Vale of Clwyd Liberal Democrats

Welsh Lib Dems Candidates-Denbighshire!

2008-04-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Etholiadau Cyngor Sir Ddinbych 2008
Denbighshire Local Authority Elections 2008

Safer, Greener, Better Value future
Yn Fwy diogel, Yn Fwy Gwyrdd,
Yn Well Gwerth

Please Vote For

Mark Young X Llandyrnog

Rhrodri Jones X Tremeirchion

Colin L Hughes X Upper Denbigh & Henllan

John Larsen X Upper Denbigh & Henllan

Mary Tetley X Denbigh Central

Bobby Feeley X Ruthin

Colum McCormack X Rhyl West

Paul Penlington X Prestatyn Central

Jonathon Bentley X Prestatyn South West

Ken Prydderch X Dyserth

Heather Prydderch X Meliden

Ein addewid ichi:
1. Rydym yn gaddo i gefnogi ein ysgolion gwledig ac ein
swyddfeydd post ermwyn sicrhau dyfodol gwell i'n cymunedau
gwledig
2. Rydym yn gaddo i gynnal, yn rheolaidd, cyfarfodydd gwaith yn y
gymuned lleol
3. Rydym yn gaddo i wrando yn ddi - ffael ar pryderon ac anghenion
y gymuned lleol ac i ymateb yn brydlon ac yn bositif
Our pledge to you:

1. We pledge to support fully our rural schools and our post offices
in order to safeguard a better future for our rural communities
2. We pledge to hold regular action meetings in the local community
3. We pledge to listen without fail to the needs and concerns of the
local community and to respond punctually and positively

Y Blaid Rhyddrydol Cymreig
The Welsh Liberal Democrats

Yn Edrych Ymlaen I'r Dyfodol!
Looking Forward to the Future

Please contact us for more information
Call: 01824 790086 or 07769 666239
Email: mark@valeofclwydlibdems.co.uk
Web: http://www.youngcampaign.com/

Promoted and printed by Mark Young, Bryn Eithin, Llandyrnog, Denbighshire, LL 16 4NA

2008-02-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

Welsh Liberal Democrats

Your
Community
Needs You!

Mark Young liberal democrat Chair - Vale of Clwyd said,
"I speak to people all the time who say they don't know who their local councillor is, and who want to make a change. But too many people feel they don't have the time, or the confidence to put themselves forward. I want to make sure that everyone in the area who wants to have a say in the services they receive has a chance to put themselves forward in May".

Are you interested in local issues?
Would you be interested in standing for
Denbighshire County Council??

The Welsh Lib Dems are seeking
candidates for the 2008 local elections.
Please contact us for more information.

Call - 01824-790086 or 07769-666239
Email - mark@valeofclwydlibdems

Lembit Opik for London Mayor

2007-08-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

Having met Lembit in the Vale Of Clwyd this year during the Welsh Assembly Elections I have to say that he would make a Fantastic Mayor of London.

He mixes well with people from all walks of life young & old and is a very, very capable politician.He has that special "je ne sais " when he talks people stop in their tracks and listen. When I was with him we met with both business & community people in the Vale and his knowledge of the many topics that we were discussing was vast and he always offered sensible solutions !

When Boris put your foot in it Johnson & Ken Olympic Fiasco Livingstone threw their Hats in the ring, they is only one result and that would be a Metetorite Strike knockout,and the Winner is Lembit Opik.

But if you want a real London mayor contest - a real man of the people, please leave a message and spread the word people of London Opik for Mayor..-[If Enough People Respond We Just Might Swing It]

Llandyrnog Annual Tractor Run & Historical Village Walk

2007-07-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

Its that time again! The Llandyrnog Tractor Run and Historical Village Walk will be held on the 26th August in aid of two good causes St Kentigerns Hospice and the Welsh Air Ambulance.

