As we move on into April and March 2019 passes, I am grateful to the many Lib Dems from across the country who visited York last month to participate in what was another fantastic Spring Conference in York.
Visit York have estimated that that this year’s Spring Conference has provided a substantial £600,000 boost to the local economy and as the Executive Member at the Council responsible for Economic Development, I would like to say thank you to everyone who ventured beyond the conference centre to enjoy our wonderful city!
Not only did York experience an economic boost over the weekend, but a number of visits and events took place to promote some of the work Liberal Democrat Councillors are achieving in York.
On the Friday afternoon, I was delighted to show Sir Vince Cable MP York’s new temporary accommodation site for the homeless; James House. James House has been funded by both the Council and Homes England, with the Council providing over £9 million of funding to deliver new one, two and three bedroom flats, as well as training facilities, to support homeless families.
On the same day, my colleague Cllr Andrew Waller also took Vince on his own bus ride, in order to see the work we are doing at the Council to tackle air pollution and encourage sustainable transport. The bus was one of York’s most recent electric buses and on their journey; they had the opportunity to see one of York’s newest electric charging hubs at Monks Cross Park & Ride.
The next day, I was delighted to welcome Baroness Bonham Carter, Lord Clement-Jones and Lord McNally to the York Castle Museum, along with my colleague Cllr Ashley Mason and the Chief Executive of York Museums Trust. The Peers had the opportunity to hear about the proposals to create a new open public space around Clifford’s Tower and improve the iconic site.
Lastly, I and the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Keith Orrell, introduced Alistair Carmichael MP to the owners of the Owl and Monkey shop in York, who took the opportunity to share their best practice at eliminating single-use plastics in their operations and encouraging ethical consumerism.
I would like to thank the MP’s and Peers for their time to participate in these visits, as the coverage that was generated allows us to reflect on just some of our successes in York. Like many of you across the country, the York Liberal Democrats are working tirelessly to elect more local councillors this May, and with this in mind, if anyone can provide any assistance during this crucial campaign, from participating in actions days, to phone canvassing, it would go a long way in helping us achieve our goals. If you are interested, then please drop me an email for further details. (keithaspden@yorklibdems.org.uk).
* Keith Aspden has been the Councillor for Fulford Ward in York since 2003 and for Fulford and Heslington Ward since 2015. He was elected Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group in May 2013 and is now Executive Member for Economic Development and Community Engagement.
