EMPTY PROPERTIES SUCCESS!

Norwich City Council has at last abolished the 50% council tax discount for owners of long-term empty properties. Until now, owners of properties that have been empty for more than six months have only been charged half the normal council tax rate. Green Councillors first challenged this discount a year ago, arguing that scrapping it would provide an incentive to owners of such properties to carry out any necessary maintenance work and make them available for renting or sale as soon as possible.

"However, the Green Party continues to believe that the Council should insist on a higher level of low-cost housing in new developments. This measure - which the other parties have so far rejected - is needed in order to significantly increase the amount of affordable housing available locally."

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Stop Unthank Tesco: campaign update

Tesco has re-submitted its application to build a new store on the corner of Unthank Road and Trinity Street. Residents have until the end of January to submit objections. People who objected to the original application are asked to write again. Prease write to:

The Green Party continues to oppose the application because of the detrimental effect such a store would have on the local transport system and on the many independent businesses in the area.

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Council Licensing Policy

Next month, responsibility for issuing licenses to pubs will transfer from magistrates to local councils. The Green Party is urging the City Council to ensure that all residents living close to a pub are consulted when it applies for a license. This is vital because new legislation means that many applications will include late opening hours.

Councillor Bob Gledhill said: "Local people should be fully consulted on these applications. I would encourage residents to send in their views when asked. Green Party Councillors also proposed that the City Council included environmental sustainability as a factor to be taken into account when considering applications. Issues such as the availability of locally-brewed ale and provisions for recycling of glass bottles by pubs are particularly relevant. Unfortunately, this latter proposal was rejected by the LibDems and Labour."

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Norfolk Schools Let Down by PFI Deal Collapse

The recent collapse of the proposed Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal means that planned maintenance work for schools across Norfolk has been halted. Plans for new buildings have also fallen through until alternative funding is arranged. The PFI scheme was drawn up by Norfolk County Council and Norwich South MP Charles Clarke.

"Green MPs and County Councillors would push for straight-forward public funding for these services and an end to the short-sighted PFI schemes which generate short-term cash but long-term debt."

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Brooklyn Nursery is reopening

The new owners of the former Brooklyn Nursery on Earlham Road are pleased to announce that this popular nursery will be reopening. Extensive refurbishment work is being carried out and it's hoped the nursery will open by Easter. All enquiries for the waiting list please call (01379) 688472.

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Surgery Times

Your Green Party Councillors hold the following surgeries. Just turn up, to meet us:

• Last Friday of each month
  Cadge Road Community Centre
  10-11am

Contacting Nelson Greens

Your Green Party Councillors continue to take up local issues of concern with the Council. If you have anything you would like us to investigate or any questions please contact us:

Nelson Greens
15 Connaught Road
Norwich
NR2 3BP

T (01603) 503607
E Nelson Greens

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We would be pleased to hear from you

Tsunami Appeal

If you've not yet donated to the tsunami relief effort, one worthy organisation to consider is Sarvodaya. This group has low administration costs and its work is organised by local people in Sri Lanka.

AFRICAN
DRUMMING

evening workshops, drums provided

At Avenue Middle School. Exciting, accessible West African polyrhythms for beginners and at intermediate level.

For details, contact:
(01603) 620422
or
johnsutton
@lineone.net

The
Green Grocers

Organic, Fair Trade
and local products

2 Earlham House
Earlham Road
Norwich
NR2 3PD
T 250000

LOGS LOGS LOGS

Seasoned hardwood logs cut to order. By-product of local tree surgeon's work.

(01603) 811686