Some six candidates are battling for votes in the Carholme ward of Lincoln in the city council elections, which take place on May 7.
Councillor Neil Murray, Labour candidate, is defending his position in the ward. Green, UKIP, Conservative, Liberal Democrats and TUSC are also fielding candidates in the ward.
The candidates are:
Jamie Bartch – Conservative
Jamie Bartch
Age: Not provided Marital status: Not provided
What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?
Firstly the impact of student housing and how this affects community cohesion. I will aim to encourage a better relationship between students and local residents no instil a sense of pride in their local area. A second issue I would address is the scourge of anti-social behaviour. Residents should not have to put unity this blight on our community. Thirdly many areas in Carholme suffer from flooding and poor drainage. I will work with the relevant authorities to address this.
What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?
I am a Carholme resident actively involved with the community from attending clean up the Brayford sessions to attending my local church. I am passionate about helping our community and tackling issues which affect those who live, work and learn there. I will work with a common sense approach to ensure that residents and students can share a sense of pride in the area in which they live.
Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.
Not provided
Natasha Chapman – Liberal Democrats
Natasha Chapman
Age: 23 Marital status: Living with partner
What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?
Community cohesion is an issue in Carholme. I believe it is very important we work on building community spirit among the diverse range of people who now live in the ward using local groups and activities. We also need to address the housing issue considering the poor record of the current Council. I also feel that Article 4 will not deliver what the Council promise and advocate a Landlord Licensing Scheme as an alternative to improve the condition of all rental property across the city.
What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?
‘I strongly believe that openness and transparency makes for better policy, so as your Councillor, I would make it my top priority to ensure that you are made aware of every decision that affects the ward and ask for feedback so we can build a better community together.
Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.
My recently finished dissertation will be contributing a long-term ecological study
Judith Coops – Green
Judy Coops
Age: Not provided Marital status: Not provided
What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?
Carholme Ward is a very diverse community with long established residents, students from this country and abroad, a mix of small and large businesses, as well as the University and entertainment district of Brayford Marina. All this diversity in the heart of the city creates opportunities but also challenges in community relations, housing, public transport and parking. These are the issues residents have commented on. I would endeavour to bring the various strands of Carholme’s population together more and strive to help residents work together to improve the quality of life and the surroundings in Carholme.
What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?
Being a candidate in the Green party means that I put the environment in which people live, work and study at the heart of the decisions that need to be made to develop Lincoln’s potential to be a much greener, more sustainable and therefore a healthier, happier city.
Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.
I was an artist participating in a Millennium art project, making an artwork with the inhabitants of a large village. Working with the children and adults there, gave me great appreciation of how much can be achieved when people get to know and trust one another and work together.
Neil Murray – Labour
Neil Murray
Age: 56 Marital status: Living with partner
What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?
The main issues affecting my ward are social cohesion and protecting our green, open spaces. In the West End area I worked closely with residents to persuade the council to introduce an Article 4 Directive which will begin to address the proliferation of the private rented sector.
In the High Street part of the ward the council and the police have introduced a ban on so called “legal highs” which is a problem for residents in that part of the ward. I am the chairperson of the Commons Advisory Panel which is an important group which protects Lincoln’s commons.
What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?
Experience and a proven track record of working in the interests of residents. I have lived in the ward since 2000 and represented the ward since 1998. I have been involved in a number of campaigns including the successful fight against development on the West Common, the proposal to build a skate park on Hobbler’s Hole and the campaign to introduce an Article 4 Directive.
I am one of the organisers of the Carholme Community Gala and I founder and Chairperson of the Carholme Community Forum which brings people together from around the ward.
Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.
I am passionate about history and I am doing a part time MA at Nottingham Trent University. My other lifelong passion is Celtic Football Club.
Nick Parker – TUSC
Nick Parker
Age: 30 Marital status: Not provided
What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?
