27th April 2007

Election statement by Gloucester City Green party

Gloucester Green party has a short but successful history. Last year we averaged almost 10% in the wards we contested and beat the Libdems and UKIP showing a significant and growing population in  Gloucester who want to a secure a strong and sustainable economic future for ourselves and our children.

The City itself is entering a crucial time with many important developments. We must go beyond just talking about sustainability and act. Other parties talk 'green' but despite some local dedicated staff at the Council, progress has been very, very slow.

We want to see near-free insulation for homes to cut heating bills like in other Greener councils. We want to see much greater investment in improving energy efficiencies of council buildings to bring long term savings in Council Tax.

Gloucester has some of the worst recycling rates in Europe but residents want to do their bit and avoid landfill tax charges being added to their Council Tax. Councils with strong Green representation are doing much better. We can too.

Greens are the only party speaking out against the ridiculously wasteful Parkway scheme. We would instead see investment in decent public transport where it is needed not on a farm. Stations in Churchdown and the Forest could be reopened and shuttle services which reduce city congestion far more than new roads around the Parkway scheme.

If we are to have a healthy, strong economic future for Gloucester then much more is needed to build our local economies: more support for local small businesses, farmers markets, local shopping and Post Offices.

We want to see local health services protected and are the only main political party signed up to the national campaign 'Keep Our NHS Public' which is working to stop privatisation of the NHS. We want Community Gardens in the city, more protection for green fields, more affordable housing and cuts to traffic casualties by a City-wide 20 mph zone like Portsmouth are planning.

We want a City that is the envy of our nation and the world beyond. The  road ahead is not an easy one, but working together we can achieve all this. Elected Greens will listen and work to get your views heard and acted on. It is time for strong independent Green voices on the Council, free to act in the interests of local people not some party machine.

One Planet. One Chance. One Vote. See more on our website:
www.glosgreenparty.org.uk or phone our election hotline on 0845 4562602.

Bryan Meloy, Coordinator of Gloucester Green party and candidate in
Moreland Ward