"Liberal Democrat candidates for the elections on 4th May 2006 want a greener, fairer and safer Merton. As Liberal Democrats we aim to create a fair and open society, where individual liberties and the rights of minorities are guaranteed. We want our communities to be vibrant, successful and self-supporting, whether they are local, based around a workplace, a place of worship or an ethnic background.

Greener

We will put the environment at the heart of everything we do. The new planning guidelines, the Local Development Framework, provide Merton with a fantastic opportunity to give more weight to the views of local residents, to promote and protect the Borough's open spaces, trees and flowerbeds, to increase recycling and to ensure environmentally friendly design features in all new developments. Merton needs to be more ambitious in considering new initiatives to help cut down on landfill and reduce pollution - we must not waste this opportunity, and local Liberal Democrats have already been campaigning on these issues. The Council needs to develop a green vision for Merton, and continually assess whether we are attaining that standard.

Fairer

We are proud of Merton's culture and diversity, and Lib Dem councillors will work to ensure vibrant and active communities. We would open up the Council and encourage participation: local services work better when residents are involved in making decisions and determining priorities. Liberal Democrats would ensure that residents can have a real say and are able to hold the Council administration and service providers to account through Local Area Forums. We demand an end to to consultations that are held purely because they have to be held, but where the views of local people are ignored. We will fight for better public services and work to deliver quality services that offer the best value for money. We believe that two key issues for Merton are affordable housing and decent social provision for the elderly and disabled.

Safer

Merton needs to take firm action on anti-social behaviour. We reject Labour inaction and Conservative scare-mongering and demand action that works. We will push for better youth services; an investment in street lighting and responsible licensing. Councillors must work with ward police teams to identify trouble hotspots, encouraging residents to report criminal activity to help improve local intelligence. The Council should also act to enable residents to help make things better where they live, empowering them by making it easy to report graffiti, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour.

If you elect Liberal Democrat councillors on 4^th May, they will work hard to represent all residents and ensure they have a strong voice on the Council."


Wimbledon Independent Supporters Association - local election questionnaire. See our response here
Wimbledon Society - local election questionnaire. See our response here

The Liberal Democrat Team for 4 May 2006

Questions, comments, queries? Write to Eliane Patton (at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 23 Greenway, Raynes Park, London, SW20 9BQ) who will put you in touch with the relevant Lib Dem candidate contact.