West Berks Lib Dems join fight against 'Ghost Town Britain'

12.00.00am GMT Thu 18th Jan 2007

Lib Dems are fighting against 'Ghost Town Britain'

As the Sustainable Communities Bill comes before parliament to be debated by MPs on January 19th, Councillor Jeff Brooks has publicly backed this private member's bill which aims to reverse the country's decline into 'Ghost Town Britain'.

Councillor Brooks explained:

"This bill is crucial in putting power in the hands of our communities, handing the tools to promote sustainability back to councils and putting local sustainability at the heart of governance across the UK. It requires the government to obtain councils' views on how to reverse 'Ghost Town Britain' - this would mean asking local people to help solve local problems. It will also be a major step in boosting localism and strengthening local democracy. We believe that in supporting the progress of the bill we have the opportunity to make sure all levels of authority are involved and contribute to making the final product as good as possible."

All 63 of the Liberal Democrat MPs have signed up to support the bill, and 19 Lib Dem-led councils have formally signed up to the campaign.

"I will be writing to Ruth Kelly to let her know of our support for the bill - this will add to the 15,000 people, 1,000 councils, and 350 MPs already backing the bill. Anyone who wants to find out more or pledge their support can do so at www.localworks.org."