Lorraine visits Paddock Wood

9.27.59pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 20th Apr 2005

Lorraine "Poor street lighting made people feel unsafe."

Lorraine Braam, Liberal Democrat County Council candidate met with residents in Paddock Wood this week to talk about the huge backlog of repairs to Kent's roads, pavements and streetlights. "People were very concerned to hear that the County Council were not spending enough money on mending the roads and pavements in the County. There is a backlog of £15 million of repairs."

She added, "Some people were also angry that streetlights were not repaired or replaced as it impacted on their safety."

The Parliamentary Candidate, Laura Murphy, joined Lorraine in her walkabout. "People came up to me to ask about pensions," added Laura, "as they were worried about not being able to pay their Council tax from their pensions. I could tell them that pensioners over 75 would get an additional £100 per month and we would institute pension entitlement by residency, not national insurance. That would stop the appalling situation where women, who chose to care for their families rather than work, are not entitled to a pension."

"They would also be helped by our campaign to axe the council tax," added Lorraine. "Eight out of ten pensioners would benefit from that one policy and when Council tax has gone up by 82% since 1997 they need all the help they can get!"