A new study has highlighted concerns that homophobic crime is a significant issue in Oxfordshire and that many offences go unreported to the police. A survey of gay people in Oxfordshire found that they have experienced high levels of homophobic harassment and violence throughout their lives. Many saw this abuse as a normal occurrence and it was found that many offences went unreported to the police.
The 'Nite Rider' bus service which offers a cheap ride home to Folkestone clubbers could be scrapped - despite police evidence showing reductions in criminal damage and assaults. New Harbour Town Councillor Emily Sanger has supported the service, and wants to see it continued.
Cllr. Christine Rycroft has been confirmed as the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Chelmsford Borough Council. Chris replaces Cllr. Phil Harvey. Also announced on the Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet is Cllr. Tom Smith-Hughes as the Deputy Leader, replacing Cllr. Trevor Miller, and Cllr. Margaret Hutchon to chair the key all-party watchdog Scrutiny Committee.
Local Lib Dems Sam Matthews and Darren Briddock are opposing Labour plans for ID cards. A report by the influential London School of Economics prices the ID card system as costing up to £18 billion - £300 for every person in the country.
The Liberal Democrats yesterday announced their plans for reform of the pensions system. The Liberal Democrats have written to Adair Turner, Chairman of the Pension Commission, setting out 10 key principles for pension reform.
Hythe computer expert and businessman Darren Briddock has spoken out against plans to fly nearly 100 head teachers from Kent to America for a fact-finding trip in term time to study "the application of the computer age in transforming the ways teachers teach and children learn".