27Apr 2022 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Outgoing NFU Deputy President joins Lib Dems

Outgoing NFU Deputy President joins Lib Dems

Parliamentary news
Today the outgoing Deputy President of the National Farmers Union (NFU) has announced he has joined the Liberal Democrats. Stuart Roberts recently finished his high profile role at the NFU to become politically active. He will join Lib Dem Leader Ed Davey today visiting an agriculture college in Hampshire. Well-known vet and Liberal Democrat candidate for Winchester Danny Chambers will also join them. Stuart, who owns and manages a farm in Hertfordshire, has held numerous senior positions in the NFU and the food and farming industry. He was previously a Conservative Councillor in Hertfordshire but has joined a growing number of farmers who are no longer supporting the Conservative party. Today’s announcement follows last year’s political earthquake in North Shropshire where local farming communities voted Liberal Democrat for the first…
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17Nov 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Best foot forward: Liberal Democrats call for more action to protect Oldham’s public rights of way

Best foot forward: Liberal Democrats call for more action to protect Oldham’s public rights of way

Borough news
The Oldham Liberal Democrats have written to senior council officers calling for more action to protect the borough’s public rights of way. “During the restrictions placed on all our leisure activities throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, our local countryside became more inviting, and many more residents have taken the opportunity to enjoy a walk along our local paths,” said Group Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE. “The recent welcome appointment of a new footpaths officer has meant that we now have more capacity to protect, register and promote our countryside footpaths for the benefit of Oldham residents. I am particularly keen to ensure that the new officer continues our good work with responsible local landowners and walkers’ groups. He also must work to bring back into use, make more accessible, and register…
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13Aug 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Promise of special council meeting on Labour’s green belt homes plan welcomed

Promise of special council meeting on Labour’s green belt homes plan welcomed

Borough news, Campaigns
The Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has welcomed confirmation from the Leader of Oldham Council that a special meeting of the full Council will be called with a one-item agenda to discuss Labour’s green belt homes plan, called the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, and its impact on the Oldham Borough. Responding to a letter sent from Councillor Sykes 22 July asking once more if such a meeting would be convened soon, and when, the Leader has replied in writing confirming that ‘an extraordinary meeting of the full council (will be held) with a single item agenda to discuss the plans, and that it will take place as an addition to this year’s council meeting cycle’. The Council…
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14Jun 2018 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Saddleworth Councillors back moves to tackle moorland fires

Borough news, Saddleworth News
Saddleworth North Liberal Democrat Councillor Garth Harkness has welcomed recent discussions between local agencies to tackle the moorland fires that have occurred in Saddleworth in recent weeks.   Councillor Harkness said: “In recent months we have witnessed several distressing instances of fire-starting by malicious individuals intent upon destroying our beautiful countryside or irresponsible individuals recklessly using barbeques at the Dovestone Country Park. This is an issue that affects all of us as we all lose out when the landscape that we all enjoy so much is damaged, sometimes irreparably.”   “I am glad to see that the Greater Manchester Police is taking a firm line in apprehending and prosecuting, to the full extent of the law, offenders, some of whom are juveniles, and I welcome the recent initiative that a…
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