_{21st November 2006}

A Green Party councillor has been short-listed for a political award because of his vocal support for wind energy in North Devon. Ricky Knight, 57, a councillor on Barnstaple Town Council, said he was delighted to be nominated for the Best South West Politician prize, sponsored by government agency Regen SW.

Cllr Knight, who stood as the Green Party candidate for North Devon in the 2005 General Election, is one of three South West politicians on the short-list for the best politician award. His wish list for green changes in Barnstaple include running buses and council vehicles on hydrogen and more park and ride schemes.

Ricky Knight said: "This nomination highlights the chasm between what the Government considers laudable and what local authorities in Devon are willing to support. Both North Devon District and Devon County councils opposed the Fullabrook Down wind farm. The Green Party is the only political party to come out in support of all four major renewable energy schemes in North Devon. The majority of people in North Devon are in favour of measures to combat climate change and many of the objections boiled down to selfish short-termism."

Ricky Knight said: "I got involved in green politics 22 years ago through the North Devon Peace Council, as it was the only party which unequivocally represented my anti-nuclear and anti-war stance. I didn't become active politically in local terms until the invasion of Iraq in 2003. I aspire to be a district councillor. There does not seem to be a single green voice there. For example the district council commitment to ensure one third of our electricity is renewable by 2010 is paltry."

Ricky Knight said: "I don't think there is enough political will in North Devon District Council and in too many parish councils to really do something to address the concerns of climate change highlighted by the Stern report. Time and again when councillors are given the opportunity to say yes to renewable schemes, they say no and cloak their reasons in dubious arguments."

Cllr Philip Booth, a Stroud District councillor noted: "It is great to see Ricky's tireless work recognised. His enthusiasm and passion is infectious - we need many more like him to tackle climate change. Stroud District Greens have already sent congratulations to him - it would be good for green politics if he won - too many politicians in the South West are sleeping and not taking these issues seriously enough."

The citation on his nomination about him reads: "He's been able to mobilise support, generate enthusiasm for projects and get in touch with communities that would otherwise be difficult to engage with."