A MOTION proposed by two Times Territory politicians at their party s autumn conference has been enshrined in national policy. Lib Dems Malcom Cowan and Sandy Walkington jointly wrote a motion condemning the way the government sells

A MOTION proposed by two Times Territory politicians at their party's autumn conference has been enshrined in national policy.

Lib Dems Malcom Cowan and Sandy Walkington jointly wrote a motion condemning the way the government sells 10-year railway franchises to the train companies who offer the most cash.

This system, they say, allows rail operators to increase fares - a practice which they believe the government permits as it is reliant on receiving franchise payments.

And their motion has clearly struck a chord, for it was accepted without any changes at the Lib Dems' autumn conference in Bournemouth.

Mr Walkington, the parliamentary candidate for St Albans, who lives in Welwyn, said: "It shows how democratic and open our party is that policy is developed in this way from the membership.

"It is so different from the top-down approach of the other parties.

"The motion is a direct consequence of our own experiences of rail travel and those of local people."

WGC borough and county councillor Malcolm Cowan added: "Britain has the highest rail fares in Europe, and fares from WGC are among the highest in the country.

"I take no pleasure from knowing our residents are thus probably paying the highest fares in Europe.