Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats

Peter Wilcock - working for you

Peter Wilcock is the Liberal Democrat candidate for Saffron Walden Constituency, campaigning to be the local Liberal Democrat MP after the next General Election. The Liberal Democrats have come second at every General Election in this area since 1974. Labour are out of the race and cannot win here.

Across the new constituency, the Lib Dems were second to the Conservatives in all recent Council elections and are the clear challengers. No-one else can beat the Conservatives here.

The Lib Dems are a strong opposition on Uttlesford District Council and on Chelmsford Borough Council. Lib Dems will use this position to continue to challenge the Conservatives' damaging policies on the environment, like their plans for a new town in Elsenham.

More about Peter and about Saffron Walden Parliamentary Constituency

Recent news about Peter Wilcock

• Jul 15, 2010:
  • Liberal Youth Launched in Saffron Walden
    Last Friday (9th July), in Saffron Walden, the inaugural meeting of Liberal Youth in Saffron Walden was launched to discuss issues of interest to young people in the towns and villages in this area. There had been considerable enthusiasm shown in the launch of this project and another meeting has been agreed for Tuesday 7th of September, where new members can come along and join. Cllr Peter Wilcock, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Uttlesford District Council, who attended the initial meeting, said, " I was very impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of young people to get out and get involved in finding solutions to local and national problems" Henry Farrelly, one of the new members, added "We feel that young people don't always get a say in this area, and the new group will help those like minded people to get together to make a difference locally. We are very keen on improving our local environment. If you want to get involved or come along to the next meeting, drop me a line at henryfarrelly@live.com " Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 13, 2010:
  • BAA Must Drop Stansted Runway Two Plan Now
    Peter Wilcock and the Liberal Democrats were the first major party to oppose Stansted expansion. "Seven years after the Liberal Democrats pledged to fight the building of any more runways in the South East, including at Stansted Airport, the Labour Party has finally admitted its mistake and come out against Stansted expansion. It's amazing what an election can do!" comments Peter Wilcock, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Saffron Walden constituency. "I am calling on BAA to drop its Runway Two planning application, to remove the blight from towns and villages near Stansted Airport." The Liberal Democrat shadow transport secretary Norman Baker said: "Any party that supports a third runway at Heathrow cannot be serious about climate change. Only the Liberal Democrats can guarantee there will be no airport expansion across London and the South East." Peter Wilcock summed up "It is clear from the way that their position has changed so frequently that neither the Conservatives - many of whom are in denial about climate change - nor Labour have any principled objection to airport expansion." Lib Dem Conference Backs Campaign Against Second Runway at Stansted (2006) http://www.saffronwaldenlibdems.org.uk/news/000059/lib_dem_conference_backs_campaign_against_second_runway_at_stansted.html The airports battle (2002/2003) http://www.greenlibdems.org.uk/articles/000017/the_airports_battle.html Labour drops G-2 (2010) http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/uk_politics/election_2010/england/8616616.stm Cameron ditches 'barmy' plan to freeze airport expansion (2007) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-484975/Cameron-ditches-barmy-plan-freeze-airport-expansion.html "The Conservatives said yesterday that they were willing to expand airport capacity in the South East despite the party's environmental opposition to a third runway at Heathrow." (2009) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article5606443.ece Many Tory MPs still sceptical on climate change (2008) http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jul/16/climatechange.greenpolitics TORIES REJECT CO2 REDUCTION CAMPAIGN (2009) http://www.essex.libdems.org/content/view/259/ Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 7, 2010:
  • Election at last - 6th May
    Peter Wilcock, the Liberal Democrat Candidate for Saffron Walden Constituency, with Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg. With a General Election confirmed for just over four weeks' time, the Liberal Democrats are looking forward to the campaign. Local candidate Peter Wilcock commented, "Here in Saffron Walden Constituency only the Liberal Democrats can beat the Conservatives. Labour and the Greens are out of the race: votes for them will just let the Conservatives back in." "The national backdrop for the Liberal Democrats is good - a higher rating in the polls than in 2005; a popular Leader in Nick Clegg and a respected Shadow Chancellor in Vince Cable. "Labour is on the way out. People are desperate for REAL change - but they will not get that from the Conservatives. The two old parties are part of the problem not the solution - see http://www.labservative.com/ Only the Liberal Democrats will deliver fair taxes, green jobs, a fair start for all children and cleaner politics." Read Peter Wilcock's contract with Saffron Walden Contituency at www.peterwilcock.libdems.org.uk/contract You can help Peter's campaign by e-mailing info@saffronwaldenlibdems.org.uk Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 3, 2010:
