Dear Cllr Pragnell and Mr Foster,

I am advised by Lib Dem councillor for Castle Ward, Paul Smith, that the Labour Government has withdrawn £10 million of promised investment in coastal defences
for Hastings and area.

Cllr Smith was given this information by the Conservative Group on Hastings Borough Council when he questioned, at the Council's Budget meeting, the
disappearance of the sum from the Council's ongoing capital programme.

This is of great concern to us.  And it is brought into focus by the kind of weather that we have had today, and that we will continue to have. I wonder if you could give me your understanding of the situation?

I must say that, if it is true that DEFRA has withdrawn this money, it makes a mockery of local Labour's attempts to grab themselves some green credentials just before the 1 May election.  It is less than impressive to grand-stand about climate change on the one hand, and to fail abjectly to plan for its realistic repercussions on the other. Of course the Conservatives' flimsiness on green taxes
and environmentalism is undeniably worse. Whilst you may not accept these last political comments, I would be grateful if you would respond on the facts regarding the funding.

In anticipation of your replies; yours truly,
Nick
Parliamentary campaigner
Hastings & Rye Lib Dems

A contingent of Eastbourne Liberal Democrats, led by their parliamentary challenger Stephen Lloyd, piled over to Conquest Ward on Saturday to help launch Margaret Williams' campaign to oust Hastings Tory Leader Peter Pragnell.

They made the trip down the A259 in recognition of the tireless work that Margaret has done to protect essential health services for the people of Hastings and Eastbourne .

Margaret's Tory opponent led the Conservative and Labour coalition against Option 5, and has given the go-ahead for another inflation-busting rise in Council Tax at last week's budget meeting.

Following the visit Margaret said,

“We have really hit the ground running in this campaign. We know we are the underdogs, but I will do all that I can to persuade Conquest that it's time for a change. It's time for a Lib Dem councillor.”

Eastbourne PPC Stephen Lloyd said,

“I am thrilled for Nick Perry and the Lib Dem team in Hastings that they have recruited Margaret to our party, and that she is now standing for Council. Margaret has guts and energy and will be a fabulous advocate for the people of Conquest Ward.”

 Nick Perry, the Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner for Hastings & Rye said,

“It's a two horse race in Conquest – a Labour vote is a wasted vote here. The Tories have demonstrated that they can't manage the Council properly. Let's start the changes at the top. We are saying loud and clear to the Conservatives: it's time to get your hands off Conquest!”

Local Lib Dems have announced that Margaret Williams (Chair of the Hands Off the Conquest campaign) will be their candidate in Conquest Ward at the Hastings Borough Council elections on 1 May.

Margaret, who has recently joined the party, and who is well-known for her tireless work to protect essential NHS services, will challenge Tory Leader Peter Pragnell to become the representative for the people of Conquest.

Margaret said,

“I am delighted to have been selected to fight Conquest ward for the party. The hospital and the area have been a focus for me for so long - it seems the natural place for me to stand.”

Cllr Richard Stevens, Lib Dem Group Leader on Hastings Council said,

“Time and time again the Liberal Democrats have been shown to be the only party that will stick up for the community. We were the only party who were united in backing the Option 5 maternity care campaign. There is no better example than Margaret Williams for how to speak up for local people, and against unwanted cuts in essential services.”

Nick Perry, the Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner for Hastings & Rye said,

“I know that people will be rooting for Margaret, and that she will bring out to vote those that have not always voted in the past. This is a two-horse race and we are the underdogs. Labour can't win in this ward, and the Lib Dems are saying to the Conservatives: hands off Conquest!”

Honorary Freeman Pam Brown added,

“With Margaret's candidacy against the Tory Leader, we are saying loud and clear that it's time for a change. It's time for a Lib Dem Council.”

Dear Peter,

It is well known that Braybrooke councillor Godfrey Daniel has more nerve than a funny bone.

However his recent implication that Margaret Williams would not be honourable in standing for Hastings Council is far from funny.

This is especially true given the way in which he and his New Labour colleagues have dishonoured the founding principles of our National Health Service in their recent actions on maternity care.

Cllr Daniel knows full-well that it is entirely legitimate for citizens to stand for Council if they live, or work, within the relevant boundaries.

I believe his letter to you is an indication of the fear that there is in the local Labour Party that it is no longer seen as the champion of the disadvantaged and the disenfranchised.  This is a role to which the Liberal Democrats are fully committed.

I believe that Margaret Williams is a wonderful prospect as a Hastings Borough councillor.  She has all the characteristics that local people want to see in their politicians: integrity, guts and commitment.

We are delighted to inform you that we will be launching her candidacy next week.

Yours truly,

Nick Perry