Liberal Democrats perform at Grantham debate

Harrish Bisnauthsing, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Grantham and Stamford, was recently represented by Tim Fitzgerald at the Grantham election debate hosted by Grantham Business Club and the Grantham Journal.

The debate chaired by Grantham businessman Wade Rowlett also featured the Labour and Conservative candidates.

Tim, as Harrish's representative, spoke authoritatively on both local and national issue.

A main concern at the debate was the lack of local employment opportunities in comparison to the high levels of new housing being developed in the area. Tim explained how Harrish, as MP, would support Liberal Democrat initiatives to offer incentives for high-tech, green technology companies. Some of these already exist in Grantham and should be supported further in their development.


It was noted by Tim that the support of rail and road links to the area would also be essential to woo business into the area. All candidates agreed that an east-west bypass for the town was necessary to encourage growth.

Looking forward, Tim stated the benefits of Liberal Democrat proposals to increase the number of internships in local companies. Internships would allow young people to gain a foot hold in local skilled employment.

When questioned on the state of Grantham town centre Tim made it clear that the Liberal Democrat position would be to support pedestrianisation, in some areas, only as long a local businesses and members of the community were involved in the decision making.

Coverage

It was hoped that this article would be able to link to the Grantham Journal's video coverage of the debate. Unfortunately, despite multiple emails to the editor the content remains unavailable.

The current issue of the Grantham Journal (Friday, April 23) has a selection of the questions asked and condensed versions of the candidates' answers, as well as a selection of short interviews with members of the audience. Notably, one man said of Tim Fitzgerald, Harrish's representative "If the Liberal Democrat guy was the candidate he would've got my vote".

When the debate is posted online a link will be placed on this page.
 An edited version of the debate is now available at http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid50891039001?bclid=0&bctid=80113773001
(Update 26th April)