North Shropshire News Archives - North Shropshire Liberal Democrats

March 29, 2020March 30, 2020

John Stevens passes away

John Stevens on the campaign trail during the last General Election in Oswestry

Yesterday we learnt that our dear friend and colleague, John Stevens, died late last week. North Shropshire Liberal Democrats offer our heartfelt condolences to John’s friends and family at this difficult time.

John was a long-standing member of the Liberal Democrats and a member of St Martins Parish Council. He was very active in the community, a trustee of St Martins Centre and Editor of the St Martins Village Life Magazine. John was a Strategic Partnership Manager for the Citizens Advice between 1999 and 2012. He was also a representative on the Shropshire Association of Local Councils local area committee.

John was the Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Weston Rhyn between 1993-1997 and 2001-2005. John stood for Parliament for the Liberal Democrats in North Shropshire in 1992 against John Biffen and then Owen Paterson in 1997. On a regional level, he was an Assistant Returning Officer for West Midlands Liberal Democrats. He was an Executive member of North Shropshire Liberal Democrats. John had previously been heavily involved in the party in the South West Region as an Agent and Organiser before moving to Shropshire with his late wife Sue.

Chair of North Shropshire Liberal Democrats, David Walker, said: “This is very sad news. John was heavily involved in the community and will be greatly missed by everybody.

“As a Liberal, he has been a huge asset to the local party and his clinical insight was widely appreciated. He had a great skill for finding a weakness in service delivery and filling the gaps to improve the outcome for local people. Something I have witnessed when we were both County Councillors between 2001 and 2005, and later on our Executive committee.

“Since 2017 John helped me rejuvenate North Shropshire Lib Dems as vice-chair and our Membership Development Officer. John oversaw rapid membership growth of 250% during this time and played a key role in the last general election organising supporters, helping us to grow our vote share more than any other party.

“In 1992 John achieved the highest vote share for a Liberal since the merger of the Liberal Party and the SDP in 1988. He often joked that it was his fault we had been lumbered with Owen Paterson.

“His insight and knowledge was a huge asset to us all. Indeed, if he was writing this it would be half as long and four times as good. He will be greatly missed.”

Shropshire Councillor for Wem, Chris Mellings, said: “John joined the Liberal Party in the 1960s and was an enthusiastic supporter of the merger of the two Alliance Parties. He had stood for Parliament elsewhere in the 1970s before being selected to fight the North Shropshire Constituency at the 1992 GE.

“I worked alongside John in the 1990s as his Press Officer at the 1992 General Election, his Agent at the 1997 GE and then as his Deputy Group Leader from 1994 to 1997.

“No one understood the finances of the County Council better than John – other than the County Treasurer of course. He knew that the way to influence what happened at the Council depended on who controlled the purse strings! After the 1993 County elections, the Group formed an coalition with Labour to control the Council. Recognising the influence finance played, it was he who ensured it was the Liberal Democrats who chaired the all- important and influential Resources Sub Committee – of course it was John who then chaired that Committee and proved to be a very effective one too ! He was also a very effective Deputy Leader of the Council and powerful advocate within both the Council and the Administration for the Liberal Democrat perspective. He was no fool and would be at his best when challenging Officers and carving out what he thought was the best strategy and direction for the Administration at a time of financial difficulties resulting from central Government’s failure to adequately finance counties such as Shropshire – some things don’t change! He was very driven and determined to great effect and developed a very effective working partnership with the Labour Leader of the Council to get things done. It was a great loss to both the Council and Group when he lost his seat at the 1997 County election. Though he regained his seat in 2001 it was not the same John Stevens as eight years previously.

“That said, during his time as a County Councillor, he was an effective Councillor, a strong voice for his community and the Liberal Democrats and someone who made a huge. He will be sadly missed.”

Please feel free to comment below to pass on your own condolences, to share a story or a memory of our friend John:

December 26, 2019December 26, 2019

2019 General Election Results for North Shropshire

Thank you to everybody who voted for Helen Morgan on the 12th of December in the 2019 General Election.

