PADDY ASHDOWN IN BRISTOL

8.55.00am GMT Fri 5th Feb 2010

The former leader of the Liberal Democrats, Paddy Ashdown, was in Bristol yesterday visiting an employment advice centre and being briefed by local police on new initiatives to tackle crime in the city.

The visit was organised by Paul Harrod, Prospective Lib Dem MP for Bristol North West.

Lord Ashdown visited the Clean Slate Job Advice Centre in Lawrence Weston which was set up by Jeff Mitchell, the former managing director of the Big Issue South West. Lord Ashdown spoke to local people receiving support from the agency in accessing work.

Later in the afternoon he attended a briefing from the Joint Chief Officer of the Safer Bristol Partnership, Rick Palmer, to hear about measures taken to reduce crime in Bristol, including drug treatment services, Integrated Offender Management, and an increase in Police Community Support Officers.

Paul Harrod said the visit was a great success.

"We wanted Paddy to come and see for himself some of the fantastic work done in north Bristol by local social enterprises, third sector organisations, and the Police. There is a lot to be proud of in Bristol, and I know that Paddy will talk about what he has seen today as he tours the rest of the country in the coming months."