assigned to this role.
The Clerk also acts as the Responsible Financial Officer and is accountable for all financial records of the Council and the proper administration of its finances, reporting on them as and when required.
Background
I was appointed the Council’s Parish Clerk & RFO in April 2021. My background includes some 20 years of experience in business, IT and Financial Services in a variety of customer-facing roles and I have several years experience in Accountancy and Finance. I have also worked as a School Administrator for a Junior and Infant School in the area.
I am Mum to three young boys who keep me extremely busy but, in my spare time, I play netball for a local team.
I enjoy engaging with the community in my role as Parish Clerk & RFO. Currently I work from home but I am present for meetings and events in the community. Please do contact me via phone on 07493 231380 or email at parish.clerk@sdpc.uk
Parish Council
Powers
A Parish Council can do many things to improve the community it serves by adopting ‘powers’, some of which are listed below. The principal council (in our case, this is Calderdale Council,) still has responsibilities for these issues but the parish council can also contribute. This means residents can benefit from the detailed knowledge of local councillors and the support and experience of Calderdale Council when making decisions.
- Light roads and public places
- Provide litter bins, parking places for vehicles, bicycles and motorcycles
- Power to enter into an agreement as to dedication and widening of roads
- Power to complain to the district council regarding protection of rights of way
- Provide and equip buildings for use of clubs having athletic, social or educational objectives
- Right to be notified of planning applications
- Provide community transport schemes
- Provide allotments – duty to consider providing allotments if demand is unsatisfied
- Provide roadside seats and shelters
- Power to acquire land for or to provide recreation grounds, public walks, pleasure grounds and open spaces and to manage and control them
- Power to provide traffic signs and other notices
- Plant trees etc.and to maintain roadside verges
- Repair and maintain public footpaths and bridleways
- Consent of parish council required for ending maintenance of highway at public expense, or for stopping up or diversion of highway