Lib Dems welcome public debate with Tory MP

12.00.00am GMT Tue 2nd Mar 2010

Northampton town centre - threatened by the Tories' out-of-town retail policy

Northampton Borough Council Planning & Regeneration Spokesperson, Richard Church (Lib Dem, Kingsthorpe), has written to Conservative MP for Northampton South, Brian Binley, inviting him to take part in a public debate on planning issues affecting the town, ahead of the General Election.

The move follows a Council motion, tabled by the Liberal Democrats last night, in response to controversial comments made by Mr Binley in the Saints' match-day programme against Leicester on 6th February.

For a copy of the Liberal Democrats' motion, which explains Mr Binley's comments, click on the following Council link:

http://www.northamptonboroughcouncil.com/councillors/ieListDocuments.asp?CId=242&MId=6104&Ver=4

Commenting ahead of the suggested meeting later this month, Cllr Church said:

"I have written to Mr Binley today to invite him to attend a public meeting in the Great Hall to debate the important planning and regeneration issues facing our town.

"Mr Binley's comments in last month's Saints programme were either deliberately or unintentionally misleading, and belie his own involvement in local government as a senior County Councillor.

"The issues at stake are too important to be played out in press releases and programmes.

"There are serious differences between the Conservatives' and the Liberal Democrats' policies and they must now be debated for the good of the town.

"I have suggested a date on which a full and open debate could take place and am waiting to hear back.

"I welcome the opportunity of debating the issues fully and frankly with Mr Binley, who is increasingly trying to be all things to all people in the run-up to polling day."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Richard Church has been a Borough Councillor since 1983. A former Director of family firm, Church's China, Richard is a former Mayor of Northampton (1997-8) and Parliamentary Candidate (1992 and 2001). He is currently Chair of the local party, County Councillor for Kingsley and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration.