It's been 100 days since I was elected leader of the Liberal Democrats - and I wanted to update you on the progress we've been making. It's a huge privilege to be your leader at such an exciting time.
Many messages of support have come in for the Gurkha justice campaign and demonstration held in Westminster on 19th March. If you would like to have your say too, visit http://tinyurl.com/2dtbyn or email mail@shepwaylibdems.org.uk - we will publish a selection of comments submitted.
Cllr Karen Chilvers is delighted to report that Vehicle Activated signs, as requested by her at the November Environment Panel, will soon be installed in London Road.
Thanks to Cllr Carey for pointing out in last weeks Herald that the Liberal Democrats opposed the Shepway Council budget. The Conservative budget saw a massive increase in the expenditure on "strategy and leadership", but precious little for improving front line services such as street cleaning or safety. The budget also saw the Council Tax raised as far as possible without capping, some Council fees raised hugely, and the introduction of the Councils new £35 Garden Tax on recycling. What's not to oppose?
Local MP Tim Farron is today writing to Alistair Darling, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in order to try and secure his support to extend gift aid to tickets sold by arts charities. Gift aid is a scheme which allows charities to reclaim the tax on monetary donations, and Tim Farron MP is attempting to extend this to tickets sold by arts charities in order to provide a welcome boost to arts charities both in Westmorland and Lonsdale and nationwide. In particular, Mr Farron singled out the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal for praise, noting the Centre's contribution to both culture and the community. If the Brewery Arts Centre could claim gift aid on its cinema ticket sales, for example, it would make a huge difference.
This Saturday will see local MP Tim Farron opening Kendal Eco Fair, an event held at the Castle Street Centre in Kendal. The event, organised by South Lakeland Action on Climate Change, aims to show how people can live greener lives, through a variety of talks and workshops. Visitors can also enjoy visiting the many diverse stalls, with activities such as face painting and a White Elephant stall.
