Press Release: Lib Dems announce four candidates

Halifax Liberal Democrats have announced four of their candidates for the forthcoming local elections.

Pauline Nash

Pauline Nash has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate in the Skircoat Ward. Pauline hopes to become the second Liberal Democrat Councillor in the ward following Cllr Stephen Gow’s victory in 2007. Pauline stood in Skircoat, her home ward, in the March 2009 by-election, when she came just 118 votes behind her Conservative rival.

A former youth and community worker, Pauline, of Heath Road, Halifax, has been a magistrate since 1981 and has served as a member of the Board of the Halifax Opportunities Trust.

Pauline says, ‘On the doorstep people are concerned that their voice is not heard in the right places in the Town Hall and that important decisions, such as the sudden withdrawal of the 36 bus and the proposals for Copley, are being made without consultation. That is why I support the Liberal Democrat plans for a more open council that consults local people properly on the matters that affect them the most.’

Cllr Stephen Gow says. ‘Pauline is known by many people throughout the ward and will make an excellent local ward Councillor. She is a no nonsense character who will work hard for the residents of Skircoat ward.’

Shazad Fazal

Shazad Fazal has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Park ward. Shazad hopes to become the second Liberal Democrat Councillor in the ward following Cllr Mohammed Ilyas’ victory in 2009.

Halifax born and bred, Shazad currently works for the Lloyds group of companies as a customer service advisor.  Shazad has been active in the community, volunteering for the Citizens Advice Bureau and as a governor of Saint Augustine’s school. He is a union member, and vice chair of the Park Kashmir Society.

Shazad says: “People in Park ward feel the Council does not pay them enough attention.  They want basic services from the council – starting with clean streets, and better amenities for young and old.”

Cllr Mohammed Ilyas says: “Shazad is keen, energetic and concerned about all the community in Park. He would be a fighter for the area.”

Elizabeth Ward

Newcomer Elizabeth Ward is challenging council leader Cllr Stephen Baines as the Liberal Democrat candidate in Northowram and Shelf. Elizabeth attended Northowram Junior School and Crossley Heath School before completing her A levels at Greenhead College.

She recently graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in French and German, and is currently working in a pastoral role in a Kirklees school. At university Elisabeth was the Lead Student Ambassador, working in outreach projects to encourage secondary school pupils from under-represented groups to continue to higher education. This is her first council contest.

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Elizabeth says: “I was inspired by David Howarth MP in Cambridge, and joined the Liberal Democrats while I was at Cambridge University. Now I want to do something in my own community.”

Parliamentary Candidate for Halifax Elisabeth Wilson says: “Elizabeth is a competent and energetic candidate who would be an asset to Northowram and Shelf. I was elected to the County Council when I was her age.”

Ashley Evans

Ashley Evans has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate in Warley ward, bidding to join Cllr Jennifer Pearson and Cllr Robert Pearson. He runs a successful retail design consultancy, and has lived in Sowerby Bridge since 1990.

Ashley was Vice Chair of Governors at Crossley Heath until recently, and has been Chair of Governors at Triangle J & I School for many years. He is a member of the Calderdale Schools Forum, an active member of Sowerby Bridge Rotary, and has experience setting up food co-operatives including early involvement with Suma. Outside work Ashley was a keen rugby player and later coach, as well as managing a pop band. Ashley Evans has stood for Ryburn ward previously for the Liberal Democrats.

Ashley says: “I am looking forward to joining the committed and effective Liberal Democrat team in Warley, and working for the communities of Pellon, Mount Tabor and Warley.”

Cllr Jennifer Pearson says: “Ashley brings a wealth of business and voluntary experience that will be a tremendous asset for the people in Warley ward”.

Cllrs Jennifer and Robert Pearson in Warley Village Car Park

The car park in Warley has been resurfaced and tidied up thanks to Lib Dem Councillor Jennifer Pearson. She also acted on residents’ requests for more equipment in the play area. Jennifer and Robert are now working with local people to get the Warley monument repaired and restored.

The new Pellon Network Centre in Rye Lane was opened in September by the Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Conrad Winterburn.   Lib Dem Cllr Jennifer Pearson said, “It’s been a long time coming and there have been difficulties along the way. But it looks great and I’m proud to have been involved in seeing the project through from start to finish.”  Cllr Robert Pearson added,  “The Centre will be a really good facility for the whole community to use.”

