Marcelle's News

Marcelle remains an independent councillor

2010-05-17T10:16:00.000+01:00

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

Residents Parking

2009-06-30T18:40:00.002+01:00

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.

Hereford Municipal Charities

2009-06-30T18:34:00.004+01:00

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.

Undemocratic committee structures

2009-06-24T07:44:00.002+01:00

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)

Cattle market: why is an 8 acres site being replaced by a 48 acres site?

2009-06-06T18:16:00.004+01:00

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."

"Personally, I cannot understand why an eight acre site in the City is being replaced by a 48 acre site when the majority of cattle sales are made directly to supermarkets or being sold electronically or via Ludlow and Ross Livestock Markets which cover both north and south of the County. "

"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.

The future of our city

2009-05-13T12:06:00.001+01:00

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

Fire Safety Checks

2009-01-11T16:44:00.002Z

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.

Marcelle and the sheep

2008-12-10T20:15:00.003Z

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.

World Mental Health Day

2008-12-10T20:01:00.003Z

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.

Riding for the Disabled Christmas Bazaar

2008-12-10T19:46:00.005Z

Photograph by Sally Newcomb

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.

To Dream of the Dead

2008-11-18T07:52:00.003Z

Marcelle with successful author Phil Rickman whose 15th book entitled” To Dream of the dead.” Had a book signing at the Hereford City Library in September . The story bears a resemblance to the discovery of the Rotherwas Ribbon ( Dinedor Serpent) in 2006 – 7. This once in a lifetime but real archaeological discovery was heralded all over the world but Herefordshire Council chose to bury it in more ways than one.

I called in the decision with Cllr Gerald Dawe and Cllr Mark Hubbard so that the Environment Scrutiny Committee could turn the Cabinet decision to do nothing on its head. We were advised that there was no budget provided for this purpose. This contravenes Government guidelines and we insisted witness’s be allowed to attend and be heard.

Some were told by officers that it was not worth their while attending. There was a reluctance to recognise the importance of the find as it may interrupt the building of the so called Rotherwas Relief Road. The Rotherwas Relief Road has since been built but not relieved the local community of heavy traffic but it has relieved the tax payers of valuable funding for more important issues such as Education and Adult Social Care.

To date the Bronze Age discovery has not been scheduled and the feet dragging by the Herefordshire Council leaves many members of the public feeling dissatisfied with council procedures . Clearly there is a great deal more to be discovered around the site but the pursuit of our Heritage and History is last in the queue when it comes to funding. The book makes excellent reading and I recommend it – they say truth is stranger than fiction, see for yourself!

A Victory for Accountability and Democracy

2008-07-24T18:58:00.000+01:00

Local councillors have hailed the decision of the High Court to block housing at Bullinghope as a victory for local democracy and accountability. On Thursday 24th July the Court ruled that Herefordshire Council had manipulated the democratic UDP process to allocate land for housing at Bullinghope simply to fund the Rotherwas Road and had thus:
- ignored the findings of the Unitary Development Plan enquiry
- Given inadequate consideration to the impact of development on the area
- Prejudiced a proper countywide assessment of future housing
- Constructed the Rotherwas Road without sufficient funding in place

Hollington Ward Member and Alliance leader Cllr. Gerald Dawe said: "The Council wanted housing at Bullinghope simply to fund the Rotherwas cul-de-sac. They ignored the inspectors decision that this was not a good enough reason for the housing. Now they have been told to pull their socks up by the High Court!"

"Being reprimanded by such an authority should by rights result in resignations at Cabinet level. Herefordshire deserves no less than the highest standards from it's leaders."

"I was elected by the people of Hollington on a platform of opposing this housing, so I am delighted that the High Court has confirmed the views of local residents. This is a victory for ordinary people over vested interests."

Former Mayor of Hereford, Cllr. Lloyd Hayes said: "I have been consistently opposed to the Rotherwas Cul-de-sac and Bullinghope housing which was to fund it. The fact that local people had to resort to the High Court shows how far Herefordshire Council has departed from good practice. If this were an isolated case it should result in resignations. In fact it is part of a pattern of shoddy and undemocratic processes from the ICT scandal, the covering up of the Rotherwas Ribbon from elected members and the chaotic schools "review" - none of which have yet to be dealt with properly."

"This result shows that local people can sometimes win against over mighty Councillors who think they can bend the rules. We hope that this inspires the Herefordshire public not to just accept the Council they have but to get involved in changing it."

