Campaign Against Cuts to the Fire Service

Tomorrows scheduled meeting of the Fire Authority was originally intended to be the kick-off meeting to implement the cuts to the service. Fortunately Cambridgeshire Fire Service has had a stay of execution until next year in order for the Fire Authority to assess their Financial situtation - particularly with regard to changes to the grant settlement.

The Liberal Democrat group on the Fire Authority have been working hard to safeguard the front-line Fire Service including opposing cuts to the number of fire-fighters.

We have organised a petition to oppose the cuts and this petition will now be extended until the February Fire Authority meeting. To add your signature just follow the link below;

http://cambslibdems.org.uk/en/petition/petition-against-cambridgeshire-fire-service-cuts

The FBU is similarly campaigning against the cuts, for information on their campaign see;

http://www.savecambsfire.org.uk/news.html

The FBU recently did a street survey across the County that showed around 99% of respondents were happy to have the Fire Authority increase Council Tax in order to avoid front-line service cuts.

Help us to protect Cambridgeshire Fire Service - Oppose the cuts to your Emergency Service!

Cambridgeshire's Music Service Saved Following Successful Campaign!

The County Council Music Service which runs the county’s Youth Orchestra, four music academies and music lessons for thousands of children has been saved after a campaign run by the Lib Dems with parents and music teachers.

The County Council had planned to siphon the government music grant of £670,000 but the money will now be kept for music provision for local children.

Cambridgeshire Lib Dem Deputy Leader, Peter Downes, is a past chair of the Cambridgeshire Youth Orchestra. He said: “There is clear evidence for the beneficial effect of music-making on children’s general development as well as their specific musical skills. Cutting money for music is short-sighted and counter-productive at a time when we are committed to raising standards for young people.”

Area music academies run by the service also provide the opportunity for children of all ages and abilities to perform in groups. The four academies provided ensembles for players from Grade 1 – 8 in classical music, jazz, folk music and samba bands.

These academies are free for children whose schools buy tuition from Cambridgeshire Music Service and available for all other children at a modest termly fee.