•     Lib Dems will keep Worthing’s services local      
   
•     Lib Dems will get on with bringing our town into the 21st century – no more dither and delay
   
•     Lib Dems will ensure ‘We are all in it together’ – no more waste and high pay                                                                  

•     Lib Dems are the only opposition in Worthing – Labour can’t win here

Monday 25th July –  Commenting on figures released recently which show that there is a significant educational gap in West Sussex, Dr Colin Wilsdon, Lib Dem Spokesman for Children and Young People said: “These are worrying figures for our area but we do need to look beyond the headlines. By the time people reach the age of 16, educational underachievement has become difficult to tackle. For example, pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are half as likely to achieve five good GSCEs. This will not change overnight but requires action from the earliest age because the most important years for a child’s development are the early years. That is why Liberal Democrats in Government are extending free early years education to include the poorest two-year olds and are investing £3,443.25 in West Sussex in the Pupil Premium to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds right from the start of their education.This will make a real difference to close the attainment gap and ensures everyone child has the fair start in life they deserve.”  (Bob Smytherman – Press Release)
 

Monday 25th July – Worthing Liberal Democrats were disappointed to learn tonight the new Community Infrastructure Levy will not be in place until at least 2014. Leader of the Worthing Borough Council Lib Dem Group Alan Rice queried whether account had been taken of local input for the three year capital spending programme. Local input is a feature of  the Localism Bill and the supporting Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).  CIL is the replacement for Section 106 monies to be raised on new developments and under which local neighbourhoods are allocated a percentage for capital infrastructure in their area.  Hopes had been raised this was to brought in by Worthing as early as this Autumn but they were dashed tonight by officers indicating a date of 2014.

Alan Rice said: “Why does everything take so long in Worthing?  How long will we wait for regeneration to start in line with resident’s wishes?  3 years, 5 years or 50 years?  Worthing’s backswoodmen Tories are following the thoughts of St Augustine ‘make us local, but not yet.'”   

COMMITTEE CASH ENSURES FUN FOR ALL THE COMMUNITY 

Tuesday 26th July – A wide range of fun for all the family activities have been lined up by the organisers of a Picnic in the Park, which is being held in Tarring Park on Wednesday August 10 between 10am and 3pm. The event, which is partly funded by a £500 grant from Worthing County Local Committee, will include: football sessions led by Brighton and Hove Albion trainers; Street 20 Cricket – a fast moving game that’s growing in popularity – with Sussex County Cricket Club; circus skills;
kite surfing, bowls sessions; dancing demos; face-painting and story-telling.
Committee Chairman Bob Smytherman said: “The £500 grant comes from our Community Initiative Funding, which is money we receive from West Sussex County Council to support local organisations and initiatives that enhance their neighbourhoods. That’s certainly the case with this event because it’s a day of family fun that will be an ideal school holiday treat for local children and their parents and carers. With so many activities, it will be the ideal antidote should any children be experiencing school holiday boredom – and it’s all on their doorstep.”  (West Sussex County Council Press Release)

Friday 29th July – Diane Jones, Lib Dem Councillor for Northbrook, is saddened to report there have been more problems of vandalism at Longcroft Park in Woodpecker Way. It was only two weeks ago Diane discovered four swings had been stolen and the roundabout had been set alight. Diane acted swiftly to get the necessary repairs and replacement but again this week more vandalism has occured including the setting alight of a plastic bench. Any information regarding this mindless vandalism would be welcome – Diane can be contacted on 01903 784042 or 07894 631903.

DIARY  

Wednesday 3rd August – Lib Dem Northbrook/Durrington Ward Surgery – “The North Star”, Littlehampton Road 7.30 to 8.30 pm Saturday 6th August – Lib Dem Castle Ward Surgery – St Richards, Collingwood Road, Goring 10.00 to 10.30 am

Saturday 6th August – Lib Dem Tarring/Gaisford Ward Surgery – West Worthing Baptist Church 10.30 am to 12.00 noon

Saturday 6th August – Lib Dem Central Ward Surgery – St Pauls Centre, Chapel Road 10.30 am to 12.00 noon                               and every first Saturday of the month Saturday 6th August – Lib Dem Broadwater Surgery – The Community House, Dominion Road 2.00 to 4.00 pm                                 and every first Saturday of the month     

FURTHER AHEAD  

Thursday10th August – WBC Licensing and Control Sub-Committee B Hearing (Quality Food Cash & Carry) – Council Chamber, Town Hall at 10.00 am Tuesday 16th August – Lib Dem Durrington Surgery – New Life Church, Durrington 7.00 to 8.00 pm                               and every third Tuesday of the month  Wednesday 24th August – WBC Development Control – Gordon Room, Town Hall at 6.00 pm