Dundee LibDem Councillor Fraser Macpherson has today (Monday 28th May) written to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Media and Tourism, Shaun Woodward MP, following continuing concerns about the lack of Freeview TV services from many of his constituents in the West End of Dundee, a situation also affecting other parts of the City and North Fife, served by the Tay Bridge Transmitter.
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.
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.
People throughout the borough are to be asked their views on possible charges for using some of the busiest roads in Greater Manchester. Leaders of all 10 Greater Manchester councils will be asked on Friday 25 May to approve plans for a six-week public consultation exercise on a proposed bid for £1.1 billion investment in transport across the region, including possible congestion charges.
Stonewall research conducted by YouGov says that the Lib Dems are perceived as the most gay-friendly party in Britain.
At the Planning meeting on Wednesday 23rd May 2007, the Conservatives voted through the final phase of the 350 flats on the old gas works site in Wharf Road, now known as "The Base", despite strong protests from the Liberal Democrat group.
