news story

27th January 2009

Wick Speaks Out!

Some of the campaigners who visited homes in Wick on Saturday, including MP Steve Webb and local councillor Sarah Turley

A team led by Northavon Lib Dem MP Steve Webb and local councillor Sarah Turley called at over 500 houses in Wick on Saturday morning (24th Jan) to seek residents' views on everything from schools and transport to crime and house-building.

A dozen local Lib Dem campaigners undertook the residents survey, one of the largest such exercises to have been undertaken in the area for many years. Residents were asked to complete the survey form and leave it sticking out of their letter box for later collection, whilst those who were out when the team called were given a Freepost address to which to send their replies.

Well over one hundred forms were returned on the morning, with dozens more expected back during the coming days. The replies received will be analysed by Steve Webb and Sarah Turley and will form the basis of future campaigning on behalf of local residents.

Key issues raised included:

* traffic speed and volume along the A420 through Wick;
* need for more visible local policing;
* support for Green Belt against housing over-development;
* problems with parking in local streets.

Commenting, Steve Webb said:

"There is no substitute for getting out on the doorstep, meeting local residents and hearing their experiences at first hand. We had a very positive response from people across the area who appreciated the chance to have their say. We will be carefully studying the replies that we received and will be taking action on the issues that residents have raised".