Lib Dem shop opens

Lewes MP Norman Baker was on hand to cut the ribbon across the door and took time to speak to party members about local and national issues.

He felt the new premises in Bexhill would be of great benefit to the branch and said: "It is a fantastic effort to get this together - it has obviously taken a great deal of work to transform it into what you have here. Having a physical presence on the high street makes a big difference - it boosts morale, tells voters we are here, and means new members.

"It is a really good focal point - a big statement to say we are here."

He described his mood as "buoyant" in regard to the future of the party and felt the public was steadily coming around to classic Liberal Democrat ways of thinking about transport, the environment and green issues, predicting a hung Parliament come the next election as a result of loss of faith in both Labour and Conservative values.

The branch shop will sell secondhand books and homegrown plants among other items, and will also be a drop-in for use of members but also anyone hoping to talk or in need of help or advice.

Branch secretary Jennifer Els commented: "This is actually for the whole constituency, which is the Bexhill and Battle Liberal Democrats. We have only been given use of this premises because the owner couldn't find anybody to rent it. He said he knew we would look after it so would let us have it as long as we paid the rates - it was better to have a shop with a useful purpose than having it empty and deteriorating.

"It's an opportunity for people to just come in and ask questions about the local party. Already in the last week we have had someone come in to ask for a councillor's address, and other people asking to look at plans of the link road. We are able to explain what our policies are on various issues, and when it comes to elections it will obviously be a good central point for us in Bexhill."