Local politician and organiser Mark Young said “The Welsh Air Ambulance has been included alongside St Kentigerns due to their dramatic rescue in January this year of David Murfitt who fell from his horse whilst attempting a jump near the White House in Llandyrnog.” Mr Murfitt sustained multiple injuries, breaking both legs in the accident. He needed 4 operations and the skills of one of North Wales’s best trauma surgeons to get him back on his feet.

Entry for the Tractor run is just £10 and takes in breathtaking views from the Vale of Clwyd mountain range. Vintage, Classic and Modern Tractors of any type are all welcome. The best turned out tractor, best working tractor and a special “Supreme Champion Tractor” will all receive a prize. The meet will be on the Green in Llandyrnog next to the Kinmell Arms pub at 12:00. Tractors will set off for the run at 12:30. For those not driving there is also a guided walk which will take in the local history of the village, lead by local history man Mr Bryn Davies.

David Murfitt appealed for people to go along and lend their support to both these important charities. Commenting on the Air Ambulance he said “I was shocked to realise that the service relies solely on donations to operate, yet for many people in the Welsh countryside it is critical to getting them the urgent assistance they need. Forget the Automobile Association, its the Air Ambulance that really is the 4th Emergency Service.”

Food and Drink will be available and everyone is welcome.

And we are off!

2007-04-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

Its election time, and today sees the official launch of the campaign in North Wales for the Welsh Assembly. Mark Young, our Vale of Clwyd candidate met up with Lembit Opik and others in Wrexham today to highlight the message that Lib Dems are serious about crime.

As part of the mornings activities, Lembit Opik officially announced the Petition about North Wales police funding discussed previously.

You can read about this and more over at Marks campaign website which is

http://markjohnyoung.spaces.live.com

We wish Mark, and all the other Lib Dem candidates all the best for May 3rd.

Police Forced to Charge

2007-03-31T03:26:00.000-07:00

A petition has been launched on the Number 10 website appealing for signatures against the current policy of applying different per capita policies to police funding in North Wales. The North Wales police force currently gets less money per person than the South from Home Office funds, leaving it forced to raise funds from other sources such as Council Tax to make up the difference. If you would like to lend your support to this petition, please visit http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/northwalespolice

LORD ROGERS ATTENDS WELSH LIB DEM FUND RAISING LUNCH

2007-02-05T15:40:00.000-08:00

Last weekend saw many local Welsh Liberal Democrats gather for lunch at the Brookhouse Mill near Denbigh. Members from Ruthin and Denbigh met for their annual dinner in order to raise funds for both the Vale of Clwyd and Clwyd West in the run up to the forthcoming Assembly elections scheduled for May this year.

The successful Sunday Roast lunch was followed by an entertaining speech by Lord Rogers of Llandudno who spoke of his experiences and views of the House of Lords. This was finished off with questions and answers from the local membership.

Councilor Mark Young , the prospective Welsh Assembly candidate for the Vale of Clwyd officially thanked Lord Rogers and Mrs Eleanor Burnham AM for attending the dinner. Mark also thanked all the members for their help and support over the last few months.

As the lunch drew to an end, Lord Rogers highlighted to all members that ;"the Welsh Lib Dems go into this Assembly election with our best ever team, candidates in place and with great momentum and optimistic for success in North Wales."

Mark Young - Prospective Welsh Liberal Democrat Candidate for the Vale of Clwyd

2006-12-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

Local business & family man Cllr Mark Young has been selected as theProspective Welsh Liberal Democrat Candidate for the Vale of Clwydin next years May Assembly elections.

Cllr Young said "Being selected for the constituency I live and work in is agreat honour and privilege".

North Wales Assembly Member-Eleanor Burnham AM said "Mark is a natural communicator and connects well with people and will make an excellent Assembly member For the Vale of Clwyd and we would make a great team."

As the only growing party in the Vale, it is time for new ideas and change! "I will serve the community of the Vale with energy, commitment anddedication if elected by the people in the Vale" said Cllr Young.

