tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19424600707231002262024-03-19T17:37:12.460+00:00Green in Central BedfordshireGareth Ellis was voted in as local District Councillor for Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill Ward in Mid Bedfordshire District Council in 2007. He was the first Green Party Councillor to be elected in the area.
He has since stood as Green Party candidate for the new Unitary Council. He is currently a Parish Councillor for Flitton and Greenfield Parish Council.Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-81707518745088335232011-05-09T21:45:00.002+01:002011-05-09T21:50:06.230+01:00Is this the greenest Government?It is difficult to see what the current Coalition has done which can be called "Green". In fact they seem to be busy cancelling or cutting back on a number of green intiatives. See Jonathon Porritt's report<br />
http://www.jonathonporritt.com/pages/2011/05/the_greenest_government_ever_o.htmlGareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-69710785666867495562011-04-28T08:03:00.005+01:002011-04-28T08:18:14.582+01:00AV or not AV? That is the question.Is the Alternative Vote system easy or confusing? Well voters just need to number their preferences in priority order. So first choice 1, if they want a second choice 2 and if they want a third choice 3 and so on.<br /><br />Is it fairer? The idea is to have over 50% of voters having voted for the eventual winner. This means the winner should be closer to views of the majority of people. With the current system it is all too easy for the winner to represent a large minority rather than the majority of voters.<br /><br />More info on AV at http://www.yestofairervotes.org/pages/what-is-avGareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-26054595314566174782011-04-27T21:42:00.007+01:002011-04-28T08:16:26.707+01:00Vote GreenI am standing as a Green Party candidate in the Central Bedfordshire elections on 5th May 2011. This is because I believe they are the only political party which is really serious about our long term future. The others are more interested in short term policies which will give them access to power but which lead to boom and bust and long term chronic problems. One example of this dear to my heart being the looming energy crisis as existing nuclear and coal power stations literally run out of steam, with no clear policy on how they are to be replaced with a sustainable alternative.<br /> <br />Locally I am keen to see more emphasis on job creation - building on the opportunities we have here in Bedfordshire for developing the low carbon economy. This includes energy efficiency, renewables, waste reduction and recycling. Our local colleges and Universities are leading in these areas and we also have some fantastic examples of local companies creating sustainable profits and jobs from this crucial sector.<br /><br />For more info on the Green Party see the current election broadcast at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BKo_NlwZOQGareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-9312668051540326732011-04-25T20:36:00.008+01:002011-04-26T08:43:19.199+01:00Job seekers in Westoning and Tingrith"Youth on Dole in Leafy Villages" - Front page news for the Times and Citizen http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/news/digital-editions/bedford-times-citizen Thursday April 21st in the Mid Beds version. The GMB Union provided figures highlighting a large percentage of job seekers (57.1%) being aged 18 to 24 in Westoning and Tingrith, whereas in Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill the proportion is 15%. The statistics an be found on the Nomis Official Labour Market Statistics website https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/ward/1308622892/report.aspx?#wab<br /><br />The high percentage is alarming, however the actual numbers are less so. A dozen 18 to 24 year olds in March 2011 are signed on for jobseekers allowance out of of around 238 (this population statistic is from 2009) 18 to 24 year olds in Westoning and Tingrith. The point being made in the paper is that there are 12 jobseekers aged between 18 and 24 out of 21 jobseekers in total. But the total jobseekers are 1.3% of the working population. These are small numbers by National (3.8%) or even Mid Beds (2%)standards.<br /><br />However looking deeper into the statistics it can be seen there is a steady upwards trend in total jobseekers starting in mid 2009 with a doubling of jobseekers in the period after compared with the year or two before. This can also be seen in the statistics for Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill, where incidentally the numbers are almost identical with 19 jobseekers (1.2% of the working population). Over the same period the percentage of job seekers who are aged between 18 and 24 fluctuates considerably month on month but seems to be on average around 40% in Westoning and Tingrith and around 20% in Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill.