Denise Hipson – H.R.A Candidate for Mawneys

The Havering Daily is running a list of the different candidates across Havering in preparation for the local elections on May 5.

Today we have Denise Hipson, who is an H.R.A Candidate for Mawneys ward.

The reason I joined Havering Residents Associations – Mawneys Ward was because, whilst I have been a Mawneys resident for over 38 years but I did not feel I am getting the support I need from my elected Councillors, who I believe have become complacent due to no active competition.

To give an example, on the road I live in we have 2 major issues going on, a garage development site and a hoarder with 2 houses and gardens full of rubbish. This is all in an area spanning 3 houses. I did not receive any substantial help regarding these issues, which I am currently dealing with. I found that my local councillors were not interested in issues they had to ‘deal’ with and were more interested in flagging issues that could just be reported and forgotten about. Ironically, they are not even following up on those issues to ensure they have been resolved, relying instead on residents chasing them.

I retired early therefore I am able to devote time to community issues. My previous experience includes Regional Coordinator, Admin and Customer Services Manager and with the backing of the Havering Residents’ Association, I realised I could do so much better for the Mawneys area residents.

I am currently trying to resolve several large issues locally for dissatisfied residents who feel they have been failed.

I have an online logging system where I do not close an issue until I have checked it is resolved to the resident’s satisfaction and in the meantime provide updates without having to be chased.

Presently, I am unhappy with the number of developers/builders locally who are flouting their planning conditions and I will be looking into this where I can. Mawneys Ward deserves so much more support than it is currently receiving, I intend to give it that support.