LOCAL RESIDENT

TONY JONES has lived in Redlands for 15 years and in Reading for more than 30 years.

Tony says "When I first moved to Reading I thought I would be here about 6 months. Now, more than 30 years later, I have married, brought up a family and been Mayor of Reading.

I am particularly proud that my son was born in the Royal Berkshire Hospital, went to Redlands Primary School and Reading Boys School."

HARD WORKING COUNCILLOR

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what others say about Tony:

"Cllr Jones has campaigned tirelessly to clean up the Oxford Road and he is to be admired for that."

"Cllr Jones has always been at the forefront of the fight to lose the sleazy image attached to the Oxford Road and west Reading."

Other council colleagues and political opponents have described Tony as:

• independent thinker
• hard working
• much admired
• considerable talents and abilities
• an excellent councillor and Mayor

VAST EXPERIENCE SINCE 1984

TONY JONES was first elected to Reading Borough Council in 1984, in Whitley Ward, beating Martin Salter (later Reading West MP) in the selection process.

After a short break, when Tony went on to gain his Masters Degree, he returned to the Council in 1991 when he beat Tory Rob Wilson (later Reading East MP) for a seat in Redlands Ward.

Tony worked to deliver the regeneration of the Hexham Road estate, which included the building of the Community Centre and the first installation of entry phones in the blocks of flats, as well as improvements across the ward.

In the mid 1990's Tony was Chair of Housing, leading the Council's award winning and much copied nationally acclaimed "Empty Homes Strategy" - which opened up over 500 disused properties in the town - and helped make Reading a top-rated housing authority.

Tony also was instrumental in the building of new homes for Older People at Tyrrell Court, London Road and many family homes inside and outside the Borough, in Earley and Calcot. Tony left the council in 1996 to start a family.

In 1999 Tony was elected to Battle Ward, making it Labour's safest seat in Reading at the election in May 2006. Working with the Oxford Road Community, Tony was also at the heart of a vibrant Community Forum and in securing £1m+ investment in Battle Library.

Among the many roles Tony has undertaken in Reading Borough Council, he has been the Chair of the following bodies:

• Audit & Best Value Scrutiny Panel
• Childrens Panel
• Corporate, Community & External Affairs Scrutiny Panel
• Green City Forum
• Housing Committee
• Housing Research & Development Committee
• Housing Rent Arrears Panel
• Licensing Committee
• Oxford Road Community Forum
• Standards Committee
• Town Twinning Group
• Transport Users Forum
• Woodlands & Waterways Forum

Working with Cllr Chris Maskell, Tony led the push for a community inquiry in to the blight of Crime, Drugs & Prostitution in Reading, which led to better co-ordinated action between the Council, the Police & the NHS.

RECORD BREAKING MAYOR

In 2001 Tony Jones was elected one of the youngest ever people to become Mayor of Reading.

During his mayoral year he raised a record amount of money for charity - £55,000 - which remains a record today.

Tony also initiated the town twinning of Reading with Speightstown, Barbados.

In 2005 Tony became Chair of Reading Buses and oversaw changes which saw the completion of the Premier Routes on 20 / 21 and a million more passenger rides in Reading.

RAISING MONEY FOR CHARITY

During Tony's time as a councillor he raised over £70,000 for charity.

The money raised has supported local children's charities, Reading Hospital's League of Friends, the Reading Football Academy and for the Asian Earthquake Appeal.

Tony is always looking for new sponsors to help with his charity fund-raising events, so get in touch if you can help!

Former Mayor Chris Maskell (left) and Tony Jones after completing another Reading half-marathon for charity.