ELECTRIC buses, 1,500 new homes and a permanent homeless shelter are part of the Liberal Democrats’ vision for Brighton and Hove.

The party says it provides an “opportunity to vote for change” and if elected at the May 2 local elections, will work to fight Brexit, save schools and tackle the city’s housing crisis.

Included in its manifesto are plans for 1,500 new homes at Hollingbury Golf Course and an increase on tax on empty homes.

Geoff Date, prospective candidate for Westbourne ward in Hove, said: “I think the whole of our manifesto has been well thought out and I welcome it.

“My major concerns are housing and homelessness, so I welcome our policy of building 1,500 homes.”

The party says it “hopes we can avoid the mess of Brexit altogether” and envisions a potential Lib Dem council “acting as a gateway between the city and the rest of Europe”.

The manifesto says a future Lib Dem council will “get the basics right” and fight “secret decision-making”.

It says all residents should have the right to be consulted about major projects such as the King Alfred development.

The Lib Dems plan to use a new funding method to fix potholes and renegotiate the current recycling contract.

Mr Date said: “I agree that we need to get the basics right, our roads and pavements are bumpy with potholes and cracks.

“Our recycling service is limited in range and the majority of our household waste ends up incinerated.”

The vision for the city also includes a permanent night shelter for homeless people.

It plans to tackle air pollution by expanding cycle lanes and encouraging Brighton and Hove Buses to adopt electric buses.

It also plans to invest more money in schools to fill the “large funding shortfalls”.

The Lib Dems say they will ensure schools have enough teachers, teaching assistants, books and equipment.

They will provide additional funding for special educational needs and will oppose the sale of school grounds.

The manifesto reads: “We think ourselves lucky to live in the best city in the country and we’re excited about the opportunity to make things even better.

“For a real solution to the housing crisis, getting the basics right, fighting Brexit, saving our school and having pride in our city, vote Liberal Democrat on May 2.”