There are a number of changes to postal and proxy votes, applicable to all elections in England and General and PCC elections in Wales and General Elections in Scotland that have come in to force this week. The changes include: You can apply online to vote by post at https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote You now to prove your identity as part of the application process. Both online and paper applications require ID verification either by providing their National Insurance number or using some other form of identification. You can hold a postal vote for a maximum period of three years. You need to reapply at the end of that time. Proxy voters will now only be able to have a proxy vote for two other people, whether they are related or not. Those who already have a postal vote in place do not need to take any action now. They will be contacted by the council when their postal vote is due for renewal. If you need any further information, you can find it at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/our-views-and-research/elections-act/changes-postal-voting
DEADLY TREE DISEASE THREATENS POPULAR ANCIENT WOOD
City Councillor Sarah Murray and Parish Councillor John Rudge have slammed years of inaction by the City Council under Conservative leadership over the threatened closure of a much loved woodland in Warndon Villages due to Ash Dieback. Ash Dieback is a fungus which penetrates into a tree via spores. Once inside the trees main body it grows blocking the main water transport systems causing the tree to die. With 75-80% of Ash trees in the area under threat from this destructive disease, the Councillors have been left dumbfounded that no action has been taken, despite being aware of the disease since 2012. At a public meeting last week, Officers advised that, because of the extent of the damage, one solution might be to flatten New Plantation Woods and re-plant the area affected. Tolladine Woods, the ancient woodland next to the Evangelical Church might have to be closed to the public due to the danger of trees falling. Cllr Sarah Murray said, ‘This is an environmental disaster which has been ignored for such a long time that we are now faced with the worst possible outcomes that could lead to the loss of access to a much loved, local amenity highly valued by the residents of Warndon Villages. Access to the woodland is essential for the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of local residents and the habitat of local wildlife. The ancient woodland is a haven for wildlife and provides numerous walking routes and short cuts and is especially loved by dog walkers . If residents are denied access, the natural environment loved by many residents will be lost.’ Councillor John Rudge told us, ‘The City Council have known about this problem for over 10 years but seem to have buried their heads in the sand over the issue. The longer you leave the problem, the more expensive it becomes to solve it. As the trees become more diseased, they become dangerous to work on and, as a last resort, may need to be felled with explosives rather than chainsaws.’ Following a recent tour of the woods provided by the City’s Tree Officer, Harry Simms, one local resident, David Smith, commented, ‘The message was delivered very clearly; the problem is serious and extensive. The officer explained that close to 75% of the wood is going to die. I would hope that the safety of the public is going to be a priority rather than wait for an accident. If the timber was going to be felled it could always be sold for wood burning fires, which would potentially give the Council an income stream. Let’s start being proactive, and let’s get the council to be more upfront as to the seriousness of the problem. It is all over the city and outlying districts.’ Cllrs Murray and Rudge are calling for the City to take positive steps to manage and preserve this ancient woodland for the benefit of all concerned.
A Big Thank You…….
Thursday 19th October saw the residents of Warndon Villages go to the polls for the City and Council seat by-elections following the sad passing of Councillor Andy Roberts in August. Standing for the Worcester Liberal Democrats was Warndon Parish North City Councillor, Sarah Murray in the County election, while in the City election Paul Jagger (of the illustrious Team Jagger) took up the baton. It was a Herculean effort from members and supporters, with many miles walked, hours of free time dedicated and residents contacted as we shared our vision for Warndon Parish. In the end it wasn’t to be on this occasion, but to each and every member of the team who helped during the campaigns we would like to say a heart felt thank you for all of your dedication, selflessness, passion and incredible skills. The Worcester Lib Dems simply couldn’t do what it does without you. And to the people in Warndon Parish who voted for Cllr Murray and Paul, we can only say thank you so much for your time and for your support. There were a lot of candidates to chose from and these things are never taken for granted here at WLD. To get your vote means everything to us and we want you to know that We. See. You. We will be back and will continue to campaign hard for the people of Warndon Parish. The Worcester Liberal Democrats want to make a real difference and you could be a part of it too! If you or anyone you know would like to join the team just click on the below link and from as little as £15 a year you can help shape the future of the Lib Dems in Worcester and beyond. Go to https://libdems.my.salesforce-sites.com/LiberalDemocrats/NewMemberLocal
Cllr Jagger Expresses Concerns Over New Plans For Scala & Corn Exchange
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.
