Liz Lynne MEP Visits Kenilworth

10.03.03pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th May 2004

Liz Lynne, Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands Region, visited Kenilworth on Monday 17th May as part of her tour of the constituency ahead of the European Elections on the 10th June.

Liz Lynne campaigning in Kenilworth town centre

She went walkabout in the Town Centre, and was keen to see for herself the areas due for redevelopment. She had read the consultation document, and while she agreed that some parts such as Talisman Square were in need of refurbishing, she also commented on how attractive the town looked, especially with the splendid colour provided by the Kenilworth in Bloom planters.

Liz outside the Library with Kenilworth Lib Dem councillors and members

First stop was the Kenilworth Connection, where Betty Ashton of Queens Close was waiting to meet Liz, followed by a visit to the premises of the Talking Books Service, for the blind and partially-sighted, in the Library. Liz campaigns strongly at European level for disabled people's rights, so this visit was a must. She spoke at length to Sue Morris who manages the service, and to some of the volunteer helpers. It is essential, said Liz, that if the Library is relocated then Talking Books must be guaranteed suitable accommodation in the new building.

The group then made its way to Talisman Square, and were joined by Graham Hyde of the "A Station for Kenilworth" campaign group (ASK), who had a very useful conversation with Liz. For many years she has fought for environmentally-friendly, sustainable transport systems, and she promised to do whatever she could to bring a viable passenger train service to Kenilworth. Sustainable transport is likely to be a major theme for the European Parliament in Brussels over the next four years.

Liz with Tannery Court resident Joan Hoe

Finally, the visiting group were glad to relax with a cup of tea at the Rocking Horse Cafe, sitting outside in the warm spring sunshine. Joan Hoe of Tannery Court was there to have a chat, having especially requested to meet Liz again after meeting her on Liz's previous visit to Kenilworth - on the occasion of Joan's 92nd birthday.

Several residents were able to talk to Liz, the only female MEP in the region, during her visit. One of the points she made was how much investment is coming into Warwickshire from the European Union via Advantage West Midlands, the agency that allocates EU development funding.

Despite her busy schedule, Liz even found time for a bit of personal shopping in the town centre, so helping to do her bit for local traders!