Following the article in the Hereford Times 29th April 2010, I would like to make my political position clear. I was happy to support Jesse Norman as the best candidate for this county in the 2010 General Election, and I am delighted he was elected. However, I remain an Independent in an Alliance with Cllr Dawe of the Green Party and that is where my allegiance remains .

The front page picture may have led people to believe that I support Stuart Thomas and Brian Tannatt Nash who apparently defected to the Conservative party as is their right, however, I do not support them or their personal political ambitions

I did not defect from the Liberal Democrats as I made a conscious decision to leave them and did so in 2007. I was disillusioned with the poor opposition to the current administration on Herefordshire Council. Many of the decisions made are not in the best interests of the county and the City of Hereford, had they been a more effective opposition and worked with others in opposition the decline of the city may have been halted.

Cllr Marcelle Lloyd -Hayes
Tupsley Ward

St. James and Bartonsham Community Association have organised a meeting to discuss residents parking. The meeting will be held on Wednesday 1st July at 7 pm at the Riverside Centre (WRVS), Vicarage Road. Some changes are being proposed to the existing system and Cllr. Lloyd-Hayes is keen to hear the views of residents in order to put a response to the Herefordshire Council. She has been contacted by residents in both Foley Street and Park Street who do not at present have residential permit parking but would like this facility in the future for a variety of reasons. In order to respond to the needs of the community Cllr. Lloyd-Hayes feels that views regarding proposed changes to the present system need to be heard. She is urging local residents to make every effort to attend as these proposals could have a substantial impact on the future of our community.

Marcelle was recently elected as a Trustee to the Municipal Charities which is an organisation that provides housing for those in need in Hereford City.

Cllr. Lloyd-Hayes and Cllr. Dawe have written the following letter to the Hereford Times:

Dear Sir/Madam

Following recent reports about the disagreements on committee places at Herefordshire Council, your readers may be interested to know that Cllr. Roger Phillips, Leader of Herefordshire Council, presented a new committee structure five minutes before the meeting of full council on Friday 22nd May 2009. This did not give the Alliance adequate time to consider it. In protest at this anti-democratic behaviour, Cllr. Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes and myself voted against. Because a unanimous vote is required, we forced the second council meeting.

It is not true that the new committee structures were unanimously agreed by all group leaders prior to the full council meeting. I, the Alliance leader was not present that this meeting and neither was Cllr. Chris Chappell the Labour leader.

After much discussion, the Alliance reluctantly decided to abstain from the vote on Friday 12th June. This reflected our unease with the Committee structures. Many people are unaware that ‘opposition’ councillors have an extra financial allowance as committee chair. A typical back-bench councillor earns around £6.9k and a committee chair an additional £6-7k. Because the Chairmanships are in the gift of the Council Leader, this might be seen to compromise their independence. The new (and old) committee structure had six ‘opposition’ Chairs. If we had voted against the structure it may have been reduced to five opposition chairs. It was our opinion that in terms of opposition to Council policy, the loss of one ‘opposition’ chair would have made little difference.

Under the current Cabinet structure and pay system for Councillors, there is little real opposition to anything which Herefordshire Council proposes. This is a system which the Alliance for Democracy and Accountability wishes to see changed. We believe that a large number of local people would agree with us.

Yours sincerely

Cllr. Gerald Dawe (Leader, Herefordshire Alliance for Accountability and Democracy, Hollington Ward) and Cllr. Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes (Herefordshire Alliance for Accountability and Democracy, Tupsley Ward)

Cllr. Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes has expressed her support for the report published by Hereford Civic Society, which argues that the plans to relocate the cattle market do not comply with current legislation and should be called in by the Secretary of State.

Cllr Lloyd-Hayes Hayes added: "The Planning Application for the proposed new cattle market is available for the public. However, much of the information in the Civic Society report is not identified. I am very concerned that the transparency so often quoted on Herefordshire Council is still not forthcoming. Hopefully this well researched report will give a clearer understanding of the situation." "I am delighted that livestock is still a vibrant part of this farming county. However, having spoken to many farmers, it begs the question of whether or not a new market of this magnitude is required when they confirm that currently Hereford Market is only used for a cattle sale held once every three weeks, and a sheep and poultry market held once a week, amounting to total maximum useage of 5 days per month. Given this infrequency of use, how can such costs of £6-£10 million be justified? After all, it is taxpayers money."

Find out more on on the Civic Society Cattle Market Report here.

Many of you will have heard about the plans for the Edgar Street Grid. I have to say that although in favour of expansion and modernisation of the City – the demise of Hereford City centre is too high a price to pay.

