James Dunn - Rainhill Independent Councillor

26/06/2026

Lovely news for Rainhill Community Nursery on Deepdale Drive following their recent Ofsted inspection! The nursery has been praised for the confidence, independence and development of its children, with inspectors noting that children achieve highly, remember what they have learned, build positive relationships and leave well prepared for primary school.

It was also really good to see the nursery recognised for its inclusive ethos and support for children of all abilities, including children with special educational needs or disabilities.

Early years settings play such an important role in children’s lives. They help build confidence, language, friendships, independence and a love of learning from the very beginning.

A huge well done to the staff, leaders, governors, children and families at Rainhill Community Nursery. This is something our whole community can be proud of. 👏 ❤️

26/06/2026

What are your weekend plans? ☀️

25/06/2026

Good luck to everyone involved in today’s Town Centre and Haydock by-elections.

Whoever is elected this evening, congratulations in advance. Becoming a borough councillor is a privilege, but it’s also a significant responsibility.

You may find that the council you’re joining is different to the one often portrayed online.

In my first few weeks, I’ve found councillors from across the political spectrum willing to engage, debate, challenge one another and, importantly, work together where residents’ interests come first. We won’t always agree (and we shouldn’t!) but I’ve been encouraged by the willingness to have constructive conversations across party lines.

St Helens faces some significant challenges over the coming years. Whether it’s SEND, housing, community safety, regeneration, youth services or protecting our green spaces, none of these issues will be solved by one person or one political group alone.

I look forward to welcoming the new councillors, working with them, and continuing to build relationships across the chamber.

Residents deserve a council that works hard, listens well and never loses sight of why we were elected in the first place.

Good luck to everyone involved this evening!

Elections are being held in St Helens today 🗳️

24/06/2026

It’s 33° and humid BUT, we’re freezing cold!

✅ cold beer
✅ cold air
✅ warm staff

If you don’t fancy sitting in the heat, we are open all day long for food and drink and a bit of cold air!

24/06/2026

24/06/2026

23/06/2026

20/06/2026

Armed Forces Day is taking place at Victoria Park today, 11am–4pm. 🇬🇧

It’s a free community event recognising serving personnel, veterans, cadets and Armed Forces families across St Helens.

I think it’s important that we take time to recognise the people and families connected to service, sacrifice and duty, including those who continue to live with the impact of that service long after it ends.

There’s a full programme on during the day, including the Armed Forces Parade at 12pm, Valley Brass Band at the bandstand from 12.30pm, a Second World War artillery display at 2pm, and live music from Anna the Golden Age Songbird at 2.15pm.

It should be a good family-friendly event and a chance for the borough to come together and show support for our Armed Forces community!

GET DOWN TO ST HELENS ARMED FORCES DAY TODAY IN VICTORIA PARK!