A message from the Lib Dem Group Leader - it's time for change

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 8th May 2008

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council.

This time last week, local people went to the polls and decided who they wanted to run their local Council. Now that the results are in, and we have all had a chance to get our breath back, it's clear to see that people voted for change at the Town Hall. I am both humbled and honored that the people of Sheffield voted for the Liberal Democrats to run Sheffield; I can promise them, I will do everything possible to make sure we don't let you down.

During the election campaign we gave people five key good reasons to vote Liberal Democrat. These were (1) Action to cut crime, (2) Green action through kerbside recycling and protecting local parks, (3) Cleaner neighbourhoods, (4) A fair deal for everyone and (5) Better value local services.

Now that you have put us into power, we will be aiming to deliver on all these things. After we formally take control on May 21st we will be able to begin the process. There will be some things we can do relatively quickly, but others that will take a longer period of time to progress. But rest assured, we will be looking to make some big changes in line with local peoples' wishes.

We are determined to run the Council differently. We want to be open and honest, listening to local people and acting on their concerns. We don't believe that the Government always knows best when it comes to local issues, therefore we genuinely want to put local people and their local councillors at the heart of the decisions that affect them.

I have no doubt that we may make some mistakes along the way, at the end of the day, we are all human, but the important thing is to be big enough to acknowledge this and act to put things right if need be. I don't ever want to lose touch with how the ordinary Sheffielder feels about the important issues, so I will try my very best to always listen and learn from local people.

Fairness is high on the Liberal Democrats' political agenda; something I hope local people will be able to see over the coming years. We want to deliver for everyone in Sheffield, no matter where you live or your political affiliation. Resources will go where they will help individuals the most.

I'm confident that through working together, we can all shape a Council and a City that serves local people, acting on your concerns. We can change things for the better for everyone in our City. That's exactly what the Liberal Democrats intend to do during our time in control. It's time for change and together we will do it.

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council.