Local Forum a Huge Success

7.19.44pm GMT Sun 7th Mar 2010

The Rutland and Melton Liberal Democrats held a very successful Forum aimed at engaging local people in political debate. Held at Voluntary Action Rutland, on the evening of March 3rd, the meeting, chaired by local LibDem Chairman Peter Beanland, covered a vast array of issues.

Marc Oxley, Rutland County Councillor, discussed the post-16 education position, highlighting the lack of consultation and refusal to take into account local opinion. He added that the options being offered were incomplete and felt that the majority of the decision process had been held behind closed doors.

Marc Oxley, Peter Beanland, Grahame Hudson, Sherrie Collins

Sherrie Collins, Vice Chair of the Save RAF Cottesmore Campaign, outlined their plans to promote the cause and gain national recognition, explaining the devastating effect on the local community. She said this was the first campaign of its type and was gathering huge momentum.

Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Grahame Hudson covered a wide variety of local and national issues, including Vince Cable's universally respected position on the economy, how the LibDems were the only party challenging the MPs expenses system prior to the exposure in the national press, the need to support rural businesses and farmers and the lack of affordable housing.

The general mood of the meeting was constructive and positive and Grahame Hudson commented "this evening's event is truly encouraging and shows that people in Rutland are crying out for change".