Greener City Spending Plans
The City Council has recently agreed its spending plans for the next financial year. The plans include several measures that the Green Party Councillors have argued for in budget discussions, such as:
- investment in improved recycling facilities (see here for details)
- recruitment of an energy officer to improve energy efficiency in Council buildings – saving taxpayers' money and reducing carbon emissions
- priorities for capital projects to include, as money becomes available, a fund for tackling fuel poverty the long-awaited skate-park and BMX facility at Eaton Park and the extension of the alley gates security schemes for local homes
Eaton ward Green Party Candidate Richard Bearman said: "I am pleased that these improvements have been agreed and that the Green Councillors engaged productively in the negotiations. If the Greens were running the Council we would take further steps such as concentrating the Transport Department on providing support for cycling, walking and public transport and getting the Economic Development Unit to prioritise promoting local independent businesses."
Green County Councillors proposed an amendment to the County Council budget that included the establishment of a Climate Change Mitigation Fund for investment in energy-saving measures. Although the other parties did not support this proposal this year, the principle has been welcomed by many Councillors and officers at County Hall. Green County Councillors will continue to work on a scheme to be developed for the next budget round.
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Hay Hill Stalls
Councillor Adrian Ramsay writes:
 The City Council has reached a compromise where some of the stalls on Hay Hill will be allowed to remain alongside the sculpture that is to be installed. Green Councillors have been arguing from the outset that the introduction of the sculpture should not need to result in stalls being moved. The new pitches that have been identified should be used to increase the number of stalls available – they are an important part of the local economy and there is a waiting list for pitches.
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Comprehensive Recycling Strategy Agreed
The City Council has developed a strategy for improving recycling levels in Norwich. The strategy, which received support and input from all four parties at City Hall, will see parts of the city take on the two-wheelie-bin system that has been successful in other parts of Norfolk. However, the strategy recognises that this may not be suitable for parts of the city (such as flats and terraced areas) and Council officers are currently investigating the options for these areas. The new scheme will be phased in from this autumn. The strategy will ensure that there are more local recycling facilities for more materials across the city.
This spring the Council is starting an opt-in collection scheme in Eaton for recycling garden waste. For more information please phone 212212. Bins for composting garden waste at home can also be ordered on this number.
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Anti-Social Behaviour Hotline: 212100
Reports of anti-social behaviour that residents make to this 24-hour hotline are used to help decide where the Police and community wardens should concentrate their ongoing work. Residents should use this number to report problems, but if you need the Police to attend the same day then call 0845 456 4567 (non-emergencies) or 999 (emergencies).
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Richard Bearman Selected
  Richard Bearman has been selected as the Green Party Candidate for your area (Eaton ward) in this year's City Council elections. Richard lives in the ward on Constable Road and is married to Green Councillor Janet Bearman. He is an active member of several local campaign groups, including Norfolk Organic Group and Norfolk Education for Action on Development as well as the Green Party.
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Greens are the Growing Force
The Green Party is the growing force in Norwich politics. The Greens made four gains from the Liberal Democrats in the 2006 City Council elections. The nine Green Councillors provide a constructive opposition to the Labour administration at City Hall. Amongst the wards where the Greens hold seats are Nelson and Town Close – which border your area (Eaton Ward). Norwich City Council has the largest group of Green Party Councillors in the country and the Greens hope to make further inroads in this year's local elections on 3rd May.
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