<br /><br />So what can be concluded from all this? Well firstly there does seem to be an issue with youth unemployment in Westoning and Tingrith at least when compared with other wards in Central Beds - for example Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill. Secondly it is clear that unemployment whilst not at national levels is on the increase locally and looking back over recent statistics it does seem to be increasing more quickly. <br /><br />Why is this and what can done? It is difficult to work out why Westoning youth should be hardest hit. Transport may be an issue although I can vouch that public transport is much worse in Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill. Perhaps the issue is more to do with the very local economy in Flitwick where there are also high percentages of youth jobseekers. Education or lack of the right kind of education may also be an issue but again it is difficult see why that would affect Westoning and not Flitton as both areas are in the same school system.<br /><br />Given the recession perhaps it is no surprise that unemployment is on the increase, but why is it happening more quickly here? Perhaps one answer is that we have had it good in the past with minimal levels of people claiming jobseekers allowance, so any increase becomes significant. However it may also be that we are too dependent on the sectors of the economy which did well previously but which are now hardest hit by this recession. In which case what is needed is a more balanced local economy and one which is more sustainable - without boom and bust!Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-5501171871443956662009-06-03T23:08:00.003+01:002009-06-03T23:31:44.258+01:00Final weekIt has been a hectic final week before the local election. A part from all the canvassing and leafleting a number other things have happened this week. <br /><br />Firstly the solar photovoltaic panels are finally being installed on Greenfield School roof. They should be working by the end of the week. I am now planning a community event to give everyone the opportunity to see them and learn more about them, probably in the first week of July. <br /><br />I attended a meeting between the Parish Council and Highways on Monday to confirm the details for traffic calming at the bottom of Pulloxhill Road and High Street Greenfield on the approaches to the school. We should be seeing two roundabouts at the end of Mill Lane and the end of Pulloxhill Road with other "tabletop" type traffic calming following on after consultation. <br /><br />On Tuesday I had a meeting with the planning department regarding a possible new school to determine criteria for acceptable sites. This follows on from a recent Governors meeting where a new school was discussed with the new Director of Children's Services at Central Bedfordshire Council.<br /><br />On Tuesday evening I had a meeting with RATS (see earlier blog) to review investigations and actions which have been taken over the last couple of years to find a solution to the lorry problem in Greenfield. One of the main stumbling blocks has been discovering that whilst the original planning permission for Pulloxhill Industrial Estate in 1986 did limit the hours of operation of the site this was lifted in 1987 by a supplementary planning application. I am now asking Highways to investigate whether night time restrictions for loading and unloading can be imposed on top of the 7.5 tonne limit. Note the 7.5 tonne limit only applies to through traffic and not to lorries loading or unloading at the Industrial Estate. <br /><br />Feedback from canvassing has been interesting with many people indicating that they will vote. With many keen to vote on local issues we are finding a lot of support. The backlash against the main political parties seems to be affecting the voting intentions for the Euro election with some voters even saying they will vote Green or UKIP i.e anyone other that the main three parties.Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-24578909673466312202009-05-29T07:18:00.004+01:002009-05-29T07:43:15.124+01:00FATCRAG HustingsI attended the Flitwick At The Crossroads Action Group meet the candidates meeting last night. All the parties were represented with candidates for Flitwick West and Flitwick East. There was much debate about the proposed Town Centre Development which has had a number of false starts and a lot of disappointment was expressed regarding the ineffective consultation that has gone on so far.<br /><br />My view was that Flitwick needs to be aiming a bit higher than the current focus on what can be got out of Tesco. What is needed is a vision for the whole town. I think that Flitwick should put itself forward to become a true "Eco-Town". I was dead against the so called "Eco-Town" proposed for the green fields of the Marston Vale. It makes much more sense to upgrade the eco performance of existing housing, installing more insulation and solar panels for example. This would create local jobs. It would also attract extra Government and other funding. The environment is an area where increasingly funding and investment is being targeted.