Lib Dems Slam South East Airport Expansion
Commenting on the first day of the public inquiry into the expansion of Stansted Airport today, Liberal Democrat Transport Secretary, Alistair Carmichael MP said:
30 May 2007
News
Liberal Democrat News
Council Leader Snubs Local Campaign Efforts
Liberal Democrat councillors in Guildford have criticised Conservative Council Leader Andrew Hodges for a "downright snub" of local people's efforts in securing the future of Tyting Farm.
30 May 2007
Fawdon Ward now covered by drinking ban
Since the end of May 2007, all of Fawdon Ward is covered by an order banning alcohol on the streets, in parks and in other public places.
30 May 2007
Hot food takeaway appeal
Under the smoke screen of the local elections, a planning application was made for a hot food takeaway in Sherwin Avenue in Springvale Ward. Nevertheless, although it was election time, Liberal Democrat Focus Team called on many of the surrounding properties to gauge their views. There was overwhelming opposition to the application and so the Councillors have submitted a formal objection to the application on the grounds of lack of parking and the noise and disruption to neighbouring properties. Cllr Richard Whitehouse said, "This is the second year running a planning application for a hot takeaway has been submitted during the election period. Last year it was for the former shop at the corner of Foster Avenue and Ettingshall Road and we successfully opposed that application. Let us hope we can do the same with this one."
28 May 2007
Exit Strategy! by Councillor Nail Mahmud.
The last few weeks have been historic for our country - a time when the worst kept secret in the country finally came true. The time Tony Blair delivered his "exit strategy" If only he'd announce it for the troops in Iraq before he went too.
28 May 2007
Paul Rowen MP's Letter from Parliament
Last week I was leading for the Liberal Democrats on the Concessionary Bus Fares Bill. This law was promised by the Chancellor Gordon Brown last year and extends concessionary bus passes to a nationwide scheme. I broadly welcomed it. It will mean for example that someone visiting their daughter in Scarborough or London would be able to use the buses there free. There are some concerns however, it does not extend to community transport or the dial a ride scheme that currently operates in Deeplish and for which people have to pay 50p. Other anomalies include real concerns that Councils are fully reimbursed for the cost (important in towns like Blackpool who have many visitors) and the fact that carers and people suffering from mental disabilities are excluded. I will be tabling amendments during the committee stage of the bill to deal with these.
28 May 2007