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Liberal Democrats Representatives and Prospective Candidates at all levels of government.

Adam Symons
Graham Watson MEP
Devon Councillors
Torridge Councillors
West Devon Councillors

February 2011

For more information on any of the news items below contact our Parliamentary Spokesman Adam Symons on 01237 431498 or 07786 277470

Litter is a Real Problem

Councillor Takes Action

Saturday 19 February 2011

Alison Clish-Green (3rd from left) with Autumn and her classmates show some of the collected litter.
Photo: Sam Hughes

“Litter can be a real problem and a danger to walkers and dogs, especially when the litter includes broken bottles”, says Cllr Alison Clish-Green.

Cllr Alison Clish-Green was contacted recently by Autumn, a former primary school pupil. Her dog had cut its paw on some glass near the canal behind Tavistock College.

Alison helped Autumn, who attends Tavistock College, to organise a litter pick of the rubbish along that stretch of ground.

Alison arranged for black bags and litter picker sticks to be borrowed from West Devon Borough Council. Autumn and her friends collected several bags of glass, cans and paper.

‘Yes to Fairer Votes’ campaign

Members keen to get involved

Saturday 19 February 2011

Local Lib Dems members are keen to get involved in the ‘Yes to Fairer Votes’ campaign. Adam Symons said “There are many ways which you can help in the campaign. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to change the voting system so that it is fairer.” See Adam’s list of some of the ways you can help the ‘Yes’ Campaign.

Nick Clegg Speaks on Alternative Vote

Britain Should Vote to Ditch the "first-past-the-post" System

Friday 18 February 2011

Today the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg gave a speech on why Britain should vote to end the current "first-past-the-post" voting system for Westminster elections and replace it with the Alternative Vote. See the full text of the speech at Nick Clegg Speaks on Alternative Vote

Lib Dems Leader meets Prime Minister

Alison’s Meeting at Number 10

Thursday 17 February 2011

West Devon’s Lib Dems Leader Cllr. Alison Clish-Green met Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy PM Nick Clegg at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday.

Alison Clish-Green outside 10 Downing Street.

Alison said: “This was a great opportunity to take right to the top the concerns of local people living in our beautiful area of market towns and rural communities. In a personal conversation lasting several minutes, I told the PM about the additional costs of service delivery in rural areas, and how many facilities are being lost from our villages.” Mr. Cameron listened carefully, and responded from his own local experience in West Oxfordshire.

Cllr. Clish-Green also was able to speak to Andrew Stunell, who is a Minister in the Communities and Local Government Department. She discussed with him the new Localism Bill, and specifically the need for any new housing to help sustain local villages, rather than just being concentrated in towns such as Tavistock.

The London visit was arranged by the Lib Dems office of the Local Government Association (the national body representing all councils in England and Wales) and on this occasion was for Liberal Democrats group leaders.

AV : Another Step Towards Electoral Reform

Essential Part of Renewing Our Democracy

Tuesday 15 February 2011

“It is very encouraging to see that the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill has gone through both Houses of Parliament and has now received the Royal Assent. This means that the way is clear for the referendum on changing the voting system on the 5th May,” said John Farrand-Rogers, Chairman of Torridge & West Devon Liberal Democrats, in a statement.

“This is good progress for the Government, because holding a referendum on AV was one of the key conditions in forming the Coalition agreement.”

“It is a victory for Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats, because electoral reform is an essential part of renewing our democracy.”

“It is a victory for David Cameron and the moderate Conservatives, because they were able to stand by their word, even at the cost of upsetting some of the ancient Tory grandees.”

“And it is even a victory for Edward Milliband, because AV was one of the policies in Labour´s manifesto at the general election, and it now looks as though it can actually be implemented – provided Labour supporters follow their leader and back their own policy in the referendum.”

“The losers were the die-hards in the House of Lords, Tony´s Cronies and Brown´s Toadies, who tried to stymie the whole process. And by right-wing Thatcherites, who are opposed to change of any kind.”

“What they have in common is that they all did very well out of the old political system, and they want to hand it on intact to their heirs and successors.”

“The big winner is the YES to AV campaign itself, because people can clearly see for themselves the vested interests of the Big Party Machines. Anything that gives more power to ordinary people – all people, of course – is to be welcomed.”

Teach Children and Teenagers to Avoid UV Exposure

Marking World Cancer Day

Thursday 3 February 2011

Lead Member for Health at Torridge District Council Adam Symons is marking World Cancer Day on 4th February this year by asking residents to teach their children and teenagers to avoid UV exposure by being ‘sun smart’.

Each year on 4th February, the World Health Organisation (WHO) joins with the sponsoring International Union Against Cancer to promote ways to ease the global burden of cancer. This year’s theme is all about teaching youngsters the dangers of too much sun.

Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world. Figures from WorldCancerDay.org say cancer kills as many people as the entire population of Switzerland each year; and each year 12.7 million people discover they have cancer. If no action is taken, WHO estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015.

Councillor Symons said: “Although the cause of most cancers is not known, we do know that some 'risk factors' increase our chances of developing cancer. Avoiding excessive sun exposure is one way in which we can all reduce the risks, even in our wet English summers! Stopping tobacco use and avoiding exposure to passive smoke, limiting alcohol consumption, regular physical activity, eating healthily and maintaining a healthy weight are all other ways in which we can help ourselves. Many people, especially men, put off seeing the doctor if they think they might have a problem, but the quicker cancer is identified, the greater the chance of it being treated successfully.”

Note:

For more information, have a look at www.worldcancerday.org

Housing Crisis for Local Young People

Worst in UK

Wednesday 2 February 2011

Figures recently released by Shelter show that the area is the worst in the country for young people being able to buy a home.

Shelter’s figures show that over 73% of people under 40 cannot buy a house in Torridge and West Devon, even if they wanted to.

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman, Adam Symons, who highlighted the figures said: “These are pretty shocking figures, and just show the problems that young people face getting on the housing ladder in the local area. Very low wages, combined with excessively high prices are making it impossible for most young people.”

“The solutions are not easy, cheap or quick. A concerted effort is needed to invest in employment opportunities for young people, as well as ensuring a steady flow of affordable housing. With nearly 40% of people under 40 not able to rent either, young people have little option but to either move away, or live with parents.”

“I am working with organisations such as North Devon plus and Petroc to bring employment opportunities into the area, but I know that this is a long-term project. Action is needed now from the Government to inject capital into affordable housing schemes to make sure that our young people are not driven out of the area.”

Kay Boycott, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Shelter said: “Shelter’s new report shows that affordable housing has a key role to play in maintaining a strong local economy and ensuring its future growth. However, more than 1 in 3 people under the age of 40 can’t afford to rent or buy a home here. This will make it harder for local businesses to recruit, start-up, and expand – potentially putting opportunities for growth in the local economy at risk.”