In October the Lib Dem Group of Tim Prater and Gary Fuller proposed to Folkestone and Hythe District Council a motion on Fireworks. It got massive majority support from Council - 27 votes for, none against, 2 abstentions. It read:
That the Council takes the following action:
1. Encourage all publicly organised firework displays within the district area to be advertised online in advance of the event by offering or signposting a free listing service, so that residents can both enjoy the celebrations and take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people; 2. Promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people and the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks, such as asking people to let neighbours know about private displays in advance, and the penalties for causing a noise nuisance late at night where not allowed by legislation; 3. Encourage retailers to follow the lead of Sainsburys in withdrawing the sale of fireworks to the public; 4. Develop and promote a voluntary local code on firework sale licenced premises to promote quieter firework options; 5. Write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private display; 6. Encourage the public to notify KCC Trading Standards of retail outlets that are not correctly applying the regulations of the selling of fireworks both in terms of age-appropriateness, licensing and CE markings; 7. Given the damage they cause and risk they present, institute a ban on the release of sky lanterns from F&HDC land, and write to the UK Government urging them to consider banning sky lanterns in the UK in total.
"First promised in 2019, since then the crisis in our bus services has worsened, because for the last year the Government has actively discouraged bus travel, seen as unsafe in the pandemic. This came on top of decades of decline, when there has been no strategy for bus services, left to the power of the market.
Ida Linfield, Liberal Democrat candidate for Canterbury City South, is pressing for better support and respite breaks for Kent's carers.
The pressures of lockdown last year have been immense for all of us but especially for the carers in our community, many of whom are wives, husbands and school-aged children. Many of whom are not in the best state of health themselves.
The Liberal Democrat County Council candidate for Maidstone South, Brian Clark, backs the six key priorities of Kent Liberal Democrats.
"Our priorities highlight urgent areas of focus which will help residents recover from this devastating pandemic. Our natural environment, so beneficial for wellbeing, needs to be central in our thinking.
Liberal Democrat candidate for Maidstone Central, Chris Passmore, extols the Medway River Path's contribution to good mental health.
The Covid pandemic and its social and economic impacts will negatively impact on many of our lives, being unable to manage the additional day to day pressures caused by changing relationships and employment. This can impact on our mental health and can lead to depression, substance abuse, family breakdown and even as a last resort suicide.
Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Malling Central, Trudy Dean, continues to work to make our streets safer.
A large section of Larkfield's 4,000. homes will be getting a 20mph limit on their roads after KCC and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Councillors last night (8th March) jointly approved the scheme.
Liberal Democrat candidate for Gravesham East, Ukono Obasi, is passionate about the health and wellbeing of children and young people.
"In Kent, our children and young people measure poorly against the national averages for children in care, immunisation, prevalence of obesity and young people not in education, employment, or training. These factors have a huge impact on their physical and mental health and is also a huge cost on our economy with all serious impact it has on wider society.
Anne Sullivan is standing for the Liberal Democrats in Tunbridge Wells South at May's County Council Elections.
"The Liberal Democrats are the party that supports residents take care of their mental and physical wellbeing.
The pandemic has taken its toll on the mental and physical health of so many people and the Liberal Democrats are committed to making sure that those most adversely affected are given the support they need.
