Norwich Green Party | Town Close Ward Newsletter

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

Councillor Janet Bearman said: "If we were running the Council we would take further steps such as focusing the Economic Development Unit on promoting independent and local businesses and concentrating the Transport Department on providing support for public transport, cycling and walking. However, I am pleased to report that significant budget improvements have been agreed and that the Green Councillors engaged productively in the budget discussions."

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. 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.

Stephen Little Selected

The Green Party has selected Stephen Little to stand in Town Close ward in May's local elections. Stephen has been a Green campaigner for six years. He is a former Trinity Street resident now living near the Lakenham end of Town Close. He is particularly interested in protecting the unique character of Norwich.

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.

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 the Green Councillors have been visiting residents to discuss options for these areas. The new scheme will be phased in from this autumn. Further details of how this will affect your area will be included in future newsletters. The strategy should ensure that there are more local recycling facilities for more materials across the city within the next couple of years.

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Compost Demonstration on Trafford Road

Would you like to learn how to make your own compost? Peter Anderson, a County Council Master Composter, will be demonstrating how to make compost on Saturday 31st March, 10-12am at the 'ring' on Trafford Road. Composting kitchen and garden waste helps to increase recycling levels and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. It also creates a useful nutrient product for the soil.

News In Brief

Plans to refurbish the Jenny Lind play area are set to go ahead later this year after local residents have been consulted on the nature and scale of the refurbishment. The St. Stephen's Partnership will be among the local residents’ groups that are consulted. Please contact Councillor Chris Hull on 664928 for more details of the refurbishment.

Green Councillors Janet Bearman and Chris Hull regularly attend the St. Stephen's Partnership meetings. This residents' group covers the parts of Town Close ward that are west of St. Stephen's Road and Ipswich Road. Its next meeting is on Monday 16th April at 7:30pm in the Vauxhall Centre on Vauxhall Street.