Merlene Emerson, one of the 10 LibDem Council delegates to ALDE Party reporting back.

Who?

ALDE Party (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe) is an umbrella membership party of liberal leaning and social democratic parties in Europe. There are currently 77 members across 44 countries in Europe, both in EU as well as non-EU countries. Sadly the LibDems have now fallen into the 2^nd category but it is remains a lifeline that keeps us connected with others in the liberal and democratic family in Europe.

Sudden announcement on much-loved Community Hospital

Residents, patients and Councillors in the Bishop's Castle Area have reacted angrily to the news that Shropshire Community Hospital Trust (ShropCom) is to try to close the town's hospital without a public consultation for the second time.

Ruth Houghton, Shropshire Councillor for the town said: "This is potentially devastating news for our rural community where access to alternative sources of health care is difficult and public transport is poor.

On the floor of the House of Commons this afternoon, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron accused the Government of threatening to undermine local universities.

Yesterday, the Home Office announced new overseas students will no longer be able to bring family with them except under specific circumstances.

Jo Grady, the general secretary of the University and College Union, said the proposals were "a vindictive move" and "deeply shameful".

This morning, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has started a petition calling for the bus service which serves the Cartmel Peninsula to be saved.

From 20th July, the 530/532 bus service which serves the Cartmel Peninsula will be withdrawn after the bus company Travellers Choice lost the school contract.

The bus goes round the peninsula, stopping at Lindale, Grange, Allithwaite, Flookburgh, Cartmel and Cark, before taking passengers into Kendal.

National Morris Federation AGM Start Date: 1st October 2023 End Date: 1st October 2023 Purpose: The National Morris Dancing Federation AGM will be held in Bishops Castle on SUNDAY 1-Oct between 10:30-12:00. Minor delays - roads closed for short duration while a Morris procession passes, controlled reopening when safe to do so. Marshals throughout route to provide assistance and direction as required. Roads affected Church Street, High Street, Market Square. Enforcement pattern for National Morris Federation AGM: All the time. You can view the closure and diversion route by clicking here: https://one.network/?tm=134189750 Should you have any queries regarding this closure, please call Customer Services on 0345 6789006, or contact the Street Works Team on streetworks@shropshire.gov.uk.

Shropshire Hills Shuttle Bus- will operate weekends and bank holidays from 27 May to 8^th October . There is a new route and a new timetable for 2023. The new route includes stops at Wentnor, Asterton and Plowden amongst others, which opens up fabulous walking opportunities on the SW side of the Longmynd. Full details are in this link Step aboard our weekend Shuttle Buses to enjoy easy access onto the Long Mynd & Stiperstones for walking and sightseeing, pub lunches and picnics (shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk)

In Parliament this morning, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron told ministers to press ahead with plans to change planning law to give local authorities the power to limit the number of short terms lets in the county.

During a Westminster Hall debate, Tim told the stories of local people and families who had been evicted from their homes in the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, so that their landlord could turn it into a holiday let.

On the floor of the House of Commons yesterday, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron encouraged Home Secretary Suella Braverman to increase funding for youth work in the county to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Speaking during Home Office questions, Tim said: "In Kendal we are proud of the recently set up Youth Matters project, which is about engaging young people with worthwhile activities to do with their time.

This week in Parliament, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron met with Bruce Parker, Head of Planning & Development, North West at National Highways, to ask for vital safety improvements to be delivered on the A590.

During the meeting, Tim pushed for progress on plans to introduce speed cameras and lower speed limits on those sections of the road which has been plagued with accidents throughout recent years.

This week, in Westminster Hall during a debate on Council Tax and Stamp Duty, Westmorland MP Tim Farron has expressed his support for the scrapping of Council Tax and the introduction of a new 'property tax'.

During the debate, led by Simon Fell MP for Barrow and Furness, Tim described Council Tax as a "bad attempt at a wealth tax, which fails miserably. It is regressive: someone can live in a £20 million mansion in Westminster and pay less in council tax than someone living in a social rented home in Kendal, Windermere, Grasmere, Appleby or Kirkby Stephen."