Lib Dems 'going for gold' in local elections

10.17.40am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 16th Apr 2007

The Lib Dems in Sheffield are putting forward a positive alternative to Labour that reflects local peoples priorities.

The Liberal Democrats have launched their manifesto for the upcoming local elections in Sheffield with their Party President Simon Hughes MP. Launching the manifesto in the key election battleground of Walkley Lib Dems are promising that they will be 'going for gold' to deliver on Sheffield residents key priorities.

Lib Dems believe that the present Labour Council are out of touch with local residents on a number of key issues including recycling, climate change, crime, education and transport. They believe that Labour have been more of a hindrance than a help to Sheffield's revival over the last decade.

In their manifesto the Lib Dems promise to: -

> Tackle climate change through setting targets for a citywide carbon emission reduction and expand kerbside recycling to give local people a better chance to help preserve their environment.

> Increase the number of officers dealing with anti-social behaviour and address the underlying issues that lead to criminal activity such as the lack of youth provision.

> Carry out a full review of the road network to eliminate anomalies that are unnecessarily creating congestion whilst also supporting public transport.

> Oppose Labours plan to privatise local schools through trust and academies and support a network of community schools.

Elections are on a knife edge between Labour and the Lib Dems. Labour only need to lose two seats across the city to lose control of the council.

Simon Hughes MP, President of the Liberal Democrat Party, said: -

"The Liberal Democrats in Sheffield are putting forward a positive alternative to Labour that reflects local peoples priorities. I'm pleased to endorse the 'going for gold' manifesto as it includes real positive action in key areas such as the environment, crime, education and transport."

"The local election in Sheffield will be one of the key battlegrounds this year, the result will have major significance. It's a close run thing between Labour and the Liberal Democrats so its essential the people of Sheffield make their voice heard on May 3rd and vote for the positive agenda being put forward by the local Lib Dems"

Councillor Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: -

"Sheffield as a city has improved since the 1990's but this Labour council has become more of a hindrance to progress than a help. Labour are not listening to what local people are saying they want from their council on key issues."

"Our manifesto offers a positive alternative by 'going for gold' on local peoples priorities. Under a Lib Dem council there would be extra kerbside recycling and robust action against climate change. There would also be extra effective action to make our communities safer, a review of local roads to ease congestion and a fresh approach to education to improve pupil performance"

"On May 3rd local people will have the chance to make their voice heard. Control of the council is a straight fight between the Lib Dems and Labour. Labour's unpopular decisions and lack of action show they are out of touch with local people. I urge people to vote Liberal Democrat for a council that listens and offers positive action on the key issues facing our city"

Follow this link to download the 2007 Manifesto: -

http://www.sheffieldlibdems.org.uk/resources/index