Winsley & Westwood Autumn 2018 FocusFrom your Liberal Democrat team www.boalibdems.org.uk Printed by Octoprint Ltd.,Chippenham SN15 1JB and published by George Tomlin on behalf of Wiltshire Liberal Democrats, 17 St Mary’s Place, Chippenham SN15 1EN Will Bath’s Clean Air Zone bring more traffic to our area? Bath and North East Cllr Gibson, with Winsley and Somerset Council Westwood Councillor, Johnny (BANES) published plans Kidney, will be meeting for a Clean Air Charging BANES this month to raise Zone on October 16th, concerns about the effect on involving a charge on villages such as Winsley. higher emission vehicles in Bath city centre. Sarah says, “The plan is However, the plan could now out for consultation. I bring more traffic into expect Wiltshire Council to Bradford on Avon and be expressing concerns, and surrounding villages. “I residents may wish to do so fully support tackling the too.” issue of pollution in city Go to www.bathnes.gov. centres,” says Cllr Sarah uk/bath-breathes-2021- Gibson, “but it mustn’t overview to have your say. Helen Belcher and Sarah Gibson simply shift the problem campaigning on Clean Air Day elsewhere.” For a statement on the wider traffic issues affecting Bradford seewww.boalibdems.org.uk CATG spending In the last financial year, the Community Area Transport Men’s Shed Group (CATG) contributed £1,548 to Limpley Stoke Parish The Dementia Awareness Alliance (DAA) Council for 20mph speed limit amendments, £825 to for the Bradford on Avon Area, including Winsley Parish Council for the topographical survey the villages, hopes to set up a Men’s at Winsley Hill canal bridge, £1,701 to Winsley Parish Shed in Bradford on Avon. DAA Chair, Council for the Dane Rise/ Hartley Farm ladder markings Cllr Jennie Parker, says: “A men’s shed is and £430 to Winsley Parish Council for the rugby club somewhere for men to gather to chat, to hardstanding. These proposals are proposed by, and make things, to organise trips and activities match funded by, the Parish councils. - a bit like a WI for men. The DAA support the project because it could be a place Note: Our apologies for the confusion caused by errors where men with dementia could meet.” in the April Focus which suggested the CATG had funded the drop kerb at Dane Rise and the road markings on the Ideas to contribute? Do let Jennie know. Winsley by-pass; in fact funded by Winsley Parish Council [email protected] and Wiltshire Council respectively. See our website for more and follow latest stories on Bradford on Avon Lib Dems W&W Autumn 2018.indd 1 23/10/2018 13:07 Wiltshire Lib Dems warn that the Council is heading for a financial crisis Tory-led Wiltshire Council is facing disabilities, mental health, family and a financial crisis because of cuts children’s services. The 20-strong forced on it by Conservative central Lib Dem group on Wiltshire Council government, some of which it can’t warns of a ‘black hole’ in the finances, Helen deliver. Wiltshire has sought £26 and that next year services may be million of cuts this year to address a hit even harder. budget shortfall caused by reduced Lib Dem prospective parliamentary on Brexit government funding and the local Conservatives’ decision to freeze candidate, Helen Belcher, said: council tax between 2010 and 2016. “Theresa May told the Conservative By the time you read this, party conference that austerity is over. it’s entirely possible that In September councillors were told Not for the people of Wiltshire it isn’t. the Conservatives will that the council has only managed Not for the old, the cared-for, the have agreed a Withdrawal £15.6m of planned cuts. This includes carers, the disabled, the children in Agreement from the EU, cuts to social care of £5.6 million. need and people with mental illness. and it’s entirely possible Fortunately for those affected, the Gradual increases in council tax over that they won’t. council has failed to implement the years could have maintained high planned cuts to services such as quality services for all, instead of chaos Liberal Democrats believe that those caring for people with learning and cuts.” international co-operation is the best way forwards, for world peace as well as prosperity. In 2017, Liberal Democrats, including myself, sought election asking for a People’s Vote on withdrawing from the EU once we knew what would be on offer. It wasn’t that popular a stance then. It is now – with around half the population wanting a vote. Proof that the “will of the people” is not a static thing. It’s easy to see why. Hardly anyone thinks the Conservatives have done a good job with Brexit negotiations. The risks of leaving without a deal are becoming increasingly clear. Jobs are at risk; investment is avoiding the UK; EU staff are leaving our public services. Helen Belcher on the recent People’s Vote March Wiltshire is not immune. Most people think carefully about major decisions in life, Want to know more about and think again. We have not left the EU yet. It is not BoA LibDems? too late to join the campaign See our website www.boalibdems.org.uk to Exit from Brexit. We are also on Facebook. Helen Belcher, Could you spare an hour a few times a year to help prospective parliamentary candidate deliver this newsletter in road(s) near you? If so, email [email protected] [email protected] See our website for more and follow latest stories on Bradford on Avon Lib Dems W&W Autumn 2018.indd 2 23/10/2018 13:07.