Introducing the local candidate in the Herne Bay by election - Margaret Flaherty

5.00.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 2nd Sep 2008

The Herne Bay Lib Dems have announced their candidate for the County Council By-Election to be held on 9th October 2008.

Margaret Flaherty is a Canterbury City Cllr, lives in Herne Bay is a teacher and mother to four grown up children; the youngest is off to university this year.

Margaret is campaigning for a better deal for local people, she says,

"The County council is run by Conservatives 56/84 seats and they have completely overlooked the needs of Herne Bay. Our pavements and roads are a disgrace."

"The local Conservative Council are closing the Information Centre in the Bandstand and the sale of National Bus Coach Tickets will cease. It is as if the Conservative Councillors at County Hall, supported by their local Conservative Councillors are systematically closing down Herne Bay to visitors!"

Mark Barnard meets with Margaret Flaherty, Liberal Democrat Candidate for the Herne bay By-Election.

Do you live in Herne Bay?

Yes, and my four children have grown up here. One is married and lives in Surrey and two are still at home ------ will they ever leave?

Why are you standing in this election?

Because local people have asked me to. So many people are fed up with being ignored by the Conservative Councillors at County Hall.

Why do you think you could do better?

To be honest with you I am not sure that anyone could do worse than the Conservatives have done so far. Liberal Democrat Councillors have a record of accomplishment in Herne bay for listening to people and getting things done for the last 17 years. It is the local Liberal Democrats who invested in Herne Bay and improved the seafront.

What concerns you most?

The local people have no voice in County Hall, where the County Council has 56 Conservatives. We need some more effective opposition.

The Conservative Councillors continually ignore the wishes of local people. Thousands signed the petition against the closure of the Visitor Information Centre. Hundreds wrote letters and emails and many residents went to the Guildhall to lobby Councillors. All their efforts were ignored and that has incensed local people. The local Conservative Councillors were described as 'arrogant' by the local press.

I could not have put it better myself!

What is your campaign during the By-Election?

The most important thing for me is that local people are listened to and their concerns are followed through. I am confident that by electing me local people will have a much-improved environment.

Our roads and pavements are in a severe state of disrepair and need investment; funding has been cut to our local Community Groups, which means that the elderly suffer.

As the Herne Bay County Councillor, I will fight for funding to be restored to those who work tirelessly in the Community and for our streets to be improved.

Do you have a final message to the voters?

Residents do not have to put up with the arrogance of the Conservatives for much longer. There is hope!

Electing me on the 9th October will mean a local voice at County Hall and better services for Herne Bay with a County Councillor who actually lives in the town.