Looking ahead, respecting the past, ready to get the job done - Liberal Democrats Launch Manifesto

6.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 9th Mar 2007

"We get things done, and Bath and North East Somerset needs plenty to be done", said Paul Crossley, launching the Liberal Democrat manifesto for the local elections in May.

Over the last four years the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and an Independent have worked together to run the Council. "Even though sometimes it has felt like swimming upstream, we have still had some major successes", said Paul Crossley .

"But people are telling us that they want urgent improvements, especially in the areas currently run by the other parties such as traffic, transport and finance".

Now he is calling on voters to give the Liberal Democrats majority control of the Council so that they can get on with their five main priorities:

· An efficient Council that is truly local including the lowest Council Tax level in the area

· Better public transport and a greener way of life

· Safe neighbourhoods and affordable housing

· Better health and social care for the elderly, the young and the vulnerable

· Promotion of culture, regeneration and active healthy lifestyles

Earlier, Gerry Curran had pointed to the successes of Liberal Democrat-run councils throughout the country and also in government in Scotland. "Liberal Democrats are showing time and again that we can take the right decisions on he issues that matter most to local people", he said.

"We understand that the area faces major challenges, and we believe we have come up with the real solutions which respect the unique character of the area but also take us forward into the future".

Notes:

Don Foster MP was scheduled to speak at the launch, but unfortunately he was unable to attend due to illness.

Related Links:

Liberal Democrat Manifesto May 2007 - pdf version

Liberal Democrat Manifesto May 2007 - large print, text only version in Word