The Norwich Green

Stephen Little Elected!

Green Party Candidate Stephen Little (Left) was elected as City Councillor for Town Close ward in the 3rd May elections. Stephen said: "I was delighted by the strong support expressed for me and the Green Party on the doorstep and through the ballot box. I would like to thank everyone who voted Green. Councillors Janet Bearman and Chris Hull work hard to represent Town Close residents and I am pleased to have been elected to join them in this work. I have been investigating the wide range of issues raised with me during the election campaign and am in the process of reporting back to the individuals concerned. I am also enjoying being part of a large group of Green Councillors pressing for strong Green policies at City Hall."

Elsewhere in Norwich, the Greens successfully defended all of their seats that were up for election. Following the gain in Town Close there are now ten Green City Councillors. The Greens missed a further gain, in Thorpe Hamlet, by just one vote. The Green Councillors continue to provide constructive opposition to the Labour administration at City Hall.

Town Close Result 2007

Political Make-Up of Norwich City Council

No overall control with Labour minority administration.

Town Close Ward Result in Full

(with percentage point changes from last year in brackets)

Can You Help The Green Party Make A Difference?

This year's election results show that Norwich Green Party has the potential for further success in future local and national elections – and your help could make a difference! To offer help with delivering leaflets or by making a donation please phone (01603) 631096.

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.

News In Brief

Councillor Janet Bearman writes:

Residents of the Mount Pleasant area recently held a public meeting to discuss their campaign for traffic calming measures to be introduced locally. City Council transport officers are now developing new proposals in light of the views expressed at the meeting. The plans will be released and a consultation on them will take place shortly.

Several residents have contacted the Green Councillors to express unhappiness at the recent felling of some street trees on Cecil Road and Trafford Road. One of the requests made by these residents was for the trees to be replaced during the next planting season, this winter. Council officers have informed me that the Council does intend to plant new trees on the roads this winter and I will be monitoring the situation to ensure this promise is adhered to.