Green Councillors Rejoice As Norwich Tops 'Eco-friendliness' Poll

13th November - Norwich was today named the "greenest place to live" (The Independent), in a poll where districts won points for a range of environmentally friendly activities such as the number of companies involved in activities such as double glazing or recycling, and the number of food firms supplying organic produce.

Green City Councillor Rupert Read commented: "Norwich has the highest number of Green City Councillors anywhere in the UK, so it comes as no surprise to hear it is the greenest city. Green Councillors have made a huge difference by for instance forcing the Council administration to significantly increase the percentage of renewable energy included in new developments, and 'greening' the Council's policy on tree-planting and tree-maintenance. We also support local green businesses, providing good advertising opportunities through our newsletters."

Councillor Adrian Ramsay said the news highlighted the impact local councillors could have on the quality of life in their area: "Local Councillors can play a pivotal role in ensuring the views of local people are heard, and, in the case of Green Councillors, making sure the towns they represent are as eco-friendly as possible.

Earlier this year Google revealed that more people search for the phrase 'Green Party' in Norwich than in any other town in the UK. We are a growing force, as shown in the recent local elections where we increased our council numbers by 4, bringing the total number of Green voices to 11."

Norwich Greens are also leading the opposition to County Council proposals for an incinerator and a 'Northern Distributor Road' around Norwich, both of which would have a devastating environmental and climate-dangerous impact.

Councillor Read remarked that, "In order for Norwich to remain the most eco-friendly place in Britain, it is clearly vital for the Green Party voice to go on growing, and for these anti-eco-projects to be stopped. Norwich Green Councillors have been crucial in ensuring a major increase in recycling facilities in Norwich, but this is one area where there is still a very long way for Norwich to go. Another is public transport - Greens are fighting for a decent, accountable bus service for the city, to provide a truly adequate alternative so that people don't feel bound to take their cars."