Introducing John Sprotson - Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate for Prestatyn Town Council

2006-11-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

In this entry you will find a personal message from John Sprotson, who has produced the following online message as part of his campaign to win the Prestatyn Town Council By-Election this November:

(John is pictured on the left of the photograph, along with Mark Young)

“Friends will tell you that I have never been a ‘shrinking violet’. So if you believe that you wish to have a strong voice in the council chamber, maybe you would consider voting for me. Let me tell you a little about what I stand for:

I believe that our Community Hospital must be kept open, indeed even expanded to increase services to our community.

I also feel that it is time that issues affecting our local community and our town were addressed. Many of the big issues are directly or indirectly dependent on Denbighshire County Council. Sadly, the voice of the local electorate does not seem to be heeded. As a result decisions (or rather the lack of them!) are holding back the much needed regeneration of our town and I want to put that right.

The building of the new school is going to generate extra traffic on an already busy roadway, particularly at the crossroad junction, and urgent review of road and traffic management is essential to the safety of our residents and our children.

Finally, I also believe in fighting for Saving local Post Offices, putting Bobbies back on the Beat, user friendly recycling, and a consistent approach to car parking in the area. “

A bit about John Sprotson:

John is married to wife Mair with two daughters and grandchildren, and has lived within the South-West Ward of Prestatyn for the past 24 years. John has served on the Town Council from 1991 until 1995. This included a period of time spent as Deputy Mayor to Councillor Mike German.

The by-election is on the 23rd November 2006 and if you would like to know more, please email John at john_sprotson@valeofclwydlibdems.co.uk or call the deputy constituency chairman Mark Young on 07769 666239

GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND

2006-10-22T03:06:00.001-07:00

Last week I attended a celebration with my blind father in law and his ever faithful guide dog Chad. The celebration was to honour 75 years of Guide dogs for the Blind.
Guide dogs have been aiding mobility in blind and partially blind people for 2,000 years. It was a day to celebrate and honour the guide dog and the volunteers who make it happen.

The modern guide dog story, begins during the first world war, when thousands of soldiers were returning from the front blinded, often by poison gas. A German doctor, Dr Gerhaard Stalling had the idea of training dogs en masse to help those affected.

In August 1916 Dr Stalling opened the world's first guide dog school for the blind in Oldenburg. The school grew and new branches sprung up around the country.

In 1930 , two British women, Muriel Crooke and Rosamund Bond set up training in England of the first four British guide dogs and three years later The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association was founded.

Since then the Association has gone from strength to strength and now works towards a common goal ; to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

The commitment of the people who work for Guides Dogs is as deep today as it ever was.

Guide dogs for the blind stands for freedom, dignity and independence. I still stand in awe and respect when I watch Chad my father in laws, Michael Tetley's golden retriever guide dog take him to London on the train and around the tube system better than I can do myself.

Long may this Association go on ..............

GIVE CHILDREN A BETTER CHANCE IN LIFE

2006-10-22T01:29:00.000-07:00

At the Autumn conference in Aberystwyth members voted for legislation to be bought in to limit class sizes to 25 per class. I feel strongly in agreement about this and spoke at Conference to support the legislation. Last year I spent a day in a class at my local school and was told first hand by the Head Teacher and staff of the
benefits that smaller class sizes would offer . The finest investment our generation can make is to give high quality education to our next generation.If we are successful each and every child will be given the opportunity to realise their own potential . There is no doubt that smaller class sizes will be beneficial to a
pupil's education. The fewer pupils there are, the more attention the teachers can give each of them and therefore improve their learning experience.

As a business man, I also believe that a good education which smaller class sizes will deliver will set up the foundations for long term economic prosperity of Wales.

I also truly believe that smaller class sizes will help reduce behaviour and crime problems. Expert opinion confirms that children well taught and well cared for in their early years have a better opportunity to lead successful and rewarding lives.