Locally we outperformed the national result, the West Midlands regional result and the result in strongly Leave seats. Helen’s vote went up by 4.7% – the largest increase in vote share compared to 2017 for any party in North Shropshire. This was our biggest campaign in a long time. Whilst, the national picture wasn’t great for us – 3 weeks before polling day we were looking at a much better result and aiming to take second place – we held our own and made solid progress in target areas. Owen Paterson’s vote share rose modestly whilst Labour’s collapsed.

We have plenty to build upon as we turn our eyes to the County Elections in 2021. For those elections, the Liberal Democrats are currently the largest opposition group and we expect to make gains in North Shropshire. If you are interested in being a Councillor and standing those elections please get in touch.

Nationally the party saw a disappointing result despite seeing a 4.2% increase in vote share and gaining an extra 1.3 million votes compared to 2017. The Conservatives gained 0.3 million votes and Labour lost 2.6 million votes. Yet in seat terms, the Liberal Democrats lost 1 seat, the Conservatives gained 47 seats and Labour lost 59 seats. Turnout was 67.3%, slightly lower than the last election in 2017. The shows clearly the distortion in seats that First Past the post produces. Under a fair voting system, the Liberal Democrats would have gained upwards of 70 seats. Just one of many reasons why the Liberal Democrats have consistently campaigned for electoral reform over the decades. https://www.libdems.org.uk/lder

Regional breakdown the the 2019 Generela Election: BBC — Lib Dems advanced in every region of the UK. In North Shropshire the Lib Dems grew by 4.7% – more than the national and regional amounts except for London, the South East and East. Labour went down everywhere

Labour lost votes in Leave & Remain areas. The Lib Dems gained in both. As a leave area North Shropshire saw and above par rise for the Lib Dems - rising 2.1% more than Leave areas — Labour lost votes in Leave & Remain areas. The Lib Dems gained in both. As a leave area North Shropshire saw and above par rise for the Lib Dems – rising 2.1% more than Leave areas

November 10, 2019

North Shropshire aviation firm Metal Seagulls inspires women of all ages

Liberal Democrat Candidate Helen Morgan met directors Patricia Mawuli Porter and Jonathan Porter to find out how they are promoting essential skills to a wider audience.

Local business woman Patricia Mawuli shows Helen how she is promoting engineering careers to women and young people in the Midlands — Local businesswoman Patricia Mawuli shows Helen how she is promoting engineering careers to women and young people in the Midlands

Liberal Democrat Candidate Helen Morgan visited local aviation firm Metal Seagulls Ltd on Friday to learn more about the light aircraft industry in the area and a special project plane registered G-WXYZ. The light aircraft has been built by Patricia with a team of around 300 volunteers keen to learn new skills, 75% of whom were women and/or under 25. The Zenair CH750 STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) plane is now complete. Having completed its test flight programme it will be sold to raise funds for the next exciting project at Metal Seagulls, which will give even more youngsters much needed hands-on experience of engineering in aviation.

Patricia is the first civilian Ghanaian woman to obtain a Ghanaian Pilots licence, the only black female aircraft inspector in the UK for the Light Aircraft Association and British Microlight Aircraft Association, and she is the only woman worldwide to be factory trained by Rotax Aircraft Engines and ULPower Aero Engines… and is now running an aviation business with her husband at Sleap Aerodrome in Shropshire.

Helen learning how local firm Metal Seagulls is promoting careers in STEM to young women

Helen said “Patricia is an inspiration to women who might not have considered a career in engineering. As our industries become more automated, engineering skills will be increasingly important, but many women lack the confidence to enter traditionally male occupations. The G-WXYZ project has provided valuable insight for a huge number of young people, and we are lucky to have Metal Seagulls in North Shropshire.”

Metal Seagulls director Jonathan said: “It is a pleasure to receive a parliamentary candidate who shows such a genuine interest local development, was down to earth and shared the same values and beliefs as we do in relation to the needs of business and young people in Shropshire. We wish Helen every success and believe that she will make an outstanding MP for North Shropshire.”

