Lib Dem leader pledges action on post offices and crime in flying visit

Apr 17 2008

Empty collection vans outside the Royal Mail depot at Copperas Hill, Liverpool _320

THE leader of the Liberal Democrats visited Warrington yesterday and pledged to save post offices and crack down on anti-social youths.

On a visit to Warrington Peace Centre, Nick Clegg said he would keep post offices open by creating an employee-owned Royal Mail, in the style of John Lewis department stores.

He plans to force young offenders to face up to their crimes by introducing community courts where they explain themselves to their victims and are given community service as punishments.

Mr Clegg said it was time to get tough on under-age drinking and the violence and disorder plaguing young people across the North-West.

Mr Clegg said: “The Labour government want to cap council tax but the police have told me they need a bigger precept to put more police on patrol.

“We want to scrap identity cards and put the money into policing. The billions of pounds the cards cost could fund 10,000 extra police officers.”

Warrington South is a key target in the May elections and Liberals hope to take control.