We all have the same vision as parents and teachers. Many of our candidates are teachers themsleves. We understand the daily pressures of teaching large sized classes.

I believe that the Welsh Libe Dem class size policy is good for stability, good for staff and above all good for parents and children. Everyone is a winner.......

WHY ARE WE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS?

2006-09-26T01:38:00.000-07:00

If members are asked why they are Liberal Democrat, it is a fair bet that most will come up with three main reasons; a belief that the people should have more power over decisions that affect their lives, that taxes should be fair and should be spent on public services to help those in greatest need and that the environment must be protected for future generations.

The party's policy paper Trust in people; Make Britain free, fair and green, will be debated by the Federal Conference in Brighton next Tuesday afternoon .It gives a clear statement of those same priorities on which the party can build its campaigning platform for the years to come.

The conferences of the other two parties will be entirely different. The Labour party is caught in the light of the ongoing leadership explosion and its members dwindling by the day, have lost any reason or will to campaign. The Tories have been given by their new lead a public relations style shopping list of big ideas that have no philosophical roots. Like New Labour supporters before them, the Conservatives will find themslevesl selling their wares off a political barrow. Voters may believe they;ll get a bargain, but it is likely that the goods will fall apart as soon as they get them home.

Our party has the ability and the determination to put together a radical and clear agenda for this country. Debates down for next weeks party Conference will not not eschew the tough subjects like tax reform, climate change and international law.

Representativs at Brighton will have the opportunity to show that liberal Deomocrats are not just people with ideas. This party can demonstrate that it is based on a set of clear political principles which in practical terms will enable ordninary pepole to be in control of their lives and to be part of a fairer and greener Britain

TAX PLANS - SIMPLER, FAIRER AND GREENER

2006-08-14T03:16:00.000-07:00

Today the Liberal Democrats are launching our new proposals for tackling inequality and environmental damage by reforming the tax system. I believe that these proposals are the most progressgive launched by any party in recent history. They are the result of 12 months work by the party's Tax Commission set up by the Federal Policy committee, made up of a cross section of the party members.

The commission was asked to look at ways of reforming the tax system to make it fairer, simpler and greener. I believe we have achieved all three of these goals and put together credible and balanced package that we can campaign on and will be popular with voters.

our proposals would lift two million people on low incomes out of direct tax altogether. We would reduce the burden on millions of households and individuals on middle incomes.

Compared with our policy at the last general election of a 50p rate on earnings over £100,000 , which raised approx £5 billion a year our new proposals envisage an annual tax switch of £18 billion - without the need to raise taxation overall. We would raise the money by scrapping tax breaks for the very rich such as their pension contribution relief and capital gains tax relief, and by increasing green taxes so that polluters pay the price for degrading the environment.

FAIRNESS LIES AT THE HEART OF OUR TAX PROPOSALS

Our £18 billion tax switch comes on top of our pledge to scrap the unfair and unpopular council Tax and replace it with the local income tax based on ability to pay.

The current system of taxations is not fair. The bottom 20% of households pay proportionately more of their income in tax than the richest 20%. There has also been a marked increase in wealth inequality since Labour came to power.

Despite the rhetoric, levels of green taxtion unde Labour have been falling and these taxes are failing to achieve substantial behaviour change. The conservatives talk about the environment but aren't willing to mkae the tough choices necessary.

CLIMATE CHANGE IS THE BIGGEST THREAT WE FACE.

Therefore, central to our new proposals is an £8 billion emphasis on green taxes. this is designed to encourage cleaner, greener travel and living and discourage pollution and environmental damage.
Gordon Brown has built up a vastly complicated tax system that puts an onerous burden on individuals and buinesses alike. We propose to make the tax system simpler, remvoing complex reliefs and cutting the number of tax rates rates.
And we would make it more transparent and predictable so that businesses can plan for the long-term.
Our package will radically shift tax and spending priorities while maintaining financial responsiblity.

