John Cameron

John Leech MP has blasted Labour MPs for siding with phone company giants rather than residents over the power of communities to stop inappropriate phone masts. There are fewer restrictions on planning applications for phone masts, making it difficult for planning permission to be refused.The Liberal Democrats in Parliament moved an amendment to the Planning Bill which would have meant applications for phone masts would have required full planning permission like applications for new buildings. But Labour MPs, including all three Manchester Labour MPs who voted, voted against the call and Conservative MPs did not bother voting at all. John Leech MP said after the vote:“Manchester’s Labour MPs had the opportunity to side with local communities or with giant phone companies,” said John Leech MP “It is extremely disappointing so see that they have decided to back powerful multinational companies rather than the people they are supposed to represent. “The change the Liberal Democrats proposed in the House of Commons would have given residents a fighting chance to stop inappropriately sited phone masts but Labour decided to block it. They should be ashamed of themselves.”

A new report from Shelter, the housing charity, says many North West families are making desperate sacrifices to keep a roof over their heads, including spending less on food, selling possessions and borrowing from friends and family.

John Cameron and Iain Donaldson, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Burnage Ward, are calling for swift action to save council taxpayers thousands of pounds in the face of an epidemic of drain cover thefts across Manchester.

John Cameron Liberal Democrat Councillor for Burnage Ward, has slammed Labour run Manchester City Council for failing to introduce cardboard and plastic recycling collections across South Manchester.

Labour’s latest cynical Post Office closure plans reached a new stage in June when the list of Manchester Post Offices due to be axed was announced.

There was some relief for our area as the Post Offices on Burnage Lane, Kingsway and Fog Lane have all escaped Labour’s axe – for now.

But there was dismay at the news that Ladybarn Post Office on Mauldeth Road and Parrs Wood Post Office on Wilmslow Road are earmarked for closure. Levenshulme Post Office is also facing the axe.

The local Lib Dems have already collected thousands of petition signatures opposing Labour’s Post Office Closure plans. Now they are launching a further campaign to oppose these two closures.

John Leech MP said:

“Labour say that these closures will save money and that people can just use other post offices. However, this ignores those who do not have easy access to transport and the fact that these post offices help to sustain local shopping areas.”

Councillor John Cameron said:

“We must get them to change their minds and keep all of our post offices open. Please sign our petition to save Ladybarn and Parrs Wood Post Offices.”

John Leech MP will present the paetitions to Number 10 Downing Street in two weeks time.

Manchester Liberal Democrats are calling on the Labour run City Council to reverse their decision to hike charges for pest control, just when problems with infestations are on the increase.

 The Council are proposing an 18% increase in charges for treating mice infestations, a 25% increase in the cost of dealing with wasps nests and a 164% increase in the cost of tackling “other pests” including beetles and other vermin.  Councillor Iain Donaldson said: “These inflation-busting increases are excessive. This is an essential service that helps local residents to keep their homes free from pests, rodents and vermin. Increases of up to 164% will hit everyone hard, especially low-income families.”

Councillor Rod Isherwood is calling on all fellow services veterans to claim their medals. Rod said:

 “If you are a services veteran you are entitled to a medal to mark your contribution to our country. Contact John Leech MP’s office on 0161 434 3334 and an application form will be sent out to you. You will need to supply your name, address, date of birth, service number and details of the service.”

The local Liberal Democrats are campaigning to restore low floor, easy access buses to the 44 bus route along Parrs Wood Road.

Previously, all the buses on the 44 route were easy access, which allowed disabled and elderly people, along with those with push chairs, to get on and off easily.

Then minibuses were put on, which had steep stairs, making if difficult or impossible for many to use the bus.

Councillor Iain Donaldson said:

 “We wrote and complained about the situation to the Greater Manchester Transport Executive, and there are now some easy access mini buses on the 44 route. However, we want to see all low floor buses, so that those who have push chairs or mobility problems can go catch the bus safe in the knowledge that they will be able to get on.”

Liberal Democrat Councillors in Manchester have welcomed a Council report into last month’s staging of the UEFA cup final in Manchester but believe that some questions remained unanswered by the report.

Manchester Lib Dem Leader Cllr Simon Ashley said:

“I have met senior Council Officers and told them we agree with some of the key recommendations in the report:

that Piccadilly is an unsuitable venue for a large event;

that there should be ticketed entry to control numbers;

that there should be better communication with city centre businesses and residents;

that there needs to be better signage, more toilets, bins and better and quicker cleaning.”

Cllr Ashley added:

“However, I think the report fails to answer three questions:

1) Why weren’t more viewing screens made available throughout the City when number estimates kept increasing, to better disperse the crowd numbers?

2) Did the U-turn on the communications strategy on the 8th of May (when instead of saying ‘Don’t come without a ticket’, the city said “Everyone welcome”) contribute to the increased visitor numbers?

3) Was the decision making process transparent and did the organising committee rely too much on intelligence and information received from Strathclyde Police and Glasgow Council?”

Cllr Ashley concluded:

“This report isn’t perfect but is a good start. Manchester needs to learn the lessons of the Uefa final so that the people of Manchester can regain the confidence they have lost in its Council bidding for future events.”

Manchester Liberal Democrats have welcomed Council Leader Richard Leese’s proposal to hold a Greater Manchester-wide referendum on proposed public transport improvements including an element of congestion charging. A referendum, if agreed by Council Leaders across Greater Manchester, would take place after consultations on the funding bid end in October.

Manchester Liberal Democrats have consistently called for a referendum on this issue. Recent polls that showing that 86% of respondents supported having a Greater Manchester wide referendum before introducing a Congestion

Charge.

Lib Dem Leader Cllr Simon Ashley said:

“Manchester Lib Dems have been arguing for a long time that we need a referendum on such a critical issue. I am glad that Labour Council Leader Richard Leese has finally come round to our way of thinking.”

Cllr Ashley added:

“This announcement, if agreed by the ten Council Leaders, means that we can have a proper debate about the Tif bid and congestion charging. This is a victory for the people of Greater Manchester.”