August 10, 2019December 26, 2019

Helen Morgan selected as Lib Dem PPC for North Shropshire

Helen Morgan selected as Lib Dem PPC (Prospective Parliamentary Candidate) for North Shropshire by Members at a packed meeting in Wem. Members at a well-attended meeting in Wem voted to select Helen as their PPC.

LIB DEMS CHOOSE DYNAMIC CANDIDATE TO FIGHT ELECTION

Helen Morgan, a Chartered Accountant, mother and community campaigner has been selected by local North Shropshire Liberal Democrat members as their candidate to fight the next General Election. Helen Morgan, who lives with her young family in Harmer Hill works for a prominent North Shropshire business as their accountant.

Speaking about her selection Helen said:

“I am delighted that members have selected me to be their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the next General Election. The General Election could happen in a matter of weeks. Both the Conservative and Labour parties are gripped by crises and infighting.

“Not only is Brexit likely to be a disaster for North Shropshire, it has led to increasing extremism in British politcs, with trust in politicians at a historic low. Many voters feel that the two main parties of the past century no longer reflect their values.

“We need politicians who will act in the interests of their constituency and country, whose standards of behaviour are civilised, whose motivations are not clouded by personal ambition or financial gain, and whose opinions withstand rational challenge. I can meet these standards, and with the positiive message of the Liberal Democrats, inspire voters of all ages, defend our liberal values and make a difference at a local and national level.

“Under Jo Swinson’s leadership, I believe that the Liberal Democrats are strongly placed to respond to the needs of the country and more locally in Shropshire. Britain rightly demands better than the mess we are in.”

David Walker, Chair of North Shropshire Liberal Democrats, said:

“The Liberal Democrats are surging nationally and locally with booming membership levels following our best ever Local Election and European Election results. In North Shropshire, our membership has grown by over 44% since the beginning of May. In Shropshire, we came 2nd in the European Elections and returned Phil Bennion to the European Parliament.

“In local council by-elections up and down the country Lib Dems are gaining seats with massive swings from the Conservatives. We were leading in one national opinion poll and are consistently now on a par with the old parties. The recent addition of Chuka Umunna and victory in Brecon and Radnorshire shows that the Liberal Democrats are also back in the game at Parliamentary level.

“We are overjoyed to have such a high calibre PPC as Helen to take on the Conservatives at the next General Election. For far too long the electors of North Shropshire have been taken for granted at local and parliamentary level. Helen will allow us to build upon our growth and campaign for the open and fair society we all need and demand.

“People are working hard, paying their taxes, doing their part, and yet, for far far too many people, they’re not able to get a fair wage, afford a home or generally build a good life. That’s not how it should be.

“We will be the voice for millions of voters who feel powerless and frustrated at the direction our country is taking. The Liberal Democrats demand better and will deliver real change. Helen will have a critical role to play in delivering that change.”

Phil Bennion MEP and Helen Morgan at a recent talk to members in Market Drayton

Farmer and MEP Dr Phil Bennion said:

“I am delighted by Helen’s selection as Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for North Shropshire.

“Brexit has caused the biggest crisis in our politics since the war and a general election this autumn is very possibly the only way we are going to break the impasse which is paralysing our government. Thousands of people who never thought of themselves as political before are now joining us, hundreds in Shropshire alone.

“Helen has experience and commitment and understands the perspective of ordinary North Shropshire people who do not buy into the extreme Brexit ideology for which their current MP has become a high priest.

“I am convinced that Owen Paterson’s faith in a no deal Brexit, which is not what he promised in the two debates I had with him during the referendum, is not shared by a majority of his constituents. They stand to lose so much from local disruption to agriculture and trade.

“With Labour hopelessly split, Helen offers a serious challenge as the leading candidate for Remain.”

Join Helen Morgan and the North Shropshire team and help us Demand Better for Shropshire and Britain or contact us for more information

December 16, 2018

Equality Oswestry Group: WHY FOOD BANKS IN 2019?