The plans will be debated at the Liberal Democrats Conferencein September in Brighton and your local party representatives will be casting their votes on them.

I am eager to receive your comments which can be emailed to tax@libdemos.org.uk

I am looking forward to the debate at conference but if you want more information , you can find the full tax proposals on our website

Vince Cable MP
Liberal Democrate Shadow Chancellor

PROTECT INNOCENT PEOPLE'S DNA

2006-08-14T03:01:00.000-07:00

Five times more people in the UK have their DNA records stored on central government records than in any other countury in the world. Now DNA records do have a key role in the fight against crime - but that doesn't somehow mean that anything at all done with DNA records is therefore OK.

And there are some tough questions for Labour to answer about why they've built up DNA records far, far in excess of what is needed to help fight crime in other countries.

Questions like;

Why should the DNA records of innoncent people be kept indefinitely?

How secure really are the records? (The Observer recently pointed out that private firms have secretly been keeping DNA records that should have been destroyed - see http;//obeserver.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1821676,00.html).

Where are the proper safeguards against mis-use of the data?

And what is the explanation for a quarter of the DNA records being from members of the ethnic minorities whilst they only make up under one in ten of the overall population , is there really no racial discrimination going on?

That's why last week I launced a petition with Nick /clegg, our Shadow /home Secretary, against this over the top database. Agreeing that DNA has an important role to play in fighting crime doesn't justify keeping the DNA records for innoncent people indefinitely and without proper safeguards

you can sign our petition at http;//campaigns.libdems.org.uk/dna

Lynne Featherstone
Liberal Democrat Home Affairs

AXE THE TAX

2006-08-14T01:17:00.000-07:00

It is only a few months ago when our Council Tax Bills landed on the mat!

For many the arrival of this bill was most unwelcome. Of course, nobody likes paying tax, but the Council tax, because it has no link with people's ability to pay is the most unfair and the most unpopular.

In around four or five months time, when Sir Michael Lyons, who was appointed by the Government to reveiw and make recommendations about Local government Finance, published his report, there may be a golden opportunity to get the Council Tax scrapped.

It is for this reason that this summer we are re-launching our campaign to Axe the Council Tax. The campaign will run until October when we will present the Axe the Tax petition to the Secretary of State for communitities and Local Government.

You can help us by signing the petition on-line, getting your friends to sign or collecting signatures on your own petition.

To find out more about the campaign, to print off a copy of the petition etc see our new website, still at http//www.axethetax.org.uk
Tom Brake MP
Shadow Minister for Local Government

IT COULD BE YOU!!

2006-08-01T01:03:00.000-07:00

Could you be our next Cllr,AM, MP or MEP?

With National Assembly elections next year, local Council elections in 2008 , European Elections in 2009 and a General Election that can happen whenever Mr Blair feels like it, the Welsh Lib Dems are launching a drive to find more candidates.

Could you be our next AM or local Councillor for your area?

That's the question we'd like you to think about - and if you are interested, then get in touch.

You don't need to be an expert in policy, and you don't need to be a campaign guru - in fact there's very little you really need other than the desire to represent your area and the determination to win!

Of course you do neeed to know some policy and hoW to campaing, but we can help you learn these things through training and development support.

There are also organisations within the party that provide help and support to candidates.

So where do you find out more?

Your first port of call should be the Welsh lib Dem office, who should be able to answer any initial queries and put you in touch with someone who can help you. They're on 029 2031 3400 or email candidates@welshlibdems.org.uk.

You may also find the following websites useful. http://reflectingbritain.org.uk, http://www.gbtf.org.uk

Rule changes allows younger candidates from 2007 onwards....

Changes to rules governing who can stand for election mean that from 2007 onwards you only have to be 18 rather than 21 as previously to be a candidate at any election.

