Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, took a playful approach to address the serious issue of road maintenance by sliding down a tubing slope in a rubber ring at Gloucester Ski Centre. The stunt was part of his campaign visit to Gloucestershire, where he emphasized the dire state of the county’s roads and the neglect they have suffered over the years.
Joined by other Liberal Democrat representatives, Sir Ed used the activity to draw attention to the need for smoother road surfaces. He pointed out the widespread neglect of roads and highways, particularly in Gloucestershire, attributing the problem to the long-standing governance of the Conservative Party at both local and national levels.
While highlighting the importance of the issue, Sir Ed stated, “We’re having a bit of fun, we’re campaigning, but there is a serious message, always a serious message, and that is about having services that are smooth, that people can go over.”
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The Liberal Democrats have utilized government data to underscore the deteriorating condition of main roads in the south-west of England. They reported that a significant percentage of A roads, motorways, and B and C roads are currently categorized as ‘Amber,’ indicating the urgent need for maintenance to prevent further degradation.
Sir Ed attributed the deterioration of roads to years of council budget cuts and reductions in government local government spending, leading to insufficient funding for adequate road maintenance. He expressed his party’s optimism about winning control of Gloucestershire County Council from the Conservatives, stressing the importance of local support and participation in the upcoming election.