  • LIB DEMS SAY TORIES MUST COME CLEAN ON UTTLESFORD HOUSING PLANS
    Uttlesford Liberal Democrats have demanded that the Conservatives come clean on their housing plans for this area. Local Conservative MP Sir Alan Haselhurst claims that the Conservatives will scrap housing targets, whilst the Conservatives' national website says "We need more homes....we will use incentives to encourage new homes to be built." Lib Dem parliamentary candidate and leader of the opposition on Uttlesford District Council, Peter Wilcock, said, "Doesn't Sir Alan know that, according to housing charity Shelter, more than 1000 local families in desperate need of affordable homes are being let down by Conservative-controlled Uttlesford District Council? Or does he not care?" Local Liberal Democrats have consistently supported organic growth with small-scale extensions to our towns and selected villages, so that young people have the chance to leave home without being forced to leave the communities in which they grew up. They are opposed to a new town anywhere in Uttlesford. The Conservatives' national housing policy can be viewed at http://www.conservatives.com/Policy/Where_we_stand/Housing.aspx Sir Alan Haselhurst's claims can b e viewed at: http://www.saffronwaldenconservatives.com/index.php?sectionid=3&pagenumber=332 Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 27, 2010:
  • Wilcock Makes Cancer Commitment
    Peter Wilcock, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Saffron Walden Constituency, has signed up to Cancer Research UK's Cancer Commitment, aiming to make UK cancer outcomes among the best in Europe in the next ten years. Peter said: "I am delighted to pledge my support for Cancer Research UK's vital campaign. Cancer remains the public's number one fear. With a concerted effort from the next Parliament, we can give hope to the millions of people affected by cancer and their friends and family." More than one in three people in our constituency will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. In the last thirty years, the UK's 10-year survival rates have doubled but cancer survival rates still lag behind the best performing countries in Europe such as Sweden, Norway and Finland. Cancer Research UK is calling on Parliamentary candidates to commit now that, if they are elected, they will help make cancer outcomes for patients in the UK among the best in Europe within a decade. The Cancer Commitment calls on MPs in the next Parliament to take action in five key areas: Detecting cancer earlier Providing world-class treatment Preventing more cancers Tackling cancer inequalities Protecting the UK's research base Jon Spiers, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning at Cancer Research UK, said "To consign today's cancer challenges to tomorrow's history books, we must act now. Our thousands of scientists and our millions of supporters are hoping to see MPs in the next Parliament step up to the challenge." For information on Cancer Research UK's Commit To Beat Cancer campaign, visit: www.CommitToBeatCancer.org Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 24, 2010:
  • Peter Wilcock Backs Community Pubs, Local Brewers and Consumer Rights
    Peter Wilcock, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Saffron Walden constituency, has promised to champion well-run community pubs and press for reform of the beer tie to deliver a fair deal for consumers. Peter made these commitments in response to a campaign being run by CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale. CAMRA's new Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter sets out a series of options for supporting well-run community pubs, local brewers and consumer rights. Mike Benner, CAMRA's Chief Executive welcomed Peter Wilcock's support for the Charter, saying "We are delighted that Peter Wilcock has promised to work to promote the interests of beer drinkers and pub goers. Well-run pubs make a huge contribution to community life, each of which injects £80,000 into their local economy every year. Amid growing concern over the loss of more than 5 pubs a day, it is now more important than ever to support well-run community pubs, to promote local brewers and to protect the interests of consumers." Peter Wilcock said "I am proud to be speaking up for community pubs, local brewers and consumers. Well-run pubs are the bedrock of community life - they are part of the solution to the problem of alcohol misuse and not part of the problem. They deserve our support. I support my local pub in Henham and drink locally-produced real ale." Related Links CAMRA's Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 11, 2010:
  • Baroness Shirley Williams visits Stansted at sell-out event
