The Norwich Green

Rupert Read Re-Elected!

Wensum ward Green Party City Councillor Rupert Read was re-elected with a large majority in the 3rd May elections. Rupert said: "Thank you to everyone who voted Green. I am delighted to have been re-elected with an increased majority. The Green Councillors will continue to work hard to represent the area. We are investigating the wide range of issues raised with us by residents during the election campaign and will shortly get back in touch with the individuals concerned."

The other Green Party City Councillors for Wensum ward (Adrian Holmes and Tom Llewellyn) and your County Councillor were not up for election this time.

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.

Wensum Result 2007

Political Make-Up of Norwich City Council

No overall control with Labour minority administration.

Wensum Ward Result in Full

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 Adrian Holmes writes:

Several residents have contacted us to express concern about the derelict property on Wheatley Road. Orwell Housing Association was granted planning permission last year to knock down the property and replace it with two new homes. This work was expected to take place by the end of 2006 but has been delayed for a number of reasons. We have asked council officers to press for the work to proceed as soon as possible.

HELM Residents' Association and NELM Development Trust are working with the Police and the City Council to create a new Safer Neighbourhood Area Panel for Earlham, Larkman and Marlpit. Open meetings will be held each month to decide on the priorities for community safety work in the area. For more information please phone me on (01603) 613307.