<br /><br />Leighton Buzzard has been successful with the help of Beds CC in securing £1 Million for becoming a "Cycle Town" resulting in a number of initiatives to increase cycling in the town. I worked to get funding for Flitton and Greenfield for a major Carbon reduction project and whilst we were aiming again for £1 Million we did at least secure £50,000 for solar panels on the school, and now have the momentum to look for further projects in the villages. <br /><br />Such an approach for Flitwick could begin to address the traffic congestion by securing funding for cycleways and better public transport. It could secure funding for improving existing buildings and houses. It could create local jobs. It would inform the debate about new developments. It would not be dependent on the likes of Tescos. Above all it would give people a new pride in the Town.Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-21573259358884750062009-05-16T19:53:00.002+01:002009-05-16T19:57:18.332+01:00Green Party Video - Think againThe Green Party is not just about the environment. Watch this <a href="http://www.rupertread.net/thinkagainvotegreen.html">http://www.rupertread.net/thinkagainvotegreen.html</a>Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-86503564812214673192009-05-14T22:19:00.003+01:002009-05-14T22:35:58.010+01:00RATSNo its not a rodent problem but a new action group set up to do something about traffic in Flitton and Greenfield. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Residents Against Traffic Speed RATS</span> are lobbying for measures to stop these villages being used as a "rat run", and in particular to....<br /><br />• Work to reduce excessive speed of HGV’s (especially through the night)<br />• Achieve traffic calming measures through the village<br />• Lobby to have the road resurfaced<br /><br />They are organising a petition/survey which I will be distributing along with the rest of the Parish Council next week. Traffic has been one of the main issues I have been keen to do something about and having the evidence of the impact it is having locally is so important when arguing the case for something to be done. <span style="font-weight:bold;">So please when you get the petition make sure you make you make your feelings known. </span><br /><br />For more info on RATS contact me and I will put you in touch with one of the organisers or better still follow their progress on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GreenfieldRATS<br /> or<br />Create your own report on www.Fixmystreet.comGareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-72074063043355601242009-04-29T22:01:00.003+01:002009-05-05T22:45:45.532+01:00Flitwick Town CouncilI attended the Town Council Annual Meeting last week. It was well attended with a number of speakers notably from the Flitwick at the Crossroads Group well represented. There are a number of major changes in the pipeline for Flitwick and it is evident that as many people wanted to have a say.<br /><br />The Town Council seem to have come to an understanding with Mid Beds District Coucnil - now Central Bedfordshire for the location of the new Leisure Centre (adjacent to the present one) with the football pitches moving to the land opposite the One O One Garage next to the A507. At the same time the Town Council will gain land on Maulden Road for a new Burial Ground and Country Park. This raised many questions - such as what the effect of locating all the football pitches (not just those adjacent to the current leisure centre) on the edge of town would be - potentially taking away provision for games areas from the middle of town; also the suitability of the land off Maulden Road either for Burials or for a Country Park was questioned.<br />The new Town Centre Development raises lots of questions. How much will it be shaped by a vision to benefit people in Flitwick and how much will be it be a magnet for more cars, congestion and parking problems. The prospect of a larger Tescos and a new and enlarged railway station will be welcomed by many but the side effects of increased traffic could be horrific.<br /><br />I believe that a new vision for Flitwick is needed which puts people first. This would need to focus on the local environment requiring new developments to demonstrate how they are improving the environment rather than further degrading it. Protecting and increasing green space in the town is important as is making the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. A more joined up public transport system linking buses and trains with much better promotion and information would help ease the congestion. Fltiwick also needs to take greater pride in its heritage. One speaker raised the issue of Flitwick Mill, which I am happy to say I voted against being given planning permission as a house, when it came before a planning committee earlier in the year. However it is still vulnerable without funding and action to ensure that the current owner takes greater care of this important local landmark.<br /><br />A new vision for Flitwick could be the route to levering in further funding for the Town, given the current move by Central Government to increase funding for low Carbon industries. Leighton Buzzard has recently won just over £1 Million in funding to become a "Cycling Town". I myself have been successful in helping to secure funding for a Community Carbon Reduction project in Flitton and Greenfield. A similar initiative to "Green" Flitwick could help to put the town on the map, improve the local environment, lever in funding and create new jobs.Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-6785559817690002072009-03-03T22:12:00.006+00:002009-03-03T22:41:24.222+00:00Central Beds and Council taxWhat was the aim of merging Beds County Council, Mid Beds and South Beds? To save costs, improve services and lower Council tax I hear you cry. Well the latter fell at the first hurdle with Central Beds Shadow Council setting a budget leading to a 2.5% increase for the residents of Central Bedfordshire from April. <br /><br />I was quite amazed to see the proposal from the Conservatives supported wholeheartedly by the Libdem and Labour groups. It was left to the Greens (yes there are two of us now!) and Independents to speak up for the Pensioners (who had presented a petition and were waving placards outside)and others hoping for a decrease not an increase. We were allowed a brief statement each pointing out that the tax would exceed inflation and that the other Unitary - Bedford Borough was introducing only a 0.9% increase. But then the debate was cut short and a vote hastily called with Conservatives, Libdem and Labour voting together in perfect harmony. <br /><br />More time was given earlier in the proceedings as to whether Councillors mileage allowance should be higher for larger cars. The Conservatives tabled a late amendment to the proposal on the agenda to change a flat rate of mileage allowance to a rate which increased dramatically from around 42 p/mile for small cars to over 58 p/mile for cars over 1200 cc. I pointed out that this would prove a disincentive for the use of smaller more efficient cars and was hardly setting a good example to others in terms of reducing Carbon emissions. There was even dissent in the Tory ranks but the vast majority were keen to point out the huge costs of running their gas guzzlers.<br /><br />One of the Libdems quipped that you don't need to be a Green to champion green measures. I agree with this, but I didnt see anyone else standing up for the Green principles of living within your means - either financially or environmentally.Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-69943948392206344202008-03-02T13:30:00.004+00:002008-04-19T18:13:15.464+01:00Big Green Challenge for Flitton and GreenfieldThe presentation given at the recent meeting is displayed here <iframe src='http://docs.google.com/EmbedSlideshow?docid=dhr2vmkp_2sprwk6cd' frameborder='0' width='410' height='342'></iframe>Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-4566300508388628282008-02-24T22:17:00.004+00:002008-02-24T22:20:59.086+00:00Ideas for reducing Carbon emissionsHere's a list of the ideas which were generated at the Big Green Challenge meeting.<br /><br />Local wind turbine – possibly near Industrial estate<br />Switch off pubic lighting after 11pm<br />Ban Christmas lights<br />Ban patio heaters<br />Improve building insulation – homes and local community buildings<br />Wind power and solar power for church hall<br />Encourage walking and cycling<br />Discourage car use – school run; provide alternatives<br />Local green waste recycling<br />Local natural waste water treatment – use grey water for agriculture (and household0<br />Buy local or British produce whenever possible; sell produce from local allotments<br />Walking bus for school<br />Improve paths and pavements<br />Encourage householders to have solar powered external lighting<br />Encourage switching off of lights and turning heating down and closing curtains, wear woolly jumpers<br />Reduce traffic<br />Encourage car sharing – via local web site and school<br />Better public transport – more info and timetables<br />Return of village store and post office – community scheme in church hall?<br />More use of allotments<br />Unplug transformers and other standby equipment<br />Restore Flitwick Mill to generate electricity<br />Recycle batteries<br />Solar panel buying club<br />Collect cooking oil<br />Low energy light bulb scheme<br />Encourage council to convert refuse lorries from diesel to veg oil<br />Food waste collection<br />Enforce 30 mph speed limitEncourage home working and or provide local base for homeworkers e.g. Church Hall<br />Local timezone - Change time of getting up<br />Plant trees – e.g. along A507 to also reduce noise; encrouage more in gardens; seek sponsorship<br />Publicity re carbon footprints<br />Geothermal project for village<br />More information on energy efficient appliances<br />Wood burning stoves and fires – using local wood<br />Set up local network of energy volunteers or wardens or advisers on neighbourhood basis<br />Bulk purchase of energy saving appliances<br />Free order/collection of regular items – papers/milk<br />Promote public transport<br />Biodiesel project/ storage facility<br />Education<br />Mirrors to reflect sun into space – increase albedo<br /><br />Any comments or additional ideas welcome......Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-2370477270822138862008-02-13T22:48:00.002+00:002008-02-13T23:03:00.858+00:00Big Green Challenge MeetingThe meeting to develop a proposal to reduce carbon emissions in Flitton and Greenfield Parish was a huge success. More than 50 ideas for saving Carbon were generated. The task now is to take some of the more innovative ideas and blend them with more standard approaches to demonstrate how we can achieve 60% savings or more.