PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 4th December 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
CLIMATE CALL
As demonstrators go to London for the annual Climate March(1), and politicians, scientists and campaigners prepare to go to Copenhagen for crucial Climate Change talks, Steve Dawe considers the importance of achieving agreement to deal with human-induced Climate Change:
“The scientific and political consensus about the need to deal with human-induced Climate Change has never been wider than today(2). Kent and Medway are significantly exposed to the risk of wetter winters – like this year – and hotter summers, like 2003. Climate Change means more moisture is held in the atmosphere, creating a likelihood of more extreme weather events and increasing temperatures like the November we have had with temperatures 4 degrees C above normal on average. Kent’s coastline and estuaries are very vulnerable to significant changes unless cuts of about 90% in greenhouse gas emissions are achieved by 2050. But Kent County Council’s Local Transport Plan, shared with Medway, does not even propose measures to cut traffic year on year in order to cut emissions.
“Kent’s older growth forests play a part in storing carbon dioxide. However, if stressed by summer droughts, we could see a major loss of trees throughout Europe during the next few decades (3). Despite this, only 14 out of 27 EU countries are likely to meet their current emissions targets (4). EU leaders have agreed the major step of seeking cuts in the two fastest growing sectors of greenhouse gas emissions, aviation and shipping, but so far without resources to achieve this. We have to do better.”
ENDS c 253 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Steve Dawe is a former Lecturer in Environmental Policy and a current Lecturer in Public Policy. Contact address as above. For monthly ezine KENT GREEN NEWS, subscribe through website at www.kentgreenparty.org
Notes: 1. 12.00 noon for a march from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square. Further details at: http://www.campaigncc.org/ Speakers will include Michael Meacher MP (Lab), Simon Hughes MP (Lib Dem), John McDonnell MP (Lab), Caroline Lucas MEP (Green Party), Maria Souverin (Bolivian ambassador), John Stewart (HACAN - campaign against Heathrow 3rd runway), Chris Baugh (PCS - Public and Commercial Services Union) and Ellie Hopkins from the UK Youth Climate Coalition (UKYCC).
2. The US and China have agreed to significant cuts in emissions; the UK Met Office, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and other reputable scientific bodies are agreed deep cuts in emissions are needed. Political leaders of the Green, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Labour, SNP and Plaid Cymru are all agreed that Climate Change requires action and resources.
3. Air Pollution and Climate Secretariat, Sweden: http://www.airclim.org/reports/index.php
4. Acid News - Air Pollution and Climate Secretariat, Sweden, December 2009.
Friday, 4 December 2009
Saturday, 21 November 2009
20 MPH LIMITS FOR RESIDENTIAL ROADS: RAMSGATE
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Saturday 21st November 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083
20 MPH LIMIT FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN RAMSGATE
Kent Green Party is advocating 20 mph limits for all residential areas in Kent and Medway. On Saturday 28th November, this campaign comes to Ramsgate. Beginning from 12.30 noon in the town centre, Green Party campaigners will be collecting signatures to get support for 20 mph from residents. The Party argues that this will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“A big plus in reducing speed limits in Ramsgate is that we could reduce speeds without having to put in expensive road humps (that damage vehicles and delay emergency vehicles). 20mph zones have reduced accidents and injuries. Over two-thirds of all road casualties happen on built-up roads. A survey of the introduction of 20mph zones across the UK and in other European countries found that child road accidents declined by 67%, cyclist accidents by 29% and traffic flow by 27%.
“The fear of dangerous roads keeps children indoors. 20 mph is the speed at which drivers can have eye contact with other users of the street, pedestrians feel safer crossing the road, children can play outside their homes and it is quiet enough to talk to neighbours. With more people out and about on foot and cycling there are more people watching out for others and so less crime.
“While the UK's roads are among the safest in Europe walkers and cyclists are still intimidated by high speeds. The leading cause of death to children over the age of five is road crashes. A child pedestrian is three times more likely to die on our roads than in Italy and twice as likely as in France. The number of cyclists killed has risen by 30% since 2003.
“A 20mph limit would encourage people to walk (especially on the school run) and cycle more. Changing short car trips into walking trips would help tackle the twin problems of obesity and climate change. The UK Commission for Integrated Transport has reported 20 mph area wide limits as ‘the one critical success factor underpinning best practice in promoting walking, cycling and public transport as alternatives to the private car.” Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party – 01732 355185 or 0845 257 4236 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
Sources include UK Commission for Integrated Transport, and http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Campaigns/0805_RG_Transcom-key-point www.iam.org.uk - Speed v Safety - The Eternal Balancing Act> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7046200.stm - 20mph Limit called for in town, Pete McAskie, Haringey Green Party.
20 MPH LIMIT FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN RAMSGATE
Kent Green Party is advocating 20 mph limits for all residential areas in Kent and Medway. On Saturday 28th November, this campaign comes to Ramsgate. Beginning from 12.30 noon in the town centre, Green Party campaigners will be collecting signatures to get support for 20 mph from residents. The Party argues that this will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“A big plus in reducing speed limits in Ramsgate is that we could reduce speeds without having to put in expensive road humps (that damage vehicles and delay emergency vehicles). 20mph zones have reduced accidents and injuries. Over two-thirds of all road casualties happen on built-up roads. A survey of the introduction of 20mph zones across the UK and in other European countries found that child road accidents declined by 67%, cyclist accidents by 29% and traffic flow by 27%.
“The fear of dangerous roads keeps children indoors. 20 mph is the speed at which drivers can have eye contact with other users of the street, pedestrians feel safer crossing the road, children can play outside their homes and it is quiet enough to talk to neighbours. With more people out and about on foot and cycling there are more people watching out for others and so less crime.
“While the UK's roads are among the safest in Europe walkers and cyclists are still intimidated by high speeds. The leading cause of death to children over the age of five is road crashes. A child pedestrian is three times more likely to die on our roads than in Italy and twice as likely as in France. The number of cyclists killed has risen by 30% since 2003.
“A 20mph limit would encourage people to walk (especially on the school run) and cycle more. Changing short car trips into walking trips would help tackle the twin problems of obesity and climate change. The UK Commission for Integrated Transport has reported 20 mph area wide limits as ‘the one critical success factor underpinning best practice in promoting walking, cycling and public transport as alternatives to the private car.” Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party – 01732 355185 or 0845 257 4236 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
Sources include UK Commission for Integrated Transport, and http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Campaigns/0805_RG_Transcom-key-point www.iam.org.uk - Speed v Safety - The Eternal Balancing Act> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7046200.stm - 20mph Limit called for in town, Pete McAskie, Haringey Green Party.
EMPTY HOMES - NATIONAL WEEK OF ACTION
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 21ST NOVEMBER 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
EMPTY HOMES – NATIONAL WEEK OF ACTION
Shelter, the national campaign for the homeless, says there are now 1 million empty homes in the UK. Building societies, however, complain about a shortage of properties for sale. In Kent and Medway, there are a minimum of about 20,000 empty homes. The number of persistently empty retail and industrial estate sites in Kent and Medway is uncounted. The National Week of Action on Empty Homes is 23-27 November. Steve Dawe comments:
“Our Government says we need more new homes in Kent and Medway. But over 19,600 home were empty according to the 2008 figures(1), and numbers have risen in the recession. There are over 1000 homes in Medway alone which have been empty for more than 6 months (2). The Government says there were 784,000 empty properties in England alone in 2008(3): Shelter says the current figure for the UK is about 1 million whilst Building societies allege there is a shortage of property for sale nationally.
“Despite efforts by the Kent Empty Homes Initiative and the No Use Empty website that tries to bring commercial properties into use, there is still a general failure to make use of our existing built environment to meet housing needs. The construction jobs which could be sustained over a period of years putting Kent and Medway’s empty properties into use would doubtless be considerable. And so is the lack of imagination on the part of our Government, that insists on targets for new homes in Kent and Medway.”
ENDS c 252 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. For monthly ezine KENT GREEN NEWS, subscribe through website at www.kentgreenparty.org Published and promoted by H.Dawe at the above address on behalf of Kent Green Party.
Notes:
1. SEE: http://www.emptyhomes.com/usefulinformation/stats/se08.htm
2. SEE: http://www.medway.gov.uk/index/housing/privatesectorhousing/73545.htm
3. http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2009-10-15a.292814.h&s=empty+dwelling
EMPTY HOMES – NATIONAL WEEK OF ACTION
Shelter, the national campaign for the homeless, says there are now 1 million empty homes in the UK. Building societies, however, complain about a shortage of properties for sale. In Kent and Medway, there are a minimum of about 20,000 empty homes. The number of persistently empty retail and industrial estate sites in Kent and Medway is uncounted. The National Week of Action on Empty Homes is 23-27 November. Steve Dawe comments:
“Our Government says we need more new homes in Kent and Medway. But over 19,600 home were empty according to the 2008 figures(1), and numbers have risen in the recession. There are over 1000 homes in Medway alone which have been empty for more than 6 months (2). The Government says there were 784,000 empty properties in England alone in 2008(3): Shelter says the current figure for the UK is about 1 million whilst Building societies allege there is a shortage of property for sale nationally.
“Despite efforts by the Kent Empty Homes Initiative and the No Use Empty website that tries to bring commercial properties into use, there is still a general failure to make use of our existing built environment to meet housing needs. The construction jobs which could be sustained over a period of years putting Kent and Medway’s empty properties into use would doubtless be considerable. And so is the lack of imagination on the part of our Government, that insists on targets for new homes in Kent and Medway.”
ENDS c 252 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. For monthly ezine KENT GREEN NEWS, subscribe through website at www.kentgreenparty.org Published and promoted by H.Dawe at the above address on behalf of Kent Green Party.
Notes:
1. SEE: http://www.emptyhomes.com/usefulinformation/stats/se08.htm
2. SEE: http://www.medway.gov.uk/index/housing/privatesectorhousing/73545.htm
3. http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2009-10-15a.292814.h&s=empty+dwelling
Sunday, 15 November 2009
20 mph FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN ASHFORD
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Sunday 15th November 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083
20 MPH LIMIT FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN ASHFORD
Ashford Green Party is advocating 20 mph limits for all residential areas in Ashford and surrounding villages. On Saturday 21st November, this Kent-wide campaign comes to Ashford. Beginning from 12.00 noon at Ashford rail station, Green Party campaigners will be collecting signatures to get support for 20 mph from residents. The Party argues that this will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“A big plus in reducing speed limits in Ashford is that we could reduce speeds without having to put in expensive road humps (that damage vehicles and delay emergency vehicles). 20mph zones have reduced accidents and injuries. Over two-thirds of all road casualties happen on built-up roads. A survey of the introduction of 20mph zones across the UK and in other European countries found that child road accidents declined by 67%, cyclist accidents by 29% and traffic flow by 27%.
“The fear of dangerous roads keeps children indoors. 20 mph is the speed at which drivers can have eye contact with other users of the street, pedestrians feel safer crossing the road, children can play outside their homes and it is quiet enough to talk to neighbours. With more people out and about on foot and cycling there are more people watching out for others and so less crime.
“While the UK's roads are among the safest in Europe walkers and cyclists are still intimidated by high speeds. The leading cause of death to children over the age of five is road crashes. A child pedestrian is three times more likely to die on our roads than in Italy and twice as likely as in France. The number of cyclists killed has risen by 30% since 2003.
“A 20mph limit would encourage people to walk (especially on the school run) and cycle more. Changing short car trips into walking trips would help tackle the twin problems of obesity and climate change. The UK Commission for Integrated Transport has reported 20 mph area wide limits as ‘the one critical success factor underpinning best practice in promoting walking, cycling and public transport as alternatives to the private car.”
Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party – 01732 355185 or 0845 257 4236 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
Sources include UK Commission for Integrated Transport, and http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Campaigns/0805_RG_Transcom-key-point www.iam.org.uk - Speed v Safety - The Eternal Balancing Act> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7046200.stm - 20mph Limit called for in town, Pete McAskie, Haringey Green Party.
20 MPH LIMIT FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN ASHFORD
Ashford Green Party is advocating 20 mph limits for all residential areas in Ashford and surrounding villages. On Saturday 21st November, this Kent-wide campaign comes to Ashford. Beginning from 12.00 noon at Ashford rail station, Green Party campaigners will be collecting signatures to get support for 20 mph from residents. The Party argues that this will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“A big plus in reducing speed limits in Ashford is that we could reduce speeds without having to put in expensive road humps (that damage vehicles and delay emergency vehicles). 20mph zones have reduced accidents and injuries. Over two-thirds of all road casualties happen on built-up roads. A survey of the introduction of 20mph zones across the UK and in other European countries found that child road accidents declined by 67%, cyclist accidents by 29% and traffic flow by 27%.
“The fear of dangerous roads keeps children indoors. 20 mph is the speed at which drivers can have eye contact with other users of the street, pedestrians feel safer crossing the road, children can play outside their homes and it is quiet enough to talk to neighbours. With more people out and about on foot and cycling there are more people watching out for others and so less crime.
“While the UK's roads are among the safest in Europe walkers and cyclists are still intimidated by high speeds. The leading cause of death to children over the age of five is road crashes. A child pedestrian is three times more likely to die on our roads than in Italy and twice as likely as in France. The number of cyclists killed has risen by 30% since 2003.
“A 20mph limit would encourage people to walk (especially on the school run) and cycle more. Changing short car trips into walking trips would help tackle the twin problems of obesity and climate change. The UK Commission for Integrated Transport has reported 20 mph area wide limits as ‘the one critical success factor underpinning best practice in promoting walking, cycling and public transport as alternatives to the private car.”
Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party – 01732 355185 or 0845 257 4236 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
Sources include UK Commission for Integrated Transport, and http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Campaigns/0805_RG_Transcom-key-point www.iam.org.uk - Speed v Safety - The Eternal Balancing Act> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7046200.stm - 20mph Limit called for in town, Pete McAskie, Haringey Green Party.
WHAT WILL A PEAK IN GLOBAL OIL SUPPLIES DO TO KENT?
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 15th November 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
WHAT WILL A PEAK IN GLOBAL OIL SUPPLIES DO TO KENT?
