Lib Dem MP backs Newbury's war on crime

11.51.32am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 24th Apr 2007

Nick Clegg MP visits Newbury Lib Dems

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Nick Clegg MP was out and about on the streets of Newbury on Monday afternoon, witnessing first hand the effects of West Berkshire's escalating crime rates on local peoples' day to day lives.

After meeting local Liberal Democrat candidates and campaigners in Newbury Town Centre, Nick accompanied Parliamentary Spokesperson David Rendel, Councillor Phil Barnett, Lib Dem candidate Pam Lusby Taylor, and local activists to the repeatedly vandalised Skylings play area in Clay Hill.

Nick commented:

"I was appalled to hear that West Berkshire's crime rates have increased by 27% in the past year alone. Children should be able to use play areas such as Skylings freely and safely. Neighbourhood wardens play an important role in protecting local facilities such as play areas and could help prevent vandalism which often leaves these areas unusable. I was very disappointed to hear that West Berkshire's Tories voted down Lib Dem proposals to increase the number of wardens on the streets, but am delighted to support the Liberal Democrat campaign to double West Berkshire's wardens if elected in May."

Falkland Candidates Mavis and Peter Greenhalgh Nick Clegg MP then went on to visit Mrs Butler in Kingsbridge Road, whose home was burgled last year.

"People such as Mrs Butler would really feel the benefit of more wardens in the local area. Nationally Lib Dems are campaigning for more police officers on our streets, and locally we are campaigning for more wardens to support West Berkshire's police."