Lib Dem Councillors are deeply concerned about Tory planned cuts to elderly Day Centres across the County announced at a consultation launch on Wednesday. Buckinghamshire County Council have said that of the 22 centres only 3 will stay open in a bid to save money. According to figures, the centres are used by about 1,300 people including those with learning disabilities and of course pensioners.

Cllr Freda Roberts pictured left, said “I am very worried about the proposals. I have spent many years supporting and visiting people at the centres right across Aylesbury and we all should be concerned at how drastic these cuts are.”

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman, Cllr Steven Lambert, said “these are much more than just a drop in centre. They are a lifeline for meeting friends, taking part  in a social life or even getting a hair cut or personal grooming sorted out in a safe personal environment. All these things cannot be replaced by an impersonal ’hub’ many miles away.”

Lib Dem County Council Group Leader Cllr Mary Baldwin said “I very concerned that the County are proposing such as move and I have asked for a briefing to be made at the Greater Aylesbury Local Area Forum on 5th July. Quite rightly, people will have questions such as what will happen to the people and carers for family members who use the services and how the County Council intend to meet that need?   

Cllr Chester Jones has asked questions on the future of Swan Rider

Bedgrove County Councillor Chester Jones added “this is a blow to the elderly and vulnerable of our community and comes on top of the County Council’s decsion to outsource the Swan Rider Service and I have written to the Tory Councillor responsible for transport for more details on her plans.”

Cllr Mark Willis has also raised concerns about the lack of proper conculstation as the planned venues do not include a venue in central Aylesbury, where many elderly residents live. Cllr Willis said “one thing that  the Local Area Forum must insist on is that the plans are widely consulted on and that the people of Aylesbury can access a local Consultation event, or it will have no value.”

Cllr Patrick 'The Lib Dems have always supported the development of a new Civic Centre/Theatre'

Aylesbury Liberal Democrats have called for changes to be made to how AVDC manages allegedly confidential information after it was revealed that a number of non confidential items such as the amount of types a certain beverage would be available at the new theatre were included in confidential papers supplied to a Cabinet sub-committee. Apparently, it was “too difficult” to separate out confidential and non-confidential material.

Lib Dem Councillors have called on the AVDC Chief Executive to take action after it was revealed that the Tory leadership were once again abusing the council’s secrecy rules on the new Theatre.

Cllr Steve Patrick said “The Lib Dems have always supported the development of a new Civic Centre/Theatre – after all it was a Lib Dem proposal in the first place – but we withdrew from the committee that oversaw the project because the way that the secrecy rules were used by the Tories prevented proper public scrutiny of the plans. Nor could we reveal the run-away costs or openly challenge some of the decisions that were being made”

Lib Dem Leader Alan Sherwell said “Although we have significant reservations over the way that the cost of the new Theatre has escalated, we want it to be a success. We also accept that information that might adversely affect the value for money that the Council gets when negotiating contracts or contract revisions has to remain secret whilst negotiations are going on. However, the theatre has been paid for by Aylesbury citizens and they have a right to know, as much as can be released without compromising contract negotiations. Keeping information about the numbers and types of beer that are on sale locked up in secret papers is just nonsense and gives the public no confidence in the way that the Tories are managing this project.”

Cllr Patrick continued “Another example of the way that Councillors are being kept in the dark unnecessarily is the “Theatre Members Package.” Whilst it is perfectly reasonable for those managing the theatre to draw up a “benefits package” for regular users, the fact that the package costs £1,500 and provides a luxury member’s only area named after Tory Council Leader John Cartwright perhaps explains why Councillors were kept in the dark about it. I don’t think that is what the public expect over £40 million of their money to be spent on!”

Lib Dem Councillor Corry Cashman said: “The present situation is the sort of thing you expect to read about in Private Eye! It may not be a great public interest story to know how many draught beers will be for sale, or who is going to unveil the new statue at the theatre: but why keep it secret? More serious is that secrecy over these comparatively minor matters is symptomatic of a deeper problem of attitude on the part of an administration clearly anxious to avoid public scrutiny of its actions.”

