Death of Councillor Elaine MacTiernan

Elaine joined the Parish Council in 2011 after setting up NARHA (Northway Area Homeowners Association) latterly known as NCV (Northway Community Volunteers). She believed she could make more of a difference to the community, and particularly for those who had been flooded in the 2007 floods, by joining the Council – and she did! As well as campaigning for flood alleviation works locally, Elaine managed to resurrect the Northway Youth Club in 2009 after it had been defunct for five years previously. She also helped to organise demolition of the old youth club building on Northway Lane and sale of the land which provided funds to keep the Club up and running to the present day. She was pivotal in the building of the Northway Community Hub and secured at least £94,000 funding towards it. She also secured funding towards the local Luncheon Club and creation of the BMX track on Northway Playing Field. She strongly (and loudly) opposed proposals for the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ at the Borough Council and was keenly involved in provision of the new skate park in Northway.
During these years, Elaine has worked tirelessly on behalf of Northway and her work ethic, knowledge and understanding (particularly relating to planning in the area) earned her immense respect. If Elaine had a view, she was never afraid to put it forward even if she stood alone. As another member of the Parish Council put it, “She wanted to make change from within, and if ever you wanted a common sense view on something, she could often provide exactly that”. She was a huge support to her fellow councillors as well as staff. Elaine also stood as a Borough Councillor for many years and, again, fought Northway’s corner at every opportunity. The void Elaine has left will be impossible to fill.