Northampton Lib Dems back Bill to Support Local Shops and Services

9.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 4th Apr 2007

"Part of the barrier to tackling an issue such as that of empty shops in the town centre is that there is a lack of flexibility for local communities to identify their own particular problems and to find their own solutions".

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North Andrew Simpson has backed a Bill which would empower local communities and enable people here in Northampton to have a greater say on how our community is run. It is a Private Members' Bill and enjoys support from MPs across all parties, including every Liberal Democrat.

Andrew Simpson said,

"Our communities are often undermined by the unintended consequences of Government decisions made in London. The Sustainable Communities Bill aims to reverse this process and let local people decide instead.

"What works in one area isn't always suitable for another part of the country. For example part of the barrier to tackling an issue such as that of empty shops in the town centre is that there is a lack of flexibility for local communities to identify their own particular problems and to find their own solutions. The Sustainable Communities Bill recognises this and gives communities the ability to pursue policies which are better tailored to their individual needs.

"The Sustainable Communities Bill is designed to reverse the trend towards "Ghost Town Britain" by taking decision making away from the "dead hand" of Whitehall and putting it back in the hands of those who know best - local people.

"The Government constantly espouses its belief in localism, devolution and listening to the public. This Bill offers an opportunity to translate these warm words into action and I urge Labour's Northampton MP Sally Keeble to give her full support as it passes through Parliament."

Notes to Editors:

The Bill has passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons and is currently being scrutinised by a Parliamentary Committee.

For more information about the campaign, please see www.localworks.org .