Published: October 21, 2008
Liberal Democrats select candidate for Highbridge County Council seat

Liberal Democrats in Highbridge and Burnham have this week chosen sitting County Councillor, Rosemarie Parsons, as their candidate to contest the Highbridge and Burnham South County Division in next year's county council elections.

Rosemarie, pictured here with Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Tessa Munt outside Highbridge Community Hall, has been County Councillor for the division for nearly twelve years, having first won the seat in 1997.

She feels that the two greatest success stories during the time she's been a councillor are the formation of Highbridge's Household Waste Recycling Centre and the opening of the town's Childrens Centre.

Over 30 Childrens Centres are now delivering integrated services to families and children aged 0-5 years across Somerset in line with the 'Every Child Matters' legislation.

They aim to offer a one-stop shop for children and parents by delivering early years education and childcare, family health services and family support services - all very welcome in Rosemarie's division.

Rosemarie said: "I am pleased to be re-selected as I have worked very hard for the area and will continue to listen to the people of Highbridge and Burnham and respond to their needs. I have a large, ongoing caseload of problems and meetings to attend on behalf of the people in my area and look forward to representing you all again in County Hall."

Tessa Munt, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Wells, which covers Burnham and Highbridge, added: "I'm delighted Rosemarie has been selected to stand up for the people of Highbridge and Burnham South."

"No one could question Rosemarie's commitment to the local residents, businesspeople and the many voluntary, charitable philanthropic organisations with which she is involved locally. I look forward to meeting more people whilst I'm out on the doorstep with Rosemarie, and in our regular surgeries which are advertised on Burnham-On-Sea.com and local papers."

Liberal Democrat Highbridge District Councillor, Joe Leach, added: "I have known Rosemarie for many years, and her work in the area has been extensive. I look forward to working with her on the County Council next year."

Rosemarie lives in Fairford Close in Highbridge and is Vice Chair of the Community Scrutiny Sub-Committee and the council's Champion for Older People. Rosemarie also represents the council on the Devon and Somerset combined Fire Authority.

She has a Community Budget of £5,000 to spend each year and has donated a children's 'swan' seat to the Apex Leisure Park, while a local school has received new tables and chairs. Her budget has helped to fund the River Brue Arts Project and make sure that all the children at King Alfred's School who wish to are able to join in residential trips with their classmates.