The government has announced today that Kent and Medway will be placed in Tier 3 from December 2nd, this is the highest tier. Medway has been placed in this category due to the high number cases seen in Medway over the last few weeks. North Kent, including Medway, Swale and Thanet are recording some the highest numbers of cases in the country.
With the news of a Kent and Medway Business Summit in January to look at high street changes, Brexit and the impact of Covid19. Medway Liberal Democrats know how difficult it has been for our businesses, and their response to the lockdown policies that the Government have introduced to slow the spread of Coronavirus.
The KCC consultation on the upgrade options for the A229 at Bluebell Hill, to address increased traffic flow triggered by the future opening of the Lower Thames Crossing, were not sufficiently progressed. All options presented had significant shortcomings. Both Medway and Maidstone Lib Dem groups have responded to the consultation by saying the proposals lack evidence and may mean that they do not go far enough. Supporting evidence for the changes is vital in order to secure the backing of both communities for the major changes required.
Local Liberal Democrats believe that we can no longer ignore the reality, that Medway is no longer free from dirty air. We feel that air pollution must be tackled now, not only to save our environment but to save lives. A report produced by the Centre for Cities found that 1 in 16 deaths in Chatham "are exclusively driven by combustion in commercial, institutional, and domestic activities linked to long-term exposure to particulates." Nationally, Liberal Democrats are calling for World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on particulate matter to be adopted into UK law, and met by 2030.
Medway Liberal Democrats are responding to the news of a Kent and Medway Business Summit in January to look at high street changes, Brexit and the impact of Covid19. We know how difficult it has been for our businesses, and the lockdown policies that the Government have introduced to slow the spread of Coronavirus have had a huge economic impact on our towns.
As Medway enters another lockdown, the importance of access to green spaces and nature for physical and mental health has been starkly highlighted. Those who live alone across our towns, or without access to gardens, balconies, or green space, exposure to nature is a key factor in maintaining positive mental health.