It was estimated that nearly 200 people took part in the protest at various times yesterday. The event went well despite the weather and included Rochdale residents, members of the Friends of our Hospital, Councillors, Council Staff and Staff at the Infirmary. Unfortunately, Paul Rowen MP who organised the lobby was unable to attend due a number of planes being cancelled in London.
A Community Services Task group has been set up to examine the work and development of Connexions. It is worrying that 40% of Surrey's resources for young people are already committed by the Tory administration to Connexions, yet another quango, and they are aiming for 80%. To make matters worse, we still do not know details of requirements for Connexions Centres, i.e. what is a Connexions Centre and how should it be planned? Also many operational issues are unresolved.
The campaign to encourage people to buy local food, which is gathering pace all over the West Country, has been warmly welcomed by Totnes Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman, Mike Treleaven.
Plans to enhance parts of the churchyard and pavement around the historic St Cuthbert's church, in the heart of Bedford, look set to fail following huge delays in providing the promised cash by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Bedford Liberal Democrats successfully persuaded the Borough Council to support scrapping the Council Tax in an effort to create a fairer system of local taxation such as local income tax.
The Lib Dems have won the New Romney Coast by-election with an amazing swing from the Conservatives. Local woman Ann Birchmore romped home with nearly 50% of the vote, with the Conservatives trailing behind with just 44%. Labour finished in a poor third place with just 8% of the vote.