Julia Silvester has represented Westhoughton South ward since 2002 as a Liberal Democrat councillor and has played an instrumental role in changing the face of our community forever. But who is Julia Silvester?

Education

• Educated to degree level with an Applied Social Studies degree, and undertaken a masters degree in Public Health/Health promotion

Career

• 15 years in banking and finance, which means I have an astute eye for the scrutiny of the council’s various budgets, and fighting for a for  fair share for the people of Westhoughton.

• Worked in further and higher education, and also ran a community education centre in a very deprived area of Bolton. So I am committed to good educational standards both for adults and children from all social classes.  I am conversant with the problems of adults trying to get back into education and training, as I worked for the Open University for four years helping people make a new start, and transform their lives.

• Twelve years in the health service, working in public health, as a champion to improve professional education, and designed good public health campaigns.  Helped  regarding the  improvement of some GP services for teenagers. Worked and consulted with disabled people. Formed a community network, so that local people had the best joined up local services, including the voluntary sector. I also set up services for the gay community.

• A very vocal member of the Health Scrutiny Committee, holding local leaders of NHS services to task.

Voluntary work

I have worked to help many people, from being on a hospital committee helping older patients have a better quality stay, to counselling women who suffer from domestic violence. In my role as a councillor I am on many voluntary committees, including one for blind and partially sighted people. I am a strong advocate for disabled peoples’ rights, and have served on a CAB management group for five years.

I have been the Liberal Democrat champion for diversity for eight years, working with the ethnic communities.

A carer myself, therefore understand the rigours, frustrations and ties of the caring role. Active member of Bolton carers Support, I feel strongly about issues like elder abuse and the protection of personal rights.

I am the Chair of the John Holt Steering group, forming  a plan to ensure  good quality of services and environment  for the future growth of the John Holt Youth and Community Centre on Washacre.

I am passionate about the Ward, and the maintenance of a good quality of environment and council services. Dedicated to my casework, always with a personal phone c all.

A governor at Eatock Primary School, for the last eight years.

Ward councillor for eight years, hard working, known for being very informed, keeping up with policy options, and ensuring an active questioning style in council meetings. I am a protagonist for more public toilets, and ensured Market Street toilets were upgraded.