Cllrs R Pearson, C Winterburn and J Pearson at the grand opening of the Pellon Network Centre

LIB DEMS DOUBLE WIN IN HALIFAX This years local election results proved to be historic for Halifax Liberal Democrats, there are now more Lib Dem councillors in Halifax than ever before on Calderdale Council. Results Highlights Lib Dems win as residents demand action in Park ward Labour lose Park ward election as Lib Dems Secure 200+ majority. The residents of Park ward in Halifax ousted veteran Labour Cllr following a close and hard fought election campaign. Many residents moved to back Mohammed Ilyas the Lib Dem candidate as they felt taken for granted by labour representatives Shortly after the result was declared the Winning Lib Dem Candidate Ilyas said “I am honoured to have been trusted by the residents to fight for them over next 4 years. My priorities are to get a modern community centre for all residents and clean up the ward so that people can feel proud of where they live” Massive Majority for hard working Lib Dems in Warley ward Another Massive win in Warley ward for Lib Dems following on from last years big win for Lib Dems in Warley Ward residents back the team that work tirelessly for them. Robert Pearson has been elected by over 50% of voters who gave their second endorsement of the Lib Dems in 12 months. The hard work and tireless effort of the Lib Dem Team saw Robert win a majority of almost 1000 over his rivals. He takes his seat in the council along side fellow ward councillor Jennifer Pearson, on hearing the result Robert was overjoyed “It’s fantastic to know that all our work for residents has been rewarded today. I will not take there support for granted, working with Jennifer [Pearson] we will continue to fight to get the best for every resident” Commenting on the results Halifax Liberal Democrats Chairperson Pam Burton Said “We are delighted with these results they show that the Lib Dems are able to win anywhere in Calderdale”

Neglected Pellon Activity Centre

Funding for doing up and extending the old Ling Bob Addy on Rye Lane has been approved. Cllr Jennifer Pearson says “I’m proud to have been able to help the Pellon Action Network to get this money. We can’t wait to get going on it now!” The money is coming mainly from Europe (via Action Halifax), with a secondary amount from the Council and a number of other smaller donations.

DISAPPOINTING!

Jennifer criticised her two fellow Ward Councillors for not backing the scheme. “When money is available for improvements in their ward, for some reason, they don’t want it!”

REGENERATION FOR ALL AGES

She added, “The old Addy has been a symbol of de-generation for years but the new Centre will be a symbol of re-generation. It will have facilities for the whole community young, old and every age in between.”

Cllr Jennifer Pearson responded to complaints about speeding traffic at the top end of Moor End Road by calling a public meeting on 15th September. Around 60 residents attended as did Halifax MP Linda Riordan. Officers from the Council and the West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership were there to answer questions. After the meeting, Jennifer said, “Residents are genuinely concerned about safety on this road which is a bit like a motorway at times. I was disappointed that the police didn’t attend but Linda and I will be asking senior police officers to take action as a matter of urgency”. Jennifer added, “Lots of people would like to see speed cameras but the rules laid down by central government are very strict and Moor End Road doesn’t qualify”. Lib Dem Campaigner, Brendan Stubbs said, “The good news is that the flashing 30mph signs we had couple of years ago will be returning in the next few months, this time permanently”.

As a further road safety measure and following residents’ suggestions, Jennifer has asked for the road to be marked with “bus boxes” at the bus stops next to the Woodlesford newsagent’s and the Broadwood children’s home. “Highways and Metro have agreed to the proposal and we’re hoping it will go ahead soon”, said Jennifer.

The proposed sale of two small pieces of Council land between Pellon New Road and Pellon Lane (next to the fish shop) has been blocked for the moment by Cllr JenniferPearson.
“The Council says these small areas are surplus to requirements and cost money to maintain. But green areas are few and far between in this part of the ward and I don’t think it’s too much to ask the Council to look after them. They contain some nice trees and I’m afraid that, if they were sold off to a private individual, they would be at risk of being built on.”

Jennifer Pearson Protecting Green Spaces in Pellon