Steve Dawe, a former lecturer in Environmental Policy and a current lecturer in Public Policy, has been researching the likely effects of a Peak in global oil supplies on Kent and Medway. New evidence from the UK Energy Research Council has concluded global oil supplies will probably peak before 2020(1). Steve Dawe comments:
“Only the current recession has prevented oil prices from continuing to reflect global scarcity of oil. Due to lack of Government preparation, despite the available evidence from bodies like the UK Energy Research Council, we face the prospect of rising oil prices with a huge impact on transport of all kinds. What does this mean for Kent and Medway?
“Increased rail fares: The UK already has the highest rail fares in the world and under-investment may push them higher as will rising oil prices. We need to invest in full electrification of the railways over the shortest feasible period.
“Increased bus fares: We need to replace existing buses with electric buses or other non-fossil fuel technologies, to keep bus fares down.
“Increases in walking and cycling: Research suggests every extra 10% on fuel costs cuts car use by 7%, so investment in improving walking and cycling routes will help people to adjust to an oil scarce future.
“Increases in the price of non-local foodstuffs: Food prices have already risen dramatically in recent years. When the cost of transporting food becomes more significant, supporting local farmers’ markets and farm shops will become more attractive and the numbers of such facilities will tend to grow.
“Increases in demand for local services and facilities: As the cost of transport rises, the demand for more services nearer to where people live will grow – including a key demand of more local post offices.
“Decline in air-based tourist travel in favour of rail and domestic tourism: Flying will become more expensive with no technological substitute for current aviation fuel expected for decades. This will lead to more tourism in Kent and a decline in airport use.
“Slow take up of electric vehicles: New electric vehicles will appear on our streets, but will be expensive to run until a significant increase in renewably-generated electricity takes place. This will cut current appalling levels of air pollution and contributions to greenhouse gases.”
Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, KENT GREEN PARTY on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Please leave a message if necessary. Contact address as above. Notes:
1. Summaries of studies of Peak Oil include: http://www.tsl.uu.se/uhdsg/Publications/PeakOilAge.pdf & a report to the Bush presidency: http://www.mnforsustain.org/oil_peaking_of_world_oil_production_study_hirsch.htm
and a report just issued by the UK Energy Research Council: http://www.ukerc.ac.uk/support/tiki-index.php These summaries conclude a high probability of Peak Oil before 2020.
2. Oil prices peaked at $147 a barrel before the recession and have crept back up to about $80 a barrel now. Demand projections for India and China suggest that we would need to find 5 Saudi Arabias in the next decade just to meet likely demand for oil, which is extremely unlikely according to research and declining oil discovery in recent decades.
WHAT WILL A PEAK IN GLOBAL OIL SUPPLIES DO TO KENT?
Steve Dawe, a former lecturer in Environmental Policy and a current lecturer in Public Policy, has been researching the likely effects of a Peak in global oil supplies on Kent and Medway. New evidence from the UK Energy Research Council has concluded global oil supplies will probably peak before 2020(1). Steve Dawe comments:
“Only the current recession has prevented oil prices from continuing to reflect global scarcity of oil. Due to lack of Government preparation, despite the available evidence from bodies like the UK Energy Research Council, we face the prospect of rising oil prices with a huge impact on transport of all kinds. What does this mean for Kent and Medway?
“Increased rail fares: The UK already has the highest rail fares in the world and under-investment may push them higher as will rising oil prices. We need to invest in full electrification of the railways over the shortest feasible period.
“Increased bus fares: We need to replace existing buses with electric buses or other non-fossil fuel technologies, to keep bus fares down.
“Increases in walking and cycling: Research suggests every extra 10% on fuel costs cuts car use by 7%, so investment in improving walking and cycling routes will help people to adjust to an oil scarce future.
“Increases in the price of non-local foodstuffs: Food prices have already risen dramatically in recent years. When the cost of transporting food becomes more significant, supporting local farmers’ markets and farm shops will become more attractive and the numbers of such facilities will tend to grow.
“Increases in demand for local services and facilities: As the cost of transport rises, the demand for more services nearer to where people live will grow – including a key demand of more local post offices.
“Decline in air-based tourist travel in favour of rail and domestic tourism: Flying will become more expensive with no technological substitute for current aviation fuel expected for decades. This will lead to more tourism in Kent and a decline in airport use.
“Slow take up of electric vehicles: New electric vehicles will appear on our streets, but will be expensive to run until a significant increase in renewably-generated electricity takes place. This will cut current appalling levels of air pollution and contributions to greenhouse gases.”
Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, KENT GREEN PARTY on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Please leave a message if necessary. Contact address as above. Notes:
1. Summaries of studies of Peak Oil include: http://www.tsl.uu.se/uhdsg/Publications/PeakOilAge.pdf & a report to the Bush presidency: http://www.mnforsustain.org/oil_peaking_of_world_oil_production_study_hirsch.htm
and a report just issued by the UK Energy Research Council: http://www.ukerc.ac.uk/support/tiki-index.php These summaries conclude a high probability of Peak Oil before 2020.
2. Oil prices peaked at $147 a barrel before the recession and have crept back up to about $80 a barrel now. Demand projections for India and China suggest that we would need to find 5 Saudi Arabias in the next decade just to meet likely demand for oil, which is extremely unlikely according to research and declining oil discovery in recent decades.
Monday, 9 November 2009
COUNCILS MUST USE RESERVES TO KEEP JOBS
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 8th November 2009 – 60 Boxley Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2TW - www.kentgreenparty.org – 0797 0436029 or 01622 808370
COUNCILS MUST USE RESERVES TO MAINTAIN JOBS
Kent Green Party is calling for local councils to make use of their reserves in an effort to maintain their staffing levels. Stuart Jeffery, Campaigns Officer, comments:
“Local council services have suffered cuts in real terms since the 1970s. The expansion of quangos, which have four times as much money as local government in England and Wales, has not helped – denying councils money and functions which should be at local level.
“It may be tempting to some local councils to be seen as cutting or keeping down council tax. They may even do so with the next General Election in mind. But low council tax increases and a failure to make use of council reserves will add to unemployment in Kent. We have too few council officers trying to cover a wide range of basic services already – from housing and waste collection, to services for the elderly.
“Local councils must not make the recession worse in their area of coverage by cutting council employment. Unemployment across Kent has risen by a staggering 82% in the past year alone, and in some districts has more than doubled.
“It is simply unacceptable for councils to add to the misery of the recession by increasing unemployment further. If councils need to make some savings perhaps they could look at reducing the salaries of the highest paid, rather than cutting jobs.”
Ends c 234 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Stuart Jeffery – Campaigns Officer, Kent Green Party, on 0797 0436 029. Contact address as above
Notes:
• Kent & Medway claimant count: Oct 08 = 19,193; Oct 09 = 35,023.
• Ashford, Dartford, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling and Tunbridge Wells have all seen unemployment more than double in the past 12 months with Tunbridge Wells seeing the biggest rise of 128%.
• Data from http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=15
COUNCILS MUST USE RESERVES TO MAINTAIN JOBS
Kent Green Party is calling for local councils to make use of their reserves in an effort to maintain their staffing levels. Stuart Jeffery, Campaigns Officer, comments:
“Local council services have suffered cuts in real terms since the 1970s. The expansion of quangos, which have four times as much money as local government in England and Wales, has not helped – denying councils money and functions which should be at local level.
“It may be tempting to some local councils to be seen as cutting or keeping down council tax. They may even do so with the next General Election in mind. But low council tax increases and a failure to make use of council reserves will add to unemployment in Kent. We have too few council officers trying to cover a wide range of basic services already – from housing and waste collection, to services for the elderly.
“Local councils must not make the recession worse in their area of coverage by cutting council employment. Unemployment across Kent has risen by a staggering 82% in the past year alone, and in some districts has more than doubled.
“It is simply unacceptable for councils to add to the misery of the recession by increasing unemployment further. If councils need to make some savings perhaps they could look at reducing the salaries of the highest paid, rather than cutting jobs.”
Ends c 234 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Stuart Jeffery – Campaigns Officer, Kent Green Party, on 0797 0436 029. Contact address as above
Notes:
• Kent & Medway claimant count: Oct 08 = 19,193; Oct 09 = 35,023.
• Ashford, Dartford, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling and Tunbridge Wells have all seen unemployment more than double in the past 12 months with Tunbridge Wells seeing the biggest rise of 128%.
• Data from http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=15
Monday, 2 November 2009
GIVE US COMMUNITY BANKS
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Monday 2nd November 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083
GIVE US COMMUNITY BANKS
The Government is proposing to sell off the profitable parts of the banks it nationalised during the current recession: Royal Bank of Scotland, Northern Rock and Lloyds. But adding to existing High Street Banks is not the only option. Dr Hazel Dawe comments:
“I have a confession to make. Once upon a time I worked in banks. But it was not in the UK. It was in Austria, where the banking system is highly regulated. Banks should be regulated to get rid of bonuses. The Government sell-off of parts of its stake in Royal Bank of Scotland, Northern Rock and Lloyds should be used as an opportunity to create community banks.
“The Government could protect the existing network of post offices and mail delivery arrangements and give added commercial freedom to Royal Mail, Parcelforce, and Post Office Counters Limited. It could introduce strict controls on the financial sector to ensure that it serves the purposes of a sustainable economy. To ensure stability, it should regulate all financial instruments firmly and permit only those that are transparent, that offer limited risk of financial destabilisation and are clearly beneficial.
“A network of local Community Banks could be established, helping to replace the Post Offices many communities in Kent and Medway have lost. These should be democratically accountable non-profit-making trusts, which would be able to provide low-cost finance both at district and regional levels. Any operating surplus arising from these Community Banks would be reinvested in their local communities. Promoting and supporting credit unions and micro-credit schemes in which small groups of people cooperate to provide guaranteed small loans to each other would increase access to loans as well.”
ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party on 01732 355185 and 079444 71083. Contact address as above
GIVE US COMMUNITY BANKS
The Government is proposing to sell off the profitable parts of the banks it nationalised during the current recession: Royal Bank of Scotland, Northern Rock and Lloyds. But adding to existing High Street Banks is not the only option. Dr Hazel Dawe comments:
“I have a confession to make. Once upon a time I worked in banks. But it was not in the UK. It was in Austria, where the banking system is highly regulated. Banks should be regulated to get rid of bonuses. The Government sell-off of parts of its stake in Royal Bank of Scotland, Northern Rock and Lloyds should be used as an opportunity to create community banks.
“The Government could protect the existing network of post offices and mail delivery arrangements and give added commercial freedom to Royal Mail, Parcelforce, and Post Office Counters Limited. It could introduce strict controls on the financial sector to ensure that it serves the purposes of a sustainable economy. To ensure stability, it should regulate all financial instruments firmly and permit only those that are transparent, that offer limited risk of financial destabilisation and are clearly beneficial.
“A network of local Community Banks could be established, helping to replace the Post Offices many communities in Kent and Medway have lost. These should be democratically accountable non-profit-making trusts, which would be able to provide low-cost finance both at district and regional levels. Any operating surplus arising from these Community Banks would be reinvested in their local communities. Promoting and supporting credit unions and micro-credit schemes in which small groups of people cooperate to provide guaranteed small loans to each other would increase access to loans as well.”
ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party on 01732 355185 and 079444 71083. Contact address as above
Sunday, 1 November 2009
PUBLIC MEETING IN WHITSTABLE
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sunday 1st November 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 01732 355185 Mobile: 079444 71083
PUBLIC MEETING OF WHITSTABLE GREEN PARTY
Monday 16th November 7.30pm at St John's Methodist Church, Argyle Road, Whitstable
Speakers:
Dr Hazel Dawe - Chair of Kent Green Party and Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Tunbridge Wells on:
A MANIFESTO FOR A SUSTAINABLE KENT
&
Dr Geoff Meaden - Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Canterbury and Whitstable on:
GLOBALIZATION AND WORLD POVERTY
ENDS
further information: Dr Hazel Dawe on 01732 355185 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above. And Jolyon Trimingham on 01227 792302.
PUBLIC MEETING OF WHITSTABLE GREEN PARTY
Monday 16th November 7.30pm at St John's Methodist Church, Argyle Road, Whitstable
Speakers:
Dr Hazel Dawe - Chair of Kent Green Party and Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Tunbridge Wells on:
A MANIFESTO FOR A SUSTAINABLE KENT
&
Dr Geoff Meaden - Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Canterbury and Whitstable on:
GLOBALIZATION AND WORLD POVERTY
ENDS
further information: Dr Hazel Dawe on 01732 355185 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above. And Jolyon Trimingham on 01227 792302.
Sunday, 25 October 2009
WHITSTABLE AT 20 MPH
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Sunday 25th October 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083
20 MPH LIMIT FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN WHITSTABLE
Kent Green Party is advocating 20 mph limits for all residential areas in Kent and Medway. On Saturday 31st October, this campaign comes to Whitstable. Beginning from 12.30 noon in the town centre, Green Party campaigners will be collecting signatures to get support for 20 mph from residents. The Party argues that this will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“A big plus in reducing speed limits in Whitstable is that we could reduce speeds without having to put in expensive road humps (that damage vehicles and delay emergency vehicles). 20mph zones have reduced accidents and injuries. Over two-thirds of all road casualties happen on built-up roads. A survey of the introduction of 20mph zones across the UK and in other European countries found that child road accidents declined by 67%, cyclist accidents by 29% and traffic flow by 27%.
“The fear of dangerous roads keeps children indoors. 20 mph is the speed at which drivers can have eye contact with other users of the street, pedestrians feel safer crossing the road, children can play outside their homes and it is quiet enough to talk to neighbours. With more people out and about on foot and cycling there are more people watching out for others and so less crime.
“While the UK's roads are among the safest in Europe walkers and cyclists are still intimidated by high speeds. The leading cause of death to children over the age of five is road crashes. A child pedestrian is three times more likely to die on our roads than in Italy and twice as likely as in France. The number of cyclists killed has risen by 30% since 2003.
“A 20mph limit would encourage people to walk (especially on the school run) and cycle more. Changing short car trips into walking trips would help tackle the twin problems of obesity and climate change. The UK Commission for Integrated Transport has reported 20 mph area wide limits as ‘the one critical success factor underpinning best practice in promoting walking, cycling and public transport as alternatives to the private car.” Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party – 01732 355185 or 0845 257 4236 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
Sources include UK Commission for Integrated Transport, and http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Campaigns/0805_RG_Transcom-key-point www.iam.org.uk - Speed v Safety - The Eternal Balancing Act> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7046200.stm - 20mph Limit called for in town, Pete McAskie, Haringey Green Party.
