Derby Liberal Democrats

Recently the British Heart Foundation have released a report showing that over 8000 women die as a result of unequal heart attack care per year across the country.

Lib Dem campaigner for Derby North, Barry Holliday, said:

"Sadly, this isn't new information. For years we have known that women are not receiving the same care for heart attacks as men, now we know to what extent and how many women are dying as a result.

Work has begun on a new 600 place car park for staff at the Royal Derby Hospital. Most staff who now park on site will be able to park in the new car park.

This will leave more space for patients and visitors by the hospital. That should mean fewer cars parked all day just beyond the 'residents only' parking areas.

Following the National Audit Office report on the rolling out smart energy meters, Lib Dems have slammed the Tories for their botched handling of the rollout.

Liberal Democrat candidate for Derby North, Barry Holliday, commented:

"The smart meter programme's aims are positive and making the energy system smarter is essential if we want to move to a low carbon economy and help tackle climate change.

Housing and Homelessness charity Shelter latest report 'Homelessness in Great Britain: the numbers behind the story' shows that homelessness is increasing across the country and is on the rise here in the East Midlands.

The estimated total number of people homeless across Great Britain is believed to be 320,000. It fell in the South West by 8% but has risen here in the East Midlands by 6% meaning now an estimated 1 in 655 people in our region are homeless.

Today a judge has decided that the election result in Boulton Ward last May stands. Labour's Ranjit Banwait lost the election by almost 500 votes.

Reacting to the news, Lib Dem campaigner Ajit Atwal said, "Last May I lost by one vote in Abbey Ward. I accepted the result because I believe in democracy. Ranjit Banwait is just a bad loser. He ran the Council like a dictator and the voters of Boulton delivered their verdict on him on 3rd May."

More shopping choice for Heatherton?

Dozens of people went to the exhibition about a new supermarket in Heatherton on behalf of Aldi. Their proposal is for a large store behind the Hollybrook Pub, with access directly off Rykneld Road.

Tom Bull said "We've asked lots of people locally for their views. While most welcome more choice, not everyone wants an Aldi. Some think the store is too large. Many dislike the access point or have traffic concerns."

The Government have announced that plans to reduce the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) has been delayed.

FOBTs currently allow gamblers to place bets of up to £100 on electronic games. They have been described as the 'crack cocaine' of gambling, and can see players lose vast amounts of money very quickly with no human interaction.

Recently the Home Affairs Select Committee released a report called 'Policing for the future'. Liberal Democrats across the country have called for a boost to police funding to turn the tide on serious violent crime. Your Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner, Barry Holliday, commented:

"Needless Conservative police cuts have already made our streets less safe. The Home Office's own reports shows that cuts have contributed to the rise in serious violent crime, yet the Tories continue to squeeze forces' budgets.

Derby City Council have announced plans to address Derby's air quality problem - by introducing traffic management in Stafford Street.

Derby was found to have some of the worst air quality in the country. A court judgement against the Government means that Derby City Council are required to present a plan to improve this and get Derby's air back to safe standards.