Wokingham Lib Dems' Manifesto for Local Elections 10th June (Wokingham Liberal Democrats)

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

Wokingham Lib Dems' Manifesto for Local Elections 10th June

May 19, 2004 12:00 AM

The Wokingham Liberal Democrats' manifesto concentrates on issues that matter most to the district's residents, such as education, housing, graffiti and litter, traffic congestion and value for money.

EDUCATION

Wokingham can be very proud of its schools, but the Lib Dems are concerned that standards will fall because of the under-investment in our schools by Tory-controlled Wokingham District Council. Lib Dems believe that the Tories missed a unique opportunity to help our schools when they chose not to use a £1.2 million windfall from the Government to help address last year's £2 million education shortfall.

• We will ensure that our schools are properly funded and supported - they have been under-funded for the last two years

• We will encourage the formation of more After Schools Clubs

• We will refocus youth provision to take more account of what young people want

• We will give more support for leisure, sporting and cultural activities

A COMMUNITY TO BE PROUD OF

Graffiti and litter plague our communities. Many residents have told us that they want more action taken on the eyesores these create.

• We will improve the graffiti removal service by using the latest technology

• We will work with the utility companies to ensure they keep their own property graffiti-free

• We will improve the clearing of litter from streets and open spaces

• We will increase the frequency of grass-cutting of our verges

TRAFFIC CONGESTION

Lib Dems would use a combination of methods to tackle traffic congestion and improve public transport.

• We will enhance our concessionary fares schemes for pensioners and the disabled - every car owner who travels by public transport reduces the congestion for those who have to travel by car

• We will improve traffic flow through engineering and technical improvements

• We will support important but unprofitable bus routes, including evening, night and weekend services

• We will reinstate the delayed Safer Routes to Schools schemes to encourage more walking to school thus reducing the number of cars

HOUSING

There has been a huge increase in new house building since the Tories took control of the Council two years ago and many of the green fields that they promised to save have now been developed.

• We will re-open negotiations with the other Berkshire Councils to reduce Wokingham's new housing allocation

• We will fight the Government's attempts to override local planning safeguards which protect us from unwanted development

VALUE FOR MONEY

Providing services is our priority:

• We will make sure your money is spent on services and not on self-publicity

• We will explore imaginative ways to raise money without burdening the local taxpayer, including greater business sponsorship opportunities

• We will sell our skills to other local authorities - the council is a recognised leader in some fields; every pound we generate by selling our expertise is a pound less that we have to raise through local taxation

Councillor Coling Lawley (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Councillor Group) said, "We have a great Liberal Democrat team in Wokingham district and we're looking forward to regaining control of Wokingham District Council. We have the experience and enthusiasm to make a difference in our communities. We will put an end to the secrecy and political point-scoring so prevalent in the Council and will open the doors to everyone who wants to take part in making decisions about our communities.