Ghost Town Britain?

6.14.59pm GMT Mon 14th Feb 2005

PPC Laura Murphy, "The Bill gives power back to local communities"

Residents from an area covering Rusthall to Sevenoaks descended on Pembury last week to hear Charles Secrett (ex-Director of Friends of the Earth) speak about a cross-party Bill that would prevent areas such as Pembury becoming ghost towns.

Charles said, "The Sustainable Communities Bill is about creating choice for the people of Pembury. It will give citizens opportunities to create local wealth, redress the balance between the local economy and large national or global chains, protect the environment and improve local public services."

John Hawker, a resident in Pembury for 30 years spoke about his hopes for the Bill and how it could be used to bring empty public buildings into use and provide opportunities for young people, particularly those who were vulnerable and at risk of becoming involved in crime. Whilst Pembury itself had a strong and vibrant community culture, one woman cautioned about complacency. Commenting that her own village shop had won awards only 18 months previously, it was now closed and the vitality of the village was under threat.

The audience raised a number of questions about how the Bill would address issues such as transport, environment, anti-social behaviour and planning. A challenge was thrown down to the speakers as some complained that no one would care about the Bill and that they were struggling at times to find volunteers to do any work in the area.

Steve Shaw, the campaign organiser, responded by saying, "People do care, there are thousands of people supporting the campaign for this bill, we are having public meetings across the country just like this one. To create change all you have to do is write to your MP or council. Being an active citizen does not mean you have to give up your day job. But to see the bill made law we need many more supporters, so I urge everyone to sign up."

Laura Murphy, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Tunbridge Wells added, "It was evident that people in the area did care as they came out on a cold, wet night to find out more. This Bill would allow citizens to demand action from Councils that would support their local area, preserve and increase local facilities and invigorate their community. This Bill will give local communities a stronger voice, restore their power and enable them to make choices. I would urge everyone to support this Bill in any way they can."

Pictured are right to left: Steve Shaw, campaigner for Local Works, Charles Secrett, Co-Director ACT (Active Citizens Transform), Laura Murphy, PPC, John Hawker, Chairman Village Hall Association. To register your support for the Bill or to find out more about it contact Steve Shaw on 020 7833 9898 or www.localworks.org or write to 94 White Lion St, London N1 9PF.