Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, accepts petition against closure of the Vaughan Centre
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Friday August 26 2016 |
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Jon Ashworth accepted the petition against the closure of the Centre from the ‘Save the Vaughan Centre’ campaign. |
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In early June the University of Leicester announced its intention to close the Vaughan Centre for Lifelong Learning.
Jon stated: “I have objected strongly to this proposal to close the Centre, and the number of people signing the petition shows the strength of support for the Vaughan Centre.”
“At the time that the University closed Vaughan College at St Nicholas Circle, I raised my concerns that this would ultimately lead to the demise of adult education by the University. I was told this would not happen, but within three years the University now wants to shut the whole of the Vaughan Centre for Lifelong Learning.”
“The Vaughan Centre is an invaluable resource for the whole of the City and beyond, and we must fight to save it." |
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Nearly 3,000 people have signed the petition. As well as a paper petition it is on line at www.change.org. The Vaughan Centre for Lifelong Learning is the only provider of face-to-face, part-time, evening, certificated, Higher Education in the region. It offers a range of specialist courses in subjects including Counselling, Creative Writing, Drug and Alcohol Counselling, Global ecology and Arts and Humanities.
Rob Greenhill, from the ‘Save the Vaughan Centre’, said “People on the streets of Leicester and from across the world have signed our petition. We have bene inspired and often moved to read their reasons. They make it very clear that Lifelong Learning is hugely valued for its ability to change lives.”
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Jon accepted the petition from Laura Hughes, Sally Birch, Rob Greenhill and Lee Pickering, the University of Leicester Students' Union Mature and Part-time Students Officer. |
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People who wish to join the campaign and assist with future events should contact
Rob Greenhill at |
[email protected] |
Photos, top left, Jon speaking to Sally Birch, a founder member of ‘Save the Vaughan Centre’ campaign. middle, Jon being interviewed by Tim Parker form BBC Radio Leicester, right, Jon accepting the petition from Laura Hughes |
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Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth attends the Saffron Summer Fete
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Saturday August 20 2016 |
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Jon Ashworth called into the annual Saffron Summer Fete after door knocking
in the area.
Jon said; “The Saffron Fete is a fantastic event and demonstrates how the local community comes together to put the Fete together. Lots of people help with the Fete, but special thanks has to go to Kellie Bugby for all her hard work and commitment in organising the event.”
“As well as winning a Minions backpack for my daughter I won a set of Christmas cards in August!”
As always, there were lots to do at the Aylestone Recreation Ground including fair rides, a bouncy trapeze, a book bus, information stalls and much more.
Local Councillor, Bill Shelton, who helped to organise the Fete, said: “As always, it is great seeing the community come together for the Summer Fete. I’d like to thank all the local people for helping to make the event such a success.”
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Photos, top left then clockwise,
Jon winning Christmas cards on the tombola, Jon with Councillor Bill Shelton, Jon buying some cake, and Jon with Kellie Bugby |
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Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, was on the Saffron Lane Estate on Saturday on one of his regular roving advice sessions |
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Saturday August 20 2016 |
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Jon Ashworth MP was on the Saffron Lane Estate on Saturday on one of his regular roving advice sessions.
Jon said: “I have been out and about in the southern part of my Constituency for the last few weeks, and today I was back in Saffron Lane meeting people and taking up people’s issues.”
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“As it is the bank holiday next weekend I will not be door knocking, but I will start again the following week as it is important to be meet people all year round, and not just at election time.”
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If you want Jon to visit your street and meet
with local residents then contact his office on 251 1927 or email |
[email protected] |
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Photo shows Jon out and about on one of his regular Roving Advice Sessions with local Councillors and Party members |
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Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, opens the South Highfields
street party
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Saturday August 13 2016 |
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Jon Ashworth opened the street party that was organised by South Highfields neighbours.
Jon said: “The local residents group did a great job of organising the Street Party. There were lots of people enjoying themselves in the hot weather. As the local MP I try to call into as many community events as possible.”
The Street Party was held on Upper Tichborne Street at the corner of Welland and Connaught Streets with funding provided by Stoneygate Community Ward Funding. The event was also supported by Leicester City Council, Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service.
Jon commented: “There was so much to do at the Street Party, including face painting, games, arts and crafts, afro-kubanza and the brilliant Mickey The Magician.”
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Photo above: Jon opening the South Highfields Street Party, photo right, Jon with Councillor Lucy Chaplin at the Street Party |
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If you know of any upcoming community
events that you would like Jon to visit then please contact his office on 251 1927
or email |
[email protected] |
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Jon Ashworth MP calls into the Highfields Festival
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Saturday August 13 2016 |
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Jon visited the annual Highfields Festival and met old friends and met people for the first time.
Jon said: “I attended the inaugural Highfields Festival and I have been to most of the Festivals. As always, today’s event was fantastic with the Highfields Centre bringing together people and organisations to celebrate the unity and diversity in the area.”
The festival at the Highfields Centre included live music, a bouncy castle, face painting, various stalls and free taster sessions.
Join commented: “Staff from the Highfields Centre, and members of Highfields Community Association, must be congratulated for their third work in putting on such an enjoyable event.”
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Photo above, Jon with Aiyub from the Highfields Centre and local young people, photo right, Jon tries his hand at archery
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Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, was in Aylestone meeting residents |
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Saturday August 13 2016 |
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Jon Ashworth was out and about on one of his regular Roving Advice Sessions with local Councillors and Party members.
Jon said: “I have been in Eyres Monsell and Saffron Lane recently, and today I was in Aylestone. As the local MP it is important that I’m out and about meeting people all year round, and not just at election time. People need to know who their MP is and that he is accessible.”
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“It was clear that speeding traffic is an issue in the area, so I will be sending out a survey to the streets visited.”
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If you want Jon to visit your street and meet
with local residents then contact his office on 251 1927 or email |
[email protected] |
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Photo shows Jon out and about on one of his regular Roving Advice Sessions with local Councillors and Party members |
Click
photo for enlargement |
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Jon Ashworth, Labour Mp For Leicester South, demands that Samworth Brothers tackle trade union harassment |
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Friday August 12 2016 |
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Jon previously wrote to Samworth Brothers over the changes to employee contracts and has now been contacted again in regard to this issue and the ability, or not, of Trade Unions to recruit and organise at the company.
Jon said: “This is a very sensitive issue, but I have been informed of incidences when members of staff who have been recruiting colleagues to the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union, or seeking to organise the members of the Union, have faced harassment and been subject to intimidation.”
“Although individual employees have written to Samworth under the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, I have asked that any grievances are dealt with in accordance with procedures and that any allegations are investigated thoroughly.” |
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These questions surrounding the ability of the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union to recruit and organise at Samworth Brothers follows on from the company’s consultation with its employees on payment restructuring.
Jon commented: “These allegations that have been brought to my attention are very serious, and I’ve asked for reassurance from the Chief Executive of Samworth Brothers that any harassment or intimidation or victimisation of Trade Union members by the company’s staff will not be tolerated.”
“I will be working closely with the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union on these matters.” |
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