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
Wensum Green Councillor Rupert Read said: "If we were running the Council we would take further steps such as focusing the Economic Development Unit on promoting independent businesses. We would also concentrate the Transport Department on supporting public transport, cycling and walking. However, I am pleased that the Green Councillors played a productive role in the budget discussions and that these improvements have been secured."
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.
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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.
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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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News In Brief
O2 has submitted an appeal against the decision of the City Council to reject its application for 12.5m mast outside the Earlham Road Police Station. The Planning Inspectorate will make a decision on the appeal next month. To comment please write to: The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN by the strict deadline of 4th April. Please quote reference number APP/G2625/A/07/2038177/NWF.
T-mobile is considering submitting an application for a mobile phone mast on the grass verge near the traffic lights at the top of Guardian Road. This is next to the site of a planned development of 21 flats on the corner of Bowthorpe Road that has already been approved. The derelict bungalows are due to be demolished. Councillor Tom Llewellyn said: "I have spoken to T-mobile about this. I was surprised that the company did not know about the planned development. Hopefully T-mobile will reconsider its plans."
Councillor Rupert Read has gained a commitment from Council officers to make a range of environmental improvements in Jamieson Place. These include repairs to the railings and more regular litter picking at the bank near Dereham Road plus more prompt clearing away of old materials from council house upgrades in the area.
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