20 MPH LIMIT FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN WHITSTABLE
Kent Green Party is advocating 20 mph limits for all residential areas in Kent and Medway. On Saturday 31st October, this campaign comes to Whitstable. Beginning from 12.30 noon in the town centre, Green Party campaigners will be collecting signatures to get support for 20 mph from residents. The Party argues that this will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“A big plus in reducing speed limits in Whitstable is that we could reduce speeds without having to put in expensive road humps (that damage vehicles and delay emergency vehicles). 20mph zones have reduced accidents and injuries. Over two-thirds of all road casualties happen on built-up roads. A survey of the introduction of 20mph zones across the UK and in other European countries found that child road accidents declined by 67%, cyclist accidents by 29% and traffic flow by 27%.
“The fear of dangerous roads keeps children indoors. 20 mph is the speed at which drivers can have eye contact with other users of the street, pedestrians feel safer crossing the road, children can play outside their homes and it is quiet enough to talk to neighbours. With more people out and about on foot and cycling there are more people watching out for others and so less crime.
“While the UK's roads are among the safest in Europe walkers and cyclists are still intimidated by high speeds. The leading cause of death to children over the age of five is road crashes. A child pedestrian is three times more likely to die on our roads than in Italy and twice as likely as in France. The number of cyclists killed has risen by 30% since 2003.
“A 20mph limit would encourage people to walk (especially on the school run) and cycle more. Changing short car trips into walking trips would help tackle the twin problems of obesity and climate change. The UK Commission for Integrated Transport has reported 20 mph area wide limits as ‘the one critical success factor underpinning best practice in promoting walking, cycling and public transport as alternatives to the private car.” Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party – 01732 355185 or 0845 257 4236 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
Sources include UK Commission for Integrated Transport, and http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Campaigns/0805_RG_Transcom-key-point www.iam.org.uk - Speed v Safety - The Eternal Balancing Act> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7046200.stm - 20mph Limit called for in town, Pete McAskie, Haringey Green Party.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
SUPPORT THE POSTAL WORKERS!
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 22nd October 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
SUPPORT THE POSTAL WORKERS!
Kent Green Party supports a universal postal service and the Communication Workers Union in their dispute with Royal Mail management. Royal Mail management are using the 10% fall in postal communication relative to digital to force through cuts to postal workers earnings. Steve Dawe comments:
“Every day throughout Kent, post workers deliver mail after their shift has finished, without overtime pay, to keep the postal service running – because of their loyalty to their customers. The decline in postal communications compared to email inevitably challenges postal workers, but they continue to deliver a vital public service. They are through their Union willing to negotiate reforms but are not prepared to countenance the bullying tactics that have already led to unpaid overtime and ever-increasing workloads. The national agreement that resolved the 2007 dispute stipulates the continuing provision of reasonable local earnings levels and that to assist development of a fourth Phase of Royal Mail modernisation, consultation and negotiation will take place. Management are not currently complying and are therefore responsible for the strike occurring at present.
“A minimum of 55,000 jobs have been lost in Royal Mail in the last 5 years. The delivery (letters) section of the firm (Royal Mail proper, as opposed to Parcelforce & Post Office Ltd.) has been in profit for the past several years, including last year. Postal workers are now faced with the prospect of many more job losses, and changes from full time posts to part time ones, albeit on a voluntary basis as yet, as very expensive new machinery which can sort the mail to a greater level is introduced.
“Combined with the loss of post offices, the partial privatization of postal services illustrates once again that privatization destroys employment and undermines basic services. Kent Green Party calls upon Royal Mail management to consult with its workforce on changes to bring an immediate end to the dispute.”
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe – Press Officer – KENT GREEN PARTY – 01732 355185 or mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
SUPPORT THE POSTAL WORKERS!
Kent Green Party supports a universal postal service and the Communication Workers Union in their dispute with Royal Mail management. Royal Mail management are using the 10% fall in postal communication relative to digital to force through cuts to postal workers earnings. Steve Dawe comments:
“Every day throughout Kent, post workers deliver mail after their shift has finished, without overtime pay, to keep the postal service running – because of their loyalty to their customers. The decline in postal communications compared to email inevitably challenges postal workers, but they continue to deliver a vital public service. They are through their Union willing to negotiate reforms but are not prepared to countenance the bullying tactics that have already led to unpaid overtime and ever-increasing workloads. The national agreement that resolved the 2007 dispute stipulates the continuing provision of reasonable local earnings levels and that to assist development of a fourth Phase of Royal Mail modernisation, consultation and negotiation will take place. Management are not currently complying and are therefore responsible for the strike occurring at present.
“A minimum of 55,000 jobs have been lost in Royal Mail in the last 5 years. The delivery (letters) section of the firm (Royal Mail proper, as opposed to Parcelforce & Post Office Ltd.) has been in profit for the past several years, including last year. Postal workers are now faced with the prospect of many more job losses, and changes from full time posts to part time ones, albeit on a voluntary basis as yet, as very expensive new machinery which can sort the mail to a greater level is introduced.
“Combined with the loss of post offices, the partial privatization of postal services illustrates once again that privatization destroys employment and undermines basic services. Kent Green Party calls upon Royal Mail management to consult with its workforce on changes to bring an immediate end to the dispute.”
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe – Press Officer – KENT GREEN PARTY – 01732 355185 or mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Sunday, 18 October 2009
ROAD NOISE IS RAISING OUR BLOOD PRESSURE
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 18th October 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – 079444 71083
ROAD NOISE IS RAISING OUR BLOOD PRESSURE
A recent Swedish study emphasises that exposure to significant noise from road traffic is associated with raised blood pressure(1). This finding, which confirms earlier research (2), makes new measures to protect public health from traffic noise imperative. Dr Hazel Dawe comments:
“New research confirming that traffic noise exposure will raise blood pressure is a wakeup call to traffic planners. People living on busy roads are entitled to expect their Highways Authority – Kent or Medway – to take action to protect their health by reducing noise exposure.
"Kent Green Party’s policy, to seek consistent traffic reductions throughout the County through expanding walking, cycling, bus and train use and more movement of freight by rail, will help. The current Kent Local Transport Plan will not. Once again, Kent Green Party calls publically for our Highways Authorities in Kent to commit themselves to year on year traffic reductions.
“This won’t just help with traffic noise and the resulting ill-health. It will reduce air pollution. Our Government is about to be prosecuted by the European Court of Justice for breaching air quality laws to which it has agreed in the past. It will mean reduced costs of road repair. It will mean buses running closer to times and more promptly on some routes, with less traffic. It will mean that the costs of new lorry parks can be avoided. It will challenge the spread of warehousing projects in Kent and Medway, by pushing more long-distance freight on to rail(3). All of this is a win-win situation for public health and our environment.”
Ends c 266 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair – KENT GREEN PARTY – on 01732 355185 or mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. The article, widely reported, can be found at: http://www.ehjournal.net/content/8/1/38/abstract See, on this Swedish research: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8247217.stm Another study makes similar claims to the Swedish research: http://www.noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-1741;year=2008;volume=10;issue=38;spage=27;epage=33;aulast=Babisch;type=0
2. Other research linking traffic noise to damage to health has been reported, in a Cornell University study: SEE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/05/010523072445.htm See also: LCE den Boer – Traffic Noise Reduction in Europe (available on line); http://www.nature.com/hr/journal/v31/n4/abs/hr2008101a.html ; http://www.env-health.org/a/3348 ; http://www.mex.dk/uk/vis_nyhed_uk.asp?id=6443&nyhedsbrev_id=939
3. Such as the China Gateway in Thanet, The Kent International Gateway project, near Maidstone, currently undergoing a public inquiry and the proposed Kent and Rail Freight Terminal at Borough Green.
ROAD NOISE IS RAISING OUR BLOOD PRESSURE
A recent Swedish study emphasises that exposure to significant noise from road traffic is associated with raised blood pressure(1). This finding, which confirms earlier research (2), makes new measures to protect public health from traffic noise imperative. Dr Hazel Dawe comments:
“New research confirming that traffic noise exposure will raise blood pressure is a wakeup call to traffic planners. People living on busy roads are entitled to expect their Highways Authority – Kent or Medway – to take action to protect their health by reducing noise exposure.
"Kent Green Party’s policy, to seek consistent traffic reductions throughout the County through expanding walking, cycling, bus and train use and more movement of freight by rail, will help. The current Kent Local Transport Plan will not. Once again, Kent Green Party calls publically for our Highways Authorities in Kent to commit themselves to year on year traffic reductions.
“This won’t just help with traffic noise and the resulting ill-health. It will reduce air pollution. Our Government is about to be prosecuted by the European Court of Justice for breaching air quality laws to which it has agreed in the past. It will mean reduced costs of road repair. It will mean buses running closer to times and more promptly on some routes, with less traffic. It will mean that the costs of new lorry parks can be avoided. It will challenge the spread of warehousing projects in Kent and Medway, by pushing more long-distance freight on to rail(3). All of this is a win-win situation for public health and our environment.”
Ends c 266 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair – KENT GREEN PARTY – on 01732 355185 or mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. The article, widely reported, can be found at: http://www.ehjournal.net/content/8/1/38/abstract See, on this Swedish research: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8247217.stm Another study makes similar claims to the Swedish research: http://www.noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-1741;year=2008;volume=10;issue=38;spage=27;epage=33;aulast=Babisch;type=0
2. Other research linking traffic noise to damage to health has been reported, in a Cornell University study: SEE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/05/010523072445.htm See also: LCE den Boer – Traffic Noise Reduction in Europe (available on line); http://www.nature.com/hr/journal/v31/n4/abs/hr2008101a.html ; http://www.env-health.org/a/3348 ; http://www.mex.dk/uk/vis_nyhed_uk.asp?id=6443&nyhedsbrev_id=939
3. Such as the China Gateway in Thanet, The Kent International Gateway project, near Maidstone, currently undergoing a public inquiry and the proposed Kent and Rail Freight Terminal at Borough Green.
Saturday, 17 October 2009
TIME TO LEAVE AFGHANISTAN
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 17th October 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – 07747 036192
TIME TO LEAVE AFGHANISTAN
Kent Green Party members will be supporting the march in London on Saturday 24th October(1), calling for a withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan. The assembly point and time is 12.00 noon at Hyde Park, marching to Trafalgar Square. Steve Dawe comments:
“Public opinion is clearly against further British participation in the war in Afghanistan.
Opinion polls offers figures such as 47% against in July(2) and 56% against (3) this month. The obvious corruption of the recent elections in Afghanistan shows how little has been achieved by the thousands of lives lost in this war and the £12 billion the British Government has spent so far.
“Sending more troops will just adding more tragedy to a long losing war strategy going back to 2001. Reconstruction and mediating between warring factions is the type of role British soldiers, administrators and charities could play in Afghanistan as they have long done in the former Yugoslavia, if requested by a legitimate Afghan Government. But the combination of warfare, a deeply corrupt Government elected in fraudulent elections, and fractured administration of essential services make Afghanistan a ‘failed state.’ Afghanistan’s people need a negotiated peace and security provided as soon as possible by their own police and their own armed forces.”
Ends c 210 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above
Notes:
1. Organised by Stop the War, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the British Muslim Initiative. See: http://www.stopwar.org.uk/
2. http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2009/jul/13/afghanistan-polls
3. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE5961UD20091007 See also a September survey with 53% against: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6827945.ece
TIME TO LEAVE AFGHANISTAN
Kent Green Party members will be supporting the march in London on Saturday 24th October(1), calling for a withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan. The assembly point and time is 12.00 noon at Hyde Park, marching to Trafalgar Square. Steve Dawe comments:
“Public opinion is clearly against further British participation in the war in Afghanistan.
Opinion polls offers figures such as 47% against in July(2) and 56% against (3) this month. The obvious corruption of the recent elections in Afghanistan shows how little has been achieved by the thousands of lives lost in this war and the £12 billion the British Government has spent so far.
“Sending more troops will just adding more tragedy to a long losing war strategy going back to 2001. Reconstruction and mediating between warring factions is the type of role British soldiers, administrators and charities could play in Afghanistan as they have long done in the former Yugoslavia, if requested by a legitimate Afghan Government. But the combination of warfare, a deeply corrupt Government elected in fraudulent elections, and fractured administration of essential services make Afghanistan a ‘failed state.’ Afghanistan’s people need a negotiated peace and security provided as soon as possible by their own police and their own armed forces.”
Ends c 210 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above
Notes:
1. Organised by Stop the War, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the British Muslim Initiative. See: http://www.stopwar.org.uk/
2. http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2009/jul/13/afghanistan-polls
3. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE5961UD20091007 See also a September survey with 53% against: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6827945.ece
Sunday, 11 October 2009
PROTECT OUR PENSIONERS
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 11th October 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
NB. This release may be printed as letter, at the discretion of the recipient, where appropriate
PROTECTING OUR PENSIONERS
Pensioners are under serious threat of even higher energy prices according to regulator, OFGEM. Typical bills could rise from over £1000 per household to over £2000 to meet needs for investment. Steve Dawe comments:
“Pensioners and all others on low, fixed incomes are very vulnerable to increased energy prices. Years of under-investment mean that the UK is behind virtually all other countries in Europe in relation to its production of electricity from renewable sources. Any our fuel poverty record is almost uniquely bad amongst industrialised countries: About 30,000 people die of the cold each year in the UK – about 800-900 of them in Kent and Medway. Any yet the Government does not have a programme to ensure all housing is made energy efficient. The Nuclear Industry has admitted it cannot proceed to build new Nuclear power stations without Government money(1), and the dream of a revived coal industry has effectively died with the postponement of Kingsnorth due to uncertainties about factors such as future carbon costs and emissions trading rules. So now Government has no choice but to fully embrace a future based on energy efficiency and renewables.
“The good news is that renewable energy obtained more investment globally in 2008 than fossil fuels, for the first time ever (2). Efforts to bring both homes and empty commercial properties back into use in Kent and Medway can mean more housing and better energy efficiency. But our local councils need the resources to ensure all homes are properly insulated, as a top priority.”
