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Ashford Liberal Democrats Mini Manifesto 2007
Taking Local Democracy Further
We will consult as widely as possible before decisions are made.
We would re-introduce monthly “coffee with a Councillor” meetings in County Square and extend it to all areas of the Borough.
Partnership and Innovation
Liberal Democrats would encourage public participation in all stages of council business.
We would continue to support and strengthen the Youth Forum.
We will continue to support the voluntary sector and enable them to operate more effectively and to lever in funds from outside sources.
The Environment
We will encourage investigation into the possibility of re-cycling items not already included in the current scheme.
We would press for the re-instatement of countryside wardens to care for the open spaces.
Transport
We should press for better public transport links between residential areas and business estates.
We support the extension of cycle paths working with the Sustrans organisation.
Leisure
We will encourage Arts developments by working with community initiatives.
We will encourage local sports clubs to develop youth sections.
Crime and Vandalism
We will support the Ashford Community Safety Partnership.
We support the greater use of PCSOs in urban areas and Community Wardens in rural areas.
Housing
A percentage of housing for rent should be provided on all new developments.
We will seek to encourage the highest possible standards of environmental construction in relation to new building and improvements.
We will continue and extend local needs schemes in villages.
Planning
We will seek to ensure the re-use of clearly defined brownfield sites before the use of greenfield sites.
We would encourage Planning Committee meetings to be held in the relevant area when appropriate.
We will look for developers to provide a good mix of housing.
Paying for it all
Ashford needs a value for money council providing the best possible services without making excessive demands of the Council Tax payer.
Where pilot schemes that provide funds are available we will seek to put Ashford at the front of the queue rather than wait on other councils to benefit.