Reading Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Transport Minister Norman Baker has announced a £266m investment in local green transport schemes, bringing the total invested to more than £1bn.

A large slice of that funding, £20.7m is being allocated to Reading following their successful bid.

The Liberal Democrat Local Sustainable Transport Fund was announced in 2010 following the Coalition commitment to “support sustainable travel initiatives, including the promotion of cycling and walking”. The fund supports projects across the country that will bring local economic growth while cutting carbon emissions from travel.

Local Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson, Cllr Ricky Duveen, welcomed both the sucess of the Reading bid and the minister’s commitment to delivering sustainable transport up and down the country.

Ricky commented that “Lib Dems have been supporting green transport for many years and now, in government, we can begin to see the fruits of our policy.”

“This is good news for Reading and good news for those of us who want to see more environmentally friendly means of transport given a helping hand.”

“More park and ride schemes, better facilities for cyclists, bus users and pedestrians will all help to reduce both congestion and our over- reliance on petrol engines, not to mention making us all more healthy.”

David Warren (second from left) and fellow Lib Dem Campaigners in Southcote

Local campaigner David Warren has launched a petition calling for the replacement of a popular bench near a busy bus stop in Southcote Lane.

The bench – which used to stand outside the site of the old Happy Prospect public house that is now being now being used for a new development of flats – had been damaged and the Labour-run Council asked the construction company to remove it.

Reading Borough Council has since refused to replace the bench even though demand for buses and seating in the Southcote area is set to increase.

Commenting, David Warren said:

“I find it a real shame that the Council will not look into this issue. The new development of flats has had a direct impact upon seating at this popular bus stop, and demand is only going to increase once the new flats are completed.

“Both the development company building the flats and the Labour-run Council are refusing to replace this community facility and it’s hard to understand the lack of empathy being shown, especially as the Council actually owns Reading Buses and should be actively promoting sustainable public transport facilities.

They say that if you care about the small things, the big things take care of themselves, and Labour are showing they just don’t care by not taking care of Southcote”

Southcote residents are supporting David’s campaign and over 100 have already signed his petition.