Shropshire Liberal Democrats launch County manifesto

2.00.00pm GMT Fri 4th Mar 2005

Today the Shropshire Liberal Democrats launched their County manifesto entitled 'Invest in the Future'.

Councillor Peter Phillips Liberal Democrat Group Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council said "We have shared power for the last four years and that time has, I believe, seen the greatest achievements by the County in living memory. This was summed up by the headline at Christmas " COUNCIL IS THE NATIONS BEST. Shropshire C.C. is the top County Council in England, according to Government inspectors, who probed them all."

Key items mentioned by Cllr Phillips included - National Beacon status for the Services to the Elderly; one of only two Library services classed as excellent in the Country; schools and exam results consistently in the top fifth nationally; National Pathfinder status for our Waste and Recycling services - a list of "stunning achievements".

The theme of the Lib Dem manifesto is "Investing in the Future" - in preventative not reactive measures. They suggest that expenditure on police and probation health (or sickness!), social services - all of which are costly - can be reduced by investment in such services as - Economic Development, Education, Leisure and Culture and Affordable Housing. The aim is a balanced, healthy community. Where a decent quality of life and environment prevails.

Matthew Green Ludlow's Liberal Democrat MP Liberal Democrat Local Government spokesman said "Liberal Democrats take a long term and measured approach. Investment now saves in the long term. Liberal Democrat Councillors in power, for example in the Shirehall and at Ludlow, have produced tremendous achievement. They really have made a difference to the quality of life of our residence. And they never forget those who elected them." putting Shropshire First" and " Not Just at Election Time" are not empty slogans. Liberal Democrat Councillors are hard working and, above all, LOCAL COUNCILLORS".