I'd like to thank all who have been involved in the budgeting process, including the Community Services Committee who very carefully reviewed all their service expenditure this year, the finance committee, and especially the Town Clerk and Finance officer who have worked hard to deliver this budget this evening.
Lynne Beaumont and Peter Carroll marry today in at a small family ceremony at their home in Peene. Shepway Liberal Democrats would like to wish them both a fantastic day and a long and happy future together.
![Fire [Photo: Ernest von Rosen, www.amgmedia.com]](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/5/csm_fire-photo-ernest-von-rosen-www-amgmedia-com_58e3410687.png)
We're writing to you as a member of the Kent Fire Authority, who will shortly be considering the proposal to remove a full-time fire engine from Folkestone Fire Station, leading to the loss of 24 firefighters from Folkestone, plus the removal of the turntable ladder sited at Folkestone to Ashford.
Liberal Democrat research has revealed that 37 million items of personal data went missing last year. The figures raise further questions about the Government's ability to handle personal data, and call into doubt plans for identity cards.
The first of the two South East Region Liberal Democrats annual conferences is on Saturday 29th March in Ashford and speakers will include Susan Kramer (MP for Richmond Park), David Heath (MP for Somerton and Frome) and Baroness Ros Scott. All members are welcome to attend, but registration in advance is strongly advised (and cheaper!).
The William Harvey Hospital in Ashford has closed two wards to new admissions after an outbreak of winter vomiting disease. Patients have been struck down by the norovirus, which causes acute sickness and diarrhoea.
Commuters from Folkestone stations to London today faced a price hike moving the cost of an annual season ticket with travel card to a staggering £4,000. The Southeastern price rise took effect on 2nd January - the first working day of the New Year.
A German container vessel with 27 crew on board has run aground in the Dover Strait off the coast of Kent. The 90,465-tonne LT Cortesia was en route to the Suez Canal when it ran aground on the Varne Bank, East of Folkestone and Hythe.
The Preliminary Agenda (including the registration and accommodation forms) for the Liberal Democrats' UK-wide (federal) Spring conference 2008 is now available at www.libdems.org.uk/media/conference/S08PrelimAgenda.pdf
The right to a trial by jury has been a cornerstone of our democracy for over 800 years. Liberal Democrat members have passed a new plan to tackle court backlogs without scrapping juries.
Learning to drive is a vital life skill. Liberal Democrat members passed a new plan to clear the backlogs, end the rip-offs, and get the next generation moving.
Big tech companies should not be allowed to profit at the expense of children’s wellbeing.
Ed Davey is a husband, a father and a carer. He is the Leader of the Liberal Democrats.
It is Ed’s experience of caring that drives much of his politics, and motivates his tireless campaigning for a fair deal.
Meet our representatives and candidates.
