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• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• We will encourage Arts developments by working with community initiatives.

• We will encourage local sports clubs to develop youth sections.

• We will support the Ashford Community Safety Partnership.

• We support the greater use of PCSOs in urban areas and Community Wardens in rural areas.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.