A well-attended summer party for Liberal Democrat members and election helpers in Hemel Hempstead was held to thank people for their hard work, to celebrate progress and to discuss exciting opportunities for future activity and campaigning.
Councillor Ron Tindall is on the front page of this week's Gazette speaking out against Conservative run Hertfordshire County Council's plans to save money on its adult care budget. These plans would mean asking the most vulnerable residents to pay £130 more per week for the care that they receive.
In an absurd proposal, Dacorum Council is consulting on a plan to ban cycling on several public roads in Hemel Hempstead, as part of their hotch-potch "Public Space Protection Order" (PSPO), which allows fines at the Council's discretion, for cycling and a mixed bunch of various other things. Former Lib Dem opposition councillor Lloyd Harris says: "The idea that a ban can be proposed which is not specific enough to recognise differences between various parts of town, where different things happen, shows a lack of basic common sense in drawing up this order." The Council's map shows the PSPO area would cover Waterhouse Street, Bridge Street, Combe Street and the High Street, parts of which are public highway used by cars, bikes, buses etc. "Please join me in asking that these muddled plans be thrown out; we need to encourage cycling for health, and provide activities for kids - not make it a criminal offence to be bored! Let's have proper cycle-paths in Hemel, routes that bikes and skateboards can be used
This Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) proposal is the thin end of a wedge!
LibDems say the Public Space Protection Order PSPO consultation fiasco is a series of 'leading' questions, presented by the Cabinet as "the opportunity to suggest any other persistent anti-social behaviour that could also be tackled through a PSPO in this area."
The council's proposed PSPO is going to make it an offence to feed the ducks and geese in Water Gardens.