Lib Dems attack lack of vision in Bromley Council Tory budget

10.30.46am GMT Tue 24th Feb 2004

The Liberal Democrats have launched a scathing attack on the Bromley Tory budget. Despite Council Tax levels soaring through the £1000 level for the first time promises made about extra investment have not come to fruition.

Liberal Democrat Leader, Cllr Chris Maines, said that extra investment in parks, libraries, and in vulnerable areas of the Borough was not in the budget, despite Tory promises and recommendations. "When the Leisure Trust was set up we were told that there would be £1,000,000 of investment in our parks and libraries. Instead, the money has been kept by the Council and not used as the Tories promised. Recommendations made by Tory dominated Committees about investment in the regeneration areas around Crystal Palace and the Crays have also been shelved which will lead to real problems in those areas."

Deputy Leader Cllr David McBride, who represents Cray Valley East Ward, said that the budget failed to invest for the Borough's future and told the Council meeting of initiatives in the Crays that would suffer without the recommended investment. "The areas that will be affected are adult education courses at Manor Oak School and support for local businesses. Liberal Democrats would have spent £300,000 from the Council's reserves to support these projects. They would have benefited the Council in the future and not added a penny to Council tax levels this year. For the sake of saving money this year the Tories have, once again, shown that they do not care about certain areas in this Borough and are not interested in the long term future of Bromley."

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