    Peter Wilcock with Baroness Shirley Williams (Photo: Tudor Owen) Shirley Williams told the Supper Club that the country needed a major reform of our parliamentary democracy. The guest of honour at the supper club in Stansted last Friday argued that people were fed up with two party politics. She said people were rightly angry over the parliamentary expenses scandal and last week's revelations about Conservative deputy chairman, Lord Ashcroft's tax avoidance. There needed to be a complete reform of politics and constitutional changes to restore trust in representational democracy. Baroness Williams echoed widespread criticism of banking for adopting a culture of speculation and high risk, leaving this country with an economic crisis that had to be put right by taxpayers. This harsh reality meant expenditure reductions balanced with the need to be fair and to invest in the future. Liberal Democrats advocated cutting the Trident replacement, stopping the introduction of ID cards, and fair tax. She highlighted the importance of the party's pledge to cut tax for the lowest earners in society so that no one earning less than £10,000 a year would pay income tax. Peter Wilcock, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Saffron Walden, after proposing a vote of thanks, said: "It was a tremendous honour to host Baroness Williams here in Stansted. She gave an inspiring and challenging speech that has really inspired the local party ahead of the general election campaign". Stansted branch chairman, Alan Dean, added: "This was the most successful local Lib Dem event in many years. We had to turn people away once the hall was full. Shirley Williams is one of the Lib Dems' best communicators and probably the most admired and loved politician around today." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 27, 2010:
  • Conservatives reject 1.2% Council tax increase
    Uttlesford District Council's ruling Conservative councillors have rejected an amendment from the opposition Liberal Democrat group to reduce council spending and lower the council tax rise from 2.9% to 1.2%. Cllr Peter Wilcock, Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader, commented: "It is vital that the council keeps it expenditure under control, and by proposing to reduce this year's budget by £80,000 it would help the hard pressed tax payer too. "The council is expecting to bank at least £1 million this year from savings and unbudgeted income. We thought it was only right to share this with the council taxpayer. "It is a shame that the Conservative administration would not accept our sensible amendment." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 20, 2010:
  • Liberal Democrats launch plans to revitalise town centres
    Peter Wilcock and the Liberal Democrats are fighting to stop supermarkets ruining our town centres. Liberal Democrats in Saffron Walden Constituency have set out plans to revitalise Britain's town centres, protect the future of the Post Office, and help small businesses thrive in a fairer marketplace. The plans include a change in planning law to curb the expansion of supermarkets. The announcement comes as research, published by the Local Data Company (LDC), shows that, nationwide, vacant shopfronts shot up by 24% in the second half of 2009. Peter Wilcock, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Saffron Walden Constituency, said: "The Government's skewed planning system has seen supermarket giants squeeze the life out of our towns and now almost every high street in Britain is becoming an identical collection of chain stores and coffee shops. "We need thriving town centres in Saffron Walden and Dunmow - ones with real character that allows local businesses to survive and grow. "The Liberal Democrats understand that it will be small businesses that are the key to building a healthy and balanced economy." The Vibrant Local High Streets plan includes proposals to: Encourage the development of a PostBank and free the Post Office from the Royal Mail to enable it to develop new business Introduce a local competition test for all planning applications for new retail developments to establish a fairer balance between local independent stores and large supermarkets Establish a system of Local Enterprise Funds and regional stock exchanges to ensure small businesses get access to cost-effective equity that meets their needs Commenting, Nick Clegg said: "Our town centres that have borne the brunt of this recession, with empty shopfronts scarring towns and villages across Britain. I believe that people value the wide range of goods and services available locally and want to see their town centres thrive and prosper." Related Links Click here to read "Vibrant Local High Streets" Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 16, 2010:
  • Lib Dems plan cash boost for Essex schools
    The Liberal Democrats have announced a major funding commitment to boost education in this area. Nick Clegg has this week set out the Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment for a Pupil Premium that would invest around £ 47 million of extra cash in Essex schools, raising the funding for disadvantaged pupils to private school levels. The money will be invested through the Pupil Premium pledge, part of a £2.5 billion manifesto spending commitment. Peter Wilcock PPC for Saffron Walden said: "It's nothing short of a scandal that children in this area continue to lose out under Labour. "Some of the schools here receive significantly less money than the national average and something must be done. "Under our plans, Essex schools would get a further £47 million which they could use to cut class sizes and provide more individual support." Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said: "With this unfairness in funding it's no surprise there is such a gap in achievement between children from the poorest backgrounds and those families who are better off. "Only when we get education funding back on track will be able to give all our children the fair start they deserve." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 13, 2010:
  • Liberal Democrats launch General Election plans for policing
    Liberal Democrats in Saffron Walden constituency have set out their General Election plans to put more police on the beat. The extra officers for Saffron Walden, Dunmow and Stansted will be funded by the savings from scrapping ID cards, and are part of the Liberal Democrats' Safer Streets - More and Better Police manifesto commitment. The plan is for 65 more officers in Essex. Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Saffron Walden constituency, Peter Wilcock, said: "People in this constituency are often telling me how they feel unsafe. "Expensive ID cards aren't going to change that, but an extra officer walking down the High Street or more police in Saffron Walden on Friday night will. "The Liberal Democrats are committed to more police, and this is the only way to create safer streets." Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said: "The Liberal Democrats are the only party that wants to cut crime by putting more police on the street. "When only one in a hundred crimes ends up with a conviction in court, it is time for things to change. "Labour and the Conservatives may talk tough but they are unwilling to make the crucial decisions to cut crime." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 5, 2010:
  • Uttlesford Council backs away from inflation-busting tax increase
    Following pressure from the opposition Liberal Democrat group, Conservative-led Uttlesford District Council has backed away from its plan for an inflation-busting 4.4% council tax increase. A 4.4% increase would have been one of the highest in Essex and a stark contrast to the 0% council tax increase pledged by Conservative leader David Cameron. January's meeting of the Council's Finance and Administration Committee turned down a Liberal Democrat proposal to consider setting an increase in this year's council tax of 2% or less. The refusal followed a report that the Council made a surplus of at least one million pounds in the last year. Last week the Conservatives branded the Lib Dem proposal for a 2% increase as irresponsible; this week the Conservatives have climbed down and proposed a remarkably similar 2.9% increase. Cllr Geoffrey Sell, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Stansted North and Finance Spokesman, said, "Many people in this area have been affected by the credit crunch and the recession. The Council should not demand tax increases that it clearly does not need." Cllr Peter Wilcock, Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader, concluded: "I am pleased that the Conservative Council has taken up our proposal to share some of the Council's unbudgetted income with hard-pressed taxpayers." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 1, 2010:
  • Liberal Democrats launch plan to bring a quarter of a million empty homes back into use
    Cllr Peter Wilcock, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Saffron Walden Constituency, has welcomed the Liberal Democrat plan to bring a quarter of a million empty homes back into use - making homes available for people who need them and creating 65,000 jobs. There are over 760,000 empty properties across England, which are no longer used as homes but can be brought back into use with some investment. Under the Lib Dem plan, people who own these homes will get a grant or a cheap loan to renovate them so they can be used - grants if the home is for social housing, loans for private use. The plans form part of the economic stimulus package outlined as a core principle of the Liberal Democrat election manifesto. In the first year of the new Parliament, the party would redirect over £3.6bn of spending to create jobs and build up Britain's infrastructure. In the following years this money will be redirected to other Lib Dem spending priorities and reducing the structural deficit. Commenting, Peter Wilcock said: "Allowing thousands of houses to sit empty when millions of families have been waiting years for a home is nothing short of a scandal. "In Uttlesford, there are 914 empty properties which are empty. I have been trying to persuade Uttlesford District Council to act to bring long term empty properties back into use. One small cottage in Widdington has not been occupied for over 14 years, and the council has done nothing to bring it back to occupation. There are a further 1551 empty properties in Chelmsford Borough. "The cost of bringing these homes back into use is just a fraction of the cost of building a new house, yet the Government is sitting idly by while they fall into disrepair. This is one element of our economic stimulus package that will generate jobs and help Britain on its way to building a fair, sustainable economy." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 28, 2010:
  • Over 100,000 innocent people added to DNA database since European Court ruling
    More than 100,000 innocent people have been added to the national DNA Database since the European Court of Human Rights ruled in December 2008 that the practice was illegal, research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed. The figures, contained in Parliamentary answers, show that 487,340 profiles have been added to the database since the ruling. This includes 101,367 innocent people -a rate of 282 a day. In that same period, just 400 people have been successfully removed from the database For every innocent person that managed to have themselves removed from the DNA database under the 'exceptional case system' since the ECHR ruling, a further 253 innocent people have been added. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman, Cllr Peter Wilcock said: "It is appalling that the Government has taken the DNA of 100,000 innocent people since they were told the practice is illegal. "In Essex, there are 27,247 innocent people held on the database out of nearly 130,995. Since the ruling, there have been 14,821 people added of which 3,083 are innocent. "Despite the Government's promises to abide by the European Court's ruling, they are still doing everything they can to avoid it. Labour's cynical proposals will create a half-guilty class of people with their most intimate personal information held by the police for six years - even though they have done nothing wrong. "This is a gross distortion of one of the fundamental principles of this country - that you are innocent until proven guilty." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 23, 2010:
