Liberal Democrats launch City Council Manifesto: A Fresh Start for Brighton and Hove

8.42.27am GMT Wed 12th Mar 2003

Liberal Democrats have launched their manifesto for May's local elections. The proposals offer a 'fresh start' for Brighton and Hove and a clear alternative to the city's Labour run council. The manifesto is a four year programme which the party would implement if elected to control or influence the city council.

Key manifesto pledges include:

· Providing free off peak use of the council's swimming pools for pensioners and offering free swimming lessons for young people;

· Providing a free book every term for every junior and infant school pupil to encourage reading and literacy;

· Opening the city's main two libraries on Sunday afternoons and increasing the library book stock by 100 books each week;

· A Neighbourhood Forum, with devolved budgets and a dedicated Neighbourhood Ranger for every ward;

· A community trust to manage our sports and leisure venues, charged with amongst other issues redeveloping the King Alfred and refurbishing the Prince Regent;

· No more double figure council tax increases.

Paul Elgood launched the Liberal Democrat Manifesto for Brighton and Hove

Liberal Democrat City Council Group Leader, Councillor Paul Elgood, launched the manifesto at a meeting of local candidates on Tuesday (11 March) by saying:

"This is a radical agenda for the city with real vision and direction. We will not be caught up on issues of spin but will devote our time and effort ensuring that local services are well delivered and up to standard. The key issue in the delivery of local services is to ensure that residents receive value for money and this is where the council has failed in the past."

"Residents are tired of the current council's obsession with glitzy projects such as the city of culture bid – its time for a fresh start and a different way at looking at things."

"Our key manifesto pledges of giving a school book every term to each child in our schools, free swimming for pensioners and young people and devolved local democracy through Neighbourhood Forums, provide real vision for this city. It offers a caring and inclusive agenda for the citizens of Brighton and Hove. We want to involve all and give all the opportunity to participate in every aspect of the city."

"We would also tackle a range of issues which have for sometime caused concern amongst residents. We would make parking enforcement more democratic, street lighting repairs more efficient, schools less bureaucratic and the city council more transparent."

"We will also go further than any other party and look at issues such as Trams, let Friends Groups actually manage open spaces such as Preston Park and Brunswick Square and develop a community trust to manage our sporting venues."

"Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats are pleased and proud to present this manifesto. We genuinely believe it offers a way forward for everyone. We have a vision of Brighton & Hove that is efficient, caring, cosmopolitan, and tolerant."

Lib Dem City Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Dawn Davidson added:

"The manifesto contains the type of commitments every one expects from the Liberal Democrats. We wish to pass more power back to local people and de-centralise wherever possible. We care passionately about enabling small businesses and individuals to succeed economically. We want the best education possible for our children and we want everyone to share the benefit of life long learning. We will promote the improvement of our environment at every opportunity."

"And, of course, we seek to promote equality and challenge discrimination and prejudice. The Liberal Democrats are the party of personal freedom."