Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Local disabled people still “Polls Apart” when it comes to voting

Monday, April 19th, 2010

Voting is a right that many of us probably take for granted – but for thousands of disabled people that is not the case and they are denied the opportunity to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

Disabled people still face discrimination when it comes to voting because of a number of different access barriers.  These can include polling stations without ramps for wheelchair users or voting information which is not available in alternative formats such as Braille.

That’s why local Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Norman Owen will be supporting disability charity Scope’s Polls Apart campaign in the run-up to the General Election.

Polls Apart is a campaign to ensure that disabled people have the same access to voting as everyone else.

Norman Owen, is calling on Salford City Council to ensure that all local polling stations are fully accessible to disabled people. This could include changes such as installing temporary ramps or ensuring that polling station staff have disability equality training.

Norman said:

“In a modern democracy it is simply not acceptable that so many disabled people are still denied the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote.

“I hope as many people as possible will take part in this survey to raise awareness about this issue. Disabled people must be treated equally and fairly when it comes to voting.”

To learn more about the Polls Apart campaign and also download a copy of the survey go to www.pollsapart.org.uk

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Salford Question Time 2010

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

During March and April, the Seedley and Langworthy Trust in partnership with Take Part Salford are hosting four ‘Salford Question Time’ events featuring the key political leaders in local politics. The Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Conservatives have all agreed to sit on the panel, alongside others with specialist knowledge.

Elected members will be addressing potential voters and confronting Salford issues in public. The format will be very similar to the BBC’s own Question Time TV programme and the events will also provide a training experience for members of Salford Community Media Partnership who would be involved in set design; sound; film and lighting.

Tickets are free, but there is limited availability – so book early.

The themes and dates are as follows:
* Housing & the Environment – Thurs 4th March, 7–8.30pm
* Economy & Employment – Thurs 11th March, 7–8.30pm
* Education, Children & Young People – Thurs 18th March, 7–8.30pm
* National Issues (MPs) – Thurs 8th April, 7–8.30pm

To apply for tickets and submit questions for the event, please telephone Seedley and Langworthy Trust on 0161 737 9918 or email: admin@sali.org.uk

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LIBERAL DEMOCRATS LAUNCH PLANS TO REVITALISE SALFORD’S HIGH STREETS

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Liberal Democrats in Salford & Eccles have today set out plans to revitalise the area’s high streets, protect the future of the Post Office, and help small businesses establish and grow in a fairer marketplace.

The announcement comes as research shows one in eight shops across the country are now empty after the recession. The report, published by the Local Data Company (LDC), says that vacancies shot up by 24% in the second half of 2009.

Councillor Norman Owen, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Salford & Eccles said:

“Even before the credit crunch hit, small independent shops had more or less disappeared from Salford and Eccles.

“The Government’s skewed planning system has seen supermarket giants squeeze the life out of towns like ours and now almost every high street in Britain is an identical collection of chain stores and coffee shops.

“We need thriving high streets in both Salford & Eccles, ones with real character that allows local businesses to survive and grow.

“The financial crisis has exposed Labour and the Conservatives’ folly of being entirely dependent on the City of London. The Liberal Democrats understand that it will be small local businesses that are the key to building a healthy and balanced economy.”

Norman added:

“Thriving high streets are at the heart of local communities.

“But it has been our high streets that have borne the brunt of this recession, with boarded up shops scarring towns and villages across Britain.

“I believe that people value the wide range of goods and services available locally and want to see their high streets thrive and prosper.”

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9,400 Salford pensioners will miss out on cold weather payments

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

9,400 Salford pensioners will miss out on Cold Weather Payments triggered by the recent weather, according to Liberal Democrat analysis of Government figures.

Cold Weather Payments of £25 a week are paid to people on low incomes who receive a qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit, which goes unclaimed by as many as 1.7m pensioners nationally. Figures released by the government show that almost 9,400 people who qualify in Salford, Worsley and Eccles have not claimed their Cold Weather Payments.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Salford & Eccles, Norman Owen said:

“It is a scandal that thousands of Salford pensioners on the breadline are missing out on these payments, worth an estimated £235,000 locally.

“Fuel prices are at an all time high, making Cold Weather Payments all the more important to people already struggling on a poverty pension.

“Labour has failed pensioners by creating a complicated system that makes it difficult for them to get the help they desperately need.

“The Government should be making every effort to identify pensioners who are missing out and get them this extra cash.”

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NORMAN OWEN PUTS FAIRNESS AT THE HEART OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRAT CAMPAIGN

Monday, January 11th, 2010

The Liberal Democrats have announced they will fight the General Election on four key principles, designed to make Britain a fairer place.

