NICK CLEGG VISITS DURHAM TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 21st May 2009

Lib Dem Party Leader Nick Clegg today visited Durham, meeting with the owner of the Park and Ride provider and local stall holders at the City's indoor market.

Nick arrived in the city centre via the Park and Ride along with the owner of Scarlet Band, the local company who have been axed in favour of Arriva by the Labour County Council. This is despite Scarlet Band being cheaper and scoring 98% in an independent satisfaction survey.

Nick gave his support to Graeme Torrance, the owner of Scarlet Band and described his case as "clear cut".

Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall and local campaigner Carol Woods then accompanied Nick as he toured the City's Indoor Market and spoke to stall holders about how they were coping with the recession.

The Lib Dems have called for more help for small businesses and hard working families as they struggle to cope with Labour's recession.

Labour have thrown billions at banks and big business but have failed to help ordinary local people and local businesses.

Under Lib Dem tax plans, middle and low earners would save £700 a year on their income tax bill. Anyone earning under £10,000 would pay no income tax at all.