Julia Goldsworthy MP Launches Lib Dem Manifesto for Bedford Borough (North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats)

North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats <bedford@bedfordlibdems.org>

Julia Goldsworthy MP Launches Lib Dem Manifesto for Bedford Borough

March 31, 2009 4:15 PM

Julia Goldsworthy and Local Liberal Democrats Launching the Lib Dem Manifesto for Bedford Borough 2009

Julia Goldsworthy Helped Launch the Liberal Democrat Manifesto for Bedford Borough, and said the party is in 'excellent shape' locally going into the June elections

The Liberal Democrat 2009 Manifesto for Bedford Borough was launched yesterday by Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Julia Goldsworthy MP.

Speaking before the launch event at St Marks Church and Community Centre in Brickhill, Goldsworthy commented on the local government reorganisation which this week sees Bedford Borough Council become a unitary authority, taking on the powers of the departing County Council. She said: "This is a crucial time for local government in Bedford Borough. The transition to a unitary system will be challenging in the short term, but the change is an opportunity to bring real benefits to local residents. After years of a Conservative-led County Council providing many substandard services and spiraling council tax bills, this is a chance for a fresh start for better quality and better value schools, adult social care and roads.'

"Knowing where to go to access services or report problems will be straightforward. The new council will have no way of fobbing residents off by telling them their problem is dealt with elsewhere. Bedford Borough Council's attitude should be that if a resident has a problem, it's the council's problem too. The buck stops there."

Commenting on the forthcoming elections for the unitary authority in June, Goldsworthy added: "The Liberal Democrats go into the first elections for the Bedford Borough unitary authority in excellent shape. The Lib Dems are focused on the issues that matter locally. They are putting residents' interests first, as illustrated by their £1 million boost for road and footpath repairs, paid for by trimming back low priority areas like Council PR and releasing unused reserves. This commitment to better services and low council tax bills is exactly what's needed to help tackle the credit crunch in the areas it affects people most."