The new Equality Oswestry Group plans to be proactive in raising national and local issues of inequality which, too often, impinge on people’s daily lives and work experiences directly affecting their physical and mental health, social, economic and emotional well-being and development.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

You are warmly welcomed to Equality Oswestry Group’s first public meeting of 2019 on:
Thursday 24th January from 7.30 pm – 9.30pm
At Eastern Oswestry Community Centre, Cabin Lane, SY11 2LQ
Refreshments will be available on arrival
WHY FOOD BANKS IN 2019?

Liz Jermy, Manager of Oswestry and Borders Food Bank, to give a presentation on this topical issue with some time for questions.

Equality Oswestry Group look forward to you joining us to learn more about this growing trend.

“We have four million children living in poverty, this is set to rise. We have teachers, police officers and nurses, professionals earning above the minimum wage going to foodbanks.“ – Dr Wanda Wyporska Executive Director of Equality Trust April 2018

October 22, 2018

Over 700,000 march to Demand Better than Brexit

Last Saturday 4 coaches from Shropshire made the journey down to London for the People’s Vote march to demand better than Brewit and a final say on the deal with an option to remain. At the previous march in June, there was only 1 coach from Shropshire. 220 went by coach with significant numbers travelling down independently by train/car. A large contingent of these was from North Shropshire.

Many Lib Dems from across Shropshire and North Shropshire in particular joined the 700,000 demanding a final say — Many Lib Dems from across Shropshire and North Shropshire, in particular, joined the 700,000 demanding a final say. Constituency chairman, David Walker, seen here on the left

Like the movement as a whole, the group represented the whole political spectrum, including Lib Dems, Greens, Labour and Conservative supporters and many with no political affiliation at all, coordinated by Open Britain Shrewsbury.

Shropshire demanding a final say on the Brexit deal, with an option to Exit from Brexit — Over 250 Shropshire residents demanded a final say on the Brexit deal, with an option to Exit from Brexit and remain

The official tally was 700,000 people but 840,000 has been suggested by the Metropolitan Police. It is clear that the march was 4 times larger than the last time. As more details of the deal or no deal emerge every day, these numbers reflect the growing demand for a People’s Vote with a final say on the deal and an option to remain.

Over 700,000 people marched for over 2 hours, with a 2 hour delay from the front to the back of the march — Over 700,000 people marched for over 2 hours, with a 2-hour delay from the front to the back of the march

The contingent from Shropshire formed up outside the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, at 11:30 pm – The march started at 12 pm but it was another 2 hours before they actually started their march. By that time the rally in Parliament square had started at 2 pm. The Shropshire group only arrived at Trafalgar Square at 4 pm, missing all of the speeches in Parliament Square. Shropshire marchers completed the 2 1/2 mile route at 4:30 pm.

The former Lib Dem MP for Ludlow, Matthew Green was marching with Shropshire residents to demand a final say

700,000 is equivalent to:

* Over 1% of the UK population

* The 2nd biggest protest EVER in the UK

* The biggest since the Iraq War protests

* Enough to be the UK’s 5th largest city

David Walker, Chair of North Shropshire Liberal Democrats, said:

“Every day it is becoming clearer that more and more people are demanding better than Brexit. People have been sold a pup. Regardless of whether a deal can be struck or not, or whether you voted Leave or remain, it is clear nobody will be getting what they were promised during the referendum. Nobody voted for this Brexit shambles, to be poorer or to put jobs and the economy at risk. It is time to give the people the final say on the deal with an option to remain.”

European Movement - Oswestry and North Shropshire branch supporters and Open Britain supporters joined in the march from Shropshire — European Movement – Oswestry and North Shropshire branch supporters and Open Britain Shrewsbury supporters joined in the march from Shropshire

Shropshire residents on the People's Vote march on the 20th October in London, marching under the Open Britain banner — Shropshire residents on the People’s Vote march on the 20th October in London, marching under the Open Britain Shropshire banner

If you want to Demand Better than Brexit, want a final say on the deal with an option to remain then join us, become a supporter or sign up with Open Britain or the European Movement. Both of which have many Lib Dems as supporters.

