York residents are being urged to have their say ahead of next year’s local elections.

The Liberal Democrats have launched a new initiative, York 2015’, which is asking local people to submit their ideas on how to improve life in the city. The best ideas will be considered for inclusion in the Lib Dem manifesto for next year’s election. Residents can submit their ideas through email, twitter and post. The Lib Dems are planning a series of events to publicise the initiative over the coming weeks.

Lib Dem Group Leader Cllr Keith Aspden commented:

“The Liberal Democrats are the only party in Britain whose policy is decided democratically by our members. We now want to take this further in York and develop our local manifesto hand-in-hand with local residents.

“One of the most common things people tell me is that Labour run York Council does not listen to them. So, we are now launching this open process to hear residents ideas on how York Council after 2015 can best address the issues that matter to local people – whether that be tackling congestion, helping local businesses, improving local services, or anything else.

“We are looking to remove the barrier between the council and residents, put party politics to one side and actually listen to local people. We will be asking people to submit their ideas over the coming weeks. The best policies will then be included in next year’s manifesto and, if the election results go our way next May, work on implementing them can begin in earnest.”

Residents can have their say by visiting www.yorklibdems.org.uk/york2015, emailing york2015@yorklibdems.org.uk, sending a message on twitter to @yorklibdems  using the hashtag #york2015, or write to Unit 12A Victoria Farm Estate, Water Lane, Clifton, YO30 6PQ.