An EGM was held by the Aylesbury Constituency Liberal Democrats to discuss the formation of a coalition government between the Tories and Lib Dems. As the Lib Dems in Aylesbury are the main opposition to the Tories, and we are their closest rivals at the general election, emotions were high. However, the EGM provided a fair and rational discussion about the national situation.

Overwhelmingly the response was positive, with members offering a cautious optimism about the prospects of a Liberal Democrat and Conservative alliance in government. An outline of the terms of the coalition reveal that the Tories have made real concessions, and this offers us a chance to implement some of the policies that we have been campaigning so hard for. This document can be read online here.

Steven Lambert, Aylesbury’s Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate who addressed the EGM, had this to say, ‘As a party we have long argued the case for proportional representation as a sensible, mature and democratic way to govern our nation. So this is our chance to demonstrate to the country that shared power can work and convince them to support electoral reform in a referendum.’

However, we must also remember that the local district elections are coming up in 2011, and a coalition between the parties in Westminster does not mean a coalition in AVDC. While we control the Town Council, we are the main opposition to the Tories in the District and County councils.

Steven commented, ‘We are still the Liberal Democrats, we are still a party, and we are still the Tory’s opposition here in Bucks. That has not and will not change and we are looking forward to the challenges presented by the 2011 local election.’

The breakdown of the 2010 election for the Aylesbury constituency is now with us. Obviously, we are disappointed by the return of David Lidington as MP for Aylesbury, but there are several positive points which reflect the ever growing strength of the local Liberal Democrats.

In terms of votes cast, our percentage share demonstrates a core body of Liberal Democrat supporters in this constituency. While the recent boundary changes mean the 2010 result can’t be directly compared with 2005, a BBC estimate of the 2005 election based on the new boundaries indicate we have clearly managed to hold onto and increase our core supporters.

Our team has also grown in strength and our membership in numbers. We have welcomed many new people to the party as full members, who have been impressed by our local campaign and agree with our national policies. We now have many more active individuals who are keen to see Lib Dem policies implemented locally and nationally.

Finally, it is clear that we now have a strong platform here in the Aylesbury constituency and a clear mandate to fight for change.

Hannah is a local Liberal Democrat supporter from Aylesbury High School. She stood in her school elections as the Liberal Democrat candidate and won in the polls. Below is an extract of her speech to her fellow students.

“Hello, my name is Hannah Spinks and I want a fairer Britain. I’m not going to patronise you all by acting like this society that Labour has built is great, because it’s not. The country is on its knees and Great Britain is no longer great; voting for the Liberal Democrats is the only solution. For too long now the power to lead our country has been shared between Labour and the Conservatives who have both proven that they are unfit to rule.

When the Liberal Democrats come to power we intend to make Britain great once more, starting by introducing a fairer tax system so that everybody has equal opportunities and so that no one group in society feels the burden more than any other, something which has been happening for far too long.

Part of our struggle for equal opportunities involves being the only mainstream party with a commitment to scrapping university tuition fees. We believe that this is vital as it is already hard enough for young people to get a job, get on the property ladder and make ends meet, without being saddled with thousands of pounds worth of debt. How will we make this possible? As I said before I will not patronise you by saying it will be quick and easy but we do have a six-year plan, at the end of which university will be free for all and nobody will be disadvantaged by feeling that they cannot afford to move onto higher education.

Another important issue that the Liberal Democrats feel strongly about is crime- crime figures are far too high and too many people don’t feel safe in their homes and in their town centres. We will face this problem head on and by using the money that Labour wish to allot to ID cards we intend to put 3,000 more police officers on the beat in order to make you safe.

The Liberal Democrats are the only party offering a real change and true reform and know exactly how we will pay for it. There is no longer a need for cold- war style nuclear weapons which zap £100bn in a lifetime and by scrapping this system we will improve you quality of life.

As you can see, the Liberal Democrats are the only party to stand for real change. A two-party system has dominated this country for far too long and it is time to vote for the party that is different, the party that believes in fairness and equality, the Liberal Democrats.”

Steven was impressed by the strength of Hannah’s convictions and has welcomed her to the Liberal Democrats Liberal Youth group. He commented, “One of the biggest strengths of the Liberal Democrats is that we are the party for Hannah’s generation who are tired of seeing the old parties swapping power with each other without real reform.”

The result of an online poll by the Bucks Free Press has left the Tory candidate David Lidington extremely nervous. The poll puts the Conservatives at 42% and the Liberal Democrats at 39%. Visitors at the site were only allowed to vote once. The full article can be read here.

This result will be uncomfortable reading for local Tories who seem to have taken it for granted that they will win this seat.

After seeing the results Steven Lambert, Aylesbury’s Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, had the following comments, ‘David Cameron thought that he could walk into Downing Street unchallenged. David Lidington, the local Tory, is just the same. He though he would be elected MP for this constituency virtually unopposed.

He’s wrong.

People from across the constituency have been telling me how frustrated they are with the current status-quo, and how much they long for a fairer Britain; one that isn’t characterised by successive red and blue governments.”

This poll proves that this is no longer a ‘safe’ Tory seat. The return of a Liberal Democratic candidate, offering the real difference that people want for our area, is a real possibility.

With the online poll results this close, everything is to play for. We cannot let this opportunity pass. Tomorrow is our chance. Make sure that your vote tomorrow between 0700 and 2200.

If you need a lift to the polling station, don’t worry. Just give us a call: 01296 39 55 11.

Your vote WILL make a difference.

Tomorrow vote for Steven Lambert and the Liberal Democrats – because Aylesbury deserves better.

Dear friend,

I would like to clarify my position on the proposed high speed rail route through Buckinghamshire. I am deeply concerned about the impact of HS2 on our county.

The Labour Government’s preferred route goes through the only Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (the Chilterns) between London and Birmingham as well through our historic parks and homes. I too am personally affected by the route as it goes directly in front of my home.

There have been ‘public’ meetings called at which the Liberal Democrats have been prevented from speaking. Therefore I have decided to write publicly to state the facts.

If elected as your MP for Aylesbury constituency I will vote against the route as I believe the case for it as the best route has not been proven. To my knowledge David Lidington has only said we should take part in the consultation. This is not good enough. The job of being our MP is to fight for our community over such issues. I am prepared to do that.

All three major political parties are in favour of high speed rail in general. However, the Liberal Democrats would first ensure that our existing rail network is upgraded and dormant lines reopened. We would open thousands of miles of railway tracks and stations. Only once we have made the best of our existing network, should we be considering such an enormous investment in high speed rail, and where the route is best placed. We must also ensure that we minimise the environmental impact of any such proposal.

The Tories have publicly said that they will shorten the consultation process and bring the whole project forward by two years. Theresa Villiers MP stated “if elected to power at the election, [the Tories] would start work on the project in 2015 – two years earlier than the Government’s plan.” Hansard 11 March 2010: column 450.

The Tories have also confirmed that they would have a Heathrow spur, which would force the route through Buckinghamshire. This is both unacceptable and very dangerous.

We must be able to take part in a full and open consultation process to ensure that all the views of Aylesbury constituency are fairly represented. I have met with Norman Baker MP, Lib Dem transport spokesman, and we as a party are not wedded to this route. As your MP, I can confirm that I would fight for you and our beautiful county and vote against this route and push for a full consultation process to prove this.
Regards
Steven

As the election campaign grows momentum, Steven Lambert, Aylesbury’s Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate made time to visit the Walton Court Healthy Living Centre.

Samantha Hall, Chief Officer of the HLC gave Steven a guided tour of the wide ranging services and facilities on offer. They spent significant time discussing the challenges and successes that the charity had faced in their efforts to provide for the surrounding community.

Steven commented afterwards, ‘…The Healthy Living Centre is much more than a cafe, and plays an important role in the life of the community it serves. I was amazed to learn of the range of services and facilities on offer, and the sucesses they have had against such difficulty. I will be looking forward to see them suceed and flourish, and if elected MP will give them as much support as possible.’

