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.

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.”

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.