Merry Christmas from Frome Lib Dems
Posted November 30, 2011 * Comments(0)

Frome Lib Dem Councillors are inviting members of the public to come and meet their elected representatives at their monthly Market Stall by the Library on Saturday 3rd December, between 9am and 1pm.

Cllr Helen Sprawson-White, Former Mayor of Frome and Leader of Frome Town Council Lib Dems said “Our stall has proved to be very popular and has helped us establish what the needs and views of the community are; from shopping surveys, parking charges, traffic issues, noisy neighbours and even hand rails for foot paths, we have been proactive in trying to find answers and solutions whilst listening to residents”

Cllr Claire Hudson leader of Mendip Lib Dems added “We have been delighted with the initial response which has given us unique insight into community issues.”

“This month there will be an informal ‘Meet and Greet’ and we are inviting the public to bring us their problems whilst sharing in a festive mince pie or two as a way of thanking the public for their support.”

Mendip Conservatives Ignore Resident’s Views on Parking Charges
Posted November 8, 2011 * Comments(0)

‘During their Cabinet meeting this Monday in Shepton Mallet, the Conservative administration at Mendip District Council gave the nod for yet another rise in the price of parking across the area.

In a bid to make more money from motorists, Mendip will raise prices by up to 12% in some places, with others getting 7% – nearly twice the rate of inflation. 

Cllr Claire Hudson, leader of the Lib Dem opposition at Mendip said ‘We’ve been campaigning against this kind of thing for years now as we don’t believe putting up parking charges is the answer to Mendip’s financial problems. Members of the Cabinet kept saying ‘it’s in the best interest of the district’ as if they had had this message drummed in to them. Well the Lib Dems don’t think its in the best interest of the residents of the district who will have to pay more when they want to park in one of our towns.’

In disagreement with the move also was Cllr Helen Sprawson-White, Shadow portfolio holder for Regulatory Services who believes these charges will harm small businesses already struggling to survive. ‘It doesn’t take a genius to work out that this is the last thing local businesses need right now. Mendip District Council are ignoring their own priorities when they put short term gain ahead of peoples livelihoods. I welcome the last minute decision to delay the implementation until after Christmas – something I’ve discussed online and on the radio.’

Mendip Liberal Democrats presented a petition of nearly three-hundred names at the meeting along with data suggesting that over 90% of people online think charges are too high already. 

Cllr Hudson added ‘Sadly the views of these residents counted for nothing.’

Cllr Helen Sprawson-White says No! to Parking Charge Increases
Posted November 3, 2011 * Comments(1)

Local Lib Dems, including Helen Sprawson-White, are worried that the Conservative administration at Mendip are proposing to increase parking charges across the District just before Christmas.

The Lib Dems have campaigned for lower and fairer parking charges in Mendip’s car parks for the last five years; it was a key campaign pledge in both the 2007 and 2011 elections. We feel the current system isn’t fair and that there should actually be more free parking in our towns.

Helen said “At next Monday’s meeting, we will be urging the Cabinet not to even consider increasing charges at such a sensitive economic time.  We feel the damage it will do to town centre businesses in Frome as well as to the tourist trade is just not worth the extra income to the council.”

We realise that in difficult times that the council needs to look at where it gets its income from, but increasing car parking is not the answer.

Tell us what you think by doing the quick survey on the right of the page or email us via the contact tab.

Frome Lib Dem Success at First Saturday Surgery
Posted October 4, 2011 * Comments(0)

Frome Lib Dem Success at first Saturday Surgery

Last Saturday saw the launch of Frome Liberal Democrats Market Stall Surgery. The theme for October was the recently advertised Shopping Survey put together by the local Lib Dem team.

Cllr Helen Sprawson-White (Frome Oakfield) said ‘With over 100 people stopping to fill out the surveys on Saturday morning, we were delighted with the response, and very happy to listen to the public’s views about what they want to see in our town. This information will be collated and will assist us when the time comes to consider future planning applications for the town centre.’

In addition to be available last Saturday, the surveys will be circulated door to door and will be available at future surgery stalls for those who didn’t get chance to complete them this time. Councillors hope to reach as many residents as possible, of all ages and opinions, and are planning to visit local schools and residential homes too.

Cllr Claire Hudson (Frome Park), Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Mendip District Council said ‘Obtaining clear, unbiased data on residents views is vital for our members, particularly those who sit on the Planning Board at Mendip, as they will ultimately take part in making the final decision.’

Next months Surgery is planned for November 5th. Councillors will be wanting to hear from residents regarding problem ‘hot spots’ across the town including litter and dog fouling as well as being available for advice and support with local issues.

Frome Lib Dems – Here For You
Posted September 29, 2011 * Comments(0)

Frome Liberal Democrat Councillors will be offering a new service to the community of Frome.

They will be holding a monthly market stall in the Market Yard in order to engage with the public, listen to their views and deal with local issues.

Councillors from all tiers of local government will be involved in the scheme and it will be held on the first Saturday of each month to coincide with David Heath MP’s Advice Surgery and the Police Beat Surgery. This means there should be someone available to help, regardless of the issue.

Cllr Helen Sprawson-White, who came up with the suggestion said “My ‘Meet the Mayor’ surgeries held last year in partnership with Frome Police proved there is a real need for a regular, central point of contact with Councillors from all levels available to assist residents.”

Frome Liberal Democrats recognise the need for extensive and diverse engagement with the public and the stall will be in addition to a website, social networking and their usual contact details.

The stall commences this Saturday, 1st October. Councillors will be available between 9am and 1pm.