I 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%.
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.
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.
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.uk
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Thursday, 29 November 2007
Recent activies
I 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:
Dealing with planning issues in Pulloxhill and Greenfield.
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.
Looking into options to increase the Bus service for Pulloxhill, Flitton and Greenfield which has been recently cut.
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.
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.
Attending meetings on the proposed Traveller site in Flitton and lobbying to have it removed from the list as the site proposed is unsustainable.
Assisting with the plans for Greenfield and Pulloxhill Schools becoming formerly federated.
Leafleting residents of Flitwick about the proposed Town Centre development - more on this later....
Dealing with planning issues in Pulloxhill and Greenfield.
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.
Looking into options to increase the Bus service for Pulloxhill, Flitton and Greenfield which has been recently cut.
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.
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.
Attending meetings on the proposed Traveller site in Flitton and lobbying to have it removed from the list as the site proposed is unsustainable.
Assisting with the plans for Greenfield and Pulloxhill Schools becoming formerly federated.
Leafleting residents of Flitwick about the proposed Town Centre development - more on this later....
Monday, 10 September 2007
Long time no blog
I 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.
Friday, 25 May 2007
What next
Well 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, 4 May 2007
The Election Result
The Count
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.
Polling Day
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.
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.
Polling Day
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.
Tuesday, 1 May 2007
Canvassing
It 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.
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.
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/).
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.
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/).
Sunday, 22 April 2007
Why 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.
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.
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!
There is more information about the Green Party and these local elections at http://www.greenparty.org.uk/nextelection
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.
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!
There is more information about the Green Party and these local elections at http://www.greenparty.org.uk/nextelection
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