Liz Leffman has been elected as the new Chair of South Central Liberal Democrats. Liz lives in Charlbury, Oxfordshire, where she runs a textile consultancy business. Liz is a trustee of her local Citizens' Advice Bureau, and has stood twice as a parliamentary candidate in the region. "Thanks for the Regional Executive for having elected me as Regional Chair. I look forward very much to working with all of you."
The fact that petrol and diesel prices have soared to record levels across the country has received a lot of media attention lately. You might think that as average prices increase generally, it would provide an opportunity for the local fuel retailers to allow local prices charged at the pump here to find a level generally comparable to those charged elsewhere. You would sadly be wrong, however, as the facts show that the rank unfairness suffered by motorists and businesses in Bedford is continuing, and the gap of around 5 pence between the cheapest prices here for petrol and diesel and those charged in nearby towns is being maintained. This is utterly indefensible. The rising prices make the need for fuel fairness in Bedford Borough even more urgent, as household budgets are strained further and businesses are left at a growing disadvantage.
Lib Dem Transport Minister Norman Baker MP has announced an extra £31 million of Government funding for green buses and bus improvements. Since autumn last year Liberal Democrats in Government have announced more than £120 million of new funding for British buses.
The brain behind Community Land Auctions (promised in Budget 2011) will be speaking at Liberal Democrat Party HQ about them on Wednesday 11th April. He is Dr Tim Leunig, Chief Economist at the thinktank CentreForum. Members of PLRG have first refusal on the limited spaces for this free event.
Charlotte Barnes, Lib Dem Shropshire Councillor for Bishops Castle has condemned the announcement by Barclays Bank that they are to close their branch in the town.
Residents of Bishops Castle met this week to give their view on the future uses for land in their town, especially that of the former proposed Biomass site on Crowgate Business Park.