The Norwich Green

Just One Vote Away!

Green Candidate James Conway (Left) was just one vote short of becoming a City Councillor for Thorpe Hamlet ward in the 3rd May elections. James increased his vote from 497 last year to 952 this time but, after four recounts, LibDem Councillor Jeremy Hooke held onto his seat with 953 votes. James Conway said: "I would like to thank Thorpe Hamlet residents for the positive response I received on the doorstep and for such strong support in the election. The result shows that every vote really does count! I am still actively campaigning in the area, working with residents on local issues and supporting the Green Councillors. I congratulate Jeremy Hooke on his re-election."

Elsewhere in Norwich, the Greens successfully defended all of their seats that were up for election and made another gain in Town Close ward – taking their total to ten seats. The Green Councillors continue to provide a constructive opposition to the Labour administration at City Hall.

Thorpe Hamlet Result 2007

Political Make-Up of Norwich City Council

No overall control with Labour minority administration.

Thorpe Hamlet Ward Result in Full

(with percentage point changes from last year in brackets)

Can You Help Us Make The Difference In Thorpe Hamlet

Greens Ahead in Westminster Seat

The Green Party secured first place in votes cast across the Norwich South Westminster constituency on 3rd May. In other words, if everyone in Norwich South votes the same way at the next General Election as they did in this year's local elections then Charles Clarke will lose his seat to the Green Party.

Green Councillor Adrian Ramsay commented: "Whilst the numbers were close and no-one can take anything for granted it is clear that Norwich voters have a chance to make history at the next General Election and elect a Green Member of Parliament. Many of the social and environmental issues that residents ask us to pursue require national policy changes. It is essential that we gain a strong Green voice at Westminster at the next General Election and Norwich electors are now in a strong position to make this happen."

"Buoyed by their success in getting the number of Green City Councillors into double figures in this week’s local council elections, the Greens already have Mr. Clarke in their sights for the next parliamentary election." - Norwich Evening News, Saturday 5th May 2007.

Unitary Status Consultation

The Government is conducting a consultation on proposals to create a new Unitary Council for Norwich (on the existing boundaries of the City). The Unitary Council would provide all local government services for the city, which are currently split between the City and County Councils. The three largest parties at City Hall (Labour, the LibDems and the Greens) all support the plans. Green Councillors argue that a Unitary Authority would be more accountable to Norwich residents and more likely to implement Green policies. Transport, education and waste disposal are among the services run for Norwich by the County Council. These services are currently controlled by the ruling Conservative Councillors at County Hall – all of whom represent areas outside the City. Following the consultation, the Government will make a final decision on the proposals in July.

St. Leonard's Road Footpath

James Conway writes:

Several people have raised with me the issue of the closure of the footpath leading from St. Leonard's Road onto Gas Hill. City Council officers inform me that the footpath is unsafe until repair work has been carried out, but there are no plans to start any repair work at present. The project has been given a low priority ranking. This is because the work will be very expensive as the whole bank needs reinforcement. The officers stated that the path is not a major thoroughfare and so little disturbance is being caused by the closure. Whilst I accept that the Council has limited resources, I believe that the officers may have underestimated the demand for this footpath. I will soon be re-visiting residents in the area to ask how the closure is affecting them. If you would like me to pass on your views to Council officers, please contact me on (01603) 627139.