Lib Dems - referendum is wake-up call to council to listen to local people

10.58.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 2nd Jun 2008

Haywards Heath is to have its own referendum on the town's future on Thursday 19th June. Local residents forced a town-wide referendum in response to the failure of the District Council to listen to calls for proper consultation.

At Monday's meeting of Haywards Heath Town Council, Lib Dem councillors are calling on the council to issue poll cards telling people when and where to vote. They are also calling for a polling station in each ward to give the largest number of people the chance to vote.

"It's vital that we turn out and vote - a low vote could be ignored by the Council, a high vote can't be." Brian Hall Liberal Democrat Group leader - Mid Sussex District Council.

Serena Tierney, Mid Sussex Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesman said: "We support this move by local people as it echoes the campaign we've been fighting on the Council and in FOCUS (our regular local leaflets). It's high time the Council was more open. Like the Save the PRH Campaign, it's good to see support from across the community behind this call for more openness, from all parties and from none."