Worcester elections 2024: Lower Wick & Pitmaston candidates

Northern parts of the old ward now form parts of the Dines Green & Grove Farm and St John’s wards.

Long-serving councillor Alan Amos regained his city council most recently in 2021 with a majority of 745.

Fellow Tory Shafaz Ditta managed a narrow victory in 2022 over Labour’s Sue Smith, who was then elected herself last year.

This time around, two seats are up for grabs and there are eight candidates vying for residents’ votes.

Alan Amos - Conservatives

Alan Amos (Image: Alan Amos)

Educated at Oxford University, Alan has been your councillor for eight years, is a former mayor of Worcester and currently vice chairman of the county council. Many of his family live in the ward and went to Pitmaston and Christopher Whitehead schools.

With a well-deserved reputation for hard work and getting things done, Alan listens to and represents the views of his constituents robustly at the council and in public, he speaks his mind and says what he thinks. Alan’s record of achievement includes stopping development on Pitmaston Park; getting the best pavements, benches and trees on The Green, addressing parking problems around Pitmaston, and speeding.

Stephen Brohan - Green Party

Stephen Brohan (Image: Stephen Brohan)

I have lived in Worcester for over 20 years and have four children raised and educated in the city.

If elected my priority will be to make Worcester a better place to live and work in, with a focus on improving local transport networks and prioritising affordable housing, particularly for the city's young people and young families. To help those living in fuel poverty, I favour initiatives to install insulation and other energy efficiency measures in homes. The Green Party will push developers for higher minimum standards of energy efficiency in new housing that truly benefits the residents.

We also need more effective partnerships between the public and social services, the police and educational establishments, so that we can build community engagement to make the city a safer place to live.

Aaron Daniels - Labour

Aaron Daniels (Image: Aaron Daniels)

I live and work in St John’s and have the pleasure of walking through the area every day. My family runs the Brewers Arms and I am a manager at Hickory’s Smokehouse in Cripplegate Park.

I have got to know a lot of local residents over the years and would be very proud, as a Worcester boy through and through, to represent you as a councillor on Worcester City Council. 

My generation has been robbed of a future due to the cost of living crisis.

Local residents know only too well how they have been let down by their Tory councillors. One was thrown off committees at the city council for not showing up.

In contrast, Labour councillor Sue Smith lives locally and is diligent in representing local concerns. A strong Labour team will always be on your side, putting you first. I would be proud to join Sue in representing you.

Eloise Davies - Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

Eloise Davies (Image: Eloise Davies)

I'm standing to represent an alternative to what is being offered by the established parties. At best they state they will deal with the cost-of living crisis, the climate crisis and with the oppression our communities face. But who will they expect to foot the bill?

Both Tory and Labour would continue to make us pay more for less. Instead of less services, we need back the services we have already lost; restore youth services and reverse social care cuts.

We need a mass council house building programme - reject rent and service charge increases. 

There will be a struggle against them making ordinary people pay for the crisis, against increases to council tax and charges, against cuts and closures of services and I will commit to being part of that struggle, a socialist struggle, always.

Lucy Hodgson - Conservatives

Lucy Hodgson (Image: Lucy Hodgson)

Lucy grew up in Worcestershire, attended the Alice Ottley School and has lived in Worcester for more than 35 years. She has 20 years’ experience of being a councillor along with a career in catering. Lucy is a past mayor of Worcester and cabinet member. A strong record of getting things done in a timely manner and knows the right people to get things sorted. Lucy is married to Stephen and has a dachshund called Henry. Lucy is looking forward to working with Alan Amos and speaking up for the residents of Lower Wick and Pitmaston.

Remember to use your two votes wisely, vote for Alan and Lucy.

John Ondreasz - Liberal Democrats

John Ondreasz (Image: John Ondreasz)

I’m thrilled to be running for election again. I was born and raised right here in Worcester. I've always been passionate about preserving our rich local heritage and architecture.

I'm a firm believer in sustainable practices to protect our local environment and our wildlife for future generations. I'm committed to supporting our local businesses, the backbone of our community, ensuring they thrive and grow.

Moreover, I truly believe that Worcester’s potential as a tourist destination is undervalued and lacks the support it deserves. We have so much to offer, from historic landmarks to beautiful scenery. Let's work together to showcase our beautiful city and boost our local economy. I thrive as a problem solver, always eager to think outside the box to find innovative solutions to challenges and problems. Your support means the world to me, and together, we can make a difference.

Sue Smith - Labour

Sue Smith (Image: Sue Smith)

I have lived in Vernon Park Road for over 30 years and as a city councillor, I have dealt with many issues of concern to residents from overflowing litter bins to pressing for planning enforcement at the former ZigZag site. I am currently a member of the Planning, Environment and Licensing committees.

Residents tell me they are disappointed at the condition of the shopping district. I would work to assist small traders to make our shopping district vibrant. I've also been part of the campaign to keep our library open and believe that libraries need librarians.

We need cleaner streets and footpaths and better provision for walking and cycling. Our young people need activities to keep them busy. I would work with local community groups to help provide activities for them. We need more control on builders and developers to ensure they follow the rules and don't cause problems for residents.

We need to do more to protect our green spaces such as Pitmaston Park, Cripplegate Park, the riverside and the Green at Lower Wick.

Alaric Stephen - Green Party

Alaric Stephen (Image: Alaric Stephen)

I have lived in Worcester most of my life and attended local schools. I teach A-level maths at a college in Worcester.

I am keen to see Worcester become a more attractive place to live in and to visit. If elected I will promote and support the arts and entertainment. Both residents and tourists need to be able to move around the city easily. I would focus on improving facilities for walking and cycling and improving public transport.

Local government can be difficult to understand and seem remote from everyday life. The Green Party wants power to be devolved to local level and more resources placed under the control of local government, thus giving people more say in the issues that matter. People should be seen as citizens, not consumers. The Green Party is committed to openness and freedom of information in all aspects of government.