CONGRATULATIONS SOUTH SHROPSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL

12.00.00am GMT Tue 7th Mar 2006

Matthew Green, Liberal Democrat campaigner in Shropshire has congratulated South Shropshire District Council after the Liberal Democrat led administration picked up a national award, for its success on environmental issues.

Matthew Green's comments came after the Local Government Association (LGA) awarded the ruling Liberal Democrat group, led by Cllr Heather Kidd the accolade of 'Green Liberal Democrat Group of the Year'.

Matthew Green said "South Shropshire have shown what a small rural district council can achieve. They have become a real model for other Councils to follow. This is great credit not just to the council but also to the people of South Shropshire who have shown strong support for a council that is prepared to make a significant difference.

"I hope the Conservative MP, who as a councilor voted against many of these projects, now has the good grace to admit they have worked. The Conservative Party Leader claims to have been converted to supporting the environment - it's now time for the local Tories to show these are not hollow words and wholeheartedly support the strong environmental agenda of the Liberal Democrat led council."

The award was made on Saturday by Ming Campbell the new Liberal Democrat Leader. Speaking after the ceremony Heather Kidd, Leader of South Shropshire District Council said 'This is a very great honour to win this award. It's recognition of all the hard work that the officers and lead members of the Council have put in over the last few years. I am also indebted not only for the support of the Lib Dem, Green and Independent members of Administration for their support but also of Cllr Claude Bodenham's Independent Group. Sadly the Conservatives have opposed many of the changes that have led to this success."