City Lib Dem chief barred from leafleting retirement homes

Gloucester’s Liberal Democrat chief has been barred from delivering leaflets to voters who live in a retirement home.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton attempted to deliver his party’s propaganda to residents at Castlemeads Court last week while out canvassing for the upcoming Westgate by-election.

The Liberal Democrat candidate for the Gloucester City Council poll is his partner Rebecca Trimnell.

However, when he attempted to deliver the leaflets to each of the properties at the retirement home he was denied entry by the site warden.

Cllr Hilton said it is deeply disappointing that barriers are being created to prevent candidates for public office directly communicating with residents.

“Attempts were made to deliver some personally addressed letters to the residents of Castlemeads Court relating to the forthcoming city council by-election in Westgate ward, but disappointingly this was refused,” he said.

“We have a superb candidate in local resident Rebecca Trimnell who is determined to represent the area where she has lived in for over a decade.

“Receiving communications from all candidates gives residents the information they need to judge for themselves who they believe is the best person to represent them on the city council.

“It is deeply disappointing that as part of the democratic process barriers are being created to prevent a candidate for public office communicating directly with residents.

“I do hope that the management company will review their policy and to allow all candidates to properly communicate with the electorate. Democracy should prevail.”

A spokesperson for the management company said Castlemeads Court is an independent living retirement development with a communal entrance that is controlled by a monitored door entry system.

“We do not accommodate requests to access the development to maildrop door-to-door and this approach is welcomed by our residents, who are grateful for the safety and security this environment provides.

“We have spoken to the councillor who wished to distribute literature to households at Castlemeads Court, and we have agreed that we will host the literature in reception for residents to pick up should they wish.”

The Westgate by-election takes place on March 30. The other candidates standing are Conservative Peter Sheehy, Labour’s Trevor Howard, Gill White of Reform UK and Lord Benjamin Baker of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk