93% Tory Tax Hike

Since the Conservatives gained control of Essex County Council in 1997, its share of your Council Tax has gone up by a shocking 93%.

But the Conservative record of achievement doesn't end there.

All of last year, the County Council was having the sale of the century. Its Tory Leader, Lord Hanningfield, had decided that his council had too much under-used property that was "surplus to requirements". In Epping Forest District, Wansfell College and the Youth Centre in Theydon Bois and the Roding Centre in Buckhurst Hill have come under the hammer.

Wansfield College has been a long-acknowledged leader in adult education, particularly for residential courses. The Roding Centre, besides providing local youth services for thirty years, has also been a base for many community and special needs groups of all ages.

The Wansfield College site is already on the market and the caretaker would have been evicted, if Lib Dem Cllr Janet Whitehouse had not intervened. The County is appealing against the District Council's refusal of planning permission to redevelop the Theydon Bois Youth Centre site.

Because of spirited local opposition and negotiation, community groups continue to use the Roding Centre while negotiations continue with Buckhurst Hill Parish Council.

At the end of 2003, when the decisions were made at Chelmsford, Lib Dem County Councillors Ann Haigh and Janet Whitehouse called them in for further discussion. Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Dr Michael Heavens lead a deputation of local councillors to talk to the scrutiny panel.

The Lib Dems have continued working hand-on with the local groups throughout the year, supporting their efforts to keep going.

Michael Heavens commented, "when the Liberal Democrats take control of the County Council we will reverse these cuts and reinforce the Youth Service.

We are appalled that, while the problems with adolescent and young adults are causing such difficulties, everywhere in the District, Conservative-run Essex County Council should consider closing these centres."