Ends c 255 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer – KENT GREEN PARTY – 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. From repeated reports in the media digest offered by the Nuclear Free Local Authorities.
2. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, reported in ACID NEWS, journal of the Air Pollution and Climate Secretariat, Sweden.
NB. This release may be printed as letter, at the discretion of the recipient, where appropriate
PROTECTING OUR PENSIONERS
Pensioners are under serious threat of even higher energy prices according to regulator, OFGEM. Typical bills could rise from over £1000 per household to over £2000 to meet needs for investment. Steve Dawe comments:
“Pensioners and all others on low, fixed incomes are very vulnerable to increased energy prices. Years of under-investment mean that the UK is behind virtually all other countries in Europe in relation to its production of electricity from renewable sources. Any our fuel poverty record is almost uniquely bad amongst industrialised countries: About 30,000 people die of the cold each year in the UK – about 800-900 of them in Kent and Medway. Any yet the Government does not have a programme to ensure all housing is made energy efficient. The Nuclear Industry has admitted it cannot proceed to build new Nuclear power stations without Government money(1), and the dream of a revived coal industry has effectively died with the postponement of Kingsnorth due to uncertainties about factors such as future carbon costs and emissions trading rules. So now Government has no choice but to fully embrace a future based on energy efficiency and renewables.
“The good news is that renewable energy obtained more investment globally in 2008 than fossil fuels, for the first time ever (2). Efforts to bring both homes and empty commercial properties back into use in Kent and Medway can mean more housing and better energy efficiency. But our local councils need the resources to ensure all homes are properly insulated, as a top priority.”
Ends c 255 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer – KENT GREEN PARTY – 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. From repeated reports in the media digest offered by the Nuclear Free Local Authorities.
2. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, reported in ACID NEWS, journal of the Air Pollution and Climate Secretariat, Sweden.
Thursday, 8 October 2009
BORIS ISLAND AIRPORT REVIVED
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 8th October 2009 –
27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org
0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – 07747 036192
BORIS ISLAND AIRPORT REVIVED
Conservative Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has been advocating a new airport in the Thames Estuary. Unfortunately, this idea has now received a major boost with promises of support from three Middle Eastern states(1). Steve Dawe comments:
“The Estuary Airport idea of Boris Johnson’s has many practical problems. These include: the London Array wind turbines. The 341 turbines proposed will be up to 175 metres high (2) over an area of about 94.6 square miles. There are concerns about impacts on bird life, and the noise ‘footprint’ of circling aircraft over the whole of north west Kent from Dartford to Faversham. Climate emissions negotiations at Copenhagen in December could well include attempts to reduce emissions from aircraft. If aviation emissions are shared across households, then each UK household is making about one third of its carbon emissions by the flights its members take. Even more surprising, the UK is top for aviation emissions per adult – far ahead of the USA and other rich countries. Currently, each UK adult averages about 603 kg of carbon emissions from aviation use per year whilst the US average is only 275 kg per adult per year(3).
“Domestic tourism and rail travel to the continent can substitute for flights, helping to boost UK tourism revenues. Kent Green Party wants Rochester, Manston and Lydd airports converted to other leisure uses to support domestic tourism, not international flights.” C230 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe – Press Officer – KENT GREEN PARTY on 01732 355185 or 0845 257 4236 or mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
2. http://www.londonarray.com/about/ The windfarm will be sited about 12 miles out into the Estuary.
3. Evidence collected by market research company Global TGI. See account on World Business Council for Sustainable Development site: http://www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?MenuId=MTYw&ClickMenu=LeftMenu&doOpen=1&type=DocDet&ObjectId=MjY2MTA
27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org
0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – 07747 036192
BORIS ISLAND AIRPORT REVIVED
Conservative Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has been advocating a new airport in the Thames Estuary. Unfortunately, this idea has now received a major boost with promises of support from three Middle Eastern states(1). Steve Dawe comments:
“The Estuary Airport idea of Boris Johnson’s has many practical problems. These include: the London Array wind turbines. The 341 turbines proposed will be up to 175 metres high (2) over an area of about 94.6 square miles. There are concerns about impacts on bird life, and the noise ‘footprint’ of circling aircraft over the whole of north west Kent from Dartford to Faversham. Climate emissions negotiations at Copenhagen in December could well include attempts to reduce emissions from aircraft. If aviation emissions are shared across households, then each UK household is making about one third of its carbon emissions by the flights its members take. Even more surprising, the UK is top for aviation emissions per adult – far ahead of the USA and other rich countries. Currently, each UK adult averages about 603 kg of carbon emissions from aviation use per year whilst the US average is only 275 kg per adult per year(3).
“Domestic tourism and rail travel to the continent can substitute for flights, helping to boost UK tourism revenues. Kent Green Party wants Rochester, Manston and Lydd airports converted to other leisure uses to support domestic tourism, not international flights.” C230 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe – Press Officer – KENT GREEN PARTY on 01732 355185 or 0845 257 4236 or mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
2. http://www.londonarray.com/about/ The windfarm will be sited about 12 miles out into the Estuary.
3. Evidence collected by market research company Global TGI. See account on World Business Council for Sustainable Development site: http://www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?MenuId=MTYw&ClickMenu=LeftMenu&doOpen=1&type=DocDet&ObjectId=MjY2MTA
Thursday, 24 September 2009
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY CONDEMNS RIVER POLLUTION
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 24th September 2009 – Gorewell, Selling Road, Old Wives Lees, Kent CT4 8BD - www.kentgreenparty.org 01227 752275
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY CONDEMNS RIVER POLLUTION
The Environment Agency has found only 5 out of 6114 rivers it has surveyed in the UK are clean. None of the 5 which meet agreed common European standards are in Kent or Medway. Dr Geoff Meaden, geographer and specialist on Kent’s water reources, comments:
“The Environment Agency has indicated that the River Stour estuary and Pegwell Bay, plus the Stour upstream to above Ashford, is amongst the lowest 2% of river sections for river water quality. At times of low rainfall up to 70% of the water in the mid Stour between Ashford and Canterbury has passed through the Ashford sewage plant. Chemicals such as oestrogen are not filtered out, and they severely affect wildlife.
“Similarly, the River Medway has badly polluted stretches. The Government is committed to meet the target of 95% of rivers meeting agreed European “good” or “very good” standards by 2015, but it will have its work cut out to achieve this.
“Factors affecting pollution of rivers in Kent and Medway include sewage run-off, reduced summer rainfall, poor farming practices, and the heavy demand for drinking water. If we don’t clean up the rivers, a variety of species will be damaged, or will not return to our rivers. This would include species such as the otter, kingfishers and water voles.
“Kent County Council needs to adjust the Kent Environment Strategy and use available resources to assist in the clean-up of our rivers. The cost of meeting standards for England and Wales altogether would be about £9 billion. This is a price we should pay to conserve mammal, bird and fish species for the future.” Ends c 273 words
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Dr Geoff Meaden, formerly Principal Lecturer in Bio-Geography at Canterbury Christ Church University and Green Party Candidate for Canterbury: 01227 752275. Contact address as above.
Sources:
The Environment Agency, The Guardian and The Times 22nd September 2009 and the Independent, 23rd September 2009.
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY CONDEMNS RIVER POLLUTION
The Environment Agency has found only 5 out of 6114 rivers it has surveyed in the UK are clean. None of the 5 which meet agreed common European standards are in Kent or Medway. Dr Geoff Meaden, geographer and specialist on Kent’s water reources, comments:
“The Environment Agency has indicated that the River Stour estuary and Pegwell Bay, plus the Stour upstream to above Ashford, is amongst the lowest 2% of river sections for river water quality. At times of low rainfall up to 70% of the water in the mid Stour between Ashford and Canterbury has passed through the Ashford sewage plant. Chemicals such as oestrogen are not filtered out, and they severely affect wildlife.
“Similarly, the River Medway has badly polluted stretches. The Government is committed to meet the target of 95% of rivers meeting agreed European “good” or “very good” standards by 2015, but it will have its work cut out to achieve this.
“Factors affecting pollution of rivers in Kent and Medway include sewage run-off, reduced summer rainfall, poor farming practices, and the heavy demand for drinking water. If we don’t clean up the rivers, a variety of species will be damaged, or will not return to our rivers. This would include species such as the otter, kingfishers and water voles.
“Kent County Council needs to adjust the Kent Environment Strategy and use available resources to assist in the clean-up of our rivers. The cost of meeting standards for England and Wales altogether would be about £9 billion. This is a price we should pay to conserve mammal, bird and fish species for the future.” Ends c 273 words
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Dr Geoff Meaden, formerly Principal Lecturer in Bio-Geography at Canterbury Christ Church University and Green Party Candidate for Canterbury: 01227 752275. Contact address as above.
Sources:
The Environment Agency, The Guardian and The Times 22nd September 2009 and the Independent, 23rd September 2009.
Sunday, 20 September 2009
JOI N THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST EXCESSIVE PAY
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Sunday 20th September 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 71083
JOIN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST EXCESSIVE PAY
Kent Green Party shares public concerns that excessive pay levels in a number of sectors are unacceptable. Steve Dawe comments:
“Green Party Leader, Caroline Lucas MEP, has joined the High Pay Commission(1) to help draw attention to excessive levels of pay, particularly in the financial sector. Kent Green Party wants people in Kent and Medway to write to the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, to encourage him to act on excessive pay in both the private and public sectors. There is a website link to help: http://action.compassonline.org.uk/chancellor
“An opinion poll shows 83% of the public agree excessive bonuses and executive pay fuelled excessive risk taking. This played a significant role in causing the economic crash; 73% would support the government in imposing a new tax on all bonuses above £10,000 a year and 63% support the establishment of a High Pay Commission.
“No one would oppose people whose earnings are the result of public acclaim. Singers, actors and writers, film-makers and artists may achieve high incomes because the public gives them support. But there is no reason why the public should pay inflated amounts for goods or services as a result of excessive pay at the top. We hope public support for this campaign will lead to curbs on excessive pay in the UK and elsewhere over time.”
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. See launch of the High Pay Commission at: http://www.compassonline.org.uk/news/item.asp?n=5250 and http://www.newstatesman.com/2009/08/excessive-pay-bonuses
JOIN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST EXCESSIVE PAY
Kent Green Party shares public concerns that excessive pay levels in a number of sectors are unacceptable. Steve Dawe comments:
“Green Party Leader, Caroline Lucas MEP, has joined the High Pay Commission(1) to help draw attention to excessive levels of pay, particularly in the financial sector. Kent Green Party wants people in Kent and Medway to write to the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, to encourage him to act on excessive pay in both the private and public sectors. There is a website link to help: http://action.compassonline.org.uk/chancellor
“An opinion poll shows 83% of the public agree excessive bonuses and executive pay fuelled excessive risk taking. This played a significant role in causing the economic crash; 73% would support the government in imposing a new tax on all bonuses above £10,000 a year and 63% support the establishment of a High Pay Commission.
“No one would oppose people whose earnings are the result of public acclaim. Singers, actors and writers, film-makers and artists may achieve high incomes because the public gives them support. But there is no reason why the public should pay inflated amounts for goods or services as a result of excessive pay at the top. We hope public support for this campaign will lead to curbs on excessive pay in the UK and elsewhere over time.”
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. See launch of the High Pay Commission at: http://www.compassonline.org.uk/news/item.asp?n=5250 and http://www.newstatesman.com/2009/08/excessive-pay-bonuses
20 MPH FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN DEAL
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Sunday 20th September 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083
20 MPH LIMIT FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN DEAL
Kent Green Party is advocating 20 mph limits for all residential areas in Kent and Medway. On Saturday 26th September, this campaign comes to Deal. Beginning from 12.00 noon at Deal rail station, Green Party campaigners will be collecting signatures to get support for 20 mph from Deal residents. The Party argues that this will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“A big plus in reducing speed limits in Deal is that we could reduce speeds without having to put in expensive road humps (that damage vehicles and delay emergency vehicles). 20mph zones have reduced accidents and injuries. Over two-thirds of all road casualties happen on built-up roads. A survey of the introduction of 20mph zones across the UK and in other European countries found that child road accidents declined by 67%, cyclist accidents by 29% and traffic flow by 27%.
“The fear of dangerous roads keeps children indoors. 20 mph is the speed at which drivers can have eye contact with other users of the street, pedestrians feel safer crossing the road, children can play outside their homes and it is quiet enough to talk to neighbours. With more people out and about on foot and cycling there are more people watching out for others and so less crime.
“While the UK's roads are among the safest in Europe walkers and cyclists are still intimidated by high speeds. The leading cause of death to children over the age of five is road crashes. A child pedestrian is three times more likely to die on our roads than in Italy and twice as likely as in France. The number of cyclists killed has risen by 30% since 2003.
“A 20mph limit would encourage people to walk (especially on the school run) and cycle more. Changing short car trips into walking trips would help tackle the twin problems of obesity and climate change. The UK Commission for Integrated Transport has reported 20 mph area wide limits as ‘the one critical success factor underpinning best practice in promoting walking, cycling and public transport as alternatives to the private car.”
Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party – 01732 355185 or 0845 257 4236 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
Sources include UK Commission for Integrated Transport, and http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Campaigns/0805_RG_Transcom-key-point www.iam.org.uk - Speed v Safety - The Eternal Balancing Act> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7046200.stm - 20mph Limit called for in town, Pete McAskie, Haringey Green Party.
20 MPH LIMIT FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN DEAL
Kent Green Party is advocating 20 mph limits for all residential areas in Kent and Medway. On Saturday 26th September, this campaign comes to Deal. Beginning from 12.00 noon at Deal rail station, Green Party campaigners will be collecting signatures to get support for 20 mph from Deal residents. The Party argues that this will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“A big plus in reducing speed limits in Deal is that we could reduce speeds without having to put in expensive road humps (that damage vehicles and delay emergency vehicles). 20mph zones have reduced accidents and injuries. Over two-thirds of all road casualties happen on built-up roads. A survey of the introduction of 20mph zones across the UK and in other European countries found that child road accidents declined by 67%, cyclist accidents by 29% and traffic flow by 27%.
“The fear of dangerous roads keeps children indoors. 20 mph is the speed at which drivers can have eye contact with other users of the street, pedestrians feel safer crossing the road, children can play outside their homes and it is quiet enough to talk to neighbours. With more people out and about on foot and cycling there are more people watching out for others and so less crime.
