16th March 2007

On Monday 7th March the West Gloucestershire Green party was launched at the Dean Heritage Centre, Soudley. The local press gave a warm welcome reporting that some 70 people attended the launch and that Greens have confirmed they hope to stand in at least seven seats.

James Greenwood, of Purton, near Lydney is the local party coordinator and will be fighting the Lydney seat. He said there are major challenges associated with the twin problems of global warming and dwindling fossil fuel supplies. He said: "Our job is to make sure the Forest is ready. We don't pretend to have all the answers so we need more local people across the District to support turning green principles into practical and working solutions. Each area faces different problems and challenges."

James Greenwood said: "Many people express 'green' opinion these days and we need to pull all those views together and formulate the best ways forward to benefit the community as a whole. Even with a small number of successful candidates we will be able to persuade other councillors in the main political parties to take a greener stance. We could hold a position of considerable influence like Greens in other local Councils and the London Assembly. This would be good for the Forest as a whole."

Treasurer of the West Glos Green party, former Lydney rugby player and local farmer, Phil Saunders, is seeking a seat in Bream. He said: "The growth of unelected quangos, partnerships and networks feeding on devolved central and European funding has subverted and weakened the role and authority of democratically elected district councils."

James Greenwood said: "Those on both the political left and right have been left annoyed and frustrated at where previous Governments have taken us. We offer a voice of moderation and our emphasis is on the community. It's change you can buy into, not that which is imposed from high up. The Forest is lucky to have retained its identity and sense of community. Greens do not support a wholesale rush towards economic growth at the cost of quality of life."

Stephen Tweedie, a school teacher from Newent who stood as a Green party candidate in the last General election two years ago plans to contest the Newent seat. Other candidates are due to be confirmed in the next days.

For more info phone James Greenwood on Dean 01594 842080 or email at:
<jamesgreenwood@stacks.co.uk>