If you would like to know more about the Walton Court Healthy Living Centre, its facilities and services, please visit thier website: The Healthy Living Center

Gordon Brown at last ended all speculation when he finally announced the date of the general election. Scheduled for the 6th of May, Brown referred to it as, “probably the worst-kept secret of recent years.” After dragging his feet, eventually Brown has given you the voter your chance to make your voice be heard and decide who should represent you as the Aylesbury Constituency MP.

With the date now formalised, the hard work of Aylesbury’s Liberal Democrats over recent weeks will continue as the election campaign accelerates. This election represents a unique opportunity for the people of Aylesbury. With the Labour vote almost completely evaporated, and the Conservative majority of just 7000, Aylesbury has a chance for the real change it has deserved for so long. A change only offered by the Liberal Democrats.

Steven Lambert, Aylesbury’s Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate was delighted to hear the news. He commented, “at last, people will get the chance to decide who they want as their local MP, and not before time! The Liberal Democrats will be fighting the election calling for real change and a fair deal for our area. A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to cut taxes for those on low and middle incomes, give all our children a fair start in life, create green jobs and bring in big reforms to the way the country is run.”

Steven Lambert has already been campaigning hard on a number of issues close to the heart of voters in the Aylesbury Constituency. One of the most important local concerns is healthcare. The closure of inpatient services at Rayner’s Hedge Neuro Rehabilitation Unit, the funding crisis at Stoke Mandeville which has led them to try and sell off land to ASDA to pay for services, and the potential closure of Wycombe Hospital are all vitally important issues that need urgent discussion to see if they can be solved without depriving the public of their local health services.

The lack of real investment in our local schools is also a vitally important local issue. The Lib Dems will reduce primary class sizes to just 20 giving all children a more focused education and a better chance of doing well. Older children will be given more freedom to choose their path in education, offering 14-19 year olds the right to take up a course at college, rather than at school, if it suits them better. We have also committed to scrapping University tuition fees, saving them nearly £10,000 each. We have a financially responsible plan to phase fees out over six years, so that the change is affordable in these difficult economic times.

Many voters have already raised with Steven their concerns over the High Speed 2 Rail Project. As it currently stands, it requires much more debate and more involvement with communities before any final plans are made. The current route brings no benefits to our area but hits us with unacceptable environmental costs. Steven has been vocal in his insistence of engaging with the forthcoming consultation process to ensure your interests are represented, adding that, “the Liberal Democrats are not wedded to this scheme and as MP for Aylesbury, I would vote against the plans we have in front of us.”

Steven continued, “another issue I and many voters are concerned about is the appalling previous practice of MPs’ claiming exorbitant expenses from the taxpayer. Our current MP, David Lidington, took full advantage of the system, and I feel that he should be answerable to the voters for his behaviour. In contrast to David I will not take a second home in London if elected and will travel by train every day alongside every other commuter.”

Aylesbury has long deserved better; Aylesbury wants a real difference – only the Liberal Democrats can provide this. Steven Lambert is the only viable option if you too want to see this difference.

Do you feel the same about these issues? As a local party we can always use your help. From something as simple as putting up a window or garden poster a poster, to making a donation, or offering your talents and time, your efforts will make a difference. Why not get in contact with us and we can discuss ways you can get involved?

Angry at the Tory’s gross misuse of public finances, Aylesbury’s Liberal Democrats arrived at The Gateway, on Gatehouse Road, to show what they thought to The Conservatives ability to spend your money wisely. The protest was timed to coincide with a party celebrating the build, despite the fact that the council chamber will not officially be used until the 14th of April.

AVDC Councillor, and Liberal Democrat Perspective Parliamentary Candidate, Steven Lambert was vocal in his criticism of the Tory’s excessive spending, believing that the £9m spent on The Gateway could have been put to much better use, making Bucks County Council even greener for example.

In an interview with BucksTV, he suggested the money could have, ‘helped us with affordable housing; it could have changed every single community centre across the vale…We could have also started a solar panel program, part funding solar panels right the way thought the vale making us the greenest council in the country, and instead the Tories have opted to spend all this money on a council chamber for their own vanity.’

Coverage of the protest was provided by BucksTV, and can be viewed online with the full interviewhere: http://tiny.cc/5flzv