Allerdale and Copeland Green Party

Keswick By-election 1st September 2011

Well done to Flic Crowley who stood for us in the by-election - we failed to make much of an impression in a Lib Dem stronghold but we had a presence

• Flic Crowley, Green Party - 63 votes
• Tony Lywood, The Labour Party Candidate - 448 votes
• Martin Pugmire, Liberal Democrats - 757 votes

Fantastic Results in West Cumbria

The Green Party stood more candidates than ever in Council elections in May 2011 in West Cumbria and we were rewarded with our best results yet. Nearly 1000 people voted Green in Allerdale and 250 in Copeland where we stood candidates for the first time, coming a creditable 2nd in Millom Without. Overall we got 3 3rd places, with only 14 votes between us & 2nd in one ward, and the amazing 2nd in Millom.

Our support is growing and it’s only a matter of time that we have our first Councillor

Thank you to our candidates and for your support

Christchurch  - Michael Baron

Crummock - Jill Perry

Dalton - Felicity Crowley

Ellen - Geoff Smith

Netherhall - Dianne Standen

Seaton - Alistair Grey

Wharrels - Helen Graham

Ennerdale - Andrew Crow

Holborn Hill - Neil Wilson

Millom Without - Lynnette Gilligan

A GREEN VOTE IS NOT A WASTED VOTE!

Our opponents often say voting Green is a wasted vote, but it is simply untrue. Whilst we currently control no councils we do have representation on numerous councils. Here are just a few examples of what a few Green councillors can achieve and what could be achieved in Allerdale.

·Norfolk (7 councillors of 84) has created a revenue stream from the establishment of an Energy Services Company (ESCO). The council earns money by means of a feed-in tariff for renewable energy created by council buildings.

·Lancashire (2 of 84) managed to achieve adoption of 20’s plenty speed limits in residential areas throughout Lancashire, which greatly reduces injuries and fatalities involving children and the elderly, and increases the wellbeing of all residents.

·Kirklees (4 of 69) introduced a scheme giving free insulation to residents, largely paid for by utility companies, saving householders an average of £150 per year.

·Oxford (5 of 48) successfully demanded an increase in the

proportion of affordable housing in new developments from zero to 50%.

·Sheffield (2 of 84) established five pilot local food projects and identified council land suitable for allotments, in recognition of the benefits of growing food locally.

·Lancaster (12 of 60) saved Lancaster indoor market from closure despite Lib-Dem, Conservative and Independent opposition.

·Norwich (14 of 39) has accepted in principle a scheme of investing in solar panels for local homes which could earn the council £35 million over the next 25 years and also reduce fuel bills for residents. Now the best method of funding the proposal is being investigated.

The poor are hardest hit by cuts in income to the council. Government cuts are, in the short term, beyond our control. Raising council tax is not an option. Imaginative schemes must be investigated.

IF ELECTED TO ALLERDALE GREEN COUNCILLORS WOULD ENCOURAGE THE COUNCIL TO:

·Withdraw from MRWS.

Allerdale has, mistakenly in our view, expressed an interest in hosting a nuclear waste disposal facility. This would not only be for legacy waste from Sellafield but for new reactors from around the country. Geologically Allerdale is not a suitable place.

·Increase affordable housing.

The percentage of new build that is affordable either to buy or as social let should be increased. It is essential that our young people are able to find housing and remain in the area.

· Introduce carbon neutral houses.

We would encourage the early adoption of 2016 carbon neutral target for new housing.

 ·Gain income from feed-in tariff.

Allerdale should take advantage of legislation allowing the use of buildings and land within its ownership to create income and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by generating renewable energy.

 ·Support the use of Electric cars

Car parks should have electric recharge points, powered by council-created renewables (see above).

· Discourage dog fouling & littering.

Dog fouling continues to be a blight that needs eradicating. Could making more use of the council’s right to impose spot fines be the answer?

We would also

● Support local shops and businesses by introducing a local currency scheme, which would offer savings to tourists and residents using local shops and businesses

● Support residents who want a 20mph limit in their area – without road humps.

● Support and encourage local volunteer groups e.g. youth clubs, drop-in centres and sports clubs.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN US OR HELP WITH OUR CAMPAIGNS?

If you agree with our policies you may like to help with our campaigning. You can do this by helping deliver leaflets, assisting with paperwork, by telling your friends and neighbours you’re voting GREEN and why

If you would like to be more involved you can become a member by visiting greenparty.org.uk/

or become a friend of the local party by e-mailing us.