  • Peter Wilcock puts fairness at the heart of the Liberal Democrat campaign
    Peter Wilcock with Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable The Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Saffron Walden, Peter Wilcock, has set out his campaign priorities for the General Election: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics and a fair, green economy with jobs that last. Peter Wilcock said: "People have been let down by politicians and are rightly frustrated. I am going into the election with a manifesto that is short, direct and to the point. The Lib Dems want to give you the right to sack your MP if they are suspended for misconduct. The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system - flushing out big money and corrupt donors, and reducing the number of MPs by 150". "We will introduce fairer taxes by closing loopholes for the richest, introducing a tax on mansions and tax cuts of £700 for everyone else. "If your child is at school in this area we can promise investment to help reduce class sizes, improve discipline and develop one-to-one tuition. "We will rebuild the economy in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs. We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure local businesses can find the money they need to grow". "The coming months are a crucial time for politics and I will be using them to focus on these four priorities and delivering real change here." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 31, 2009:
  • People are looking for a real change in 2010
    In his new year message, Peter Wilcock, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Saffron Walden writes:- As we enter the new decade, it is clear that we are all waiting for the General Election that has to be held by June 6th so we can vote on the most unpopular Labour Government ever, headed by the un-elected Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Liberal Democrats have had a good year in 2009 leading on issues as diverse as rights for Gurkhas, a new strategy in Afghanistan, a fair deal for housing benefit claimants and the need to cut carbon emissions. From their unwillingness to support the 10:10 campaign to reduce carbon emissions by 10% in 2010 and their enthusiastic support for a new supermarket in Saffron Walden - and the huge increase in pollution and food miles that will result - it is quite clear that local Conservatives don't give two hoots about the environment, however many huskies David Cameron hugs. Vince Cable has continued to be head and shoulders above his Conservative and Labour opposite numbers in his understanding of the economic problems the country faces and the ways we can solve them. The expenses scandal has done enormous damage to our faith in politics, but it has also given us the opportunity to promote the need to repair our broken politics and make it cleaner and more accountable. Never has the case for reform of our electoral system been stronger and more urgent. I am standing for Parliament in Saffron Walden constituency. I consider that being elected in this seat would be an honour. It would be a privilege to serve local electors. I have always said that I would spend only as much time in Westminster as was necessary to represent the people of my constituency. I would spend as much time as possible working locally to help local people and businesses. I look forward to the election and believe that people are looking for a change with a clear idea to deliver fairness that our area and society needs. Peter Wilcock Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate (Saffron Walden) Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 27, 2009:
  • CHILD ALCOHOLISM
    Research from the Liberal Democrats has shown nearly 40,000 children have been fined, cautioned or taken to court for alcohol-related offences in the last five years across the UK. Essex Police statistics have revealed that this remains a prominent problem within Uttlesford and that there is a need to develop a youth agenda locally. Chris Huhne, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesman, said: "These figures paint a shocking picture of how many children are being dragged into the criminal justice system through alcohol abuse. The problem appears to be growing worse by leaps and bounds. Ministers talk a lot about the alcohol crisis in this country but have completely failed to tackle it". Alcohol and Drug Abuse remains a priority for Saffron Walden Police. The most recent Neighbourhood Action Panel discussed these concerns and set priorities for underage drinking. Great Dunmow Police meanwhile have committed to providing a high visibility presence in the town centre in which there are suggestions that teenagers are regularly seen drinking, smoking and dealing cannabis. This is