Commenting on Labour's decision to oppose legislation for a referendum on the alternative vote, which was a commitment in their manifesto, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Simon Hughes said:
Cllr Sallyanne Smith, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Licensing, this week welcomed the review of the last Labour Government's Licensing laws. As part of the review Bedford Borough Council is one of a select group of Councils being consulted by the Government. The proposals include new powers to give local people a stronger say when licenses are applied for, increases in fees and charges for late night licenses that will help pay for enforcement and extra Police patrols and plans for a clamp down on under age drinking and below cost sale of alcohol.
Councillor Sarah Holland, Liberal Democrat Eastcotts Ward, this week welcomed a move by BT to halt the increasing problem of the theft of copper wires from the telephone system. BT will now be using SmartWater, a new technology that is invisible to the human eye but sticks to the thief and can be traced to the specific site where the theft took place.
Cllr Nick Charsley, Liberal Democrat Portfolio Holder for Rural Affairs, is today calling for an end to loss of Public Houses, Shops and other facilities in Bedfordshire villages. He is heading up a project to bring together relevant professionals to help support local communities to take over their village pub or shop if it is under threat of closure.
I was lucky enough to have an appointment today at Bedford Park, which is always a lovely place to be, especially when the sun is out. I was joined by the Council's Park Rangers and volunteers from the nearby Hill Rise Nature Reserve to mark the fact that Bedford Park, Addison Howard Park, Harrold & Odell Country Park and Priory Country Park have all been awarded Green Flag status by Keep Britain Tidy, while the Hill Rise Reserve has been awarded the Green Pennant. The Green Flag is the benchmark standard for nationally for parks and open spaces, while the Green Pennant is awarded to high quality community-run green spaces.
The third 'Pints in the Parishes' event is taking place tonight, at the Crown in Little Staughton. These sessions are intended to provide an opportunity for me to hear directly from anyone who wants to discuss the issues important to them in an informal, local environment. They are also a chance for for me to show my support for local, community pubs. The first two sessions, in Elstow and Risely, were extremely valuable in allowing me to get out and speak to residents who may not have made an appointment to come and see me at my Borough Hall surgery sessions, or seen me at one of my regular 'walk up' surgeries at sites around the Borough. I will be in the Crown from around 7.30pm.
