Lib Dems pledge: we'll put North Somerset first

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 21st Oct 2005

Liberal Democrat members of North Somerset Council's ruling Executive met together last night to agree an action plan for the coming weeks.

Following the withdrawal of Conservative councillors from the partnership Lib Dem/Con administration on Tuesday evening, eight Liberal Democrat councillors have taken responsibility for administering the authority.

Liberal Democrat Council Leader Alan Hockridge said: "We are absolutely clear that our duty is to put North Somerset residents first. Unlike the Conservatives, it is not a responsibility that we take lightly or that we

shall walk away from.

"Behind the scenes we will be discussing with other political groups how we can best ensure a stable administration for North Somerset.

"However, there is no meltdown at the Town Hall. The eight Lib Dem Executive members have already hit the ground running in a series of meetings with senior officers to ensure that services are delivered and that we concentrate on the priorities of local people.

"We will re-focus the council on providing the core services - education, social services, transport, housing - which local residents depend upon.

"We are ambitious for our district and ambitious for this council."

Lib Dem Executive Member for Finance, Cllr Mike Bell added: "We are crystal clear about our goals. We will relentlessly focus on providing good quality frontline services in the most efficient way possible.

"We are unrepentant, despite Conservative hand-wringing, in our determination not to see Council Tax rise by more than 5%.

"There is a great deal to do, but our aim is to make North Somerset a beacon of sound financial management and efficient administration."