Laura Murphy on the campaign trail

7.17.37am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 18th Apr 2005

"Pensioners will be better off under Liberal Democrat plans to Axe the Tax"

Lib Dems were out in force in Paddock Wood this weekend, speaking to local residents about roads, schools, pensions and Council Tax.

"Paddock Wood is a thriving town and staff at the local primary school were highly praised by parents we spoke to. But there was concern about the low level of resources that were being allocated to things like roads and education," said Laura Murphy, Parliamentary Candidate.

"Of particular concern was the Council Tax and how pensioners could afford to pay this increasingly unfair Tax. We were answering questions about how the Local Income Tax would work and were able to reassure pensioners that, with their level of income, they would not have to pay."

Worries were also expressed about the Tory's plans to scrap the winter fuel allowance. "I told them that we would keep the winter fuel allowance and expand it to include people with a disability," added Laura.

Local Liberal Democrats were pleased to see that the campaign to scrap the Council Tax was a clear winner in Paddock Wood.