Cllr Robin Lawrence explains new governance arrangements of Wolverhampton

10.19.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 27th May 2008

"We have not joined the Conservative administration and will deal with each subject on an issue by issue basis" - Cllr Robin Lawrence

Park Ward Lib Dem Councillor Robin Lawrence has written to voters in his ward explaining the arrangement with the new governance arrangements of Wolverhampton. Cllr Lawrence's letter said:-

"I just wanted to take the opportunity to write to you following the local elections, thank you for your support and update you to what has happened with regards to the running of the Council.

As you will know Claire Darke won in our area - Park Ward - and we also came close to picking up an additional seat in the neighbouring St. Peter's Ward.

Labour lost a number of seats across Wolverhampton to the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives and lost control of the Council. The Council is now in No Overall Control. The Liberal Democrats were willing to speak to both the other parties about how we could work together to build a better Wolverhampton but the Labour Party refused to speak to us!

We spoke to the Conservatives about a number of issues that many local residents in Park and other areas of Wolverhampton raised with us, including:

• A full roll-out of the kerbside plastic and cardboard recycling

• A review of youth facilities across the city giving the youth of Wolverhampton more choice in their activities, helping to combat anti-social behaviour and helping to improve community cohesion.

• Retention and enhancement of the Neighbourhood Warden Scheme which will lead to a safer Wolverhampton for many residents.

The Conservatives agreed to all of these and more. The Liberal Democrat Group agreed to support the Conservatives in forming an administration to run the Council.

We have not joined the Conservative administration and will deal with each subject on an issue by issue basis, voting for the policies that are the best for the people of Wolverhampton regardless of which political party puts them forward.

Your support for Claire and me last year has shown that Liberal Democrats can make a difference in Wolverhampton. We will continue to work for the residents of Park Ward and all of Wolverhampton. The more Liberal Democrat Councillors, members and helpers that we have the more we can do for Wolverhampton, please see the attached form to see if you can help us build a better Wolverhampton.

Finally, and once again thank you for the support you have shown for me and Claire. We will continue to do our best for Park Ward.

Best Wishes,

Councillor Robin Lawrence

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Park Ward