The Norwich Green

First Buses Under Scutiny

Norwich City Councillors have initiated an investigation into First bus services in the city. The Scrutiny Committees of all the local Councils will be working together to challenge First Bus managers over a range of public concerns about local bus services. City Councillors will be pressing for this to be followed by the development of a strategy for bringing about a reasonably-priced, reliable and comprehensive set of bus services in Norwich.

Green Councillor Andrew Boswell said: "Repeated price increases and an unwillingness by First to listen to concerns about routes have brought about a high level of public concern over local bus provision. For example, the direct service from Unthank Road to the hospital has still not been reinstated despite a strong public campaign.

Adrian Ramsay Re-Selected

Norwich Green Party has re-selected Nelson Councillor Adrian Ramsay to stand in the May Norwich City Council elections, when one seat in each ward will be contested. Adrian lives off Unthank Road and co-ordinates the largest group of Green Councillors in the country on Norwich City Council. He is delighted to have been re-selected for Nelson Ward, where he has enjoyed representing local residents over the last three years.

News In Brief

The owner of the former convenience store on the corner of Swansea Road and Denbigh Road is converting the building and adjoining property into two houses. This work should be completed by April. Sadly, efforts by local residents to resurrect the corner shop were unsuccessful. The former hairdresser's on the corner of Cardiff Road and Avenue Road has been taken over by a local lettings agency which focuses on student properties.

Magistrates have upheld an appeal by residents who were concerned about the licence granted to Heigham Park by the City Council in the summer. 72 residents, concerned about noise disturbance, anti-social behaviour and parking problems, backed the appeal and succeeded in getting a restriction imposed that all events must end by 10pm. Activities such as plays and music can still take place in the park on up to 12 occasions per year.

Green Councillors joined with the Norwich Cycling Campaign to object to the loss of the on-road cycle lane on the part of The Avenues near UEA when it was resurfaced recently. While the off-road cycle lane on the other side of the road remains, Green Councillors support the views of those residents who have expressed concern at losing cycle provision on such a popular route. The Green Councillors will be challenging this decision at this month's full City Council meeting.

Incineration One Year On: A Public Meeting

A year after the ruling Conservatives at County Hall first announced plans to build an incinerator to burn our waste in Costessey, anti-incineration campaign group NAIL2, Norwich Friends of the Earth and the Evening News have organised another public meeting. The meeting will discuss the latest proposals (which include Trowse and Costessey as possible locations for an incinerator) and look at the alternatives to burning our waste.

The Green Party is the only political party that is opposed to incineration anywhere in Norfolk in principle and is arguing for comprehensive recycling facilities and a resource recovery park instead.

Speakers at the meeting will include Dr Dick Van Steenis (industrial emissions specialist), Maxine Narburgh of Bright Green (zero waste expert) and Norman Brookes (meteorologist). Nelson Ward Green Councillor Adrian Ramsay will be in attendance. The meeting is open to all and will be held on Monday 29th January, 7pm at Costessey High School on Richmond Road in Costessey.