Gareth has spent his entire adult life living and working in West Lancashire, volunteering within the local community and campaigning for improvements to residents’ lives.

Full statement

Gareth has lived and worked in Ormskirk since 2008 and has been a Borough Councillor here since 2014. He has spent his life working and volunteering to support others, through his union, Labour, and co-operative work; for Alzheimer’s Society; serving in community roles including, school governor, on Ormskirk School Foundation Trust, Ormskirk School Local Academy Council and rugby club Director.

He also supports our local Credit Union where he is Vice Chair, South West Lancs Independent Community Advice Network (ICAN), and is a member of West Lancashire’s community renewable energy group – setup to reduce energy costs and invest in our community.

Passionate about Ormskirk, he is responsible for securing speedbumps on Cottage Lane, saving the red phone box in the town and widespread investment in local facilities from parks and playgrounds to town centre heritage and local healthcare settings.

Gareth says:
_“Over the past 12 years, I have worked closely with residents, community groups, fellow councillors, council officers and other organisations to bring about improvements to the lives of the people of Ormskirk.

“Through small interventions and partnership working, we have been able to bring about successes such as road resurfacing, infrastructure investment and town centre activities.

“I have lived in Ormskirk all my adult life and I have previously worked for Alzheimer’s Society, working in partnership with local agencies to set up Dementia Friendly West Lancashire in 2016.

“In the ward I have chaired the Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings for many years, until police funding cuts abolished them, but still work closely with Lancashire Constabulary.

“And we continue to keep the developers at bay, protecting our green space and putting a stop to further student House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) conversions in the town since taking power in 2015.

“We have maintained our award-winning Green Flag Coronation Park, preserved our 700 year old charter market – even when opposition councillors talked about its closure, and kept Park Pool open.

“On 7 May, you will have the opportunity to use your vote for who you feel will best represent and serve your needs. I have a proven track record of standing up for local residents, putting residents first and foremost before any party politics.

“On the council, I have always been a team player and enjoy successful cross-party working on residents’ issues, such as working closely with the Conservative Leader to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle drag racing and car meets locally; with Our West Lancashire (OWLs) on tackling fireworks nuisance and town centre car parking; and with Independent councillors to save our council’s housebuilding company.

“Even an OWL councillor notes, “I was so pleased with the work Councillor Dowling put in to the car parking charges in Ormskirk” and “he works hard and I have respect for a lot of what he does and says” in respect of my ability to work cross-party for the good of all residents.

“If re-elected, I will continue to be responsive to residents’ concerns and issues, and do my best to support and represent you. Use your vote on Thursday 7 May, to elect someone who stands up for you.”_

Aside from his council role, Gareth works in the Co-operative movement supporting local branches across the North West in delivering on key Co-operative campaigns including…

• Delivering food security
• Tackling modern slavery
• Challenging abuse of retail staff
• Protecting public spaces and community assets
• Supporting new co-operative and community-led housing
• Investing in renewable community energy schemes
• Promoting and developing credit unions

When not busy working or volunteering, Gareth can be found playing rugby for Ormskirk, playing 5aside football or running with local run clubs.