NEWLY elected Lib Dem councillors in Bromsgrove are already driving change in the district bringing forward two ambitious motions to their first full council meeting, set to go ahead tonight.

They may have only formed as an official council group in May, but Bromsgrove Lib Dems are already hitting the ground running demanding tough action on traffic congestion and climate change.

The group is now using its first full council meeting this week to bring forward two critical motions that will have a big impact on the district’s future.

The first demands action on traffic congestion with the group insisting that the next official transport assessment must consider the need for a western by-pass.

This motion is proposed by Lib Dem group leader Rob Hunter and seconded by councillor Sue Baxter who leads the Independent Alliance which has also been lobbying for answers on traffic congestion.

Councillor Hunter said: “We’re determined to act on chronic traffic congestion.

"Delays account for around a quarter of all journey times across our transport network, which is crying out for investment. For too long we have seen major infrastructure spending in other parts of the county whilst Bromsgrove is neglected. Our roads need upgrading urgently but this must be done in an environmentally sustainable way.”

The second hard hitting motion is part of a national campaign to declare a climate emergency and take action on global warming.

This motion was brought forward by Lib Dem Councillor for Bromsgrove Central Siobhan Hughes who is asking the council to put in place ambitious targets for addressing climate change including reducing its carbon emissions and using energy from renewable sources.

Councillor Hughes said: “Global warming is a real threat to all of us, internationally and locally. Maximum summer temperatures across Worcestershire could rise by 7.5 degrees by 2050 as a result of climate change with devastating consequences. We must act now.”