Liberal Democrat Councillor Helen Loydall has presented a statement to the Councils Conservative Cabinet urging them to reinstate the subsidy for the No.45 Bus. 

She said: “this issue is one of those clear occasions where ordinary people will suffer because the council’s administration refuses to look at facts. They hide behind policies and strategies and suggest there are alternatives – but no one has looked at the impact the loss of this service will have had on ordinary peoples lives. 

People could lose their jobs, or find that their commute to work takes three hours and costs twice as much. For people on low incomes this is just not viable. The No.45 bus is a lifeline that is about to be severed – as these bus users become the first casualties in the Conservatives budget. I doubt that low council tax increases will be small comfort if they cannot work.  

But I am glad that I have fought for this, if only to highlight that this isn’t a simple party issue, at the scrutiny committee – it was Lib Dems that pushed to get the idea referred back for consideration but plenty of conservatives supported the idea, and in fact Conservative councillor Jennings suggestion to look for an alternative in a small operator to run a minibus was a fantastic idea.  

It is just a shame that the plight of real people gets drowned out in convenient policy statements.” 

Cllr Bill Boulter, deputy leader of the Lib Dem Group said: “I think Helen has done a fantastic job, she has pointed out the facts, gathered support and campaigned fairly. She is a real credit to her community. “ 

“Public Transport is too important to simply hack to bits – we all know the Conservatives have a difficult budget, and cuts are inevitable but we have to show awareness and compassion in the face of such difficult decisions, andthe ongoing aloofness of the Cabinet is something that makes this terrible decision all the worse.”

A press release from my colleagues in Oadby & Wigston:  

Liberal Democrats have reacted angrily about the decision to impose a member of the Conservative group from North West Leicestershire on the Oadby & Wigston Highway Forum. 

Michael Charlesworth one of the Oadby County Councillors said: “I find this all very frustrating, the people of Oadby & Wigston voted overwhelmingly for the Liberal Democrats in the recent

Today’s article in the Leicester Mercury: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/politics/Cost-road-gritting-rises-500-000/article-692216-detail/article.html

As the article shows the recent harsh weather has ended up costing tax payers more, for grit that Council staff feel is inferior and forcing staff to work longer. Essentially what is the logic in seeking to take more money out if the winters are going to get worse?  

Having checked our figures again it appears we double counted the actual saving for winter maintenance, the actual saving for 2009/10 is £215,000 which is bad enough but this already includes the £136,110 we highlighted separately. I am sorry for the mistake, but the point is the same - money is still being taken out of winter maintenance.  

Following the most extreme winter weather in recent memory, Liberal Democrat County Councillors have highlighted a contradiction in the Conservatives approach to the Budget in terms of Highways provision and winter maintenance. 

I have just learnt that the train fairs are going to go up by a massive increase (see below) your local Liberal Democrats will campaign hard on this issue as we believe that a better rail way system is needed but shouldn’t be limited to the rich. We believe that the government should ensure that people are able to get to work, thus allowing recovery from the recession. These increases hurt people who leave the car at home, they should be punished for doing the right thing for the environment and lower our countries dependance on Oil.

The Association of Train Operating Companies announced on 21^st November that regulated fares would increase by 6% from January 2009. The Liberal Democrats have demanded the increases be abandoned and rail fares frozen.

The increase in regulated fares, season tickets and saver tickets, takes place under a government regulation allowing rises up to inflation+1% (one per cent above the retail price index) and up to Inflation+3% on Southeastern and some Northern Rail trains. Unregulated fares will rise by a greater amount.  Individual train company fare increases are: 

COMPANY                            REGULATED                        UNREGULATED 

Cross Country                             6%                                                11% 

East Midlands Trains                6%                                                  7.%

Virgin Trains                               6%                                                  7%  

Councillor Roger Wilson (Birstall) has just issued the following press release expressing his concner about the impacts of the credit crisis on the County Council’s capital investment programme. I think he raises a good point or two:

He Said: “I am concerned that the County Council’s capital programme is in a precarious state. People may not realize it but the capital program is essential as it provides the dedicated money to support construction. There is already concern being expressed that the Birstall Park & Ride is in trouble – I would guess because the developer has been unable to accumulate the necessary finance to meet planning requirements. The park & ride is something that I have supported, as I feel it will help limit the traffic through Birstall and this could alleviate congestion and improve the air quality. I hope that this situation can be resolved.   

But more widely if an established project like this is in danger, I am troubled about the possibility of other capital projects being delayed or stopped altogether. Although I accept that the delay could be due to the developers themselves I feel we need to clarify the impact of the current credit crisis on the capital program and I will be writing to the Director of Finance at County Hall for clarification.

Of further concern is that the county council will be unable to assist current projects being undertaken that could be suitable for investment as they benefit the local community. I fear that the Palmer Tomkinson Centre, in Birstall could miss out on valuable support from the county council if they have to focus priorities on a shortfall or lack of resources in other areas.”