Why I am standing as the candidate for the Lib Dems in the May byelection in Edgware

You can find out more at the Barnet Lib Dems website

Here is my press release.

Roger Tichborne, a musician and small business owner with deep roots in Edgware, has been selected to contest the Edgware byelection in May for the Liberal Democrats.

Roger's top campaign priority is to save the Railway Hotel, a Grade II-listed property in the heart of Edgware that Tory-run Barnet Council has left to neglect and ruin.

The abandoned building, which dates from 1930, has been through multiple owners, has been repeatedly damaged by fire, and is beset with broken windows and botched renovation.

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A vote for Roger and the Liberal Democrats in Edgware on 6th May will send a message to Tory-run Barnet Council to get a grip on the Railway Hotel and stop the neglect of Edgware's historic town centre.

The byelection in Edgware ward was called after the sad death last year of Cllr Brian Gordon, a Conservative councillor.

Roger's full list of local priorities are as follows:

1. Stand up for Edgware: clean up the Railway Hotel, Station Road and the High Street
2. Speak out against secret Tory plans to develop "low value" green open spaces
3. Strengthen social housing in Edgware
4. Make the Edgware local plan more resident-friendly
5. Invest in active and sustainable travel

Donate to help Roger win in Edgware

On being selected Roger said:

"The last year has been a very challenging one for everyone in our community. Whatever happens in the local elections in May, I make a personal commitment to be supportive of our community through these times.

"We need a positive campaign to build hope in our community and bring people together."

Roger Tichborne has an extensive track record of hard work and engagement in the community, and through his blog The Barnet Eye he regularly scrutinises the work of Barnet Council.

Roger added:

"I have a very long association with Edgware. As a teenager, I lived in Warwick Avenue in Broadfields. I attended Orange Hill School, the same institution as Brian Gordon.

"My brother was married at St. Matthias Church. My nephew attended Edgware Primary and Senior Schools, sadly witnessing the murder of Kiyan Prince in the playground, an incident that brought home to us that we need to address social issues in our community.

"I am a musician who bought his first guitar and amplifier from Don Mackrill's music shop in Edgware. That gave me a deep love of the shopping area and an appreciation of the need for vibrant, independent businesses. For the past 41 years, I have run my own music studio business in Mill Hill."

Roger's other community involvements include acting as chair of the Archangel Trust, a charity that provides finance for a local school.

His business has assisted many local charities and festivals over recent years, including the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association annual charity ball, The Mill Hill Music Festival, the Mill Hill Synagogue, Colindale Foodbank, Macmillan Cancer Support, and the Mayor of Barnet's charity appeals over the years.

To contact Roger directly about any aspect of his campaign, please email him at roger@barnetlibdems.org.uk.

Otherwise, please look out for more information and updates about the byelection campaign, in due course.

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Last January I worked with local historian Mark Amies to highlight the neglect of the centre of Edgware. Please watch the short film we made. I will be making a series of short films to highlight why action is needed.