LIB DEMS SHOULD SUPPORT OUR LOCAL POLICE

There is confusion amongst the Lib Dems about whether to support Avon & Somerset Police Constabulary.

Recently the Taunton MP stated his opposition to the creation of a south-west regional police force and draws attention to the nugatory cost to the Constabulary of £80,000 against the merger plans. I absolutely agree with him; if only his Lib Dem colleagues at County Hall agreed with him also.

Instead of supporting our local force when it was threatened by expensive and unwanted regional mergers, the Liberal Democrats, unsurprisingly assisted by Labour, declared that the Avon & Somerset Constabulary "was no longer appropriate". On the other hand the Conservatives have opposed the regionalisation idea since it was first put forward. We are proud of our Police force.

I asked the Liberal Democrat Leader of the Council recently whether her views had changed and she stated they had not. I therefore would ask the Taunton MP to speak to his colleagues at County Hall and urge them to support our local Police. Given the frequency of differences between his opinion and that of the Lib Dems at County Hall, he might also consider whether he is in the right Party!

Christopher Wolverson

Leader of the Conservative Group, Somerset County Council

28/09/06