We have been told by our supporters in Bridge Ward that the Liberal Democrats have been circulating a leaflet claiming to be “the effective Green choice”. Its clear that they can see how popular our policies are with local people, so much so they’ve turned their latest leaflet green!
While imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we feel that we should correct some of the half-truths presented in this leaflet so that voters in the area can make an informed choice.
Claim – “Influenced the design of new housing to ensure optimal energy efficiency”
The Truth: While this may be true, the far more effective method would be not to build houses all over our local Green spaces, and instead look to meet our housing quota using brownfield sites. That’s our policy.
Claim – “Campaigned for a new 20mph zone in Buckland Hill”
The Truth: We’ve been campaigning for this for decades, the Lib Dems jumped on the bandwagon when they realised how many local people supported the idea.
Claim – “Cracked down on flytipping and littering”
The Truth: Fly-tipping and littering in Maidstone, while under Lib Dem council control, has skyrocketed by 31% in the last year alone. Here is the Downs Mail reporting on the subject in February – https://www.downsmail.co.uk/news_sport/News/Fly-tipping_in_Maidstone_borough_rockets_by_31_-_Government_figures/
Claim – “Proposed and set up nature reserves”
The Truth: The term “Nature Reserve” means nothing to local Lib Dems, In April 2019 they pushed through development plans for an area designated as a nature reserve, despite over 600 objections from local people. Read more here:- https://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/election-fears-could-lead-to-schools-delay-203288/
Claim – “Vote Liberal Democrat: Or you will let the Conservatives in”
The Truth: While this may have been the case 3 years ago (where the Lib Dems have got their figures from!) a lot has changed in the last 3 years. During that time Donna Greenan has been working hard in the area, and the Lib Dems have been noticeable in their absence. Local people tell us their not going to waste their vote on a Councillor who does nothing once elected, and will be voting Green instead. The reality is that Lib Dem support in the area is now so low, that voting for them will let the Conservatives in!