Lib Dems announce PCC candidate for North Yorkshire

The Liberal Democrats have announced that James Blanchard will be the party’s candidate in this May’s North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) election.

James Blanchard

James joined the Lib Dems while studying at Leeds University and served as a councillor in Kirklees between 2011 and 2015. He currently lives in York and has worked for a number of major regional companies and organisations in senior communications and campaigning roles. James will fight the election for the York and North Yorkshire Liberal Democrats on 5^th May.

James Blanchard commented:

“I will work hard to restore people’s trust and confidence in the police. The current Police and Crime Commissioner has nearly doubled back-office staffing costs compared to the old Police Authority, and is spending a lower proportion of the force’s money on front-line policing than the national average. This has to change. I will protect front-line policing.

“Despite Government promises to protect police funding, her colleague in the Conservative party – Chancellor George Osborne – is cutting national funding for policing by £160m. I will fight these cuts as they will inevitably lead to council tax rises, further station closures and cuts in officer numbers.

“Crime is changing, with many criminals moving online. I will invest in training so that officers can continue to keep across new laws and crime-fighting techniques. How we organise our police to meet these challenges is key to the safety of everyone living in York and North Yorkshire.

James added: “We need our police to concentrate on measures that will address crime and the fear people have of crime. I will lead more community and restorative justice initiatives, that will allow victims of crime a say and bring criminals face to face with the consequences of their actions. Unlike the Conservatives and Labour, who make empty promises about being ‘tough on crime’, this is about truly being ‘tough on the causes of crime.”

Cllr Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat Group Leader in York, commented:

“I am delighted that James is standing for this role and I wish him all the best with his campaign in the coming months. North Yorkshire Police do a great job in difficult circumstances and it is important that we have a PCC who understands the issues and the things that matter to local residents.”

Police appeal for information after cyclist injured in Acomb collision

Police are appealing for information and witnesses after a man was injured in a collision involving a car and a cycle.

Between 9.50pm and 10.10pm on Thursday 17 March 2016, a 25-year-old man was cycling along Manor Drive North in Acomb, York, when he heard a car approaching from behind.

The car then took a left turn onto Malvern Avenue, knocking the cyclist off his bike, causing injuries to his face, hands, knees and groin, which required stitches.

The car involved is described as possibly a Ford Fiesta or Focus in either a green or blue colour. Its driver is described as a woman, possibly 30-40 years old, wearing glasses, with mousey brown or dark blonde hair that was shoulder-length with a box fringe.

Anyone who saw the collision, or has any information about the car involved, is asked to contact PC Carol Thompson of York Police – please dial 101 and select option 2, or email carol.thompson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Please quote reference number 12160047667.

Community Choir appeals for new singers

Tenants at one of City of York Council’s Sheltered Housing schemes, Honeysuckle House, are appealing for local residents to join them in song.

Honeysuckle House in Dringhouses

The tenants set up their own choir earlier this year, thanks to a grant from the Two Ridings Community Foundation Arts for Change Programme, and the Musical Connections Project. But they’re keen to encourage local residents to join them in their weekly choir sessions.

The sessions take place at Honeysuckle House, Herdsman Road, Dringhouses, each Wednesday morning between 9.45-11am.

Tenants really enjoy the sessions, with comments including: “The sessions wake me up in the morning.”, “Music brings us together and it is an opportunity for me to make friends.”, “I feel excited each week to come to the session”.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the choir can contact Emma on 07778 560632, visit the Musical Connections website –www.musicalconnections.org.uk – and email the team or search for Musical Connections on Facebook.

Thanks again. And fingers crossed it helps us get some more singers!

Choir members are asked to give a weekly donation of up to £3, to cover the full cost of running the choir.