So that means even more people could stand as a Welsh Lib Dem candidate. As ever, contact the office if you'd like to find out more.

WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS - STANDING UP FOR WALES

TRUST CUTS COULD COST LIVES!

2006-07-26T02:22:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months all we seem to hear about the NHS is articles about cutbacks here and cutbacks there because Trusts are out of budget and have overspent.

The cutbacks being proposed by Conway and Denbighshire NHS Trust are particularly worrying. I read recently to my horror this particular Trust Board papers dated Monday 5th June, and I feel I must share my concerens and findings.

The Clwyd Community Health Council and the Welsh Assembly Government have stated that the consultation time for any major changes in North Wales of hospital services will be extended to the 28th July 2006.

But the Trust say in their service, change and efficiency plan (SCEP) scheme that the closure of HMS Stanley will save £1million pounds! And Abergele outworking of second care - saving £400k.What worries me is how can this be done before the Government's agreed deadline of 28th July or has the decision already been made?

The SCEP scheme marked Strictly Private and Confidential on the website of the Trust for all to see shows savings of £11,720 million in two years with £7,120 million being saved in the first year. To save this amount of money in two years must be health care sucicide. The local community healh council have writen to the Trust saying these savings can't be achieved in two years!

Conway and Denbighshire Trust have been requested to make as many savings as possible in 2007 by the Welsh Assembly Government. (The year of the Assembly Elections?) Surely this is madbess and will stretch the health service to breaking point in North Wales. The staff are already overworked because of the current recruitment freeze at Glan Clwyd but patients will carry on coming through the hospital doors.

I appeal to the Health Ministers, Dr Gibbons, AM. This whole situation needs to be carefully reviewed urgently. Financial decisions should not come before health and patient care. Do something before it is too late - use your authority wisely before it costs lives.....................

LOP-SIDED EXTRADITION TREATY WITH US.

2006-07-14T01:39:00.000-07:00

Today the Liberal Democrats won an unprecedented victory against the Government in a debate on the lopsided Extradition Treaty with the United States.

Three former employees of Nat West Bank, together with South Londoner Babar Ahmed and up to 20 more British residents, face extradition to the United States under a treaty signed in 2003 that grants fewer rights to British citizens than to Americans

Just four Labour Mps voted in favour of the treaty in the symbolic vote called by the Liberal Democrats this afternoon.

UK citizens can be extradited to the US without the United States having to make a clear "prima facie" case that they committed a crime. Yet we need to meet a much higher level of proof if we wish to extradite US citizens to the UK.

Adding insult to injury, the Government hasn't even convinced the US Senate to ratify the treaty.

The Liberal Democrats have been campaigning against this treaty for three years - ever since it was signed. We were the only party that voted against the extradition rules when they were brought into force.

But the battle isn't over; the Nat West Three, to be extradited tomorrow , are only the tip of the iceberg. Many other extradion cases are in the pipeline, and will be decided under this unfair treaty unless the Government acts now.

Thanks to today's debate and vote, the House of Commons has signalled its clear condemnation of the Extradition Treaty. Now we need you to do the same.

Please write to the Solicitor General and ask him to support my Extradition (United States of America) Bill that would repeal parts of the Extradition Act 2003 and bring an end to these unfair extradition procedures.

Mike O'Brien
House of Commons
London
SW1A OAA

Vale of Clwyd Lib Dems Re-Launched!

2006-06-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

Its official. This month the Vale of Clwyd branch of the Welsh Liberal Democrats has been relaunched. The event took place at a relaunch party at St Asaph Leisure Centre following an increase in members in the constituency. John Sproston of Prestatyn took the role of Chairman and Mark Young of Llandyrnog became vice chairman. The secretary is John Larsen of Denbigh.

"I am delighted to see this relaunch of the party and the increase of new members, young and old. This is a great springboard for the elections in 2007 and 2008 for the Welsh Liberal Democrats " said Chairman Mr Sproston.