Working with United Utilities

Lib Dem Councillor Sue McGuire arranged for United Utilities staff to visit Elswick Road and Marshside Road to discuss on-going problems with drainage in this area.

Sue & John Pugh MP also raised a number of other issues with United Utilities including problems with a loss of water pressure in the area and complaints regarding re-instatement of footpaths and roads following on-going replacement work.

Concerns over derelict property

Residents have contacted Cllr Sue McGuire to highlight the on-going issue of the derelict property on Alexandra Road. Cllr McGuire has met with officers from Environmental Health at the address to discuss the possible problem of pigeon infestation here.

Councillor McGuire has also spoken with the Vacant Premises Officer to discuss what, if anything, the council can do to improve the address. As Sue explains “The council have little power when a property is in private ownership - building enforcement can ensure that the property is made secure which has happened both here and also at the vacant property on Henley Drive but overall responsibility remains with the owners of the property.

Councillor McGuire will be continuing to work on this issue.

Vince Cable MP proposes Green Road out of Recession

Vince Cable MP recently set out the Liberal Democrat proposal for a Green Road out of the Recession, creating jobs and leaving a legacy that will save energy, put money back into people’s pockets and fight climate change.
The plans will cost £12.5bn, which would be paid for by scrapping the proposed VAT cut. The vast majority of that money will be spent immediately, making a real impact on the economy and people’s lives right away.

Green Road out of the Recession proposals include:
* A five-year programme to insulate every school and hospital, with 20% completed in the first year
* Funding insulation and energy efficiency for a million homes, with a £1,000 subsidy for a million more
* Building 40,000 extra zero-carbon social houses
* Buying 700 new train carriages
* Reopening old railway lines and stations, opening new ones, electrifying the Great Western and Midland mainlines and beginning the Liverpool light rail network
* Installing energy and money saving smart meters in every home within five years

Click here for more information on the Liberal Democrat Economic Recovery Plan

Carmel is working to fix potholes

Councillor Carmel Preston and your Lib Dem team have been working to identify pot holes in the roads around our area. So far repairs have either been undertaken or have been reported on Knowsley Road, Park Avenue, Leyland Road and at the junction of Radnor Drive/Marshside Road.

If you know of any pot holes in your road please let the FOCUS team know.

Bench repaired on Albert Road

Following action by Councillor Sue McGuire, the bench on Albert Road, by the bus stop, has been repaired and repainted.

As Sue explained “This bench was in a very poor state but there was little money available to replace it with a brand new one so I asked the council to try to renovate it.”

Sue added “I think more and more people now understand that recycling and then reusing equipment makes a lot of sense.”

Carmel cleans up at the Fog Bell

Councillor Carmel Preston has taken action to clean up the Fog Bell following reports from residents that the site had been targeted by vandals.

As Carmel explained "This is a permanent reminder to everyone of the heritage of our area and so its important to respect the site. "

Crocus Walk 2009 - Thank you

Over 40 walkers stepped out in style on Saturday 28th March in support of this years Mothers Day Crocus Walk to raise funds for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Charity.

Local residents were supported in their efforts again this year by local star of Heartbeat, David Lonsdale, John Pugh MP plus many other Lib Dem councillors.