“While the UK's roads are among the safest in Europe walkers and cyclists are still intimidated by high speeds. The leading cause of death to children over the age of five is road crashes. A child pedestrian is three times more likely to die on our roads than in Italy and twice as likely as in France. The number of cyclists killed has risen by 30% since 2003.
“A 20mph limit would encourage people to walk (especially on the school run) and cycle more. Changing short car trips into walking trips would help tackle the twin problems of obesity and climate change. The UK Commission for Integrated Transport has reported 20 mph area wide limits as ‘the one critical success factor underpinning best practice in promoting walking, cycling and public transport as alternatives to the private car.”
Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party – 01732 355185 or 0845 257 4236 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
Sources include UK Commission for Integrated Transport, and http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Campaigns/0805_RG_Transcom-key-point www.iam.org.uk - Speed v Safety - The Eternal Balancing Act> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7046200.stm - 20mph Limit called for in town, Pete McAskie, Haringey Green Party.
Monday, 14 September 2009
CUTTING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION?
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 14th September 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083
NB. This release may be printed as letter, at the discretion of the recipient, where appropriate
CUTTING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION?
The British Medical Association has issued a new report calling for radical increases in the cost of alcohol (1).
Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“Alcohol misuse is implicated in violent crime including domestic violence, mental health problems and premature deaths (2). The British Medical Association’s new report – Under the Influence – calls for alcohol to be priced at 50p per unit and an end to alcohol advertising, sponsorship and discounting. The Association justifies this view because of the scale of alcohol abuse in the UK. Kent Green Party would like our local councils to consider whether they back the BMA’s approach. We believe that prevention is better than cure. The costs of the NHS and policing are both significantly influenced by alcohol abuse.
“The public are entitled to be able to go out in the evenings without having problems from the significant numbers of people in this country who consume too much alcohol. Since reducing alcohol consumption would reduce crime and ill-health, local councils could consider which areas would be appropriate for ‘alcohol control’ zones to reduce binge drinking. They could then make their support for the BMA’s approach public.” C192 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, on 01732 355185 and 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. http://www.bma.org.uk/images/undertheinfluence_tcm41-190062.pdf
2. http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/servlets/wrapper/fact_sheets.jsp
NB. This release may be printed as letter, at the discretion of the recipient, where appropriate
CUTTING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION?
The British Medical Association has issued a new report calling for radical increases in the cost of alcohol (1).
Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“Alcohol misuse is implicated in violent crime including domestic violence, mental health problems and premature deaths (2). The British Medical Association’s new report – Under the Influence – calls for alcohol to be priced at 50p per unit and an end to alcohol advertising, sponsorship and discounting. The Association justifies this view because of the scale of alcohol abuse in the UK. Kent Green Party would like our local councils to consider whether they back the BMA’s approach. We believe that prevention is better than cure. The costs of the NHS and policing are both significantly influenced by alcohol abuse.
“The public are entitled to be able to go out in the evenings without having problems from the significant numbers of people in this country who consume too much alcohol. Since reducing alcohol consumption would reduce crime and ill-health, local councils could consider which areas would be appropriate for ‘alcohol control’ zones to reduce binge drinking. They could then make their support for the BMA’s approach public.” C192 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, on 01732 355185 and 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. http://www.bma.org.uk/images/undertheinfluence_tcm41-190062.pdf
2. http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/servlets/wrapper/fact_sheets.jsp
Monday, 7 September 2009
BUY BACK IS CHEAPER THAN PRIVATELY-FINANCED HOSPITALS
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 7th September 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
NB. This release may be printed as letter, at the discretion of the recipient, where appropriate
BUY-BACK IS CHEAPER THAN PRIVATELY-FINANCED HOSPITALS
A recent Green Party report on dentistry showed that half of dental practices are no longer taking NHS patients. People are being forced to pay higher fees to go private - or go without a dentist altogether. This Government's creeping privatisation of our health service is resulting in wider inequalities in access to health care. Steve Dawe comments:
“Under Labour's Private Finance Initiative, or PFI, our new schools and hospitals have cost much more than they should have done, and taxpayers' money is lining the pockets of private companies instead of improving our public services. A recent study by Chris Edwards, an economist at the University of East Anglia, shows that PFI is so bad that it would be cheaper for the Government to buy back PFI hospitals than to continue to pay through the nose leasing them.
As Green Party Deputy Leader, Adrian Ramsay, said at the recent Green Party Conference in Brighton: ‘Funding new hospitals and schools through PFI is like buying your house on a credit card, rather than getting a mortgage. Labour's record of buying our public services on tick has left us beholden to the private sector for decades to come. That's why the Green Party is calling for an end to the costly PFIs and calling on the Government to buy back the rip-off PFI hospitals.’ Steve Dawe adds:
Greens will keep the NHS public; with public money supporting valued public servants to provide a public service of the highest calibre. Greens see beyond just treating symptoms; we want to see more emphasis on preventing illness and promoting a healthier society.”
Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
NB. This release may be printed as letter, at the discretion of the recipient, where appropriate
BUY-BACK IS CHEAPER THAN PRIVATELY-FINANCED HOSPITALS
A recent Green Party report on dentistry showed that half of dental practices are no longer taking NHS patients. People are being forced to pay higher fees to go private - or go without a dentist altogether. This Government's creeping privatisation of our health service is resulting in wider inequalities in access to health care. Steve Dawe comments:
“Under Labour's Private Finance Initiative, or PFI, our new schools and hospitals have cost much more than they should have done, and taxpayers' money is lining the pockets of private companies instead of improving our public services. A recent study by Chris Edwards, an economist at the University of East Anglia, shows that PFI is so bad that it would be cheaper for the Government to buy back PFI hospitals than to continue to pay through the nose leasing them.
As Green Party Deputy Leader, Adrian Ramsay, said at the recent Green Party Conference in Brighton: ‘Funding new hospitals and schools through PFI is like buying your house on a credit card, rather than getting a mortgage. Labour's record of buying our public services on tick has left us beholden to the private sector for decades to come. That's why the Green Party is calling for an end to the costly PFIs and calling on the Government to buy back the rip-off PFI hospitals.’ Steve Dawe adds:
Greens will keep the NHS public; with public money supporting valued public servants to provide a public service of the highest calibre. Greens see beyond just treating symptoms; we want to see more emphasis on preventing illness and promoting a healthier society.”
Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Sunday, 30 August 2009
ORGANIC FORTNIGHT - 5TH-20TH SEPTEMBER
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 30th August 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083
ORGANIC FORTNIGHT – 5th-20th SEPTEMBER 2009
Kent Green Party strongly supports the Soil Association’s Organic Fortnight being held between 5th and 20th September this year (1). The Soil Association is emphasising the value of organic food and encouraging people to publicise their use of it as far as possible. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“The best way we can celebrate Organic Fortnight between 5th and 20th September this year is to grow more organic food ourselves. It does encourage other people to do so when they can see your growing herbs on your windowsills and – in my own home – tomatoes and peppers in a conservatory. Raised beds in the garden are also very productive. Far too few people attempt to grow some of their own fruit or nuts. Why would anyone wish to be constantly mowing lawns rather than cultivating their own food in the same space? Our climate in Kent does allow us long growing seasons.
“With more people living in apartment-style developments than before, more allotments are clearly needed to allow people to produce more of their own food (2). New houses often have very small gardens nowadays too.
“Organic box schemes, farmers markets and farm shops can help supply the organic produce we cannot grow ourselves. The continuing growth of such initiatives, and popularity of growing our own food, shows that our culture has changed in recent years. More people want fresh organic food than ever before.”
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party, on 01732 355185 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. SEE: http://www.soilassociation.org/News/NewsItem/tabid/91/smid/463/ArticleID/35/reftab/57/t/Soil-Association-Organic-Fortnight-2009---Organic-values-on-a-budget/Default.aspx Soil Association Organic Fortnight 2009 is a nationwide celebration of all things organic. Look out for events and activities in farm shops, markets, restaurants, health stores, cafes, pubs, schools and supermarkets across the whole of the UK.
2. Kent Green Party has already encouraged local councils in Kent to allocate more land to allotments. SEE: www.kentgreenparty.org
ORGANIC FORTNIGHT – 5th-20th SEPTEMBER 2009
Kent Green Party strongly supports the Soil Association’s Organic Fortnight being held between 5th and 20th September this year (1). The Soil Association is emphasising the value of organic food and encouraging people to publicise their use of it as far as possible. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“The best way we can celebrate Organic Fortnight between 5th and 20th September this year is to grow more organic food ourselves. It does encourage other people to do so when they can see your growing herbs on your windowsills and – in my own home – tomatoes and peppers in a conservatory. Raised beds in the garden are also very productive. Far too few people attempt to grow some of their own fruit or nuts. Why would anyone wish to be constantly mowing lawns rather than cultivating their own food in the same space? Our climate in Kent does allow us long growing seasons.
“With more people living in apartment-style developments than before, more allotments are clearly needed to allow people to produce more of their own food (2). New houses often have very small gardens nowadays too.
“Organic box schemes, farmers markets and farm shops can help supply the organic produce we cannot grow ourselves. The continuing growth of such initiatives, and popularity of growing our own food, shows that our culture has changed in recent years. More people want fresh organic food than ever before.”
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party, on 01732 355185 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. SEE: http://www.soilassociation.org/News/NewsItem/tabid/91/smid/463/ArticleID/35/reftab/57/t/Soil-Association-Organic-Fortnight-2009---Organic-values-on-a-budget/Default.aspx Soil Association Organic Fortnight 2009 is a nationwide celebration of all things organic. Look out for events and activities in farm shops, markets, restaurants, health stores, cafes, pubs, schools and supermarkets across the whole of the UK.
2. Kent Green Party has already encouraged local councils in Kent to allocate more land to allotments. SEE: www.kentgreenparty.org
Monday, 24 August 2009
TAKING TUNBRIDGE WELLS AT 20 MPH
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 24th August 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
Taking Tunbridge Wells at 20 mph
[photo opportunity]
Green Party campaigners will be in Calverly precinct on Saturday 29th August from 12.30 to petition the public about 20 mph limits in all residential areas(1). Steve Dawe comments:
“Our petitioning in support of 20 mph limits in residential areas has proved very successful. Almost all those who are approached are willing to sign. There is almost universal enthusiasm for cutting speeds in our residential areas to cut noise and increase safety.
“Evidence suggests that cutting speeds down to 20 mph could result in an overall 60% decrease in traffic accidents. This is a huge gain for no pain at all!
“We are urging councils throughout Kent to follow the lead adopted by Portsmouth, Leicester, Norwich and Oxford – adopting a general reduction to 20 mph in all residential areas. Kent policy already have the necessary equipment to detect vehicle speeds accurately down to 20 mph.”
Ends 149 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer – Kent Green Party – 01732 355185. Radio and newspaper interviews for this release: Dr Hazel Dawe, Green Party parliamentary candidate for Tunbridge Wells on 01732 355185 or 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. This is part of a national campaign, see: http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/
Taking Tunbridge Wells at 20 mph
[photo opportunity]
Green Party campaigners will be in Calverly precinct on Saturday 29th August from 12.30 to petition the public about 20 mph limits in all residential areas(1). Steve Dawe comments:
“Our petitioning in support of 20 mph limits in residential areas has proved very successful. Almost all those who are approached are willing to sign. There is almost universal enthusiasm for cutting speeds in our residential areas to cut noise and increase safety.
“Evidence suggests that cutting speeds down to 20 mph could result in an overall 60% decrease in traffic accidents. This is a huge gain for no pain at all!
“We are urging councils throughout Kent to follow the lead adopted by Portsmouth, Leicester, Norwich and Oxford – adopting a general reduction to 20 mph in all residential areas. Kent policy already have the necessary equipment to detect vehicle speeds accurately down to 20 mph.”
Ends 149 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer – Kent Green Party – 01732 355185. Radio and newspaper interviews for this release: Dr Hazel Dawe, Green Party parliamentary candidate for Tunbridge Wells on 01732 355185 or 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. This is part of a national campaign, see: http://www.20splentyforus.org.uk/
BRITISH RAIL FARES THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 24th August 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083
BRITISH RAIL FARES THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD
As news that South Eastern is exempt from next year’s cuts in rail fares came in, investment bank UBS revealed that British Rail fares are the highest in the world (1). This means Kent and Medway are hit twice – once by missing out on a fares cut, and again by the UK’s excessive rail fares. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, and a rail commuter herself, comments:
“So now its official. We have the highest rail fares in the world. And in Kent we will not even benefit by the rail fares cut caused by the drop in inflation. The botched privatization of our railways has not brought the consumer benefits we were promised (2). Kent’s traffic congestion is a testament to the high cost of rail (and bus) fares and a general failure to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
“We desperately need a new Kent Local Transport Plan to cut congestion and air pollution. It should focus on creating a road user hierarchy – walking, cycling, buses first – to encourage more people to use their cars less. But for a lot of journeys, cheaper rail services are essential. Over 10 years of talk by Government about ‘sustainable’ transport has been accompanied by under-investment in our railways (3). It is possible to move people and goods without putting more carbon into our atmosphere (4). Joined-up investment is needed from Government and Medway Council and Kent County Council, not more roads.”
Ends c 248 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair – Kent Green Party – on 01732 355185 or 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. SEE: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article614357.ece?print=yes&randnum=1151003209000 and http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/british-train-fares-are-highest-in-world-but-london-slips-down-priciest-cities-list-1774544.html
2. Christian Wolmar – Broken Rails: how privatisation wrecked Britain’s railways (Aurum, 2001).
3. Ian Docherty and Jon Shaw – eds – Traffic Jam: ten years of ‘sustainable’ transport in the UK (Policy Press, 2008).
4. Richard Gilbert and Anthony Perl – Transport Revolutions: moving people and freight without oil (Earthscan, 2008).
BRITISH RAIL FARES THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD
As news that South Eastern is exempt from next year’s cuts in rail fares came in, investment bank UBS revealed that British Rail fares are the highest in the world (1). This means Kent and Medway are hit twice – once by missing out on a fares cut, and again by the UK’s excessive rail fares. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, and a rail commuter herself, comments:
“So now its official. We have the highest rail fares in the world. And in Kent we will not even benefit by the rail fares cut caused by the drop in inflation. The botched privatization of our railways has not brought the consumer benefits we were promised (2). Kent’s traffic congestion is a testament to the high cost of rail (and bus) fares and a general failure to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
“We desperately need a new Kent Local Transport Plan to cut congestion and air pollution. It should focus on creating a road user hierarchy – walking, cycling, buses first – to encourage more people to use their cars less. But for a lot of journeys, cheaper rail services are essential. Over 10 years of talk by Government about ‘sustainable’ transport has been accompanied by under-investment in our railways (3). It is possible to move people and goods without putting more carbon into our atmosphere (4). Joined-up investment is needed from Government and Medway Council and Kent County Council, not more roads.”
