Lib Dems pledge community wardens are safe

2.11.52pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 1st Nov 2004

Following reports from the BBC that Bath & North East Somerset Council intends to scrap their community warden scheme, Cllr Tim Ball, Chairman of the Liberal Democrat Group on the Council, has come out pledging that not only is the scheme safe but it is to be expanded.

Cllr Tim Ball (Liberal Democrat; Twerton), who Chairs the Liberal Democrat Group, says:

"I have no idea where the BBC have come up with the idea that as a Council we are scrapping the community warden scheme. Only last week, Liberal Democrats signed off on a plan to expand the scheme.

"The Council has no plans to scrap the community warden scheme, which has been highly successful in cutting crime and been very popular with residents. The fight against crime and fear of crime is a main platform of the Council; so to suggest that we would scrap our flagship scheme would be ludicrous.

"When Liberal Democrats introduced the community warden scheme it met with a lot of criticism from our opponents, including the Conservatives. But now as part of the working arrangement to run the Council the Conservatives are behind the scheme and support our measures to expand it.

"I am asking for an inquiry within the Council to find out where this untrue story came from. Our local residents deserve to be kept informed but we must ensure that information is accurate and truthful."

Last week Liberal Democrat Leader of the Council, Cllr Paul Crossley, agreed a decision to expand the warden scheme. It is hoped that wardens will begin to work in areas of South Bath and Midsomer Norton over the coming months.

The Liberal Democrat Group introduced community wardens in 2002 and they have been a great success.

Contact: Cllr Tim Ball on 01225 400834.

Or if you cannot get the above contact Tim Kent on 01225 477419 or page 07626 112087 for assistance.