Lib Dems have a local government record to be proud of

7.07.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 3rd Apr 2008

Nick Clegg at Sheffield Hallam University at the launch of the party's local election campaign

Speaking at the launch of the party's local election campaign at Sheffield Hallam Students' Union today, Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg said "Today we are launching our local government election campaign. These elections are crucial for the local communities in which they are held. They will determine whether there is simply to be a ritual swapping of seats in the Town Hall. Or whether local communities get the real change that they want in the form of safer streets, an enhanced environment, quality services and value for money."

Continuing Nick said "Liberal Democrats are about real change. Not just Buggins' turn at the levers of power. It is the Liberal Democrats who have taken on and defeated Labour's one party fiefdoms in the North and the Tories in southern shires and boroughs that they seem to think they were born to rule."

"Liberal Democrats don't promise to fix everything or solve every problem but we do promise to give people and communities the tools to fix things for themselves. And to tear down the vested interests that stand in their way."

"Our campaign will focus on the positive benefits that Liberal Democrat government has brought to local communities throughout England and Wales. You're going to hear from us about the way in which we have applied liberal solutions to the everyday problems facing people in their local communities."

"Practical solutions on housing that have made our communities like Cambridge, Chesterfield, and South Shropshire fairer places to live. Practical solutions on crime that have made cities like Hull, Liverpool and Newcastle safer places to live. And practical solutions on the environment that have made areas like Birmingham, Northampton and Richmond greener places to live."