Ends c 248 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair – Kent Green Party – on 01732 355185 or 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. SEE: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article614357.ece?print=yes&randnum=1151003209000 and http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/british-train-fares-are-highest-in-world-but-london-slips-down-priciest-cities-list-1774544.html
2. Christian Wolmar – Broken Rails: how privatisation wrecked Britain’s railways (Aurum, 2001).
3. Ian Docherty and Jon Shaw – eds – Traffic Jam: ten years of ‘sustainable’ transport in the UK (Policy Press, 2008).
4. Richard Gilbert and Anthony Perl – Transport Revolutions: moving people and freight without oil (Earthscan, 2008).
Monday, 17 August 2009
GREENS SUPPORT NO USE EMPTY CAMPAIGN
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 17th August 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
GREENS SUPPORT NO USE EMPTY CAMPAIGN
Kent Green Party supports the effort, led by Kent County Council, to put empty homes into use: the No Use Empty Campaign (http://www.no-use-empty.org/ ). In more good news about the housing sector, brand new low carbon housing has been built at the same costs as conventional housing (1) Steve Dawe comments:
“Applying £5 million towards getting Kent’s 18,000 empty properties into use is an extremely worthwhile and effective use of public funds to address housing need. The No Use Empty Campaign (http://www.no-use-empty.org/ is the sort of well-aimed public spending that we need to ensure that the poorest groups do not suffer the most in the current recession. Whilst we are surprised that Shepway District Council is not listed amonst those supporting this initiative, it is to be welcomed as a cheap route to providing more low cost housing for rent. We look forward to seeing the same approach being applied to long-term empty industrial buildings and sites.
“We were also pleased to note that, contrary to previous claims by elements of the construction industry, low carbon housing of the type which will be standard from 2016, has been built for the same cost as conventional housing(1). We hope that councils will collaborate to encourage high-quality systems building to lower the cost of social housing and new homes for purchase in Kent and Medway, whilst raising building standards to the level we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from homes.” C 245 words
FURTHER INFORMATION:
From Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. Brand new homes built with ultra-modern materials and which already meet the government's strict zero-carbon rating that all new houses will have to meet from 2016. And, crucially, they have been built to a comparable cost to conventional houses, blowing away in an instant the claims of the big housebuilders that meeting the 2016 target will entail huge cost and put up property prices. Observer 16th Aug 2009 - http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/aug/16/zero-carbon-housing
GREENS SUPPORT NO USE EMPTY CAMPAIGN
Kent Green Party supports the effort, led by Kent County Council, to put empty homes into use: the No Use Empty Campaign (http://www.no-use-empty.org/ ). In more good news about the housing sector, brand new low carbon housing has been built at the same costs as conventional housing (1) Steve Dawe comments:
“Applying £5 million towards getting Kent’s 18,000 empty properties into use is an extremely worthwhile and effective use of public funds to address housing need. The No Use Empty Campaign (http://www.no-use-empty.org/ is the sort of well-aimed public spending that we need to ensure that the poorest groups do not suffer the most in the current recession. Whilst we are surprised that Shepway District Council is not listed amonst those supporting this initiative, it is to be welcomed as a cheap route to providing more low cost housing for rent. We look forward to seeing the same approach being applied to long-term empty industrial buildings and sites.
“We were also pleased to note that, contrary to previous claims by elements of the construction industry, low carbon housing of the type which will be standard from 2016, has been built for the same cost as conventional housing(1). We hope that councils will collaborate to encourage high-quality systems building to lower the cost of social housing and new homes for purchase in Kent and Medway, whilst raising building standards to the level we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from homes.” C 245 words
FURTHER INFORMATION:
From Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. Brand new homes built with ultra-modern materials and which already meet the government's strict zero-carbon rating that all new houses will have to meet from 2016. And, crucially, they have been built to a comparable cost to conventional houses, blowing away in an instant the claims of the big housebuilders that meeting the 2016 target will entail huge cost and put up property prices. Observer 16th Aug 2009 - http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/aug/16/zero-carbon-housing
Saturday, 8 August 2009
MORE ALLOTMENT LAND NEEDED NOW
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 8th August 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083
MORE ALLOTMENT LAND NEEDED NOW
Kent Green Party is calling upon all councils in Kent and Medway to amend their Local Development Framework documents to allocate more land to allotments. People are buying more seeds for growing than ever before (1). Similarly, demand for allotments is growing is so fast that waiting lists mean people may wait decades for an allotment(2). Dr Hazel Dawe comments:
“When people are responding to the recession by trying to grow more of their own food, we need local councils to step in and increase the amount of land available for allotments. Kent Green Party wants all the local councils in Kent to allocate more land under their Local Development Frameworks to allotments. A typical allotment in the UK attracts 30 applicants and will save a user about £950 a year on food. Recent research suggests 6 million people in the UK would like an allotment but there are currently only about 206,000 allotment plots.
“Kent Green Party suggests councils look for new allotment sites. Industrial estate land empty more than two years could be put to better use. Allotments are a much better use of some flood prone sites than housing. And what about agricultural land adjacent to urban areas?
“There is ample evidence of demand for allotments all over Kent (3). Also, under the Smallholdings and Allotments Act 1908, Councils actually have a duty to provide allotments where there is demand for them in their area.”
Ends c250 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair – KENT GREEN PARTY – on 01732 355185 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. SEE for example: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-561022/Vegetable-seed-sales-increase-60-cent-Britons-attempt-save-money-credit-crunch-hits.html and http://www.bbc.co.uk/bloom/actions/growyourown.shtml
2. http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/jun/02/allotments-shortage-waiting-lists
3. SEE for examples: Sevenoaks: http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/news/Allotments-demand-recession-hits-residents/article-884757-detail/article.html & Westerham: http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/news/Huge-demand-allotments/article-866009-detail/article.html & Barham: http://www.barhampc.kentparishes.gov.uk/default.cfm?pid=news&newsid=2669 & Canterbury: http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/faq/categories/Leisure/Allotments/ & Tunbridge Wells: http://www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/section.asp?catid=1335&docid=3673 & Swanley: http://www.swanleytowncouncil.gov.uk/infopage.asp?infoid=487
MORE ALLOTMENT LAND NEEDED NOW
Kent Green Party is calling upon all councils in Kent and Medway to amend their Local Development Framework documents to allocate more land to allotments. People are buying more seeds for growing than ever before (1). Similarly, demand for allotments is growing is so fast that waiting lists mean people may wait decades for an allotment(2). Dr Hazel Dawe comments:
“When people are responding to the recession by trying to grow more of their own food, we need local councils to step in and increase the amount of land available for allotments. Kent Green Party wants all the local councils in Kent to allocate more land under their Local Development Frameworks to allotments. A typical allotment in the UK attracts 30 applicants and will save a user about £950 a year on food. Recent research suggests 6 million people in the UK would like an allotment but there are currently only about 206,000 allotment plots.
“Kent Green Party suggests councils look for new allotment sites. Industrial estate land empty more than two years could be put to better use. Allotments are a much better use of some flood prone sites than housing. And what about agricultural land adjacent to urban areas?
“There is ample evidence of demand for allotments all over Kent (3). Also, under the Smallholdings and Allotments Act 1908, Councils actually have a duty to provide allotments where there is demand for them in their area.”
Ends c250 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair – KENT GREEN PARTY – on 01732 355185 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. SEE for example: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-561022/Vegetable-seed-sales-increase-60-cent-Britons-attempt-save-money-credit-crunch-hits.html and http://www.bbc.co.uk/bloom/actions/growyourown.shtml
2. http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/jun/02/allotments-shortage-waiting-lists
3. SEE for examples: Sevenoaks: http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/news/Allotments-demand-recession-hits-residents/article-884757-detail/article.html & Westerham: http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/news/Huge-demand-allotments/article-866009-detail/article.html & Barham: http://www.barhampc.kentparishes.gov.uk/default.cfm?pid=news&newsid=2669 & Canterbury: http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/faq/categories/Leisure/Allotments/ & Tunbridge Wells: http://www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/section.asp?catid=1335&docid=3673 & Swanley: http://www.swanleytowncouncil.gov.uk/infopage.asp?infoid=487
Monday, 3 August 2009
KENT AND MEDWAY FACE NEW PEAK OIL PRESSURE
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –3RD August 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
KENT AND MEDWAY FACE NEW PEAK OIL PRESSURE
The International Energy Agency has indicated that it expects severe problems with oil prices in less than five years due to a combination of under-investment and rapid decline in key oil fields (1). This is bad news for Kent and Medway, which need better public and private sector leadership on energy issues. Steve Dawe comments:
“Peak Oil – the highest level of oil production the world will ever achieve – has been expected to occur between 2006-2016, according to research(2). Since our public services and private sector in Kent and Medway are still heavily dependent upon oil, this is bad news for both in relation to coming out of recession. Now, the International Energy Agency which has been highly optimistic about global oil supplies, has issued its most pessimistic report ever. It expects serious problems with oil supply and prices over the next five years.
“Public services, already between the rock of inadequate funding and the hard place of Government demands for more cuts, must cut their use of oil as quickly as possible. The private sector, hoping for a quick return to profitability as recession receded, is in much the same position. So far, many high street businesses have weathered the recession (3) but empty shop-fronts are increasing. New investment in energy efficiency and renewables is necessary to help lower long-term energy costs, and keep up levels of employment. But such efforts depend upon how far households control energy and fuel bills, allowing them more flexibility in spending with local businesses. Energy inefficient households will experience rapidly rising costs for household heating and car use.
“The goal of responding positively to these challenges must include the realisation that better energy use is going to help maintain employment in Kent and Medway. So far, Kent Green Party does not see sufficient urgency amongst private and public sector leaders – threatening us all with a longer, deeper recession.”
ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer – KENT GREEN PARTY on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. The Independent, 3rd August 2009.
2. A summary report offered to the US Government can be seen at: http://www.hilltoplancers.org/stories/hirsch0502.pdf
3. See Steve Dawe’s recent Survey of Tonbridge town centre as an example.
KENT AND MEDWAY FACE NEW PEAK OIL PRESSURE
The International Energy Agency has indicated that it expects severe problems with oil prices in less than five years due to a combination of under-investment and rapid decline in key oil fields (1). This is bad news for Kent and Medway, which need better public and private sector leadership on energy issues. Steve Dawe comments:
“Peak Oil – the highest level of oil production the world will ever achieve – has been expected to occur between 2006-2016, according to research(2). Since our public services and private sector in Kent and Medway are still heavily dependent upon oil, this is bad news for both in relation to coming out of recession. Now, the International Energy Agency which has been highly optimistic about global oil supplies, has issued its most pessimistic report ever. It expects serious problems with oil supply and prices over the next five years.
“Public services, already between the rock of inadequate funding and the hard place of Government demands for more cuts, must cut their use of oil as quickly as possible. The private sector, hoping for a quick return to profitability as recession receded, is in much the same position. So far, many high street businesses have weathered the recession (3) but empty shop-fronts are increasing. New investment in energy efficiency and renewables is necessary to help lower long-term energy costs, and keep up levels of employment. But such efforts depend upon how far households control energy and fuel bills, allowing them more flexibility in spending with local businesses. Energy inefficient households will experience rapidly rising costs for household heating and car use.
“The goal of responding positively to these challenges must include the realisation that better energy use is going to help maintain employment in Kent and Medway. So far, Kent Green Party does not see sufficient urgency amongst private and public sector leaders – threatening us all with a longer, deeper recession.”
ends
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer – KENT GREEN PARTY on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. The Independent, 3rd August 2009.
2. A summary report offered to the US Government can be seen at: http://www.hilltoplancers.org/stories/hirsch0502.pdf
3. See Steve Dawe’s recent Survey of Tonbridge town centre as an example.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
KCC LETS DOWN COMMUNITIES ON SUSTAINABILITY
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 2nd August 2009 – 60 Boxley Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2TW www.kentgreenparty.org Mobile: 0797 0436 029
KCC LETS DOWN COMMUNITIES ON SUSTAINABILITY
Kent County Council has let down the County by failing to implement the Sustainable Communities Act. The Act would have permitted KCC to create long-term committees with representatives from a wide variety of groups – to assist in the overall goal of increasing Kent’s sustainability for the future. This is absolutely vital in the current recession.
Stuart Jeffery, Campaigns Officer for Kent Green Party, comments:
"Kent County Council should have used the Sustainable Communities Act to engage with and harness the skills of a wide variety of groups and individuals concerned about sustainability in Kent. It chose instead to note the Act as part of its environmental obligations, which in practice will mean little if anything will actually be done. I am m amazed that such a significant piece of legislation to promote local democracy, community involvement and sustainability was not subject to any engagement by KCC with communities. Simply putting it on their website alongside 50 other consultations does not constitute engagement. We didn't know about the consultation as it was not publicised and we try to keep an eye on KCC. What chance do individuals or community groups have, especially as the Act has not had the publicity it deserves?
“We ask KCC publically to go beyond a simple consultation and engage properly with community groups and individuals via the media to build ideas for submission to them. There is likely to be a further submission date on the Sustainable Communities Act later this year or next and KCC should radically improve publicity when this occurs.”
FURTHER INFORMATION: Stuart Jeffery, Campaigns Officer – KENT GREEN PARTY ON 07970 436029 –
SEE ALSO: http://stuartjeffery.blogspot.com Contact address as above. Further relevant references: http://stuartjeffery.blogspot.com/2009/07/sustainable-communities-act-kent-gets.html
http://maidstone.greenparty.org.uk/newsstory.php?id=43 & http://www.localworks.org/
http://www.kent.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-on-the-sustainable-communities-act/
KCC LETS DOWN COMMUNITIES ON SUSTAINABILITY
Kent County Council has let down the County by failing to implement the Sustainable Communities Act. The Act would have permitted KCC to create long-term committees with representatives from a wide variety of groups – to assist in the overall goal of increasing Kent’s sustainability for the future. This is absolutely vital in the current recession.
