Clegg comes home to support local Lib Dem Manifesto launch

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 4th Apr 2008

Nick Clegg MP, local Sheffield MP and Leader of the Liberal Democrats

National Leader of the Liberal Democrats and local MP Nick Clegg helped launch the party's manifesto for Sheffield's local elections today. The Party Leader joined the local Councillors group to outline how they would make positive changes for Sheffield. The elections on May 1st promise to be one of the closest that Sheffield has ever seen. Currently Sheffield City Council is in no overall control with the controlling Labour Group and the Lib Dems only separated by a couple of seats.

He was in Gleadless Valley to look at how local residents want to see anti-social behaviour and crime dealt with. Nick also visited Sheffield Hallam Students Union to talk to student volunteers.

Local Liberal Democrats believe that local people are ready for a change as the current Labour Council isn't delivering on their priorities. In contrast, the Liberal Democrats pledges include: -

> Action to cut crime - more uniformed personnel on the beat.

> Green action - more kerbside recycling and protecting our parks.

> Cleaner streets - extra funding to help local communities keep their areas clean.

> A fair deal - an end to Labour's favoured areas scheme.

> Better value services - better value council services for your council tax.

Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party and MP for Sheffield Hallam, said: -

"I fully support the agenda being put forward by the local Liberal Democrats in Sheffield. I firmly believe that it will be popular with local people and change Sheffield for the better."

"This manifesto shows that, with the Liberal Democrats in control, the Council would start to deliver on local peoples' priorities."

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council, said: -

"With action on the green agenda, cutting crime and making our streets cleaner, our manifesto offers local people a positive change at the Town Hall. Unlike Labour, we want a Council that listen to and works for local people, on their priorities across the whole of Sheffield."

"This year's local elections will be closer than ever before. I believe that the only Party putting forward an agenda for positive change for everyone in Sheffield is the Liberal Democrats."

To download the the manifesto in full please click on the 'Manifesto 2008' link on our navigation menu.