Welsh Lib Dems launch 'A Fair Green Future for North Wales'

2.36.26pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th Apr 2007

An NHS walk-in centre, more affordable housing and investment in summer festivals are the highlights of the Welsh Liberal Democrat mini-manifesto for North Wales, launched today in Menai Bridge.

The fifteen point plan focuses on how Welsh Lib Dem policies in government would provide healthcare when it's needed, make the green switch and improve housing across the North. Mike German, leader of the party in the Assembly and Eleanor Burnham, AM for North Wales, were joined by Ynys Mon candidate Mandi Abrahams at the launch.

The mini-manifesto includes proposals to:

· Pilot a walk-in centre in North Wales, with Wrexham the prime candidate for location.

· Develop Anglesey as an economic opportunity area, focusing on green jobs and tourism.

· Ensure that at least half of publicly procured food in Wales comes from Wales by 2015.

Eleanor Burnham, lead candidate on the North Wales list, said:

"This document highlights some of our proposals for North Wales, and how our policies will deliver a fair, green future for the North.

"I'm proud to have been the Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for the region for the last six years - but with more Welsh Lib Dem AMs we could do so much more. Just look at Wrexham where we now lead the council. Increased kerbside recycling, more PCSOs on the beat and town-centre regeneration.

"From my experience of being in the Senedd I know that the needs of the North can be overlooked by this M4 corridor cabinet.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats are a party for all of Wales, and all the people of Wales. Here in the North that means investing in better transport links, in education chances for all and making the green switch a money-spinner for families, communities and business."

Mike German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the National Assembly, added:

"North Wales has the potential to lead the way in making the green switch for Wales. The natural resources are here, the expertise in the energy sector is here, the potential for green and activity tourism is here.

"Our radical and ambitious programme for government will raise the standard across North Wales. We say no to Labour's back-to-front NHS re-organisation. Alternative primary and community provision plans must be in place before any changes are considered.

"We say no to nuclear power, a toxic treasure trove for future generations. Let's make Anglesey a beacon for green jobs and energy.

"We say no to continued ignorance of the affordable housing crisis. Let's give local people and councils the power to stop second-home sales, build more affordable housing and a duty on government to identify land for affordable development."

Notes/Nodiadau:

A text copy of the North Wales mini-manifesto is available on request. The full Welsh Liberal Democrat election manifesto is available at: http://www.welshlibdems.org.uk/e-home.asp

Diwedd/Ends.