Stuart Jeffery, Campaigns Officer for Kent Green Party, comments:
"Kent County Council should have used the Sustainable Communities Act to engage with and harness the skills of a wide variety of groups and individuals concerned about sustainability in Kent. It chose instead to note the Act as part of its environmental obligations, which in practice will mean little if anything will actually be done. I am m amazed that such a significant piece of legislation to promote local democracy, community involvement and sustainability was not subject to any engagement by KCC with communities. Simply putting it on their website alongside 50 other consultations does not constitute engagement. We didn't know about the consultation as it was not publicised and we try to keep an eye on KCC. What chance do individuals or community groups have, especially as the Act has not had the publicity it deserves?
“We ask KCC publically to go beyond a simple consultation and engage properly with community groups and individuals via the media to build ideas for submission to them. There is likely to be a further submission date on the Sustainable Communities Act later this year or next and KCC should radically improve publicity when this occurs.”
FURTHER INFORMATION: Stuart Jeffery, Campaigns Officer – KENT GREEN PARTY ON 07970 436029 –
SEE ALSO: http://stuartjeffery.blogspot.com Contact address as above. Further relevant references: http://stuartjeffery.blogspot.com/2009/07/sustainable-communities-act-kent-gets.html
http://maidstone.greenparty.org.uk/newsstory.php?id=43 & http://www.localworks.org/
http://www.kent.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-on-the-sustainable-communities-act/
Monday, 27 July 2009
SAVE KENT JOBS - CUT ENERGY DEMAND!
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –27TH July 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083
NB. This release may be printed as letter, at the discretion of the recipient, where appropriate
SAVE KENT JOBS – CUT ENERGY DEMAND!
Further cuts in public spending can only lead to job losses in local government, Universities, colleges and the Civil Service. But each of these sectors can cut their energy demand and make savings to help keep people working. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, makes some suggestions:
“Energy bills can be cut through energy efficiency measures and introducing renewable energy technologies. New working practices can be introduced which cut energy demand. But more steps can be taken which will save jobs in Kent and Medway, including:
“Local government and the Civil Service could allow people to work from home for some of the week to create days when no one is going into a workplace, allowing heating and lighting to be switched off;
“Universities and colleges could start their autumn terms earlier, meaning switching off heating for a longer closure period during the winter;
“Raising insulation standards in existing buildings is a comparatively inexpensive measure which will pay for itself in short periods – and there are government grants available;
“Ensuring that when windows are replaced the new windows have high insulation standards;
“The expansion of Teleworking can be used to reduce the amount of office space actually needed by public enterprises, and therefore their energy costs;
“Support for staff use of private transport can be cut back to an absolute minimum with incentives to use public transport or a bike;
“Solar water heating and solar panels should be introduced as both will cut energy bills.”
Ends c 252 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, on 01732 355185 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
NB. This release may be printed as letter, at the discretion of the recipient, where appropriate
SAVE KENT JOBS – CUT ENERGY DEMAND!
Further cuts in public spending can only lead to job losses in local government, Universities, colleges and the Civil Service. But each of these sectors can cut their energy demand and make savings to help keep people working. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, makes some suggestions:
“Energy bills can be cut through energy efficiency measures and introducing renewable energy technologies. New working practices can be introduced which cut energy demand. But more steps can be taken which will save jobs in Kent and Medway, including:
“Local government and the Civil Service could allow people to work from home for some of the week to create days when no one is going into a workplace, allowing heating and lighting to be switched off;
“Universities and colleges could start their autumn terms earlier, meaning switching off heating for a longer closure period during the winter;
“Raising insulation standards in existing buildings is a comparatively inexpensive measure which will pay for itself in short periods – and there are government grants available;
“Ensuring that when windows are replaced the new windows have high insulation standards;
“The expansion of Teleworking can be used to reduce the amount of office space actually needed by public enterprises, and therefore their energy costs;
“Support for staff use of private transport can be cut back to an absolute minimum with incentives to use public transport or a bike;
“Solar water heating and solar panels should be introduced as both will cut energy bills.”
Ends c 252 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, on 01732 355185 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
REMAKING CENTRAL TONBRIDGE
EXCLUSIVE
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 27th July 2009
27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent - www.kentgreenparty.org
01732 355185 or 0845 257 4236 or mobile: 07747 036192
REMAKING CENTRAL TONBRIDGE
Steve Dawe, who is Green Party prospective parliamentary candidate for Tonbridge and Malling, did a survey of businesses in Tonbridge town centre in July 2008 after becoming concerned at an obvious rise in empty premises. Now we are in a recession, and he has repeated his survey in July 2009 – to look at the health of Tonbridge town centre. His report (available from him at greenparty@gn.apc.org ) provides a background to current economic conditions, summarises what he found and suggests possible solutions. Steve Dawe offers a few comments:
“There are few radical changes in our town centre 2008-2009. The biggest change is that empty shop fronts have gone up from 13 to 22. This suggests that the Council and leaseholders should be looking at more short lets and lower rents to increase occupancy. There has been a slight and predictable reduction in estate agents. But in almost every category of business, the number of enterprises is the same in 2009 as it was in 2008.
“It is notable that, despite the serious decline in pubs nationwide, Tonbridge town centre has the 7 pubs as it did in 2008. Our comparatively new 6 day a week veg shop has prospered and the demand for local produce has kept our fruit stall open too, in a sign of the generally increased demand for local food.
“The clear message of the survey is that a lot of businesses have managed to cope with the recession so far. Threats by the two major parties to apply severe public spending cuts, meaning cuts in employment in our local council and the County Council and in the civil service particularly(1), will do damage to businesses unless such cuts are directed at avoidable future spending commitments. For example, road building can be frozen; many areas of defence spending could be cut; expensive and overdue Government computerization schemes could be shelved; subsidies to the nuclear industry could be removed.”
ENDS c 324 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185, 0845 257 4236 or mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above. The full report will appear shortly at www.kentgreenparty.org under Publications, or can be requested from Steve at greenparty@gn.apc.org
Notes: 1. Many civil servants like in our area and commute into London.
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 27th July 2009
27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent - www.kentgreenparty.org
01732 355185 or 0845 257 4236 or mobile: 07747 036192
REMAKING CENTRAL TONBRIDGE
Steve Dawe, who is Green Party prospective parliamentary candidate for Tonbridge and Malling, did a survey of businesses in Tonbridge town centre in July 2008 after becoming concerned at an obvious rise in empty premises. Now we are in a recession, and he has repeated his survey in July 2009 – to look at the health of Tonbridge town centre. His report (available from him at greenparty@gn.apc.org ) provides a background to current economic conditions, summarises what he found and suggests possible solutions. Steve Dawe offers a few comments:
“There are few radical changes in our town centre 2008-2009. The biggest change is that empty shop fronts have gone up from 13 to 22. This suggests that the Council and leaseholders should be looking at more short lets and lower rents to increase occupancy. There has been a slight and predictable reduction in estate agents. But in almost every category of business, the number of enterprises is the same in 2009 as it was in 2008.
“It is notable that, despite the serious decline in pubs nationwide, Tonbridge town centre has the 7 pubs as it did in 2008. Our comparatively new 6 day a week veg shop has prospered and the demand for local produce has kept our fruit stall open too, in a sign of the generally increased demand for local food.
“The clear message of the survey is that a lot of businesses have managed to cope with the recession so far. Threats by the two major parties to apply severe public spending cuts, meaning cuts in employment in our local council and the County Council and in the civil service particularly(1), will do damage to businesses unless such cuts are directed at avoidable future spending commitments. For example, road building can be frozen; many areas of defence spending could be cut; expensive and overdue Government computerization schemes could be shelved; subsidies to the nuclear industry could be removed.”
ENDS c 324 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185, 0845 257 4236 or mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above. The full report will appear shortly at www.kentgreenparty.org under Publications, or can be requested from Steve at greenparty@gn.apc.org
Notes: 1. Many civil servants like in our area and commute into London.
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
ALTERNATIVES TO THE KENT INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 19th July 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
ALTERNATIVES TO KIG
Kent Green Party is opposed to the Kent International Gateway (KIG) proposals. Since KIG has attracted major public opposition and resistance from 15 Parish Councils, the County Council and Maidstone Borough Council, Kent Green Party is surprised this project has not been buried. Steve Dawe comments:
“The Kent International Gateway proposals will add 3400 lorry movements to the immediate vicinity of its proposed site. Since one Heavy Goods Vehicle does as much damage to roads in a year as 100,000 family-sized cars, the public is being expected to subsidise the costs of KIG in terms of road maintenance. I note that the project’s sponsor, AXA, is not proposing to pay a penny towards road infrastructure costs which will be caused by this development.
“After due consideration, Kent Green Party has established that there are alternatives to KIG which would reduce heavy goods vehicle movements in Kent. These include: charging foreign lorries to use UK roads, which is legal under the Eurovignette system; a number of rail-freight interchanges in London where existing railway land and under-utilised sidings permit; transfer of goods on to rail for trips both ways under the Channel; use of containers and container ports to move goods by ship and rail for as much of the journey as possible; reductions in movement of goods from countries with poor human rights records such as China, Israel, Burma and the Sudan; an end to the Common Agricultural Policy which includes the ludicrous ‘food swap’ in which the same foodstuffs are traded each way across borders.
“Such measures would fundamentally worsen the economics of KIG so that it ceased to be viable. They are also in line with the goal of reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions from transport.” C290 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, KENT GREEN PARTY – 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
ALTERNATIVES TO KIG
Kent Green Party is opposed to the Kent International Gateway (KIG) proposals. Since KIG has attracted major public opposition and resistance from 15 Parish Councils, the County Council and Maidstone Borough Council, Kent Green Party is surprised this project has not been buried. Steve Dawe comments:
“The Kent International Gateway proposals will add 3400 lorry movements to the immediate vicinity of its proposed site. Since one Heavy Goods Vehicle does as much damage to roads in a year as 100,000 family-sized cars, the public is being expected to subsidise the costs of KIG in terms of road maintenance. I note that the project’s sponsor, AXA, is not proposing to pay a penny towards road infrastructure costs which will be caused by this development.
“After due consideration, Kent Green Party has established that there are alternatives to KIG which would reduce heavy goods vehicle movements in Kent. These include: charging foreign lorries to use UK roads, which is legal under the Eurovignette system; a number of rail-freight interchanges in London where existing railway land and under-utilised sidings permit; transfer of goods on to rail for trips both ways under the Channel; use of containers and container ports to move goods by ship and rail for as much of the journey as possible; reductions in movement of goods from countries with poor human rights records such as China, Israel, Burma and the Sudan; an end to the Common Agricultural Policy which includes the ludicrous ‘food swap’ in which the same foodstuffs are traded each way across borders.
“Such measures would fundamentally worsen the economics of KIG so that it ceased to be viable. They are also in line with the goal of reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions from transport.” C290 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, KENT GREEN PARTY – 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Sunday, 19 July 2009
CELEBRATING WIND FARM OPENING
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –19TH July 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083
CELEBRATING WIND FARM OPENING
Hazel and Steve Dawe, respectively Chair and Press Officer of Kent Green Party, attended a celebration of the opening of the Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm on Romney Marsh on Saturday 18th July. The wind farm was strongly supported by Kent Green Party – with submissions, press releases and TV interviews on the subject. Hazel Dawe says:
“The Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm is a graceful, even majestic, addition to an environment long dominated by lines of electricity pylons. The wind farm will meet the electricity needs of 33,000 households and is a small contribution to the beginning of a renewable energy revolution in the UK. The turbines are so quiet we could not hear them until we were so close that the nearest houses were at least four times that distance from a turbine. At present, our country has one of the worst records for providing renewable energy in the whole of Europe. This can be changed by initiatives like the wind farm on Romney Marsh. But the biggest wind farms will be offshore: the London Array wind farm in the Thames Estuary will provide enough electricity for about 750,000 homes.
“Wind farms are not the only safe energy option. Other technologies we should be deploying include solar water heating, solar panels, bio-gas and bio-diesel production, ground source heat pumps, tidal and river barrages and micro-hydro electric schemes. Kent’s weather and available and potential forest and agricultural land contribute to our potential to have more renewable energy schemes based here. We also have ports to support offshore development means overall that a ’Green New Deal’ for Kent has enormous employment potential.”
C275 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, KENT GREEN PARTY on 01732 355185 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
CELEBRATING WIND FARM OPENING
Hazel and Steve Dawe, respectively Chair and Press Officer of Kent Green Party, attended a celebration of the opening of the Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm on Romney Marsh on Saturday 18th July. The wind farm was strongly supported by Kent Green Party – with submissions, press releases and TV interviews on the subject. Hazel Dawe says:
“The Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm is a graceful, even majestic, addition to an environment long dominated by lines of electricity pylons. The wind farm will meet the electricity needs of 33,000 households and is a small contribution to the beginning of a renewable energy revolution in the UK. The turbines are so quiet we could not hear them until we were so close that the nearest houses were at least four times that distance from a turbine. At present, our country has one of the worst records for providing renewable energy in the whole of Europe. This can be changed by initiatives like the wind farm on Romney Marsh. But the biggest wind farms will be offshore: the London Array wind farm in the Thames Estuary will provide enough electricity for about 750,000 homes.
“Wind farms are not the only safe energy option. Other technologies we should be deploying include solar water heating, solar panels, bio-gas and bio-diesel production, ground source heat pumps, tidal and river barrages and micro-hydro electric schemes. Kent’s weather and available and potential forest and agricultural land contribute to our potential to have more renewable energy schemes based here. We also have ports to support offshore development means overall that a ’Green New Deal’ for Kent has enormous employment potential.”
C275 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, KENT GREEN PARTY on 01732 355185 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Saturday, 18 July 2009
REMOVE THE MAST!
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –18th July 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
REMOVE THE MAST!
