The Green Party had excellent results nationally in the local elections held on 5th May, electing a net gain of 75 Green councillors. Many local councils now have a Green Councillor and even one can make a big difference to the issues discussed and acted upon. Think of Caroline in the House of Commons and Jenny Jones in the Lords. Some Councils have significant Green representation: Norwich with four, Somerset with five, Wirral with four, Exeter with three, North Yorkshire with five and Hastings with three. Just some examples.
Our next elections are in May 23 and we are looking for candidates to join the two Peters on Torridge District Council but also for people willing to be Parish and Town Councillors. All these roles can have a significant effect on actions taken.
Peter Christie is busy challenging “viability studies” in planning applications where developers “prove” they cannot build any or very few affordable homes and also the new “Biodiversity offsetting” which doesn’t appear all it is cracked up to be including finding that the developer plans to spend the money some distance from the proposed development (very Greenwash). He is also calling out the idea that Westward Ho! can be permanently protected from sea level rise pointing out that costs are already up to £3million for initial works.
Bideford Sustainability Group will have a stall at Bideford Fair in victoria Park on June 2nd to publicise their work and talk about their repair cafe. Do go along and support them and find out what they are up to. http://bidefordsustain.org
Extinction Rebellion – this Friday 27th May at Tomlin Hall, Bickington from 7.30 to 9 pm As the World Looks Up, We Step Up: Project 3.5
XR aim to mobilise 3.5% of the population so they become too big to ignore. The meeting will deliver a short talk inviting people to feel rather than think the Climate crisis. You are invited to go along and listen.
Big plastic count: This took place last week with tens of thousands of people nationally taking part. Greepeace will use the results to develop a strategy to reduce plastic waste. The results should be out in a week or so. https://thebigplasticcount.com
Compass: Compass is a group set up nationally to ensure that the Conservatives are defeated at both local and national elections. It involves having a coalition of the left with the introduction of proportional representation if they are successful. They have invited Torridge Greens to be involved and we will be discussing our response at our next meeting on 12th June. Let us know if you have a view. https://www.compassonline.org.uk
Next Torridge Green Party Meeting on Sunday 12th June at 3 pm
This will be at Fairlight, Torridge View, Great Torrington, EX38 8DN. All members and prospective members welcome. If you are walking, access from the footpath between Warren Lane and Limers Hill at the copper beech through the gate. Or contact me on 01805 628256 if you need a lift.
