Lib Dems in close local election fight for Sevenoaks Northern

Sevenoaks Liberal Democrats have confirmed local residents Merilyn Canet and Iain Porter as District Council candidates for the closely contested Sevenoaks Northern ward, which covers the Bat & Ball, Greatness and Bradbourne areas.

The race is so close that in the last District Council elections the Conservatives vote share was 51% versus 49% for the Lib Dems.

These local elections take place on the same day as the General Election, 7th May 2015.

Commenting on this, Dr Alan Bullion, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Sevenoaks, said:

"Merilyn and Iain are hardworking local residents with superb credentials to serve the community and get things done. Their strong business, voluntary and public service experience means they understand local businesses and managing budgets, but also that fairness and opportunity for everyone is essential."

Merilyn and Iain support regeneration for a balanced local economy, whilst safeguarding our quality of life and keeping Sevenoaks green.

Merilyn Canet said "I want to prioritise more focus and faster change for Bat & Ball area regeneration. This will benefit Sevenoaks as a whole, and people here should not be left behind. Our residents' survey gathered views to help bring pressure for improvements."

Iain Porter said "I also want to prioritise supporting the Bradbourne Lakes development application and accelerating the work. As a regular visitor with my young son I think shared green spaces like this are so important for the community, young, old and families alike."

Merilyn and Iain also want to address the following across the ward:

• 
  
• Improving the state of the roads, potholes, parking and traffic issues
• 
  
• Tackling antisocial behaviour and crime so we all feel safe where we live
• 
  
• Dealing with litter and general appearance to keep our local environment pleasant
• 
  
• Making the council serve you better by holding regular surgeries and engaging directly via social media
• 
  

In a statement, Roger Walshe, Leader of the Lib Dems on the District Council, said:

"Lib Dems are the only real opposition within this complacent Conservative dominated council. Balance is crucial for healthy local democracy and effective decision-making. In Sevenoaks Northern ward, only local Lib Dems Merilyn & Iain can beat the Conservatives."

He went on to say:

"We stand for careful financial governance, unlike the Tories, who spent
over £200,000 of taxpayers' money on multi-storey car park plans that were
later deemed impractical and withdrawn. They wanted to borrow millions
more pounds to build it. Meanwhile, the Lib Dem request to put aside a small
fraction of this amount to continue the Big Community Grants scheme - to help
worthwhile local projects around the District - was refused.

-ENDS-

Notes

1. More information can be found at www.sevenoakslibdems.org.uk or at iainkporter.weebly.com

2. Merilyn and Iain can be contacted at:

Merilyn Canet
01732 461397
Merilyncanet@talktalk.net

Iain Porter
07720 076029
iainkporter@gmail.com
Twitter: @iainkporter
Facebook.com/iainkporter
Linkedin.com/in/iainkporter