Two leading Liberal Democrats are urging the Government to include St Albans in a fast-track trial of eco-friendly ‘e-scooters’ to help create more space on public transport during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a joint letter to the transport secretary, Daisy Cooper, the MP for St Albans, and Chris White, leader of St Albans district council, call for the city’s inclusion in the first round of trials, scheduled to start in June.

Local Liberal Democrats have welcomed the re-election of Chris White as leader of St Albans City and District Council for a second year.

He was elected at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday 21 May, which was held online to maintain social distancing.

Support for people working in the frontline will be essential when the end of lockdown begins, warns Sandy Walkington, councillor for Sopwell and Verulam.

Sandy’s big concern, he told listeners to Radio Verulam, the St Albans community radio station on 92.6FM, is the hidden damage that could emerge once life starts to return to normal, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

A number of “robust and effective” actions have been taken by St Albans City and District Council in response to the Covid-19 public health emergency.

“This has been an unprecedented challenge that’s placed huge demands on all our public services and the key workers that maintain them,” said Chris White, Liberal Democrat leader of the council.  

Work to refurbish the children’s playground and revitalise the park area in St Stephens Avenue park will begin when the coronavirus lockdown comes to an end, Verulam ward’s team of Lib Dem councillors has announced.

The budget for the St Stephens Avenue park makeover was secured from St Albans city council by the Lib Dem team after discussions with residents and a survey to find out what they thought was important across key issues.

Community hubs are being set up to help local businesses serve their communities during the coronavirus crisis, Liberal Democrat-run St Albans council has announced.

Up to three street trading stalls will be permitted at appropriate sites across St Albans district, such as car parks at pubs or shopping areas.

Daisy Cooper, the MP for St Albans, is leading a cross-party effort to secure Government economic support for the UK’s world-leading creative industries and the many small businesses and workers being branded on social media as #ForgottenLTD and #forgottenfreelancers.

Shops, pubs, restaurants and other small businesses are being urged not to miss out on financial grants to help them through the Covid-19 crisis.

Lib Dem councillor Mandy McNeil, St Albans district council’s portfolio holder for business, culture and tourism, advises the 1,500 qualifying businesses to access a new online portal set up by the council to ensure they receive payment.

Residents in St Albans district who want to help others during the Covid-19 crisis are urged to join a major scheme run by a voluntary agency.

Initiatives to support local businesses through the Corvid-19 coronavirus public health crisis will receive full support from St Albans City and District Council.