The Local Papers (5)

There wasn’t much in last week’s papers relating to the Bamburgh Division. The only major relevant matter to the election related to car parking: the Lib Dem's leader had suggested that the Conservative pledge to introduce free parking for residents was uncosted; Peter Jackson, the Conservative leader, responded noting that the Council officers had previously investigated the possibility of such free parking but the Lib Dems had rejected it. And he explained how it would be paid for (through finally sorting out the Council’s property portfolio).

I don’t understand why the Lib Dem leader made this point: it’s the sort of negative and misleading politicking which turns people off. My sense is that voters would much rather hear about positive things from candidates and parties rather than the opposite.

In contrast, the Northumberland Market Towns Chamber of Trade was reported as supporting free parking. They will know how it would help business. And, as I note elsewhere, the fact that N Northumberland residents have to pay for parking and those in the South East of the county don’t is one of the main issues I've noted on the doorstep.