<br /><br />It is not too late to become involved. If you are keen to take part then just let me know. Regardless of what happens with the Big Green Challenge there was enough enthusiasm at this evening’s meeting to suggest that we are on the way to a carbon reduction project for the Parish.Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-49049146426683729412008-01-29T22:24:00.000+00:002008-01-29T22:25:52.823+00:00Big Green ChallengeI am organising a meeting for the 13th February at 7.30 pm in Flitton Church Hall. This is to see what interest there is in a community project to reduce our Carbon emissions. The Big Green Challenge is a £1 million fund offered by NESTA to encourage innovative ideas for communities to reduce Carbon emissions by 60%.<br /><br />I believe it could provide all sorts of benefits to our local villages at the same time as reducing emissions. For example we could look for funding for better footpaths, new cycleways, traffic calming measures, better bus services which would reduce our dependence on the car and encourage more walking and cycling. We could also seek funding for improvements to heating and power for our community facilities such as the Church Hall, Church, Village Hall and School. We could group together to obtain discounts on low energy light bulbs, more efficient heating systems, insulation, solar panels and so on.<br /><br />The idea of the Challenge to come up with new ideas or to apply existing ideas in new ways. I am hoping that the meeting will generate sufficient ideas and interest for us to make an application to the Challenge in time for the deadline at the end of February.<br /><br />If you are not able to make it to the meeting please contact me with your ideas and support. I need people to help deliver leaflets and also help with the application process. For more info please contact me on 01525 862329 or 0780 9873124 or email me on garethe@fish.co.ukGareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-35220832200952426892007-11-29T00:17:00.000+00:002007-11-29T00:31:55.683+00:00Recent activiesI still havent got the hang of blogging. I think the idea is little and often but I am finding the time to keep up to date difficult. Reason being I have been very busy. Recent activities include: <br /><br />Dealing with planning issues in Pulloxhill and Greenfield. <br />Getting involved in a sub committee on Flitton and Greenfield Parish Council on traffic issues in the villages - we are hoping to come up with some funding options for traffic calming. <br />Looking into options to increase the Bus service for Pulloxhill, Flitton and Greenfield which has been recently cut.<br />Attending the District Council Overview Committee and making arguments, which I believe where appreciated, that the Council should not sign up to long term contracts to feed the proposed Incinerator (Energy from Waste Plant by another name) but keep open the option to reduce and recycle waste.<br />For the same Committee coming up with suggestions for how the food waste collection could be funded through sponsorship and thereby extended to the whole District.<br />Attending meetings on the proposed Traveller site in Flitton and lobbying to have it removed from the list as the site proposed is unsustainable.<br />Assisting with the plans for Greenfield and Pulloxhill Schools becoming formerly federated.<br />Leafleting residents of Flitwick about the proposed Town Centre development - more on this later....Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-22664008636087858902007-09-10T22:30:00.000+01:002007-10-04T20:13:37.240+01:00Long time no blogI suppose my main excuse for not blogging is that I have been too busy. Also over the summer there seems to have been little to comment on. My main activity as a new Councillor has been to learn the ropes. I am active on the Development Control Committee and a number of planning applications in Pulloxhill and Flitton have kept me busy. I have also been trying to support and push some of the good work the Council is now doing on Climate Change. The Council has signed the Nottingham Declaration and carried out a baseline survey of the it's Carbon emissions (by Cranfield University). An Action plan has now been agreed by the Executive to reduce emissions in the near future. I am now pushing to see further action taken to encourage a reduction in Carbon emissions across the District.Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-19987877929197385452007-05-25T23:29:00.000+01:002007-05-25T23:48:29.742+01:00What nextWell I am now a signed up District and Parish Councillor. I seem to be attending at least one meeting each night and there is a pile of paperwork I have yet to get to the bottom of. But I am enjoying the challenge and relishing the chance to make a difference.<br /><br />I have joined the Independent Group on the District Council. This does not affect my status as a Green Party representative but does mean that I get to be on the Development Control Committee which is closer to my interests and skills than the other options I was offered as a lone Councillor. <br /><br />I attended the Climate Change Conference "Moving to another World" on the 16th and witnessed the signing of the Nottingham Declaration by Jaki Salisbury the CEO of Mid Beds DC. The conference was very inspiring with a number of excellent speakers telling us what can be done to tackle this huge problem. Copies of the presentations can be found at http://www.midbeds.gov.uk/council/corporate/lsp/climate/default.asp I will be working to make sure that the Council now follow through on this commitment to take action.Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-70172434419783732142007-05-04T17:45:00.000+01:002007-05-04T20:29:46.577+01:00The Election Result<strong>The Count</strong><br /><br />David Thompson got 334 votes (one less than last time). However I got 612 (compared with 180 last time). The turnout was 54% (compared with 37% last time) which is exceptional for a local election. So thank you everyone who voted. With such huge support I feel very excited about what we might be able to achieve for Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7sy21rW7sRhV7nOnhYapM6Jb07ANpL5ECxgXC7425xzv4e3apcD66WAEA7YjG89w6GZVpctPfs1wdRQDFvISj52ulzPUOLVa2YFu9rQmIdrpIXma9kYRHjBxIh4ium5JCM-lZcEEk3Y/s1600-h/200705041428_276.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7sy21rW7sRhV7nOnhYapM6Jb07ANpL5ECxgXC7425xzv4e3apcD66WAEA7YjG89w6GZVpctPfs1wdRQDFvISj52ulzPUOLVa2YFu9rQmIdrpIXma9kYRHjBxIh4ium5JCM-lZcEEk3Y/s200/200705041428_276.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060752240706508658" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Polling Day</strong><br /><br />The day was cold and grey but the support I received from Green Party members was overwhelming. We had people acting as "tellers" at each of the polling stations and also "runners" going around reminding people to vote. Thank you to Ben, Mark, Malcolm, David, Sarah, Natalie, Jan, Justina, Paul and Marc. Thanks also to Simon, Alan, Martin, Phyllis, Nick, Roy, Nick, Janet, Mel, Megan and Catrin for all the work leading up to the day. Thanks to all those who put up posters. And above all a big thank you to my family for supporting me through all this, especially my wife Clare and John whose birthday was on the 3rd.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp4dZmRpBHZvVld434BS6kHGnnlVTGXFGybaOWrN7-ghlguQMBq7BS2I04jwQbr8zuNgGbr9r4qf5nRk6qnKZFnaKAUUzEdbpgKT2iJHG-zhq2ocDpAuIxxwfSE-yDUn_lpQbhrnMSNE/s1600-h/200705041809_280.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp4dZmRpBHZvVld434BS6kHGnnlVTGXFGybaOWrN7-ghlguQMBq7BS2I04jwQbr8zuNgGbr9r4qf5nRk6qnKZFnaKAUUzEdbpgKT2iJHG-zhq2ocDpAuIxxwfSE-yDUn_lpQbhrnMSNE/s200/200705041809_280.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060754860636559234" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aF74teOZH50C84HNjvJt5Q1zCAcgmq1LD_mYuVCtCzfa_CzNUE1BoQn-FX9-dTUU6sjv4PWaYqFRTxqqJNU0Gg6TRIu6UzHKOyjprKiEwjxs-e2uX2f4o3NVxn-0WqbxKNISEx-KB74/s1600-h/200705041638_277.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aF74teOZH50C84HNjvJt5Q1zCAcgmq1LD_mYuVCtCzfa_CzNUE1BoQn-FX9-dTUU6sjv4PWaYqFRTxqqJNU0Gg6TRIu6UzHKOyjprKiEwjxs-e2uX2f4o3NVxn-0WqbxKNISEx-KB74/s200/200705041638_277.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060755586486032274" /></a>Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-52714084638945534722007-05-01T23:51:00.000+01:002007-05-02T00:06:14.660+01:00CanvassingIt has been difficult to keep up with this blog with so much going on. We have canvassed several hundred people in the Ward now and the response if overwhelming. It seems people are ready for a change.<br /><br />A number of issues keep coming up. Traffic and road safety is one; planning and unsuitable developments is another. Lack of local services is one where I am hoping there will be some good news shortly, having spoken to someone who is keen to establish a shop locally. I have given them some guidance on possible sources of funding so watch this space.<br /><br />In the meantime this is a good time to remind everyone to support what services we have. The organic farm shop at the foot of Flitton Hill goes from strength to strength with a wide range of vegetables (many local produced) and also fruit (see http://www.flittonhill.co.uk/).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oivpIGKllvYKj0rdSSO_RxyFlHUrN-KqMScctZv8E_ZrhVPQc15YYVT4nUZgUWMDNJr69nVhx64pNdr5Xu7PorcLCXLJNOvyB7jbgIwRzI3YKPoA9L5tBEhkhUNfHgCEVoKRSV9DSm4/s1600-h/IMGP1474.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oivpIGKllvYKj0rdSSO_RxyFlHUrN-KqMScctZv8E_ZrhVPQc15YYVT4nUZgUWMDNJr69nVhx64pNdr5Xu7PorcLCXLJNOvyB7jbgIwRzI3YKPoA9L5tBEhkhUNfHgCEVoKRSV9DSm4/s200/IMGP1474.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059731928275670882" /></a>Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-36889585938104250632007-04-22T21:37:00.000+01:002007-04-22T22:45:43.105+01:00Why Vote Green?The Mid Beds District Council election is all about local not national issues. I have been asked several times why am I standing as Green Party Candidate and not an Independent. Well there are two answers to this. Firstly it takes a lot of effort to make voters aware of who you are and what you stand for. For this you need a number of supporters and helpers who leaflet and spread the word. A Party organisation can help with this. This is probably why most of the seats in Mid Beds have one or more Party Candidates and very few Independents. Secondly and more importantly I happen to agree with most of what the Green Party stands for.