Worcester elections 2024: Arboretum ward candidates

Nine candidates are battling for two seats on Worcester City Council in a ward that has been dominated by the Green Party recently.

Karen Lewing was elected in 2021 with 232 votes more than her nearest rival, Labour’s Joy Squires.

And in 2023, Hannah Cooper delivered an even bigger winning margin, defeating Labour’s Jenny Barnes by 629 votes.

Zoe Coldicott - Conservatives

No profile or photo provided

Hannah Cooper - Green Party

Hannah Cooper (Image: Hannah Cooper)

I have lived in Worcester since 2012 and moved into Arboretum ward in 2015. I love living in this beautiful city. However, it needs to be more ambitious to negotiate the climate emergency.

I favour empty houses being put back into use to meet the need for more houses. To improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion, I advocate cycle hire and more car clubs to lessen dependency on private motor cars.

Over the last eighteen months I have demonstrated my commitment to improving the lives of residents in Arboretum. I have helped 70 residents access home insulation grants and fixed drainage issues.

I have got potholes fixed, improved broken pavements, and got street name plates restored or replaced. I have planted trees and bulbs in Bishop's Avenue and Sharman Close.

I have the vision, experience, and dedication needed to represent Arboretum residents and make their voices heard.

Calvin Fowler - Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

Calvin Fowler (Image: Calvin Fowler)

I'm standing as a TUSC candidate this year because neither the Tories nor Labour can end the current misery of people enduring the cost of living crisis.

The rising price of food means working people are resorting to food banks to feed a family.

Rising cost of fuel and commodities means wages are stretched to the limit. The recent assault on the Palestinians has angered many people, and the citizens of Worcester have stood on the High Street every Saturday since October to show their anger.

The many strikes that have taken place over the last 18 months for fairer pay show that people are starting the fight back. There is a need for socialism with Trade Unions and workers getting organised and fighting back, a better future is possible. TUSC is a party of the working class and a party for the millions, not the millionaires.

Nazrul Haque - Labour

Nazrul Haque (Image: Nazrul Haque)

I have lived in Arboretum Ward for nearly 30 years, bringing up my family here. I was a governor at a local school and I am closely involved in developing facilities for local community use. I now run an immigration advice service.

What makes the Arboretum Ward area so special for me is the rich and diverse mix of people and cultures and the way in which this is celebrated through events organised by the Arboretum Residents’ Association, Worcester Baptist Church in Sansome Walk and others. We all enjoy and respect what each of us has to offer.

Everyone deserves to be represented properly at the city council and have their voice heard. That’s why I am standing for election. The Labour Party offers the best chance for people of all backgrounds and cultures to be listened to and fully represented.

Karen Lewing - Green Party

Karen Lewing (Image: Karen Lewing)

I have lived in the Arboretum since 2003 and have loved raising my family here. I was delighted to be elected as a city councillor in 2021 and am asking for your support again.

I take practical action to make the Arboretum a better place to live - arranging street cleans, food bank collections, planting spring bulbs and trees, and commissioning new street art.

I enjoy listening to and supporting residents and standing up for them when they need help. I am rooted in the local community, with lead roles in the Worcester Canal Group and the Friends of Gheluvelt Park. I am a school governor and a Hopmarket charity trustee.

As the environment committee chair, I keep the focus on the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis and the future impact on Worcester. I have pushed for new air pollution monitors, electric car charging, reduced chemical usage and food waste collection.

Alison Morgan - Liberal Democrats

Alison Morgan (Image: Alison Morgan)

Alison has lived in Worcester for almost 15 years, and in Arboretum for over seven years. She works at a local secondary school and her two children attend Tudor Grange school and sixth form. Alison has a particular interest in special educational needs and worked for eight years at a local special secondary school. 

Since last May, Alison has been out speaking to voters in Arboretum and, along with her fellow candidate Jon Taylor, carried out a residents' survey to give a clear picture of the issues that most matter to voters. 

Alison has carried out casework including solving problems such as disabled access to a property and unsightly rubbish in a garden, and reporting uneven pavements. 

If elected, Alison would represent the interests of the residents of Arboretum effectively and make sure their voice is heard.

Angela Stanley - Conservatives

Angela Stanley (Image: Angela Stanley)

Angela is delighted to seek election as the city council representative for Arboretum ward. Having spent her working life working in a school where the children’s needs were complex and varied, she now wants to offer her experience to bring a lasting benefit to local residents.

The people of the Arboretum ward have her promise that the issues that matter are those she will take up on their behalf. Bin collections, anti-social behaviour, and the lack of facilities for young people.

Jon Taylor - Liberal Democrats

Jon Taylor (Image: Jon Taylor)

I have lived in the Arboretum Ward for over 13 years. I am a Registered Nurse with 30 years experience in health and social care.

I have a proven history of activism in the local community. I work day and night to make our area better for all that live in the area. And I’m not even a councillor yet. 

I have reported many issues that have been flagged and that I have discovered myself. These include road markings, potholes and public bins that were overflowing. In fact I have a proven track record of highlighting anything which is the responsibility of the council. 

If elected as a ward councillor I would use my work and life skills to represent my neighbours in the ward for as long as I am able to do so and I would be even more effective if I had your vote for council. 

Andrew Tull - Labour

Andrew Tull (Image: Andrew Tull)

I have lived in Herefordshire and Worcestershire since 1985. I’m standing for Labour in Arboretum, my home ward.   

My first job was aged 17 in a garage. I have since worked in factories, retail and corporate environments. Currently, I work for a large IT company, implementing business software.  

My aim is to enhance the quality of life for all Worcester residents. We need effective public services and a healthy environment. We don't see the progress we need here. My approach to resolving problems is by listening and seeking to do the right thing for people. 

Our travel provision must include better bus services and safer walking and cycle routes, so that there is a genuine choice of ways to get about.

Health services are a growing concern locally, as the city is rapidly expanding. Along with local agencies, I will be a strong voice for shaping services to be reliably delivered from the County Hospital and GPs.