New figures released by the Liberal Democrats show that since 1997 over 20,000 specialist shops including bakeries, butchers and corner shops have closed, at an estimated rate of around 50 per week.
The Liberal Democrats have today launch their new plans to cut unfair health charges - including providing free eye and dental checks, and conducting a thorough independent review of the prescription charge regime. The announcement is part of the Liberal Democrats' comprehensive health policy package aimed at delivering a quality health service close to home by freeing front-line staff from Government meddling.
The Liberal Democrats today launched their new plans to cut unfair health charges - including providing free eye and dental checks, and conducting a thorough independent review of the prescription charge regime.
Regeneration of the Upper High Street shopping area in Epsom is being aimed at by council planners. A recent proposal from developers to build on part of the car park, as well as the adjoining Allam's garage and Iceland store, was approved by a government inspector after being rejected by Epsom & Ewell's planning committee. This could not go ahead, because the car park is owned by the Borough Council. However to try and attract more shoppers into the town centre, the planners are now considering an alternative development as a supermarket, by new site owners Helical Bar.
This week, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip, Andrew Stunell MP will present a bill to Parliament that aims to bring mobile phone masts under strict planning control and bring in the 'precautionary principle', giving extra safeguards for schools, homes, and medical facilities from the risk of excessive radiation.
Responding to the Conservatives call today for a cross party consensus on climate change, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Norman Baker MP, said: