In the run up to the General Election, it is my intention to meet as many people as possible in Coventry North West. I have said that I wish to be visible and approachable and have therefore welcomed people who have come up to me in the supermarket to say hello or even to wish me luck.

The constituency of Coventry North West comprises of six wards:

Bablake which includes: Allesley Village, Keresley, Brownshill Green and part of Coundon.

Holbrook which includes: Holbrooks, Whitmore Park and Rowleys Green.

Radford which includes: Radford, Draper's Field and part of Coundon.

Sherbourne which includes: Spon End and part of Coundon.

Whoberley which includes: Allesley Park, Chapelfields, Whoberley and part of Earlson

Woodlands which includes: Tile Hill North, Eastern Green, Parkhill and Nod Rise.

Local news and issues in Coventry North West

Campaign Update - up to 25 April

Bablake

During the first week of the campaign, I have been in Allesley knocking on doors trying to introduce myself to as many of you as possible.

The responses I have received have been interesting. Most people it would seem are undecided about which party they will be voting for at the General Election. What was evident however, was that the tide was beginning to turn against Labour.

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Car production will end at the Jaguar Plant at Browns Lane in September, resulting in the loss of over 1,100 jobs.

"Jaguar workers deserve better than this. It's regrettable that so many jobs will have to go" said Iona. "Jaguar has had strong association with the people of Coventry North West for many years and has been regarded as the jewel in the crown. Indeed, it was with a sense of pride that I spent my first work experience at Jaguar, Browns Lane - a experience that will now be denied to future generations".

It is a concern that with so many jobs that have been lost in the car manufacturing industry in Coventry and with the recent announcement of more job cuts at Peugeot and the redundancies at MG Rover - people are justifiably anxious about their jobs.

Holbrook

While Labour claim that crime has fallen, I wanted to hear first hand what local people were saying and thus attended a residents' meeting on 14 April at the Unicorn Social Club on Holbrook Lane. It was evident that residents were still concerned about anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood and wanted more of a police presence.

On Saturday 23 April, we canvassed in Whitmore Park area. The same pattern was emerging, residents were either saying they will not be voting Labour or undecided.

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The development of the Arena, which will also be home for the Sky Blues, will have an impact for residents living nearby. The stadium has a capacity of 32,000 but only has 2000 designated car parking spaces. Residents are naturally concerned about potential traffic problems in the area when there is a football match on. Although the Green Travel Plan would see a mixture of park-and-ride, public transport and residents only schemes - residents are concerned that their neighbourhood might be gridlocked on match days.

The Liberal Democrats have been in favour of the Arena development - the first development of the area for 30 years - we will support initiatives that will give residents the facilities and service they need and expect.

Radford

We've been canvassing in Jubilee Crescent on a Saturday morning meeting residents and handing out leaflets. A few have expressed their annoyance about the poor state of Jubliee Crescent. I strongly believe that a good environment can only add benefits to our state of mind and health. I propose as one of my electoral pledges to support a cleaner, greener environment.

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Residents have recently been asked to give their views on proposed traffic calming measures. Council sent leaflets about safety of Jubilee Crescent and Cheveral Ave which residents have been complaining about for years.

Sherbourne

It was reported recently that gangs of youths in Westhill Road - were drinking alcohol and intimidating residents in Sherbourne Ward.

While we do not wish to tarnish all youths with the same brush, unfortunately, there is a minority of youths that causes real concern for residents, especially for older residents.

What is our response? As the Home Shadow Secretary, Mark Oaten MP puts it, we need 'tough liberalism' that is punishment and rehabilitation. We believe that local communities have a central role in finding a solution to anti-social behaviour. Offenders arrested for minor crimes like graffiti, vandalism or being drink and disorderly would be given a choice - go to court in the normal way and face a criminal record, or go before a panel of local people who will decide a programme of work or reparation to make amends for the damage done.

Whoberley

We have started delivering leaflets in the Whoberley ward and while we would like to get to every household, logistically this will not be possible.

The state of the roads in the area, as well as the rest of Coventry North West, is a major cause for concern.

Coventry’s Liberal Democrat Councillors have long complained of the neglect of the City's roads and have advocated borrowing money to reinstate our roads, footpaths and lighting. This is why we welcome the Council’s borrowing of £10 million for this purpose. It will produce medium and long term savings in not having to repeatedly repair worn out highways and pavements.

Woodlands

Since the closure of Massey Ferguson (parent company, AGCO Corporation) site in Banner Lane, residents have been asking about the future site, its impact on traffic and the local environment.

If you live in Coventry North West and would like to report what's been happening in your area, then let us know.