LIBERAL Democrat big gun Cyril Smith was in Lancaster last week to boost the fortunes of his party's candidate for the Euro elections, Chris Davies. Said Sir Cyril: "It doesn't matter if you are keen on Europe or not.

The fact is we are part of it and we need to make the most of the opportunities. For the first time we will have a fair election system which means every vote will count."

Lancaster man John Whitelegg could become the region's first ever Green MEP if he secures just nine per cent of the vote on June 10.

The transport expert and founder member of the Gregson Community Association lists opposition to genetically modified food, banning vivisection and saying no to the single currency as some of his policies.

Said John: "As a Green MEP I will work towards maximising the transfer of power to local communities. I will also fight for strong policies to protect the environment and improve the quality of public transport, housing and food safety."

Lancaster's newly elected Green Party councillors are supporting a Stagecoach initiative to encourage commuters to use the bus on National Car Free Day.

Between eight and nine o'clock in the morning all return fares for the whole of the Lancaster district will be a flat rate 50p.

Stagecoach will also be halving the prices of their Bay City Rider and Lune Ranger weekly season tickets.

Said Jon Barry: "This is an excellent initiative. If these reduced prices encourage people to swap their cars for the bus then there will be enormous benefits in terms of health and the environment in Lancaster and Morecambe."

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