An introduction with Councillor Neil Maher
Town councillor Neil Maher pictured on Hartford Road, in Daisy Hill
In a new series, we are featuring short introductions to your Liberal Democrat councillors and candidates in Westhoughton. First up is Neil Maher, who has been a town councillor since 2019.
What inspired you to become a town councillor, and how long have you been serving in this role?
We have lived in Westhoughton for nearly 30 years, and have brought up our family here. I have a desire to contribute the town and to community. For 20 years I’ve been a governor at Westhoughton High School, so becoming a councillor seems like the next step to be able to contribute further.
What do you consider to be the most pressing issues facing Westhoughton today, and how are you working to address them?
In light of the concerns raised by rapid developments in the area with limited investment in infrastructure, becoming a councillor provides and opportunity to represent the residents’ feelings on such matters. I have a good grounding and many years’ experience of building and infrastructure development which I hope to be able to call upon to help get the best for the town.
What do you see as your biggest achievements as a town councillor so far, and why are they important to you?
One of the most pleasing achievements is supporting and funding the additional activities available for children to young adults, particularly during the summer break. Why, for the same reason I became a governor, children are the future of our community.
Tell us more about your professional background.
I have served 22 years in the armed forces, including service in Ireland, Germany, Canada, Denmark, Kenya and the Falklands in which I commanded troops throughout the conflict in 1982. A key achievement was the introduction of a new communications process into the Corps inclusive of a complete re-write of the training syllabus.
My 16 years in the private sector involved working at a senior management level for international companies such as Cable & Wireless, Nortel Networks, and Virgin Media. My contributions to all the organisations have been significant, installing and operating significant infrastructure and adding value in all areas of operations nationally.
I joined the NHS in 2003, working with local people, providing care to our communities. I am a director in a Trust and cover the 5 counties of the North West (GM, Mersey, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria). I have brought the estate and operational support services up to date creating a 21st century service offering to serve the population of the North West. Not only have I made several millions of pounds savings for re-investment into front line services, it has been achieved at the same time as improving the quality of services provided. I am a standing member of Bolton’s Strategic Estates Group and I am actively engaged with Greater Manchester Combined Authorities Strategic Estates Group and Green agenda.
What has your role as a school governor been like?
As a Governor of the local high school for 20 years I have had, and taken, the opportunity to make a difference. I first volunteered at a time the school was experiencing performance challenges and the school environment was in need of investment. Therefore, I focused on driving the Curriculum and Resources Committees and utilised my professional experience on key procurements. I am pleased to have seen the significant changes in the school environment, services that support health and wellbeing, and improved student results.
Neil is standing to be your next borough councillor for the Westhoughton South ward and as a Westhoughton town council candidate in the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.
