30th August 2007

Chris Harmer missed being elected today by 47 votes. John Marjoram, Chris Harmers' agent, said: "The Greens fought one of their best campaigns ever so it is very disappointing to loose again by only a few votes - but we will be back to hopefully win the seat next time."

Roland Blackwell the Conservative Candidate and well known local farmer held the seat for the Tories.  The result was very close as it was in last May with Chris Harmer the Green Candidate and current Chair of Horsley Parish Council, losing by 47 votes. The result was:

Roland Blackwell, Conservative  857
Chris Harmer, Green  810

Jo Smith, Labour 261

John Marjoram, who acted as the agent, said: "Of course we were disappointed as we also came so close last time. We ran a very full campaign and brought in a number of new Green Party members to help with this campaign. He added that Roland seemed an independently minded sort of man that the Greens could work with and we need to do  so. I’m sure that he will recognise that 42% of the Nailsworth voters cast their vote for a green vision and would respect that."   

Chris Harmer added that like him, Roland was born in the area and they both had a good understood of the issues surrounding there. He said: "I know he will attend the Horsley Parish meetings and he said that it will be refreshing that he will know roads and buildings and people that dwell there."

Click on Read more for his statement and download his leaflet here:  Chris Harmer, Nailsworth Ward, Thur 30 Aug 85 Kb

Election statement: 

The Green Party welcomes the opportunity to win a District Council seat in Nailsworth following the untimely death of Sybil Bruce. We stand a very good chance given our strong performance in May when we lost by only 12 votes out of an electorate of 5005 people. This really is a chance to bring about change.

Indeed our hopes for Nailsworth have been confirmed in the last weeks by many conversations with residents. Key issues include better sited and equipped play areas, especially in Forest Green, better facilities and support for teenagers and more support for local community projects. We also want more visible policing, with our Police Station properly staffed, measures to control excess traffic speeds, more affordable homes that really are affordable and more local manufacturing jobs.

Greens welcome the fact that the Tory administration and Council Officers have been willing to take on many Green party recommendations, but like many we recognise this is still not happening fast enough. We want planning to reflect the needs of the community instead of the developers. It is deeply disappointing that the District Council still doesn't insist, like other Councils, on new developments having renewable energy.

We need more Greens to ensure the policies are delivered and continually improved. I am chair of Horsley Parish Council, and have worked extensively with local government through my involvement with local environmental organisations. I have taken early retirement to devote time to community activities and would welcome the opportunity to represent the people of Nailsworth.

Chris Harmer, Green party candidate