<br /><br />The Green Party if very focused on local issues. Greens believe in government being as local and participative as practically possible. Greens concern for protecting the environment means putting a human dimension back into development, designing homes and neighbourhoods with character and for our needs, revitalising old buildings, reusing wasteland and not destroying green fields. Similarly encouraging public transport and making roads safer for walkers and cyclists is another key Green aim. The Green Party promotes local shops and services something we desperately need in our villages. Climate Change is a Global issue but it needs local action to tackle it. The Green Party promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy something dear to my heart.<br /><br />There are already some 93 Green Councillors and with a record number of candidates it looks like there will more after these elections. Green Councillors can make a difference. In Norwich, Greens on the Council have secured 20 mph resident’s zones and increased renewable energy requirements for new developments. A Green Councillor in London was even responsible for ensuring that Arsenal Football Club retained cycle stands outside its new Stadium. As an Arsenal fan I have to admit to being a bit concerned that my favourite club was considering reneging on what was a planning commitment!<br /><br />There is more information about the Green Party and these local elections at http://www.greenparty.org.uk/nextelectionGareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-25235191532849429472007-04-17T21:47:00.000+01:002007-04-18T22:43:16.586+01:00Making our roads safer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYbjuW6w6_Yelbodg1SsHY7QUr3EyIRmvS-cMFWvHcRxXdTzuKJQZ6dmKXM9FEo-tKOezGY9jkVUnwi3R0WpToTcUOXDBBcUQB0g5ERzQEwY_IJtzm7e0mEtUNsDJVVqt9HlVmMX9P2E/s1600-h/30mph.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYbjuW6w6_Yelbodg1SsHY7QUr3EyIRmvS-cMFWvHcRxXdTzuKJQZ6dmKXM9FEo-tKOezGY9jkVUnwi3R0WpToTcUOXDBBcUQB0g5ERzQEwY_IJtzm7e0mEtUNsDJVVqt9HlVmMX9P2E/s200/30mph.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054886860725561794" /></a><br />This is one of the big issues which keeps cropping up. The roads are not safe for pedestrians or cyclists for a number of reasons. They are too narrow; cars travel too fast; the few pavements we have are insufficient and there is too much traffic just passing through our villages using our roads as a “rat run”. I have been given a number of suggestions on how to improve the situation, (not all repeatable on this Blog!) but here are some I intend to push:<br /><br />Access for pedestrians and cyclists:<br /><br />Improve the condition of the pavements we have and add more.<br />Put in pedestrian crossings near Flitton & Greenfield Village Hall (for access to the hall and recreation ground) and near the Cornerway Garage (for parents walking their children to school). <br />Ideally have pavements and cycleways linking the villages e.g. Warhedges to Silsoe, Greenfield to Pulloxhill, Flitton to Pulloxhill and Greenfield to Flitwick.<br /><br />Car speeds<br /><br />Silsoe Road and Sand Lane should have 30 mph speed limits.<br />Pulloxhill Road past Greenfield School should be 20 mph as should the approach along Flitton Road between Holmewood Road and Joes Close.<br />Outside the existing 30 mph zones there should be a maximum speed limit of 40 mph for our narrow country lanes in the area bounded by the A507 to the North, the A6 to the East and South and Flitwick and Westoning in the West. The CPRE have a Quiet Lanes campaign which suggests even lower speed limits are required.<br /><br />Traffic Calming<br /><br />Within the villages themselves we need to slow cars right down in the danger zones where people have to cross the road and where there are blind corners such as opposite the church in Flitton or in Barton Road as it enters Pulloxhill. <br /><br />Some of these measures such as the Traffic Calming and new pavements are costly and so will take time to implement. But changing speed signs would hardly cost anything and would hopefully change the mind set of people using our country roads as a trunk route to the motorway. We need a vision for how we want to improve the roads in our villages so that when opportunities (funding) arise we can grasp them.Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-88830895283223011912007-04-15T22:12:00.000+01:002007-04-15T22:52:47.715+01:00Pulloxhill meeting about Traveller SitesI visited the Old Acre Gypsy site on Barton Road yesterday as I thought it would be important to have an idea of what it was like ahead of the meeting at Pulloxhill Church Hall this afternoon. I have to say the site was tidy and Mr Fury who I spoke to and who runs the site seemed a very pleasant person. He explained his main motivation for setting up the site was to provide the children with a secure education - something they struggled to do when on the move. His children and grandchildren live on the site in eight caravans. He has lived most of his life in Bedfordshire and stressed he was a Gypsy rather that a Traveller.<br /><br />The meeting in Pulloxhilll Church Hall was just as packed as Flitton Village Hall on Thursday although being a smaller venue I estimate there were around 150 to 200 people there. The meeting was chaired by Roy Van De Poll Vice Chair of the Parish Coucil and the panel again included Cllr Patricia Turner leader of the District Council but this time there was no County representative and no MP on the panel(which meant we kept to the isssue at hand rather political point scoring). Richard Holden who is Planning Services Portfolio Holder at the District Council was also on the panel.