Hereford split from Worcestershire a decade ago and the cities wealth and assets, including the Cattle Market were inherited by the incoming authority Herefordshire Council. A recent Act of Parliament enabled Herefordshire Council to legally move the market out of the City to anywhere in the County.

Rather than relocate the Cattle Market to the Roman Road at a cost of £10m it would be both prudent and sensible to use another council owned existing cattle market in Ross on Wye and located on a good road network. Livestock from the north of the County could continue to use Ludlow market, a more convenient location for local farmers.

I have always doubted the sustainability of the Cattle Market relocation to the Roman Road site, I understand that £750,000 and has already been paid for partially lifting a covenant on the site and believe the site will ultimately go for housing, thus complying in some part, with Government’s requirement for additional housing in and around the city.

Due to the economic downturn the Council must review some of the Cabinet decisions that will reduce the council’s reserves and is likely to affect the duty of care to the public in the future. We are all suffering because banks and financial institutions have lent money irresponsibly, borrowing large sums of money irresponsibly is just as much of a crime when there are alternatives that have not been explored.

The proposed cost of developing the Roman Road site is estimated to be £10 million and undoubtedly this would be better spent on the regeneration of Hereford City centre which has already seen the devastating closure of 54 shops.

Re the plans for the ESG, there is no evidence in the ESG plans of how to, in a realistic manner, integrate the existing City centre and the new development. The dividing dual carriageway and proposed link road will only increase congestion and pollution. However, the aforesaid unpopular link road which runs from Newtown Road to Barrs Court Road, emerging onto the busy Aylestone Hill is being bull dozed through without public support. The ramifications of this will be enormous, affecting several successful businesses close to the train station, including the popular DIY store.

We are told the plan is on hold – What plan?? Developers have walked away and on line shopping is increasing. The public consultation identified the need for combined public services such as an HQ for Herefordshire Council, NHS and Police on one site, multi screen cinema, a library, some housing incorporating the Canal Basin, good quality retailing and good leisure facilities.

We are told that the ESG plans are not set in stone, but again what plans? Ironically, and as a result of the credit crunch we are in a good position to transform a negative into a positive. Let us use this opportunity to reassess our priorities for the integration of the City proper and the ESG proposed development. The buck stops with the leadership of the council so just for once I hope that Cllr Roger Phillips and his Deputy Cllr June French apply some common sense and take stock of the risks they are taking with the public’s money.

There is a growing tide of resentment amongst councillors, staff and the public who feel they are being ignored and treated with contempt. You were elected to do your best for the city and county not bring about its demise.

If like me you are concerned and wish to support what I am saying please add your comments below.

Cllr Marcelle Lloyd
Hayes Tupsley Ward Hereford

All residents over 60 years of age can ask for a Fire Safety Check in their home, however the Fire Appliance has to be parked in the vicinity in case the crew are called out on a “shout”. I found the advice very useful and the relocation of Fire Sensors in my property has provided me with better protection and is in line with my property insurance so I would encourage residents to take up the offer from the friendly Fire Crews who provide the service.

As a Freeman of the City of London I have had the very useful right to herd sheep over London Bridge since 1400’ and something - although I admit I am too young to have excercised this right for that whole time period. We each have to have a sheep on a halter and walk over the bridge in groups of 15. If the right is not exercised it is lost so 450 Freeman did it on the same day!

Organised by the Lord Mayor of London, all the Freeman raised £50,000 in funds and sponsorship for the Mayor's charities. I am trying to locate a photo of my duties as a London shepherd but you will have to make do with one of the cheque presentation for the time being.

On World Mental Health Day I helped to staff a display for Close House with the Early Intervention Team from the Primary Care Trusr in the Shirehall. It was an interesting day with good food and beverages throughout the day for everybody! It gave the public and organisations the opportunity to see what was on offer in Herefordshire. There was also a short and very humorous drama display at the end of the program.

At Close House I work one day a week supporting young people who suffer from a variety of conditions. The young people set the agenda and suggest activities the majority of which prevent social isolation and generally increase confidence. This in turn promotes integration in the local community. Examples include musical activities, excursions in the mini bus, meals out together, riverboat trips, Clay pigeon shooting, carting on a competitive track, a visit to Windsor castle, Snow dome in Birmingham, Cinema in Worcester, Drayton Manor Theme Park and much much more.

On December 4th I joined Mrs Gilla Leigh and Mr Michael Leigh (High Sheriff of Herefordshire) to open the Riding for the Disabled Christmas Bazaar which was held at Hereford Racecourse. Behind the counter is Sally Stubbs, Chief Officer of the Association. The event was very successful and we raised £4,000 thanks to our hard working volunteers who arranged the event, namely Mrs Dawn Lloyd, Mrs Penny Shetcliffe and Mrs Margaret Newcomb.