SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

Mis-informed by the Lib Dems re. PARK FARM The insert in the Lib Dem Focus election special contains numerous inaccuracies and misleading statements and the electorate should know the reality. Their four main reasons for 500 houses are, as always, inaccurate and misleading. The truth is -· They rely upon 2001 and data to prove a fall in population whilst others use more recent data (down just over 200 and hardly demonstrating a need for so many houses).· The age profile of the town reflects national trends and Thornbury is no different.· The primary schools do have vacancies but a prediction of just a small rise in place take-up is misleading. More recent statistics show that by 2015 there will be a big increase in children of primary school age across the country and definitely affecting Bristol & S.Glos. · Even if true, the naivety of their claim that numbers will fill our shops and library etc are breathtaking. A better retail mix, not a bigger population is the answer. The claim that Councillors assisted people to make their views known at every stage is depressingly economic with the truth. · Telling us in April 2010 they had already made up their mind without consulting is hardly something to crow about.· Going out in all kinds of weather to deliver leaflets in response to critcism over lack of consultation is hardly something to crow about.· They were not solely responsible for getting South Glos to agree to accept comment on the Core Strategy in any form. STGH did exactly that.· Arranging a meeting for STGH with South Glos planners only served as an opportunity for them to say how they had already decided what should happen.· When STGH have had time to speak at Town Council meetings, councillors have not answered questions but have often been brought information they did not have. STGH woke them up to a long list of things about which they were ill-informed.· Some councillors replied to many e-mails from STGH – never once did anyone manage to answer what was asked; they simply gave the party line or ignored the actual question.· It's doubtful they gave informed replies to others because they were never well enough informed to do so.· Their leaflet drops over the Christmas break sound heroic until we load in the fact that we should have had exhibitions etc before they made up their minds for us.· Dropping leaflets quickly when developers put on exhibitions was for their benefit, not ours. They oppose development on Morton Way and in any case had already decided for us. STGH is new to politics, but not surprised by Lib Dem spin and selective news giving. Their claims will be countered. It has to be said that their complacent approach and attitude to selecting Park Farm has lost them much confidence. There is much clear evidence to show that they were ill-informed, disinterested in local views and unwilling to represent those who elected them. It’s a natural consequence of what is virtually a one party town council (it wouldn’t matter which party) and people having lost their way in office. Hopefully, the Lib Dem grip will be loosened on May 5th. Tony Domaille (on behalf of STGH)