Further information and the text of the full judgement can be found on www.dinedorhillaction.co.uk

Hereford City Future

2008-04-17T20:12:00.001+01:00

If you are concerned about food miles, clone towns, and the death of independent shops and business, this meeting is a must:

The public are invited to attend a public meeting to look at ways forward to develop Hereford City Centre as a vibrant, enjoyable and economically viable place to work, live and visit. The meeting is organised by Hereford City Partnership and Herefordshire Council.

WEDNESDAY 30TH APRIL 2008
5.45 PM
HEREFORD TOWN HALL

Contact the Elderly

2008-02-29T13:16:00.000Z

Marcelle recently received this message from Contact the Elderly. If you can help please get in touch with her.

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Contact the Elderly is a national charity that has been bringing older, isolated people together for ‘cakes and company’ for over 40 years.

Contact the Elderly helps to relieve the loneliness of frail older people who live alone by arranging small group outings one Sunday afternoon a month. Group members are usually well into their 80s and 90s, live alone without family nearby and are no longer able to get out without assistance. Volunteers with cars each collect one or two elderly members every month and the group of 8 to 10 members plus volunteers meet for Afternoon Tea in the house of a volunteer host. They visit a different home each month and over the months friendships develop. This is a completely free service.

I am working to establish a Contact the Elderly group in Hereford, and I am writing to you to ask that you might highlight the charity’s need for local volunteers.

Briefly, for each new group we need:

9–12 Hosts – who each host a Sunday Afternoon Tea once or perhaps twice every year in the host’s own home. It involves providing sandwiches, cakes and so on for a group of 8-10 elderly members and their 3-5 volunteer drivers. The drivers help with passing plates around and so on to give hosts the chance to chat with guests. They’ll probably help to wash up too! Hosts do need a downstairs toilet, as many of the group members are too frail to manage many stairs.

4-5 Drivers who each need their own car, and would need to be available one Sunday afternoon every month for the get-togethers. Each driver would collect the same one or two passengers every month, and together travel to the host’s house, arriving at about 3 p.m and seeing their passengers safely home at about 5.00 p.m.

1 Co-ordinator to organise the monthly get-togethers, scheduling the outings with each host, letting hosts know group numbers and any dietary
needs among the group members (allergies for example), then letting the drivers know where each get-together is to be held.

Council "flying by the seat of their pants"

2008-02-04T12:12:00.000Z

School supporters urged to attend Friday's Council meeting

Herefordshire Alliance Councillors Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes (Independent, Leader) and Gerald Dawe (Green Party) say Herefordshire Council is "flying by the seat of their pants" in not following the spirit of the regulations regarding the closure of rural schools.

Alliance leader Cllr. Lloyd-Hayes said: "The Education Act of 2006 clearly states that the authority should consult with the parents at schools affected by proposals for closure, the relevant parish councils, and other relevant bodies, before publishing those proposals. Herefordshire Council officers instead announced the proposals to shocked headteachers and published the document without undertaking this consultation."

"No confidence in future proposals"

"Officers are clearly not following the spirit of the Act of Parliament. This Conservative administration has now incurred the wrath of the Herefordshire public. If action is not taken to apologise for getting the cart before the horse in this way then teachers and parents can have no confidence in the consultation process in the future. We need a fresh start so that parents can have confidence in the council in undertaking the forthcoming review."

"Huge turnout expected"

Cllr. Lloyd-Hayes and Cllr. Dawe have written today to all Herefordshire Schools urging them to ask parents and others to attend the full council meeting at Shire Hall, St. Peters, Square, Hereford at 10:30 am on Friday 8 February. A huge turnout is expected which is why the meeting has been moved from the smaller Brockington chamber. The press are encouraged to attend. Printed agendas appear to have already run out but are still available online.

Notes for editors:

Agenda for the Council Meeting

Education and Inspection Act 2006, see Part 2 Sections 15 and 16

Guidance on closing a maintained school

Letter to the papers: a comedy of errors

2008-02-04T10:49:00.000Z

Dear Editor,

The Cattle Market issue featured in the local press last week and to many is the latest chapter in the comedy of errors known as Herefordshire Council Cabinet decisions. I was very surprised to see it in print but since it is I have to question the ability of officers to draw up contracts or legal agreements that double in price in less than a year.

I have never seen the need to replace an eight acre site with a forty eight acre site, especially when ten acres owned by the council was and still is available less than two miles away. Many people are questioning the need for a new market as more and more farmers sell directly or on line reducing the need for auctioneers and paying commission.

Like others I am keen to see the development of the present cattle market site but question the proposed link road. Personally, I think it will bring more congestion to the city centre and will be known as the Edgar Street Gridlock. Flourishing business‘s are being asked to re-locate, discussions are taking place but several are reluctant to move south of the river as they have been established in the city for many years.

I understand that the ESG board is hoping that the proposed market site on the Roman Road will receive planning permission next month, but with the need to find an additional £5m more consideration needs to be given to existing sites owned by the council, the Rotherwas Estate would be ideal especially with the much vaunted Relief Road.

Second error but not amusing is the farce of Herefordshire Council being in special measures re the inept handling of the Schools Review. The withdrawal of the proposals brought about by pressure from the public, school governors and staff and some councillors is welcome. The county schools have a healthy record of results and ofsted reports, however the Cabinet Member for Childrens Services is now trying to distance herself from her own policies. Cllr Hyde has shown a complete disregard for the statutory requirement for consultation. No detailed reports or long term transportation costs have been produced, nor any reports/assessments as to how local communities would be affected.

Third Error, I get a strong sense of déjà vu as I am reminded of the Herefordshire Connects debacle, where a member of staff appears to have left the authority with compensation and a gagging order and the limited remit of the investigation has left many questions unanswered. Understandably the public have expressed their anger to officers, councillors and via the local press and both Cabinet Members have been asked to resign, to date they have not done so nor had the good grace to unconditionally apologise, to the public.

There is a Full council Meeting on Friday 8th Feb at the Shirehall and I would encourage as many members of the public to attend in order to see how business is conducted on their behalf.

Yours sincerely,

COUNCILLOR M.D. LLOYD-HAYES

Schools fiasco will happen again: Cabinet must take responsibility

2008-01-22T08:52:00.000Z

The withdrawal of the ill thought out plans to butcher our schools is better than nothing, but more proposals will be forthcoming. Unless the problems of process are resolved, the same chaos will happen again. The Council should have consulted with affected schools before rather than after releasing the proposals, as other authorities are doing. This is more logical and complies with usual practice elsewhere. Yet again our Council is found to not be following proper processes.

"If Cabinet members cannot or are unwilling to take responsibility for political leadership, they should not be in post. Let's have no more "I had no idea about this" from people who are supposed to be in charge" said Alliance leader, Cllr Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes, "For either the Director or the Cabinet member to continue in post will further bring local politics into dispute and add to the cynicism and distrust of local people. An unconditional apology and these two resignations are needed in order to begin repairing relationships with those who have experienced huge and completely unnecessary stress over the past few days."

Green Cllr Gerald Dawe said, "The tragedy for education in the county now, is that trust in officers or councillors has been lost, and schools will not be prepared to co-operate in any consultation to address changes that may be needed to ensure future funding for our children's education. Only through the resignation of the Director and Cabinet member of Children's services, will trust begin to be rebuilt. Only then can a process of proper and full consultation can begin"

Call for Cabinet Member to resign over the great education fiasco

2008-01-21T08:24:00.000Z

The Herefordshire Alliance has denounced the Council's education re-organistion plan as yet another example of the total lack of democracy and accountability in the Council and the Cabinet in particular. The Alliance is calling on the the Cabinet to halt the plan imnmediately, pending full analysis and genuine consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Cllr Jenny Hyde has said that she was not aware of the proposals before they were made public, and says that there was no input from Councillors. She has pledged her support to the school threatened with closure in her own ward and promised to make a case for the "Council to change its mind".

"I am staggered by this response. As Cabinet Member for Children's Services Jenny Hyde should be leading policy, and at the very least know what is going on. She IS the Council as far as education is concerned! WHY didn't she know? WHY isn't she in charge of her brief? WHY doesn't she require chief officers to report to her? She should resign and ask her Head of Children's Services to resign too." said Alliance leader, Cllr Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes.

Other Local Authorities have developed their plans for re-organisation through a process of consultation with school and local communities. In the fashion so typical of the current regime, Herefordshire Council has sought to impose an ill-thought out plan on schools with no prior consultation.