PPC for Salford & Eccles,  Norman Owen, has today set out his campaign priorities: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics and a fair, green economy with jobs that last.

Councillor Owen said:

“People in Salford & Eccles have been let down by their politicians and are rightly frustrated. I am going into the election with a clear direction and a manifesto that is short, direct and to the point.

“We will introduce fairer taxes by closing loopholes for the richest, introducing a tax on mansions and tax cuts of £700 for everyone else.

“If your child is at school in Salford, we can promise investment to help reduce class sizes, improve discipline and develop one-to-one tuition.

“We would also give you the right to sack your MP. The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system, flushing out big money and corrupt donors and reducing the number of MPs by 150.

“And we will rebuild the economy in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs. We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure Salford businesses can find the money they need to grow.

“The coming months are a crucial time for politics and I will be using them to focus on these four priorities and delivering real change for Salford.”

In his speech this morning (MON), Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg said:

“David Cameron and Gordon Brown are playing the politics of the airbrush and the focus group.

“One doesn’t know what he believes. The other doesn’t know what to do with the power he clings to so desperately.

“I believe the country wants something different. The Liberal Democrats are different. We offer credibility where it’s needed. And hope for our common future.”

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NEW TAXI RULES TO BE INTRODUCED AFTER TAXI DRIVERS LOSE JUDICIAL REVIEW

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

On Friday 18th December, Hackey (black cab) taxi drivers with support from Unite, Britains biggest trade union, sought a Judicial Review to overturn Salford Council’s decision to implement new rules for taxi drivers across the city. The Judge, Mr Justice Parker, in handing down his judgement, refused permission for Judicial Review proceedings and awarded costs to Salford City Council. It is understood the Council’s costs amount to £16,000 and the taxi trade’s costs could exceed £50,000.

The new taxi rules, which will come into force immediately, allow for a removal of the current limits on the number of hackney cab licences the council can issue as well as other new rules which include refusing to licence any taxi which does not meet the council’s stringent emissions standards. This potentially means all vehicles over 7 years old cannot be licensed for use as a taxi.

Councillor Owen said:

“The decision is deeply disappointing. The taxi trade has been landed with huge legal costs, when all they really wanted was more meaningful consultation with the council. They have been forced down this road by the Council’s unwillingness to listen and it is disappointing that Mr Justice Parker did not realise that.”

Councillor Owen added:

“The council has ignored repeated pleas from the taxi trade and pressed on with the implementation of these new draconian rules, many of which are unnecessary and will cause financial hardship for taxi drivers and operators at a time when the country is deep in a recession. I’m sure the net effect of these rules will be the loss of jobs in Salford for which the council will be directly responsible.”

Councillor Owen continued:

“This decision also affects the private hire trade and some taxi drivers and operators feel that they have been ill advised by their legal counsel, but I believe the taxi trade, as a whole, has received a raw deal from Salford City Council. I have supported the taxi trade throughout this battle and while the outcome is obviously not what we wanted, it has been a worthwhile fight. I will continue to support the taxi trade and fight for a fairer system on their behalf.”

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SALFORD & ECCLES LIBERAL DEMOCRAT PPC NORMAN OWEN MEETS NICK CLEGG

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

On Thursday 17th December 2009, the Liberal Democrat’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Salford & Eccles, Councillor Norman Owen, talked with Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg following a very successful Town Hall meeting in Rochdale.

Councillor Owen said:

“It was very welcome to see so many people taking an active interest in politics. There was a good mix of people at the meeting from across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, including members of the Liberal Democrats and the general public as well as some members of opposing parties. The social composition of the area was also very well represented and Nick was eager to hear questions from all perspectives.”

Councillor Owen added:

“During the meeting, Nick demonstrated his passion for positive change in our country. He answered a wide range of questions covering health, education, environmental issues and the country’s financial problems. His answers demonstrated that The Liberal Democrats are the only viable choice given Gordon Brown’s failing government and a Conservative party that would lead us deeper into recession.”

Councillor Owen went on to say:

“I was particularly impressed with the way that Nick handled persistent questions from BNP members, who had clearly come along to try and hijack the evening. Nick was exceptionally strong when asked difficult questions over the ongoing conflicts in Iraq & Afghanistan, pointing out that The Liberal Democrats were the only party to oppose the invasion of Iraq.”

Councillor Owen continued:

“Following the Town Hall meeting, I was pleased to be able to chat with Nick about our plans for next year’s general election in Salford & Eccles. It was gratifying to receive firm support from the leader of our party.”

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LOCAL CAMPAIGNER SELECTED AS CANDIDATE FOR SWINTON SOUTH

Friday, December 18th, 2009

Salford Liberal Democrats have selected local campaigner, Paul Gregory, to stand as the candidate for Swinton South ward in next year’s council election. Paul was educated locally, attending Moorside Primary School, Moorside High School and Pendleton College before attending Cardiff University where he earned a degree in journalism.  Paul lives in Swinton South with his fiancée.

Paul said:

“I am delighted to be selected to represent the Liberal Democrats for my local area at next year’s elections. I joined the party when Paddy Ashdown was leader and have been campaigning for the local team for some time. It is particularly rewarding to have the opportunity to serve my local community.”

Councillor Norman Owen congratulates local campaigner Paul Gregory on his selection.

Paul is a website developer, helping businesses across Greater Manchester make the most of the internet. He works for the family business, based in Pendlebury. His interest in computers began in the 80s when his father ran a computer and games shop in Swinton.

Commenting on the selection, Councillor Norman Owen said:

“I’m really pleased Paul has been selected to represent the Liberal Democrats at next year’s local election. Paul has worked hard for the local party for many years.”

Councillor Owen added:

“Paul has a long established association with the ward and has lived in Swinton all his life. He will make an excellent councillor for Swinton South.”

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SWINTON SOUTH COUNCILLOR JOE O’NEILL RESIGNS FROM THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

In the Manchester Evening News, 12th December 2009, Swinton South Councillor Joe O’Neill has announced his resignation from The Liberal Democrat Party and his intention to stand as an independent candidate in the new constituency of Salford & Eccles at next year’s general election.

Councillor Owen said:

“Liberal Democrat candidates have to meet stringent criteria in order to stand in parliamentary elections. The Salford Liberal Democrats were eager to field a local candidate in the Worsley & Eccles South constituency at next year’s parliamentary election and Joe was our preferred choice. Unfortunately he has not completed the necessary steps to become qualified and approved by the national party so we are unable to select him to fight the seat on behalf of The Liberal Democrats. Consequently he has made the decision to stand as an independent candidate.”

Councillor Owen added:

“In the past Joe has been an excellent councillor for Swinton South. He has worked hard for local residents and we are sorry that he has taken the decision to leave the party. We’d like to thank him for his contribution to Swinton South, Salford Council and the Liberal Democrats and wish him well for the future.”

Councillor Owen went on to say:

“There is a strong Liberal Democrat vote in Swinton South . We will not let our voters down and we intend to put forward a strong local candidate for the ward in next year’s council elections.”

Councillor Owen continued:

“Salford & Eccles is still a two-horse race between me, a strong Liberal Democrat candidate with a proven track record, and Labour’s cheque waving home flipper, Hazel Blears. The addition of a second independent candidate at next year’s election will do nothing more than erode Labour’s majority further. Joe’s decision will not materially impact on my own campaign.”

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PPC NORMAN OWEN ADDRESSES FRINGE MEETING AT LIB DEM CONFERENCE OVER MP EXPENSES

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Liberal Democrat Salford City Councillor Norman Owen, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Salford & Eccles addressed a fringe meeting attended by Greg Dyke, ex-head of the BBC along with other prominent Lib Dem PPCs, councillors and activists this weekend at the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference in Bournemouth.
The meeting discussed the subject of MPs expenses and how it has damaged the credibility of politicians across Britain.

Councillor Owen, leader of the Salford Liberal Democrats, said:

“I feel that Salford’s current Labour MP, Hazel Blears with her ‘cheque waving’ antics has significantly lowered her standing with the voting public and that of her government. It’s time to inject a modicum of sanity and reality into our politicians, in order to regain our moralities and deliver the trust and confidence Salford and this country deserve.”

Councillor Owen added:

“MPs and prospective MPs need to work incredibly hard over the coming months to restore public trust and I have proposed some solutions that would begin the process of cleaning up the expenses question once and for all. MPs must return to core politics and one suggestion I have made is for the state to pay for MPs’ political researchers, rather than the elected MP employing them directly.”

Councillor Owen continued:

“It was extremely useful to address other Lib Dem parliamentary prospective candidates, councillors and activists from all other the country and debate how parliament needs to clean up it’s act.

Until MPs and prospective MPs have regained the public trust, it will be an uphill struggle to engage the public and guarantee a strong turnout at the next election. I firmly believe that we, as Liberal Democrats, can offer a fresh start for Britain by proving we are the right alternative. I pledge to clean up politics in Salford & Eccles for good.”

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