Local MP Simon Burns, and Labour and Conservative front benchers, joined forces on 18 May to vote to exempt MPs from the Freedom of Information Act. Lib Dems have led the opposition in the House of Commons and have launched a national petition so voters can show the House of Lords (who debate the bill next) how they feel.
Wolverhampton's Lib Dem Euro MP, Liz Lynne, has welcomed a vote by the European Parliament to cap international mobile phone roaming charges and cut the cost of using mobiles abroad. The plan will cut prices to a quarter or a fifth of current rates for calls home from mobile phones while people are in other member states. The move will also cover calls made the other way from the UK to EU countries.
Mayor Peter Gane has taken a lead in working to get a long neglected park in Taylor Road, Cheriton, back into use. The park, to the rear of houses in Taylor Road, has had a recent history of dumping and is overgrown and neglected. Play equipment was removed some time ago after it was vandalised.
Graffiti on houses in Richmond Street, Cheriton has been removed after local Councillor Peter Carroll reported it the Shepway Council.
Residents of Spinney Hills and Stoneygate are being encouraged to attend their next Area Committee.
There are currently two by-elections pending in Kent. On 21st June there is a by-election in Meopham North Ward of Gravesham Borough Council, and on 12 July, a by-election for the Maidstone North East Division of Kent County Council, following the death of Lib Dem Councillor Margaret Featherstone.
