Sun Shines on Lib Dems Manifesto Launch (South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats)

South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats <info@secambslibdems.org.uk>

Sun Shines on Lib Dems Manifesto Launch

April 17, 2007 8:43 PM

Local Liberal Democrats launched their manifesto in the Jubilee Gardens, Ely recently for the district elections in May. They commit to more recycling and affordable housing, as well as working towards making East Cambs District Council carbon neutral.

Group Leader, Cllr. Gareth Wilson says: "We are pleased to announce that we achieved our six key manifesto pledges from four years ago, including a new car park for Ely and preserving the Jubilee Gardens. Our ambitious plans for the next four years include environmental services, affordable housing and establishing a youth forum to give young people a voice."

The six key manifesto pledges for 2007 are:

1)Protect the environment. Create a country park within the District and work towards making the Council carbon neutral.

2)Increase the level of recycling to at least 60%.

3)Increase provision of affordable housing.

4)Build a new sports and leisure centre in the district.

5)Establish a district-wide youth forum; and

6)Maintain the Council's openness and honesty.

Cllr. Ian Allen, Chair of Transport and Environment Committee says: "We will continue to fight to protect historic green space from development. We need to replace the Paradise Centre, which is rapidly approaching its end and promote leisure provision through the District."

District and County Cllr. Nigel Bell, commenting on recycling says: "As well as being environmentally important to reduce landfill, it makes financial sense to minimize the punitive taxes payable on sending waste to landfill."

Acknowledging the need for more affordable housing in the District, Cllr. Gareth Wilson says: "We want to ensure that local people are not priced out of the villages they grew up in. We will continue to increase affordable housing by maximizing the percentage that developers must provide.

"We also feel it is vital that as Liberal Democrats we continue to make the Council and its front-line services value for money."