During a recent Policy and Resources Committee meeting, Councillor Jessie Jagger has expressed her deep concerns about the direction of the proposed multi-use arts centre in the historic Scala and Corn Exchange buildings.
Meet the Candidate: Sarah Murray
There’s only two weeks to go until the Warndon Parish County Division By-Election on the 19th October, 2023. With this in mind we have put together a little introductory video about our candidate for the County seat, who is current City Councillor for Warndon Parish North, Sarah Murray! Just click on the following link to see behind the scenes with Sarah and learn all about what got her to where she is today…..
Councillor Sarah Murray: ‘It’s Time to Change the Story….’
Lib Dem Councillor Sarah Murray has been making headlines in Worcester this week, bringing forward two motions to the Council. Firstly, Cllr Murray tabled a motion in support of White Ribbon, a charity that seeks to engage men and boys to end all violence against Women and Girls. The subject is one close to Cllr Murray’s heart, which has led to her becoming a leading advocate for women in the community. This motion was supported by the West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, a service that offers counselling and other support to thousands of survivors. The Centre reported this week that it is expecting its funding to be cut almost in half by 2025 even though cases have been on the rise. Councillor Murray’s motion asked for support on a number of measures including writing to the government to address the backlog of cases in the courts and lobbying for more funding for these services. She also wanted to see misogyny and public harassment be classed as a hate crime. ‘Ending violence against women starts when we change the story’ said Councillor Murray. ‘Culture change does not happen overnight. We can end violence against women and girls by recognising what violence is and knowing how to challenge and disrupt harmful attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate gender based violence.’ ‘It’s time for us all to raise the standard by refusing to excuse harmful behaviour and calling it out to create the change we need for a more equal and safe society for women and girls. It’s time for us to change the story.’ White Ribbon Day is on the 25th November. More on this story can be found here: https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/23818673.rape-support-service-facing-significant-cuts-lack-funding/?ref=suit For her second motion, Councillor Murray took aim at the continuing issue of Antisocial driving especially in Warndon Villages. The topic had been a persistent concern to residents in the area, with many contacting Cllr Murray seeking help in getting their voices heard. The motion resolved the Managing Director to write to the Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Transport outlining that the council expects the Roads Policing Review to be delivered immediately and that funding for road policing should be restored. ‘The Home Office is responsible for policing in Great Britain. Roads policing is not currently deemed a national strategic priority as it is viewed as a local issue to be determined by Police and Crime Commissioners. In Warndon Villages, many residents, and particularly those who live close to the wider, straighter roads, are regularly disturbed by late night ‘racers’ I don’t understand why there has been no action taken to address this problem, which has been going on for a number of years. This is a failure of the Conservative administration and a Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner.’ The motion was backed by a majority in the council and successfully passed.
Worcester Lib Dems hit the High Street…..
The Worcester Lib Dems enjoyed an opportunity to talk to the city’s residents outside the Guildhall today. Lib Dem Membership Officer Jon Taylor, Exec member Stuart Wild, St Peter’s Candidate John Renshaw and Social Media guru Steven Mather chatted with a number of people on topics such as the work that the Worcester Lib Dems do, the impact of the cost of living crisis as well as adding signatures to a petition for better funding of NHS dentists. ‘It was a fantastic day’ said Jon Taylor. ‘We were present from 10am and spoke to numerous people about all sorts of issues affecting them and their families.’ People took part in the WLD ‘Have Your Say’ board, where they voted on the topics that concern them as well as whether they thought the government was doing enough to tackle these issues. ‘We were also very pleased to hand out numerous Membership application forms to a few amazing people with one offering to give us a helping hand in the coming days!’ The Worcester Lib Dems are looking to make the stall a regular fixture and will be back at the Guildhall on Saturday 18th November.
