THE Conservative party have launched the manifesto they hope will put them back in charge of Cotswold District Council on May 7.

Key in the manifesto is the promise to freeze car parking and green bin charges.

The decision to keep car parking charges, leisure centre and Corinium Museum admission fees, and green waste collection charges had been made at the budget meeting on February 24.

However, the Conservatives have pledged to keep the freeze until at least 2020.

The manifesto also commits to helping young people onto the housing ladder with developer-funded discounts, ring-fencing new social housing for Cotswolds residents and working to prevent flooding.

The Conservatives will also campaign for improved ambulance services and for better mobile phone signal and broadband cover.

Group Leader, Cllr Lynden Stowe says “Four years ago we set out our stall to freeze council tax for four years and collect plastic bottles for recycling. We went further – we cut Cotswold District Council tax by 25% in real terms and now collect all rigid plastic waste.

“Looking ahead we wanted to again build on the principle of freezing charges, maintaining key frontline services and keeping council tax as low as possible. Our manifesto for the next four years does all of that.”

He added: “We want to leave money in people’s pockets. That’s why we’re promising to freeze all charges for car parking, green bins and pest control services. Not just for another twelve months but for five years - until at least 2020. That’s our promise to the people of the Cotswolds.”

Currently there are 30 Conservatives, 11 Lib Dems and three independents on CDC.