The cuts in public services and lack of council housing. Whichever party or coalition wins the general election in May, they’ve promised more cuts to the funding of our local public services. I would prioritise fighting the cuts and demand investment in council housing.
What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?
I would vote against all cuts and privatisation and oppose increases in charges for council services.I’ve been involved in fighting the cuts for five years and have consistently supported campaigns against the Bedroom Tax, library cuts, and fire service cuts, and of students, disabled people, and workers fighting back against austerity.
I’ve supported the demand for peace in the Middle East and helped to organise protests in solidarity with the Palestinian masses. I also played a leading role with other TUSC candidates in building opposition to racism and the far-right when they reared their heads in Lincoln.
Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.
I once worked doing spotlighting for Ken Dodd. Let’s just say, I believe celebrities should pay their fair share in taxes!
Mike Wilkinson – UKIP
Mike Wilkinson
Age: 50 Marital status: Married
What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?
There are many local issues not specific to the Carholme Ward but specific to our area are problems presented by poorly maintained & managed houses of multiple occupancy mainly in the West End area, yet more commercial development in the offing on Brayford Wharf & disabled drivers being charged to park in council car parks. If the people of Carholme see fit to elect me I would like to add influence in these areas & more.
What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?
I am not sure that my life experiences or my 12 years of Military Service through operations around the world set me apart from other candidates in my ward nor my passionate belief that local politics should be for local matters & used for the betterment of the people of the area. Local policies should not be prescribed from a “corporate Handout” from a far removed Party HQ with a national agenda and no regard for what is actually required.
Rest assured though, I believe that politics is about service, not self aggrandisement nor reward.
Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.
I used to play the trumpet when I was a youngster & my daughter thought I should take up an instrument again so bought me a guitar for Christmas now I am frustrating my rock urges & trying to learn.
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The 2024 Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are now open for nominations, seeking to spotlight outstanding businesses within the Greater Lincolnshire area.
Hosted by Stonebow Media, the publisher behind The Lincolnite and the MyLocal platform, this prestigious event is designed to honour the achievements of the regional business community.
Thanks to the headline sponsorship from the University of Lincoln Enterprise & Research department, the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of local enterprises.
The awards are also sponsored by Ringrose Law, Duncan & Toplis, Sills & Betteridge and Pearson Hydraulics. A small number of sponsorship opportunities remain available. Contact [email protected] to discuss partnerships.
Businesses can nominate themselves across eleven awards categories:
The deadline for nominations is May 24, with the judges’ deliberation lunch set for May 29.The judging panel includes business experts and professionals from Lincolnshire and event sponsors.
The Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards 2024 gala will take place at the Engine Shed on July 12, 2024.
Enhance profile & credibility: Securing an award or being shortlisted acts as a powerful endorsement, signaling trustworthiness to potential customers and helping to distinguish your business from competitors. Displaying the award on your communications can significantly boost your brand’s perception.
Insightful focus & feedback: The application process encourages deep reflection on your business strategy and direction, offering invaluable feedback and clarity, even for new ventures.
Team confidence boost: Recognition from the awards can significantly uplift your team’s morale, affirming the value and potential of your business in the eyes of industry experts.
Marketing & PR boost: Being associated with the awards, even as a nominee, can enhance brand visibility, providing ample content opportunities for social media and other marketing channels.
Networking opportunities: The awards connect you with local business leaders and experts, offering a platform to seek advice, share ideas, and foster future partnerships. The ceremony itself is an excellent occasion for networking with peers and celebrating mutual successes.
Potential to win: Entering offers a chance to win and gain all the associated benefits, but even without taking home a trophy, the process can yield significant advantages for your business.
A Lady Gaga loving kitten owned by a couple who run a charity for disabled pets featured on Channel 5’s The Pet Psychic.
Pet Psychic Beth Lee-Crowther comes to the aid of pet owners and in Tuesday night’s episode she met Cookie the kitten, a depressed camel, and looked at whether a dog can predict the future.
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