10 Liberal Democrats from Chelmsford were among around 200 representatives at the party's regional conference on Saturday. The conference debated a range of issues including the effect of climate change on the region; the need for political power to come down from central government and the need for a rail link east-west across the region.
Local MP Tim Farron pressed Robin Etherington, Communications Manager from the First Rail Group on improving connections from Oxenholme to Windermere in a meeting in the House of Commons today. At present many passengers disembark at Oxenholme only to see the connection to Windermere disappearing into the distance, Mr Farron received assurances that this issue would be looked into.
Speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon, Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hill Farming attacked the Government's farming policy in today's debate on foot and mouth. Mr Farron criticised the Government for not providing adequate investment in a vital industry. Mr Farron also repeated his calls for DEFRA to provide price support for farmers, some of whom have lost well in excess of £10,000 in recent months.
Dundee City Council's Liberal Democrat Planning & Transport Convener, Cllr Fraser Macpherson, has today (Wednesday 17th October) welcomed a report being considered by city councillors next week which could result in more residents' parking schemes in the City.
Over 3000 residents in the Borough of Rochdale will be affected by the closure of Street Cred in Rochdale. The sudden closure has shocked Rochdale residents. Street Cred ceased trading yesterday (Tuesday 16 October). Council Leader Alan Taylor has pledged to do all he can to help.
In an upbeat leader's speech to the recent full council meeting, Council Leader Alan Taylor praised the achievements of council staff who he said "work hard day in, day out to improve the quality of life for people in the Borough" and added that it is "only right that we recognise and celebrate their successes, especially when they go beyond the call of duty".
