Lib Dems call for Low Emission Zone and kerbside glass collection VOTE 2023

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

THERE will be a full slate of candidates from the Liberal Democrats in this year’s local elections in Reading.

The party says it is demanding a fair deal for the town, and will campaign on both local and national issues.

This includes highlighting what it says is “the deteriorating funding and ever-more alarming rhetoric” from the government.

It also wants to bring to an end Labour’s rule of the council.

The party says its 17 candidates believe there is another way, using the examples of Liberal Democratled councils across the country, from York to Torbay.

This includes policies on creating better roads, environments, public services and more affordable houses.

The party also says the top six councils in the country for recycling are all led by Liberal Democrats, including South Oxfordshire.

Manifesto promises include introducing a red tape challenge, aimed at creating local growth.

It wants to sell off surplus council buildings to save money, and is pushing for more transparency in council finances.

It wants to boost Neighbourhood Action Groups, and improve youth services by boosting funding.

Crime hotspots would see infrastructure improvements for facilities such as gates and lighting.

On housing, it would aim for 30% of developments to be affordable, and see empty homes brought back into use. For recycling, it would introduce a glass collection service.

On transport, the Reading Lib Dems would seek to introduce a Low Emissions Zone in the town centre, and look for alternatives to a third bridge over the River Thames.

It wants to see 20mph on all residential roads and would tackle inconsiderate parking while putting pressure on police to address speeding concerns.

In a statement, the Liberal Democrat leader on Reading Borough Council, Councillor

Meri O’Connell (Tilehurst) said: “Now more than ever, it’s vital to have Liberal voices on our council.

“Every Liberal Democrat elected this May will be a champion for their local area who will work tirelessly all year round for their communities.

“I see first-hand the incredible work my Lib Dem colleagues put in on the council, and on councils nearby which we lead, like Wokingham and South Oxfordshire.

“Reading is a progressive town crying out for Liberal voices and hard-working community champions. I’m proud of the range of ages, experience and backgrounds our candidates bring to these elections – and will bring to the Council, if they’re elected.” n Its manifesto can be seen at: www.readinglibdems.org.uk/ about/manifesto

The party is also urging voters to remember to bring valid voter ID to the polling station with them on May 4, and to check the Electoral Commission website to see what forms of ID are valid and how you can get them for free.

The Reading Liberal Democrats says it deplores the policy, saying it is a pointless waste of public funds.