The Alliance recognises that some change is required to address the issues of falling roles, equity of funding between schools, and to secure Building Schools for the Future funding from the Government to renovate school buildings. However, we are horrified both by the nature of the process and the many ill-considered aspects of the plan, in particular:

• the lack of proper process and accountability - either the Cabinet IS in charge of the council, had endorsed the plan and should accept responsibility, or it is NOT in control and has handed over responsibility to unelected officers.

• the lack of prior consultation and limited proposed consultation, which shows a blatant disregard for the feelings and views of parents, teachers, governors and children

• the poor treatment of heads and deputies - it is totally unacceptable to propose that heads and deputies of all schools affected should lose their jobs and have to reapply to jobs advertised nationally - even where they are running highly successful schools and have years of dedicated service to the County. This demonstrates a total lack of duty of care to the Council's own employees.

• the lack of consideration of the role of schools in their local community

• the scale of the plan and timescale proposed - which will undermine children's achievement and standards for a generation, and which is simply not capable of being delivered by the Council's limited staff resources

Green Cllr Gerald Dawe said, "If change is required, the Alliance believe that it should be explored and developed openly, by involving school communities in a democratic process, which brings people on board to develop and support a shared solution. The Cabinet and officers should be accountable to our communities and should be prepared to trust and involve them. I believe the Council should create opportunities for people to work creatively together for the good of our children's education, rather than impose this badly thought out plan and create unnecessary conflict and protest"

The Alliance is calling on the Childrens Services Scrutiny Committee to call in the plan for scrutiny. There are all sorts of questions, economic, environmental and welfare-related, for both the children and staff, that have not been addressed. Scrutiny is one way in which council backbenchers can hold the current leadership to account.

New Herefordshire Alliance puts forward a motion of no confidence in Cabinet member

2007-12-10T20:54:00.000Z

The Herefordshire Alliance for Accountability and Democracy's first action has been to put forward a motion of no confidence in the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources.

The Herefordshire Alliance was launched last week as a new Group in Herefordshire Council, committed to restoring proper democracy to the Council.

Herefordshire Alliance Group Leader Cllr Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes said "The Alliance has already made clear that the last meeting of full council should have debated a motion of no confidence. Since then there have been widespread calls for Cllr French's resignation. The Cabinet is ultimately responsible for the governance of the Authority. The Chief Executive has left under a cloud, disciplinary investigations are proceeding and yet no member of the Cabinet has taken responsibility for the state of affairs described in the Crookhall Report"

Cllr Dawe said "This issue is another example of an absence of serious opposition by elected members and we believe that it is highly appropriate that the first public act of our new group is to lay this motion. We believe that the trust of the people of Herefordshire will only be restored by a change in political leadership" "

The Herefordshire Alliance was formed by Cllr Lloyd-Hayes and Cllr Dawe in response to the crisis of representation and accountability on Herefordshire Council.

Herefordshire Alliance for Accountability and Democracy – a fresh start for local politics

2007-12-05T19:44:00.000Z

Cllr Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes and Cllr Gerald Dawe have launched a new Group, called the Herefordshire Alliance for Accountability and Democracy, to champion the cleaning up of Council procedures.

Following Cllr Lloyd Hayes’s resignation from the Lib Dem Group and Green Party Cllr Dawe’s resignation from the Independent Group, they have both been moved and inspired by overwhelming public support for their actions.

I’ve experienced at first hand the huge concern that there is amongst the people of Herefordshire about the state of the Council and their passionate desire to see proper accountability and democracy restored” said Cllr Lloyd-Hayes.

With the Independent, Lib Dem and Labour groups all failing to provide effective opposition and lacking the courage to hold the current Tory administration to account, we believe it is our duty to make a stand” said Cllr Dawe.

The new Group is open to, and welcomes, councillors of any party and none, who share a desire and commitment to restore proper accountability.

It is not a political party, so members will not be whipped and will be free to pursue their own political beliefs beyond the core Alliance focus of restoring accountability and democracy.

In the light of the Crookall investigation the Alliance wish to see a crash programme to restore the authority of elected members, and ensure that no more major issues are witheld from members.

With the discovery that Herefordshire Council’s Scrutiny committees do not follow national guidance and statutory requirements, the Alliance wish to see these opened up and made fully effective.

Given the cosy way in which the current Group leaders meet and make secret deals behind closed doors, the Alliance wish to see all meetings of Group leaders properly minuted by a council officer who only reports to the Group leaders in this role.