<br /> <br />The meeting was much more focused (than the Flitton meeting) on how to respond to the consultation and also the merits of the existing sites in the locality. The Gypsy family from the Hermitage lane site were present and I also think a representative of the Old Acre Site spoke up at one point. It seemed to be generally accepted (but not by all) that given sites had to be found somewhere in the District that the Hermitage Lane site and the Old Acre site on the road to Barton had certain merits as they were small family owned and run sites which were causing no problems. Tricia Turner stressed that in her experience these were the kind of sites which caused least problems and were the type which the council preferred - i.e no more than 10 caravans and privately owned and run. The site proposed in Greenfield Road opposite the school however did not seem to meet the criteria for a good site nor did the two Flitton sites. However she stressed that no decision had been taken and people should express their views by filling in the questionaire or by writing to the Council. The deadline is the 30th April so make sure you get your response in soon. If you would like to talk to me about the issue or want help with the questionaire please phone me on 0780 9873124 or email me on gareth.ellis.flitton@ntlworld.Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-68352445975197198382007-04-14T23:31:00.000+01:002007-04-15T00:01:40.862+01:00Folly Wood and Flitwick MoorI distributed some leafets yesterday given to me by Dave Sedgely for the campaign by Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust to buy Folly Wood. Dave is trying to get make as many people aware as possible of the opportunity to secure this unique site right next Flitwick Moor. For more information see http://www.wildlifebcnp.org/whats-new-story70.htm. I know a lot of people lobbied the District Council to protect Flitwick Moor when neighbouring land was under threat from Developers. This is an opportunity to extend and increase the security of the Moor.Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942460070723100226.post-16942051184037394732007-04-13T10:30:00.000+01:002007-04-13T13:10:10.317+01:00Traveller sites meeting in FlittonThe local Parish Council held a meeting concerning the current consultation by Mid Beds District Council on Traveller and Gipsy sites. There must have been several hundred people inside and outside the village hall last night (I hear the estimate is 500). Certainly the most I have seen in a village meeting in my 12 years in Flitton! The meeting was chaired by Nick Thompson who, with the help of others in the Parish Council, had done a terrific job organising it at such short notice . Also in attendance were Nadine Dorries local Conservative MP, Cllr Patricia Turner leader of the District Council, Cllr Richard Stay deputy leader of the County Council.<br /><br />The meeting was tense with obviously some real concerns amongst most people about the proposed sites in and around Flitton, Greenfield and Pulloxhill. There was much discussion about the politics behind the current situation, with claims that a Conservative Government would take away the obligation imposed by the current Government on a local council to find sites. Even if true this seemed to miss the point of the meeting, which was to address how best to respond to the current consultation. This is a local issue and the key thing is to make sure everyone does respond to the consultation. Questionaires were being given out at the meeting but for those who didnt get a one they can be downloaded at http://www.midbeds.gov.uk/services/planning/local_plan/gypsy_and_traveller_development_plan_document.asp<br /><br />We all need to respond even though the present consultation for proposed sites is seriously flawed. Some of the sites seem to have been chosen almost at random (this certainly applies to some of the County Council owned sites which have now been withdrawn). The sustainability appraisal for the sites which accompanies the consultation is full of errors and inconsistencies. There is much reference to local facilites (such as shops and healthcare) which these villages don't have. The questionaire is not easy to fill in and does not allow enough space for commenting on the potential impacts of the proposed sites on the local environment and community. Nor does it address the key sustainability criteria set out in "Circular 01/06 (ODPM): Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites" which can be found on the Governments DCLG web. site <a href="http://www.communities.gov.uk/">http://www.communities.gov.uk/</a><br /><br />I will be filling in the questionaire but also writing to the Council to suggest they take the sustainability of the sites more seriously and that they re-consult us properly once they have a had a chance to digest the huge response they get from this first round.Gareth Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361068121308150064noreply@blogger.com0