It was to a packed field that I made an opening speech to welcome everyone and officially open the first ever Folkestone Primary Academy Fete. It was also a pleasure to congratulate Helen Tate on her recently awarded CBE in front of the parents and children who have benefited from her expertise.
Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has launched a £1bn Regional Growth Fund to help communities that may be particularly affected by public spending cuts.
With Bedford Borough enjoying warm summer weather, Mayor Dave Hodgson's commitment to making the Council as well prepared as possible to for next winter and any repeat of the 'Big Freeze' has seen an additional supply of 3,000 tonnes of gritting salt secured from Sweden. The Council has placed orders with domestic salt suppliers to replenish stocks for next winter, but a severe national shortage has left these suppliers unable to guarantee delivery before the winter. Rather than waiting and hoping that these orders materialise, the Mayor authorised a search of the international market, which is also suffering a shortage of supplies. A supply of 3,000 tonnes of salt in Sweden was located and secured, and this will be shipped in and added to the Council's stocks in readiness for gritting local roads when the next bout of cold weather hits.
Here is the message of support from Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat party leader Nick Clegg MP to tomorrow's London Pride:
Home Office Equalities Minister, Lib Dem MP Lynne Featherstone today set out the Government's plans to tackle homophobia and transphobia and promote equal rights for all. Speaking to the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) LGBT conference ahead of Pride London 2010, Lynne stressed that the battle for equality is far from over and promised that the Coalition Government would do everything in its power to protect LGBT people from discrimination.
Lib Dem councillors have brought a Motion to the Council asking for charges to be made for advice given by council officers in advance of a major planning application being formally registered.