October 11, 2018October 11, 2018

Maesbury Road junction is dangerous | Clive Geary

Clive Geary, a Driving Instructor from Weston Rhyn, says: "New Maesbury road junction is dangerous"

My name is Clive Geary. I am a Driving Instructor from Weston Rhyn. I believe the new Maesbury Road junction is dangerous and needs urgent action to remedy the problem. There have already been accidents, including an accident on the day the junction opened, after months of safety work. It simply isn’t good enough to hope people get used to the junction. Problems can and should have been designed out of the junction. Locals may get used to it but what about the 1,000s of vehicles that aren’t local. We should all demand better from Highways England.

Maesbury Road junction is dangerous- the lines are confusing drivers

The dividing line for the lanes has been extended out onto the A483.

New Maesbury Road Junction still an accident risk

Clive Geary, a Driving Instructor from Western Rhyn and Liberal Democrat campaigner explains some of the issues with the new Maesbury Road Junction which whilst sorting some issues has created other issues that have and could lead to further accidents 1 of 2

Posted by North Shropshire Liberal Democrats on Tuesday, 9 October 2018

On several occasions now, I have witnessed vehicles passing the red traffic light, going beyond the stop line and actually stopping out on the A483, in the path of oncoming traffic from the Mile End direction.

Drivers are seeing the traffic light on the far side of the A483, which repeats the traffic light that they should have stopped at. The line dividing the lanes has been extended out onto the A483 making is less clear where you need to stop. Removing those unnecessary lines would make it easier for drivers to see where they should stop when they see a red light.

Traffic Lights are badly sited causing confusion

On approaching the traffic lights from the Welshpool direction, the first set of lights are poorly sited. The first traffic light on the left-hand side of the road is obscured by traffic signs, this means that if a high sided vehicle is in the right-hand land a vehicle in the left lane can completely miss the first set of lights and think the next set, protecting the turn for the industrial estate are for them and therefore pass a red signal.

Clive Geary Maesbury Road unsighted traffic lights

Clive Geary, a Driving Instructor from Western Rhyn and Liberal Democrat campaigner explains some of the issues with the new Maesbury Road Junction which whilst sorting some issues has created other issues that have and could lead to further accidents 2 of 2 (Unsighted traffic lights)

Posted by North Shropshire Liberal Democrats on Tuesday, 9 October 2018

In addition, the set of lights protecting the right turn onto the industrial can be confused with the very first set of light protecting the traffic entering the A483 from the Maesbury entry.

I have already witnessed several occasions where different vehicles have passed the first red traffic lights, thinking that the next set of lights, being at green are from them and nearly hitting traffic entering the A483 coming from Maesbury.

There is also a slip road on the A483 to allow traffic coming from the Welshpool direction direct access onto the industrial estate. This slip road is not traffic light controlled. But due to the location of the 2nd set of traffic lights, vehicles are confusing a red stop signal which is not for them and stopping when they do not need to, leading to the risk of rear-end collisions. Or when they are entering the slip road, as it is not clear, they are failing to give way to traffic making a right turn onto the industrial estate from the Mile End direction.

Good design ‘designs out’ these problems

Any traffic junction should be readily and quickly understandable by motorists.

This junction was modified as the previous layout was deemed to be unsafe. The new layout is confusing and therefore is also unsafe.

The council has stated that drivers will get used to the new layout in time!

So, will the council be writing to every motorist in the UK, should they pass through or visit the Oswestry area, with a map of the new junction and instructions of what they need to do?

Surely a cheaper and safer option requiring less maintenance would have been a roundabout.

We should all demand better from Highways England. Maesbury Road junction is dangerous… fix it!

If, like Clive, you want to Demand Better from Highways England then please contact us a let us know what you think