reflective of wider trends across Uttlesford in which anti-social behaviour incidents have risen 26.4% between 2008 and 2009 according to statistics supplied by Essex Police. Peter Wilcock, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Saffron Walden commented: "We must begin to educate children about the dangers of drink. In addition to we must strive to provide services and social outlets for children and young people that offer structured environments for our youth to develop sporting and cultural interests". Currently only 3 youth-orientated clubs are listed within the Great Dunmow area. Mr. Wilcock added: "There are 16,000 people under the age of 18 within Uttlesford, yet across the area there are limited opportunities for young people to get involved in youth groups. The provision of these services would go someway to combating teenage alcoholism and we have to increase accessibility to these organisations". Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 23, 2009:
  • ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL FAILING PUBLIC OVER PAVEMENT REPAIRS
    Conservative-controlled Essex County Council has seen little progress in return for the £36 million invested in pavement repairs with injuries and compensation claims rising over a five-year period. The information was released following a Freedom of Information survey by the Liberal Democrats. Compensation claims have risen from 173 to 323 per year between 2004/05 and 2008/09 suggesting that expenditure on footpath maintenance is having little on-the-ground effect. Peter Wilcock, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Saffron Walden, said: "Questions have to be asked to why considerable amounts of public money are being spent and yet this problem still persists. The safety of the general public has to be paramount and the current administration must account for why a significant number of accidents are still occurring." To date £1.5 million has been paid out in compensation over the five-year period with 265 claims still active. Mr Wilcock added: "The Liberal Democrats are committed to addressing issues that benefit smaller walking and cycling schemes and allocating local government funds to achieve this." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 18, 2009:
  • LIB DEM CANDIDATE PLEDGES TO 'DO HIS BIT' FOR BRITSH ARMED FORCES
    Peter Wilcock, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Saffron Walden, has joined the British Legion campaign to ensure the next government does its bit to help the Armed Forces family. Peter has made a pledge on the British Legion website that will ensure Service personnel and their families, bereaved Armed Forces families and the ex-Service community will see greater representation under the next government. Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion's Head of Public Affairs said; 'The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians, and our manifesto outlines practical ways the next parliament can help. We hope all the parties will give it serious consideration and that every candidate will pledge to do their bit'. Peter Wilcock said; 'It is important for me to be involved with this campaign. The Royal British Legion plays a vital role in supporting the wider Armed Services community and securing the futures of service men and women, past and present, and their families. I urge everyone to visit the website www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk and find out how they can help too'. Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 12, 2009:
  • Government must not allow local rail services to drift for another two years
    Labour has let us down over rail services from Cambridge to London. Commenting on National Express's loss of the East Anglia rail franchise three years early, Peter Wilcock, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Saffron Walden Constituency, said "The Government has admitted that National Express can't run the three rail franchises for the price that it forecast in its bids to the Government. It is disgraceful that the Government is doing nothing to help the Liverpool Street to Cambridge West Anglia Line passengers who will have to put up with out-of-date sub-standard National Express rolling stock for another two years. "The Government should take the East Anglia rail franchise - which includes the Liverpool Street to Cambridge line - back into the public sector as soon as possible, pending retendering. It should also stop dragging its feet over the improvements to the West Anglia line that are needed to provide faster journeys." The Liberal Democrats are calling for the present franchise system to be replaced with one where the successful bidders get a longer lease that will allow them to invest in new rolling stock on the Liverpool Street to Cambridge service. Any rail fare rises should be capped at the rate of inflation. The Liberal Democrats' priority is quality of service and, where possible, fare reductions. Labour's priority has been to maximise the take for the Treasury. Peter Wilcock summed up "Rail passengers in Britain pay the most expensive fares in Europe. We need a new franchise system, offering longer, rolling franchises for companies that provide a faster service with modern trains for more a more affordable price. Currently commuters on the West Anglia line are getting a raw deal, with Stansted Expess passengers taking priority over them in terms of service frequency, quality and proposed investment in new rolling stock." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY