Shropshire Lib Dems unveil Manifesto with plan to clean up Conservative mess

Shropshire Council's main opposition group has today released their Manifesto ahead of the 1st May elections, pledging to 'clean up the mess' on finances and transparency at the Guildhall.

The Manifesto, entitled 'Fix Shropshire Together', sets out the Lib Dem stall as they hope for a change of administration in May.

The Liberal Democrats currently hold 18 seats to the Conservatives on 37, but are hoping to take majority control of Shropshire Council, building on recent Parliamentary success in North Shropshire and a growing vote-share across the county.

Headline pledges include to rein in consultancy spending, open up the Guildhall to the public, and to prioritise work with partners like Town and Parish Councils to protect non-statutory services.

With Shropshire Council teetering on bankruptcy, no party will be making expensive pledges this election. Liberal Democrats say they are focused on 'cleaning up the financial mess' and getting the local authority back on its feet.

Cllr Heather Kidd, Co-Leader of the Shropshire Liberal Democrats, said, "Our focus ahead of the Council elections is on cleaning up the financial mess that the Conservatives have left at the Guildhall.

"They have run Shropshire Council since day one back in 2009. That time has been wasted, and is characterised by waste and incompetence, whether that's on £51 million shopping centres or £17,000 per-day cuts consultants.

"Liberal Democrats would do things differently. We want to empower our communities through town and parish partnerships, offer rural areas a fair deal, and get Shropshire Council back on its feet.

"Only a vote for the Lib Dems on the 1st of May will bring about the change we need at Shropshire Council."

Cllr Roger Evans, Co-Leader of the Shropshire Liberal Democrats, added, "Shropshire Council needs to rein in consultancy spending, open the Guildhall up to the public, and work as equals with our Town and Parish Council partners to provide services.

"Only the Liberal Democrats have a plan to do that, and only the Liberal Democrats can beat the Conservatives on the 1st of May."

You can read the full manifesto here.