Arts policy for city is 'vital' link

From the wonderful exhibitions at the City Museum and Gallery, the atmosphere of the Worcester Three Choirs Festival and even the annual beer festival, which some will view as a cultural event - but could the city do more?

Liberal Democrat group leader, Coun Sue Askin, described developing an arts policy as "vital to developing a vibrant cultural life in Worcester".

"We must develop a late-night culture that offers an alternative to one dominated by clubs and bars - the atmosphere during the Worcester Three Choirs Festival shows what can be achieved," she said.

"It is important that Worcester citizens benefit from an improved arts provision.

"We are concerned that any future development of arts provision by the current administration will be dominated by tourism, and may become part of the tourism policy, instead of an independent arts policy."

Coun Adrian Gregson, leader of the city council's labour party, said there is a massive amount of work that can be done to tap into Worcester's artistic potential.

More money

"We should put more money into co-ordinating arts activities and events and funding exhibitions and performance space as well as funding voluntary organisations.

"There is a massive scope in Worcester to do these kinds of things.

"We would certainly look to address these issues."

Simon Geraghty, deputy leader of the council, said the council position is to offer grants and help fund projects rather than to actually run the events.

"There are large sums of money going into these groups who are better placed to provide the facilities rather than the council interfering directly," he said.

"The key thing for use is to link the arts into tourism.

The candidates

Bob Campbell, Conservative

We have a terrific city with a great heritage and natural amenities. I want to preserve those amenities. Claines alone has Gheluvelt Park, the Lodge, Cornmeadow and the riverside.

"Much has been done with the introduction of park wardens and a new beat officer.

But my urgent concern there is that we should provide extra protection for the nesting swans in Gheluvelt to avoid a repetition of any of the despicable events of the past two years.

"We are also lucky enough to have sports and leisure on our doorstep at Perdiswell, and not far away is the canal system."

Bill Elsy, Conservative

My family and I have been very happy since moving to Claines 14 years ago and I feel I would like to give something back to the community and city of Worcester.

"Although improvements have been made, still more needs to be done. Further improvement can be made in reducing the volume and speed of traffic passing through Claines.

"Public Transport needs to be addressed, a cheaper and more dependable service is needed.

Elderly residents need to feel more safe and secure and the young need more organised local facilities especially during holiday periods."

Nicola Lynas, Conservative

This is my first time as a candidate. I have lived in Northwick for 26 years and want to use my local knowledge and experience of working in the public services to good effect representing the people of Claines.

I wish to address the issues that effect us all, such as keeping Council Tax bills low, maintaining Bevere Lido and Gheluvelt Park and leaving the Lodge as it is, to be enjoyed by local residents.

I shall support measures to control the volume and speed of traffic to give us all, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians maximum benefit."

Alex Kear, Liberal Democrat

Alex Kear has lived in Claines all his life.

He is well-known in the area, having volunteered with local Scout and youth groups. He also helped to organise Claines' Jubilee celebrations.

He is currently employed by a Worcester-based housing association.

Sue Askin, Liberal Democrat

Sue Askin has been a city councillor for Claines since 1994.

She is currently chairing a working party that is looking at the possibility of on-the-spot fines for litter louts. She is also a governor at Northwick Manor Infants School.

Her main political interests centre on the council's support for the arts and culture.

Liz Smith, Liberal Democrat

Liz Smith was first elected as a city councillor for Claines in 1990. She is a governor at Northwick Manor Junior School.

Liz served as the city's first Liberal Democrat mayor in 1995.

She helped to establish the North Claines Green Belt and is a tireless campaigner on environmental issues.

Almost nine in 10 properties (87 per cent) in Claines are owner occupied compared to the city average of 73 per cent.

Employment is also high with 67 per cent of those aged 16-74 with jobs.

Claines is a generally safe area of the city with the level of crime almost half of the city average.

However access to bus service is relatively poor compared to the rest to the city, which explains why 73 per cent of households have a car compared to 67 per cent of the whole of the city.

Paul Griffiths, chairman of the Worcester Liberal Democrat party, said the candidates all live in Claines.

They all know the area, the issues, from preserving the character of Northwick Lodge to curbing speeding on residential roads, said Mr Griffiths.

They have a proven track record in speaking up for local residents and addressing their concerns.