Steve Dawe, Press Officer of Kent Green Party, spoke to Friday’s demonstration in Gillingham against a 3G phone mast which has been erected next to St.Mary’s Catholic Primary School. All local political parties and Medway Council were against this development. Speakers from the area’s four main parties addressed a rally of well over 300 parents and children from the school, including Paul Clark MP. Steve Dawe, in his speech to the rally, said:
“What’s more important, our children or our mobile phones? The opinion of independent experts over many decades has been that low-level radiation can be harmful, particularly to children. The debate about low-level radiation started when nuclear power came into existence and now continues concerning mobile phones as well. Putting profit before people is bad enough: taking a cavalier attitude to children’s health is completely unacceptable.
“So far, the Government’s attitude has been to side with the telecommunications industry. Little wonder that your Green Member of the European Parliament, Caroline Lucas, has supported campaigns concerning phone masts all over the South East Region. The Planning Policy Guidance about mobile phone masts dates back to 2001. It is high time it was revised. This campaign can be won – don’t give up!”
C205 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, on 01732 355185 or mobile no 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
REMOVE THE MAST!
Steve Dawe, Press Officer of Kent Green Party, spoke to Friday’s demonstration in Gillingham against a 3G phone mast which has been erected next to St.Mary’s Catholic Primary School. All local political parties and Medway Council were against this development. Speakers from the area’s four main parties addressed a rally of well over 300 parents and children from the school, including Paul Clark MP. Steve Dawe, in his speech to the rally, said:
“What’s more important, our children or our mobile phones? The opinion of independent experts over many decades has been that low-level radiation can be harmful, particularly to children. The debate about low-level radiation started when nuclear power came into existence and now continues concerning mobile phones as well. Putting profit before people is bad enough: taking a cavalier attitude to children’s health is completely unacceptable.
“So far, the Government’s attitude has been to side with the telecommunications industry. Little wonder that your Green Member of the European Parliament, Caroline Lucas, has supported campaigns concerning phone masts all over the South East Region. The Planning Policy Guidance about mobile phone masts dates back to 2001. It is high time it was revised. This campaign can be won – don’t give up!”
C205 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, on 01732 355185 or mobile no 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Monday, 13 July 2009
AN END TO FORCED RETIREMENT AT 65
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 13th July 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083
NB. This release may be printed as a letter, at the discretion of the recipient, where appropriate.
AN END TO FORCED RETIREMENT AT 65
Kent Green Party has launched a new campaign calling upon employers to stop using a fixed retirement age of 65. Every year, Kent and Medway loses thousands of able-bodied people to retirement. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“A recession should mean sharing out the work which is available. Instead, young people have limited access to employment and many people are forced into redundancy – some never to work again. But the real scandal – a self-inflicted attack upon useful employment – is that UK employers are still generally retiring people at 65 regardless of their abilities, health or willingness to continue working.
“I am very glad to see the European Court of Justice has challenged the UK Government to provide a policy reason why people should be retired at 65. The Court believes that age alone cannot be a reason for retirement. Local Government in Kent would grind to a halt if all the councillors aged over 65 were forced to retire. Similarly Westminster MPs have no fixed retirement age. Why should it be one rule for politicians and another for employees?
“We will not know the real potential of people in this country until we ensure an end to a fixed retirement age, and a guarantee of paid access to training or education - rather than unemployment - for all. At the moment, Government policy is holding the UK back – denying skills and experience to both public and private sector employers. We commend those employers who actively recruit people aged over 65 already – but the rest must now follow.” Ends c 259 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party – 01732 355185 or mobile: 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
NB. This release may be printed as a letter, at the discretion of the recipient, where appropriate.
AN END TO FORCED RETIREMENT AT 65
Kent Green Party has launched a new campaign calling upon employers to stop using a fixed retirement age of 65. Every year, Kent and Medway loses thousands of able-bodied people to retirement. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:
“A recession should mean sharing out the work which is available. Instead, young people have limited access to employment and many people are forced into redundancy – some never to work again. But the real scandal – a self-inflicted attack upon useful employment – is that UK employers are still generally retiring people at 65 regardless of their abilities, health or willingness to continue working.
“I am very glad to see the European Court of Justice has challenged the UK Government to provide a policy reason why people should be retired at 65. The Court believes that age alone cannot be a reason for retirement. Local Government in Kent would grind to a halt if all the councillors aged over 65 were forced to retire. Similarly Westminster MPs have no fixed retirement age. Why should it be one rule for politicians and another for employees?
“We will not know the real potential of people in this country until we ensure an end to a fixed retirement age, and a guarantee of paid access to training or education - rather than unemployment - for all. At the moment, Government policy is holding the UK back – denying skills and experience to both public and private sector employers. We commend those employers who actively recruit people aged over 65 already – but the rest must now follow.” Ends c 259 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party – 01732 355185 or mobile: 079444 71083. Contact address as above.
Thursday, 2 July 2009
SURROUND KINGSNORTH!
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 29TH June 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 079444 71083 (until end of Thursday, then contact Mike Evans as below)
SURROUND KINGSNORTH!
Kent Green Party supports the ‘Mili-band’ protest to be held on 4th July at Kingsnorth. Demonstrators against a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth will surround the station. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, explains what is going to happen:
“Many campaigners, including from Kent Green Party, will be surrounding Kingsnorth to once again draw attention to the climate-risking proposals to build a new coal fired power station there. The details of the event include:
“The event is being organised by Oxfam and includes a diverse range of communities and organisations such as Christian Aid, People and Planet, the Women's Institute, the World Development Movement, National Union of Students, Woodcraft Folk, RSPB and Campaign Against Climate Change. We're calling the event the 'Mili-Band' in Secretary of State Ed Miliband’s honour. Book your spot on the 'Mili-band' to join us on the day. Booking can be done on these websites: You can book a place on the following websites:
Greenpeace - Oxfam - World Development Movement www.campaigncc.org/kingsnorth.shtml
“Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband has invited people to mobilise to demand action on climate change. On Saturday July 4, thousands of people will come together to form what is being called "the Mili-band" which will be a human chain surrounding Kingsnorth power station in Kent, to renew our demand that no new coal-fired power plant is built here unless it has CCCS working at 100% (or very close) from the start. After the 'Miliband' itself there will be a big summer fete, with stalls, music and plenty to do for kids - as well as some great speakers. So this will be a family-friendly, fun, event. So bring your family, your friends etc... not to forget outdoor gear (appropriate to the weather), some water and a picnic if you fancy, though there should be some food available.”
Further information: Dr Hazel Dawe on 01732 355185 and 079444 71083 from now until end of Thursday. From Friday morning and during the event on Saturday 4th July, please contact Mike Evans of the Medway branch of Kent Green Party on 07948 265 976. Contact address as above.
PLEASE NOTE:
The timetable for the day looks like this :
9.30-11am
Shuttle buses ferry people from Rochester station to the event centre
10-12am
Assembly on site and registration
12-1pm
Groups set off to take up their positions in the Mili-band
1.30pm
Photographs and video of the Mili-band
2pm
Finish and return to events centre
2.30pm
Live music on stage
3.00
Summer fête starts
3pm-5pm
Shuttle buses return people to Rochester station
If you have to come by car you need to park in Rochester and get the shuttle bus because there is no on-site parking for private cars at Kingsnorth For any group hiring their own minibus, please arrive at the Kingsnorth holding site no later than 11.30 (maps available soon). Parking for minibuses must be arranged either by contacting Will Tucker on 0121 634 3611, or emailing him at wtucker@oxfam.org.uk
SURROUND KINGSNORTH!
Kent Green Party supports the ‘Mili-band’ protest to be held on 4th July at Kingsnorth. Demonstrators against a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth will surround the station. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, explains what is going to happen:
“Many campaigners, including from Kent Green Party, will be surrounding Kingsnorth to once again draw attention to the climate-risking proposals to build a new coal fired power station there. The details of the event include:
“The event is being organised by Oxfam and includes a diverse range of communities and organisations such as Christian Aid, People and Planet, the Women's Institute, the World Development Movement, National Union of Students, Woodcraft Folk, RSPB and Campaign Against Climate Change. We're calling the event the 'Mili-Band' in Secretary of State Ed Miliband’s honour. Book your spot on the 'Mili-band' to join us on the day. Booking can be done on these websites: You can book a place on the following websites:
Greenpeace - Oxfam - World Development Movement www.campaigncc.org/kingsnorth.shtml
“Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband has invited people to mobilise to demand action on climate change. On Saturday July 4, thousands of people will come together to form what is being called "the Mili-band" which will be a human chain surrounding Kingsnorth power station in Kent, to renew our demand that no new coal-fired power plant is built here unless it has CCCS working at 100% (or very close) from the start. After the 'Miliband' itself there will be a big summer fete, with stalls, music and plenty to do for kids - as well as some great speakers. So this will be a family-friendly, fun, event. So bring your family, your friends etc... not to forget outdoor gear (appropriate to the weather), some water and a picnic if you fancy, though there should be some food available.”
Further information: Dr Hazel Dawe on 01732 355185 and 079444 71083 from now until end of Thursday. From Friday morning and during the event on Saturday 4th July, please contact Mike Evans of the Medway branch of Kent Green Party on 07948 265 976. Contact address as above.
PLEASE NOTE:
The timetable for the day looks like this :
9.30-11am
Shuttle buses ferry people from Rochester station to the event centre
10-12am
Assembly on site and registration
12-1pm
Groups set off to take up their positions in the Mili-band
1.30pm
Photographs and video of the Mili-band
2pm
Finish and return to events centre
2.30pm
Live music on stage
3.00
Summer fête starts
3pm-5pm
Shuttle buses return people to Rochester station
If you have to come by car you need to park in Rochester and get the shuttle bus because there is no on-site parking for private cars at Kingsnorth For any group hiring their own minibus, please arrive at the Kingsnorth holding site no later than 11.30 (maps available soon). Parking for minibuses must be arranged either by contacting Will Tucker on 0121 634 3611, or emailing him at wtucker@oxfam.org.uk
Monday, 29 June 2009
TEN RAIL STATIONS COULD BECOME CYCLE HUBS
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 29TH June 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
TEN RAIL STATIONS COULD BECOME CYCLE HUBS
Ten rail stations could become major cycle hubs, with new facilities to support cycling. The Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, has launched a £5 million fund for this purpose. It is up to train operators to put in bids(1). Steve Dawe comments:
“Some of Kent’s major rail stations could be radically improved if cycling facilities are expanded. Very busy stations with limited physical space for cycles could benefit, such as Tonbridge and Canterbury West. But the importance of Ashford, with its potential for a growth of Eurostar services, also needs to be considered.
“At present, far too many people are accessing train stations by car, adding to Kent’s growing air pollution and areas of traffic congestion. Making cycling to rail stations easier is partly a job for local councils – to improve cycle routes – but rail operators must take every opportunity to allocate funds to improve cycling facilities at stations.”
Ends c210 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, KENT GREEN PARTY on 01732 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. The Guardian, 24th June 2009.
TEN RAIL STATIONS COULD BECOME CYCLE HUBS
Ten rail stations could become major cycle hubs, with new facilities to support cycling. The Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, has launched a £5 million fund for this purpose. It is up to train operators to put in bids(1). Steve Dawe comments:
“Some of Kent’s major rail stations could be radically improved if cycling facilities are expanded. Very busy stations with limited physical space for cycles could benefit, such as Tonbridge and Canterbury West. But the importance of Ashford, with its potential for a growth of Eurostar services, also needs to be considered.
“At present, far too many people are accessing train stations by car, adding to Kent’s growing air pollution and areas of traffic congestion. Making cycling to rail stations easier is partly a job for local councils – to improve cycle routes – but rail operators must take every opportunity to allocate funds to improve cycling facilities at stations.”
Ends c210 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, KENT GREEN PARTY on 01732 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
Notes:
1. The Guardian, 24th June 2009.
Monday, 22 June 2009
GREEN PARTY DEPUTY LEADER SPEAKS TO KENT GREENS AT WYE
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 22nd June 2009 - 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF - www.kentgreenparty.org 0845 257 4236 – 01732 355185 – Mobile: 07747 036192
GREENS DEPUTY LEADER VISITS KENT GREENS AT WYE
[pictures attached – Adrian with Steve Dawe and Adrian solo]
Adrian Ramsay, deputy leader of the Green Party, visited Kent Green Party’s meeting on Saturday 20th June, at Wye. Adrian is leader of the Green Party councillors on Norwich City Council and prospective parliamentary candidate for Norwich South. In the last three local council elections, held annually in Norwich, the Green Party vote has been the largest of all parties standing in Norwich South. In consequence, Adrian Ramsay has a good chance of being elected as an MP in the next general election.
Adrian addressed the meeting:
“Congratulations on your very much improved results. Beating Labour in the South East Region in the European Elections is a tribute to your efforts, and those of other Greens in this Region. A key factor in our success in Norwich has been to move slowly towards leafleting a large proportion of Norwich between elections. Our visibility in the City is obvious to the public throughout the year. Remember, our success in Norwich, becoming the second largest party on the City Council, was built from starting with nothing. If we can succeed in Norwich, then there is no reason you should not be able to gain seats in Kent.”
c200 words.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Steve Dawe on 01732 355185, mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
GREENS DEPUTY LEADER VISITS KENT GREENS AT WYE
[pictures attached – Adrian with Steve Dawe and Adrian solo]
Adrian Ramsay, deputy leader of the Green Party, visited Kent Green Party’s meeting on Saturday 20th June, at Wye. Adrian is leader of the Green Party councillors on Norwich City Council and prospective parliamentary candidate for Norwich South. In the last three local council elections, held annually in Norwich, the Green Party vote has been the largest of all parties standing in Norwich South. In consequence, Adrian Ramsay has a good chance of being elected as an MP in the next general election.
Adrian addressed the meeting:
“Congratulations on your very much improved results. Beating Labour in the South East Region in the European Elections is a tribute to your efforts, and those of other Greens in this Region. A key factor in our success in Norwich has been to move slowly towards leafleting a large proportion of Norwich between elections. Our visibility in the City is obvious to the public throughout the year. Remember, our success in Norwich, becoming the second largest party on the City Council, was built from starting with nothing. If we can succeed in Norwich, then there is no reason you should not be able to gain seats in Kent.”
c200 words.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Steve Dawe on 01732 355185, mobile 07747 036192. Contact address as above.
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