With a feeling that the people of Herefordshire are kept in the dark by the Council, the Alliance will establish a web-site and produce regular newsletters to keep people in touch and welcomes the establishment a supporters group open to anyone who shares the Alliance’s vision.

With a new Chief Executive about to start and all the challenges arising from the recent report on the ICT scandal this is a good time to deal with all the bad practice that has got the council into its worsening mess.

The Council is is letting the people of Herefordshire down and fast becoming a national laughing stock. Our wonderful County deserves better. We will work together in this new Alliance to restore accountability and democracy to Herefordshire Council” said Cllr Dawe.

Cllr Lloyd Hayes invites “any Councillors who share our determination and vision, to put aside past affiliations and join us in this venture, for the long term benefit of the people of Herefordshire”

Click here for the full text of the Alliance Aims and Objectives.

Herefordshire's political changes continue as a further councillor leaves group

2007-11-30T16:34:00.000Z

Gerald Dawe, Green Party Councillor for Hollington Ward, has followed Cllr. Lloyd-Hayes and resigned from the Independent Group on Herefordshire Council citing the lack of independence from the Conservative administration and a failure to provide effective opposition. For more details and a full statement, visit Cllr. Dawe's own website: www.geralddawe.org.uk

CLLR MARCELLE LLOYD-HAYES RESIGNS FROM HEREFORDSHIRE COUNCIL LIB DEMS

2007-11-27T14:42:00.000Z

Need for opposition to political drift, administrative incompetence and culture of secrecy which pollutes Herefordshire politics

Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes, Cllr. for Tupsley Ward since 1995, has today handed in her resignation from the Council's Liberal Democrat group and from the national party. Former Mayor Cllr. Lloyd-Hayes, who has topped the poll four times in Tupsley with big majorities, cited the Liberal Democrat failure to provide what she called “the dynamic and visionary opposition the county needs, especially during the current Tory scandals.”

Whilst continuing to oppose the secrecy and incompetence of the Council she will sit as an Independent but not join what she called the “Con-dependent” group of Independents.

Cllr. Lloyd-Hayes criticised the cosy relations between the party leaders. “There appears to be a... situation where party leaders and other leading figures debate and manoeuvre amongst themselves as to ... how things are done but always close ranks if there is any danger of the murky corridors of Brockington being exposed to fresh air and daylight.”

She went on to express concerns that new councillors are ignored by party leaders who wish to keep the cosy status quo. “It appears that ... the leaderships of these groups seem to be more supportive of each other and protective of inappropriate conduct by senior officers than they are of listening to the voices in their own groups or more importantly, the public.”

Looking to the future, Cllr. Lloyd-Hayes said: “I am encouraged by a small but increasing number of other councillors who are willing to challenge the political drift, administrative incompetence, and culture of secrecy which pollutes Herefordshire politics.”

The full text of Cllr. Lloyd-Hayes resignation statement continues here:

Children of Peace Gaza Appeal

2007-11-27T14:36:00.000Z

I am the Co-ordinator of Children of Peace in Hereford and between 11th and 15th December 2007 a lorry kindly donated by Kirsty Chadd of Chadds Department Store will be at the west door of the Cathedral to collect items of aid for the children in Gaza. Items required are blankets, sleeping bags, tinned food, toiletries and most importantly pens, pencils, notepaper and files - in fact anything suitable for schools.

Without the co-operation of the Dean of Hereford, Michael Tavinor, this collection could not go ahead. Additionally, I need to raise the funds for a container and it's passage to Gaza. This will be Hereford's Christmas gift to some very needy children from many different backgrounds. It will enable them to be educated together and put behind them the divisions of the past.

I am grateful to the Children of Peace Chairman Richard Martin, who lives in Hereford, for inviting me to become involved with this very worthy cause.

An African's Blood

2007-10-04T09:03:00.000+01:00

Along with others I have been involved with arranging this performance at the Folley Arts Theatre on Monday next 8th October. John Venn (one time Vicar of St Peter's Hereford) had a link with William Wilberforce and the abolition of slavery and as this is the bi centenary of this event I would like to encourage as many people as possible to attend this moving performance. The afternoon performance is fully booked with the schools and the evening performance is free - See you there!!

North Tupsley Action Group

2007-10-04T08:51:00.000+01:00

Marcelle is a keen supporter of the recently established North Tupsley Action Group or NTAG. NTAG have a new website with all the latest community news, views and events from North Tupsley. You can view the site at www.n-tag.org.uk. Add it to your bookmarks now!