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From a very early age Louise Ellman became aware of the needs, oriblems and feelings of people in the minority groups, since then she has studied the problem and extended her interest to the needs of majorities as well, and indeed the whole community.
Now Mrs Ellman, who is only 24 years of age, is putting her interest in the community to good use – right at the heart of local affairs – in County Hall, Preston Mrs Ellman, of Skelmersdale recently won the election for the New Town's seat on the County Council. Her success makes her the youngest County Councillor in Lancashire and perhaps the youngest in the country.
A native of Manchester, she is one of two daughters of a dealer in gold. She attended Mancherster High School and later Hull University where she gained a B.A. degree in so ciology and history. Interest Both Mrs Ellman and he rhusband, Geoff, who is a chemist in Skelmersdale, are Jews. It was this fact which first stirred Mrs Ellman's interest in sociology.
At her home in Birleywood, attractive, dark-haired Mrs Ellman, who is the granddaughter of a Russian immigrant, commented: “It was because I was a Jew that I was part of a minority group. I became interested in the feelings and problems of minorities and things just developed from there.” She was married in 1967 and after living in Leeds for a short time moved to Skelmersdale last September. Her husband took up an appointment as manager of the chemist shop on the Digmoor shopping parade.
During this time Mrs Ellman's interests in sociology had taken her abroad – to Israel in fact where she lived for a spell in a Kibbutz – an Israeli community settlement. The trip was made to further her knowledge and interest in sociology and many people from different backgrounds, made the trip. Strong Link For six years she has been a amember of the Labour Party and for two years she has been a member of the Child Poverty Action Group. She I s also a amember of the N.S.P.C.C.
Shortly she hopes to establish a strong limk with the Citizen' Advice Bureau which is currently being formed. Already Mrs Ellman's appointment to the County Council has had its effect on the residents of the New Town. “Dozens of people have called at the house with complaints and problems and many more have been to the shop. A County Councillor should be available to talk to the people who are represented and I intend to hold special “complaint surgeries” each month so that people can air their complaints and problems,” she said.
She added, “This is just one of the things I want to do. There are so many problems in a community, particularly in a New Town.” |