Worcester Lib Dems announce candidates for Warndon Parish South by-election
The Worcester Liberal Democrats have today announced that Sarah Murray will be their candidate for the County seat, while Paul Jagger will be their candidate for the City seat in the upcoming Warndon Parish by-elections to be held on 19th October 2023. Counsellor Murray is no stranger to residents in Warndon Parish after she was elected as a City Councillor for Warndon Parish North in early 2023. With a background in law, teaching and children’s mental health as well as interests involving criminal justice, Councillor Murray works in special educational needs teaching and is a regular volunteer. In 2021 she founded the Warndon Wombles, a group of dedicated community volunteers who perform regular litter picking rounds in the ward. The group have recently been made finalists for the BBC Make a Difference awards. Whilst happy to be selected, Cllr Murray is sad about the passing of Councillor Andy Roberts which brought about the by-election. ‘I was really sorry to learn of Andy’s death. Andy was a long serving, well respected part of our community who will be missed. I am proud to serve residents of Warndon Villages at Worcester City Council. I share the frustrations of my neighbours at the inaction of the local authorities in tackling speeding, car crime and anti social behaviour and I am acting as our area’s representative to tackle this. I have actively campaigned to end the late night speeding problems and anti social behaviour that blights our lovely area. I look forward to the campaign and to bringing the community together in our shared vision for the future of our local area.’ Paul Jagger was born in York, and has proudly called Worcester home since the early 2000s. Paul works as a film and television editor where he has learned about the power of storytelling and communication. Paul’s passion extends beyond the editing room, encompassing a deep fascination with technology, from trains and planes to rockets and renewable energy. He is also half of the formidable Team Jagger with his wife being Claines City Councillor, Jessie Jagger. Frustrated by the status quo, Paul is determined to shake up the political scene and create positive change within his community. “I am pleased to have been selected as the Lib Dem Candidate. I will do my best to work for the people of Warndon Parish South.” With a fresh perspective and an unwavering commitment to progress, I am ready to work for the people of Warndon.”
New School Term Bus Worries
Parents of children going to Bishop Perowne School from Warndon Villages have raised concerns that their children might get left standing at the bus stop.
Cllr Murray contacts Police & Crime Commissioner to address concerns
Cllr Murray contacted John Campion today to address concerns that reports from residents where going unanswered or were seemingly not being logged.
Councillor Andy Roberts
The Worcester Liberal Democrats are shocked and saddened to hear the news of the passing of Warndon Parish City and County Councillor, Andy Roberts. Mr Roberts was a long standing member of the council and a well respected and liked figure in the community. He worked hard for the people of Warndon Parish as well as serving on multiple boards for the Council during his tenure. He was also elected Mayor of Worcester in 2009. After a 37 year career in the fire service, Councillor Roberts became a regular volunteer and was first elected to council in 2001 where he fought for the needs of children and families across Worcester. Mel Allcott, City and County Councillor for Claines said ‘I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Councillor Andy Roberts. On behalf of myself and the local party I’d like to say Andy will be missed very much. He was a hardworking councillor and real champion of charitable causes. Our thoughts are very much with Andy’s family and the Worcester Conservative Councillors.’
Worcester Lib Dems join Somerton and Frome By-Election Campaign
Whilst the Worcester Lib Dems are always working hard for the people of Worcester, they also try to help out their fellow party members and candidates wherever possible. It was this that took WLD City and County Councillor for Claines Mel Allcott and WLD Exec member Stuart Wild to Somerton and Frome to throw their considerable talents behind Sarah Dyke, the Lib Dem candidate for the recent by-election. On the 16th July they travelled to the rural constituency in Somerset and just so happened to bump in to a familiar face: Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey. Sir Ed was no stranger to the campaign having visited the area 6 times in the run up to the by-election. He was also no stranger to Mel. “It was super to see Sir Ed again. We had met a few times in the past and Ed always finds the time to speak with members and is a real pleasure to chat with. We talked about the Somerton and Frome by-election campaign with real positivity. We think it proved to be a good omen as Sarah Dyke won !” In fact not only did Sarah Dyke go on to win but with the previous incumbent having a majority of 19,213 it proved to be one of the largest turnarounds at a UK by-election since 1945.
