Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats

The Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats are holding a coffee morning, which everyone is invited to. There will be a raffle, brick-a-brac sale and refreshments availiable. We hope to see as many people there.

Local Liberal Democrat politicians have welcomed the imminent introduction of a plastic bag charge for single use carrier bags. The charge will begin on the 1st October.

Regional Assembly Member William Powell said: "The introduction of this charge should cause a radical reduction in the number of carrier bags given out in Wales.

"The UK uses billions of plastic bags every year, many of which end up just dumped in the street. I am quite confident that this new charge will have a hugely beneficial impact on our local environment.

"However, it is important that local businesses are not adversely affected by the change. I raised this matter in person with the Minister in for Environment and Sustainable Development last week. I am concerned that the scheme is overly bureaucratic - a point that was raised by Lib Dems in the Assembly on numerous occasions. It is really important that the Welsh Assembly Government now works closely with businesses to ensure that the new bag charge does not damage trade.

"For such an important scheme it is disappointing that businesses haven't adequate information regarding the introduction of the charge. I urge local business people to contact me if they need help with the scheme - I can be reached vie email at william.powell@wales.gov.uk or by telephone on 01686 625527."

Gemma Bowker, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Montgomeryshire, added:

"Plastic bags are a massive source of litter in towns and villages across Wales and have a terrible effect on our local environment and local wildlife, not to mention the tourist industry.

"I support in principle the introduction of the charge but I do feel that the Labour administration in the Assembly have made this scheme too bureaucratic. I hope that the Welsh Government works closely with local business in order to sort out any problems that arise.

"The Lib Dems will be watching closely to ensure that firms are not adversely affected by efforts to make Wales greener and that the initiative is sustainable.

"I urge people to take their reusable bags with them when heading out shopping, as it can take up to 1,000 years for a plastic carrier to degrade."

ENDS

In his keynote speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference, Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has outlined his goals for the Government and the country over the coming years. He reiterated his commitment to liberal values on the environment and human rights and his determination to ensure a fair chance for every child, saying "every child can do good things, great things, if only we give them the opportunities they deserve."

Newtown resident Gemma Bowker has been appointed as Parliamentary spokesperson for Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats.

Gemma was appointed unanimously at a special meeting of the local party's Management Committee on Thursday 1st September.

Local party Chairman Ted Edwards said: "It is difficult to appoint an official Parliamentary Candidate at the moment because the proposals for the new Parliamentary boundaries have not yet been released.

"The local party therefore decided to appoint a Parliamentary Spokesperson for Montgomeryshire as a temporary interim measure.

"Gemma is a committed Liberal Democrat and local activist. She will do a fantastic job of ensuring that local people have a Liberal Democrat voice to speak up for them on both local and national matters."

Gemma added, "I am thrilled to have been appointed as the Parliamentary Spokesperson for Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats.

"I look forward to leading the campaign in the upcoming County Council elections, in which I also hope to stand as a County Council candidate.

"I am committed to providing a strong Liberal Democrat voice for local people. If you want to get in touch with me, please either drop in at the Liberal Democrat office at 3 Park Street, Newtown, phone 01686 625527, or email montlibdems@gmail.com".

ENDS

NOTES

Gemma lives in Newtown with her husband Dominic, and works for an online news agency.

William Powell was elected as the Regional Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales in May 2011.

William is a former secondary school teacher, and also has years of experience as a Powys County Councillor.

William lives with his family on their organic farm near Talgarth.

William says: "I am really pleased to be able to represent this area, and ensure that the people of Montgomeryshire have a Liberal Democrat voice speaking up for them in the Assembly.

Gemma Bowker is Parliamentary Spokesperson for Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats and Town Councillor for Newtown Llanllwchaiarn North Ward.

Gemma lives in Newtown with her husband Dominic and works for an online news agency.

Gemma says: "I am thrilled to have been appointed as the Parliamentary Spokesperson for Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats.

"I look forward to leading the campaign in the upcoming County Council elections, in which I also hope to stand as a County Council candidate.

"I am committed to providing a strong Liberal Democrat voice for local people. If you want to get in touch with me, please either drop in at the Liberal Democrat office at 3 Park Street, Newtown, phone 01686 625527, or email montlibdems@gmail.com".