Lancashire County Council appoints new women and girls' champion

The new women and girls' Champion on Lancashire County Council has vowed to push for change.

County Councillor Ellie Close has taken on the role of the council's Champion for Combatting Sexual Exploitation and Violence Against Women and Girls.

The mum-of-two, 35, is the Reform UK county councillor for Leyland South.

County Councillor Close said she was passionate about making a difference for women in Lancashire.

"I've got two very young children, and I want to know that they're growing up feeling safe and supported," she said.

"There are lots of charities and partnerships that are doing excellent work, and I want to be out there with them - listening, learning and contributing wherever I can.

“I'm passionate, and hoping to work with partners and charities, councillors and schools to improve things for women and girls across our region.

"Every woman and girl in Lancashire has the right to feel safe in their community, online, at school, in the workplace and on public transport - that is non-negotiable. I want my daughters and every girl in this country to grow up confident, safe and supported. Women and girls should not have to adjust their daily lives to avoid harm or fear.”

She said this meant a working group being set up to tackle the issue at ground level with visits to schools and really listening to both teachers and pupils, and ensuring victims and survivors are heard and supported, prevention and education from an early age, practical safety measures across local communities, challenging attitudes and behaviours that normalise abuse, and working collaboratively with police, schools, health services and charities.

"I think we need to start with education and prioritise prevention and victim support, as well as ensure that the victims are heard and not silenced," said County Councillor Close.

"The world's moved on so much, even since when I was at school. I can't even imagine what it’s like in high school with WhatsApp and the pressures of social media and everything that's out there now.

"There are lots of issues around women's safety on transport, like having CCTV in taxis, and trying to raise awareness of how important that is, and how vulnerable women feel when walking alone, and there are lots of things that we can do to improve things in practical ways.

"I'm just really passionate about improving life for people in Lancashire, and trying to do everything we can to help, improve and prevent issues, through victim support and working with partners and charities who have the skills and knowledge.

“Feeling unsafe should never be considered a normal part of life. Nobody should have to change their behaviour or stay silent to stay safe.

"This is not just a women’s issue - it is a societal one, and we all have a role to play in ending violence, intimidation and harassment.

"We will listen, we will act, and we will bring about real change. Women and girls across Lancashire deserve to live free from fear - and I will work tirelessly to help make that a reality.”