Lib Dem Response to 'State of the District' Debate (Wokingham Liberal Democrats)

Wokingham Liberal Democrats <info@wokinghamlibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dem Response to 'State of the District' Debate

September 25, 2003 12:00 AM

The second State of the District debate took place in the Wokingham District Council chamber in Shute End on Thursday 25th September 2003.

Councillor Tina Marinos (Lib Dem Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee) said, "There was more public participation this year, and I was delighted that more of our residents took the opportunity to give us their views. The Lib Dems have lots of ideas to include more people and hear more views at next year's debate and I hope that the Tory Executive will take these ideas on board."

Safer Routes to Schools schemes

Tina Marinos said, "The concerns of the Town and Parish Councils were very strongly expressed about the Tory decision to defer Safer Routes to Schools Schemes. The Tories were told how disappointed schools are that the schemes they have been waiting for have been put on hold. This has added considerable weight to the Lib Dems' message to the Tory Executive to reinstate these schemes to increase the safety of our schoolchildren around the district's schools.

"Our combined pressure has resulted in the Tory Executive agreeing to reconsider their decision. I can't predict the result, but I'm delighted that the Tories have at last listened to us."

Graffiti

Councillor Stephen Conway (Chairman of the Liberal Democrat Group) said, "It would make a huge difference to the public's interest in the government of their communities if they felt that their contribution made a difference. I hope the Tory administration will let us know what action they are going to take on the ideas discussed."

Councillor Conway spoke in the debate about new technology available for the removal of graffiti. He said, "Graffiti literally defaces many of our communities and this scourge needs to be countered more imaginatively. The Tory response seemed very positive, but I made the same point at last year's State of the District debate and nothing changed.

"This year we've asked that the whole issue of graffiti be considered by a Select Committee of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee. I hope they can persuade the Executive to take action."