Lib Dems back Orpington High Street cash

10.52.05am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 30th May 2003

Orpington Councillor Grace Goodlad

Orpington Liberal Democrats are promoting a bid for funding to develop Orpington High Street.

Local Lib Dem Councillors are backing a bid to Transport for London for funding to improve access to Orpington High Street, and make it a more pleasant place to shop.

Orpington Councillor Grace Goodlad, Liberal Democrat Spokesman on Local Economy said, "Orpington High Street desperately needs investment to make it a more pleasant place to shop for local residents and to support local traders. Orpington needs this cash, but there must be full consultation with local traders and local people to make sure we get it right". Orpington Liberal Democrat Leader Chris Maines added, "This could be a really exciting opportunity for Orpington. Enhanced access for pedestrians with better access to local car parks will help the High Street businesses and be better for local people. "

The decision to bid for the money was made at the Local Economy Portfolio Holder's meeting on May 29th, at which Councillor Goodlad spoke about the project and Councillor Maines sent a written response. After the meeting Councillor Goodlad added "It is vital that the consultation process around this is full, open and honest. Bromley Conservatives push through too many decisions without discussing them openly with local people. Liberal Democrats will be fighting to make sure that the public and traders are listened to and their views taken on board"