NEWS RELEASE from the Liberal Democrats on Harlow District Council

Harlow Liberal Democrat Group 'Highly Commended'

Harlow's Liberal Democrat council group has been highly commended in the annual Liberal Democrat Council Group of the Year awards. It is the first time that Harlow's Liberal Democrat has entered the awards, which are administered through the Liberal Democrat office of the Local Government Association. The award winner (Chesterfield) was announced last Saturday (20 March) at the Liberal Democrats' spring conference in Southport.

Harlow Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Lorna Spenceley said: "I'm immensely proud of my Liberal Democrat council colleagues and the hard work and determination they have shown over the last two years. They deserve this commendation, and I'm delighted to see their efforts recognised in this way."

The entry from Harlow pointed to the group's achievements, including:

1. Local election success, rising from two councillors in 1996 to minority administration of Harlow Council with ten members in 2004.

2. The group's success in ensuring Liberal Democrat policies and principles were included in policy negotiations with the Tories in 2002 and 2003.

3. Successful defence of council seats in Bush Fair, Mark Hall, Netteswell and Staple Tye in the May 2003 elections against a strong challenge.

4. Determination in challenging their Tory joint administration colleagues when their position became untenable.

5. Courage in taking on minority administration of Harlow Council, after the break-up of the joint administration in November 2003, when no other party was prepared to take the task on.

6. Support by councillors for local campaigning and the regular publication of the popular FOCUS newsletter and other local information.

7. Service improvements for residents including environmental improvements, the Youth Council and regeneration.

ENDS