A Positive Plan for Waltham Abbey

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 20th Apr 2006

Waltham Abbey Liberal Democrats have today launched their positive plan to for the town. District Cllr Pat Brooks, Peggy Ayre and Phil Chadburn are all standing for election to the Town Council on 4 May.

1. A Cleaner Town

Parts of Waltham Abbey, particularly the areas around Cobbins Brook look neglected and are rarely cleaned. Cllr Pat Brooks has asked the district council to press the owners to take action to sort the problem out.

The introduction of wheelie bins should help reduce litter in residential areas as there will be fewer blacks bags splitting open and scattering rubbish. Pat is working to sort out problems for local residents who have concerns about wheelie bins. Recycling rates have shot up. If the recycling rate hits 50 per cent the council will gain £400,000 which will help to keep the council tax down.

2. A Healthier Town Centre

Our town centre is suffering from Tesco and changes in people's shopping habits. "The town council has an important role to play - it runs the market, the Town Hall and the tourist information centre," said campaigner Peggy Ayre.

"The market is an important part of the town's character," said Peggy. "I have ideas for a more attractive and varied market to serve residents' needs." District councillor Pat Brooks voted for free spaces in Quaker Lane car park and for an investigation into free parking on Saturdays.

3. Protect the Character of Our Town

As a member of the Historic Economic Regeneration scheme (HERS) team Pat helped the Town Centre get a face-lift in a way that is sensitive to the conservation area and its historic character. There are still a couple of shops in need of repair and the district council is looking at ways to deal with these.

" Waltham Abbey church and the historic buildings around it are a very important part of our heritage. We must do all we can to encourage visitors who will contribute to the economic health of our town," she said.

Peggy and Pat will fight to protect the principle of the Green Belt surrounding Waltham Abbey and will oppose inappropriate planning applications.

3. Better value for our council tax

For years Waltham Abbey residents have paid the highest council tax in the district, because the Conservative who run Waltham Abbey Town Council set a higher tax than anywhere else. "The town council should pay more attention to making sure we get value for our council tax. The Conservatives can't justify charging so much for the services local people receive," said Pat Brooks.