Nottingham is a cultural and historical treasure of the UK. It needs a socially, economically and environmentally responsible council to let it thrive the way it deserves.

This is why the Green Party of Nottingham are pledging to implement a policy plan that understands the health of a city relies on the health of its communities, economies and environments.

For too long the Labour council have mismanaged the city’s finances, resulting in closures and reduction of essential cultural, social, health and environmental services. We need Green voices on the council to hold Labour to account; to build back the city into a thriving, bustling centre of prosperity and possibility. We will fight for devolved democratic power for citizens. We will fight for strong and compassionate solutions to solve the social housing crisis. We will fight for the integration of environmental policy into every decision the council makes.

We will fight for a happy, healthy Nottingham.

Vote Green on May 4th.

Click here to download a full copy of our manifesto

The post Nottingham local elections 2023 manifesto: Our plan for the city appeared first on Nottingham Green Party.

If you have any questions or comments for our candidates or the Nottingham Green Party, please get in touch by emailing contact@nottingham.greenparty.org.uk.

gedling

rushcliffe

City of nottingham

The post 4th May 2023 local elections: candidates announced appeared first on Nottingham Green Party.

As reported in West Bridgford Wire: https://westbridgfordwire.com/west-bridgford-labour-councillor-defects-to-the-green-party/

A Rushcliffe Borough Councillor for West Bridgford has defected from the Labour Party to the Green Party this week, after a spell as an independent.

One-quarter of the council wards in West Bridgford now have Green Party Councillors.

Cllr Benjamin Gray has represented Lutterell Ward, which includes Wilford Hill, for the last four years, and spent two years as the leader of the Labour Group on the council.

Cllr Gray told West Bridgford Wire:

“The Green Party focus on community, and what can actually be done on the Borough Council to make a tangible difference for local residents.

A letter to residents is being delivered to residents explaining the change which reads:

Dear Neighbour,

Since being elected to represent you in Lutterell Ward in 2019, I have always tried to do the right thing for all residents of the ward and West Bridgford. I recently took the decision to leave the Labour Party, having been a member since 2013, and leader of the group on the Borough Council.

I became involved in politics to focus on community, the environment, and making the country a fairer place. In recent years I feel that the Labour Party has focused too much time and energy on internal politics.

My principles have not changed, and I believe that my time, energy, and efforts are better spent where there is a common goal to build our communities, protect the environment, and build a fairer society.

I have been consistently impressed with local Green Party Councillors Richard and Sue Mallender and how they participate in and nurture the community in Lady Bay. I looked to their examples to help form our resident’s association, inform environmental issues in the borough, and even to kick off our first community Safari Sale (which Cllr S Mallender opened as Mayor of Rushcliffe).

As well as being community champions they have skilfully, and tactfully held other parties on the borough council to account, resulting in successful changes and strong actions, rather than just hot air.

After a time of considerable reflection I decided to join the Green Party where I believe I can continue to make a difference in our community and better look out for you as residents.

There are just a few weeks left before the next Borough Council elections, and I hope that with your support I can represent you again. I’ve worked extremely hard over the last four years to make a difference in the ward and bring people together, no matter their background or political leaning.

As a Green Party Councillor I will be better supported to continue to make positive changes and look after the area we live in and look out for the wellbeing of all our neighbours.

I will continue, as always, to be available for residents and encourage you to contact me if you need any help with local issues or just to express your concerns or opinions. I will always put you first and continue to do the right thing for the residents of West Bridgford.

You can get in touch with Ben by tweeting at @cllxben or emailing benbobgray@gmail.com

If you have any comments or questions on this story please email contact@nottingham.greenparty.org.uk.

The post Rushcliffe councillor Ben Gray joins the Green Party appeared first on Nottingham Green Party.

The Nottingham Green Party are proud to announce Paul Sergent as our candidate for the Gedling ward by-election to Gedling Borough Council taking place on Thursday 26th May.

Paul, who lives locally in the ward on Vernon Avenue, is currently retired after having worked in social care for 20 years. He is also a volunteer for the Gedling House Woods nature reserve.

Paul says, “If elected, I will push for the introduction of sensibly-planned Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in Gedling to cut air pollution and encourage better transport. I will also emphasise more protection of our local environment”.

On 26th May, vote for Paul Sergent to elect a Green councillor that will work hard for local people and put equality and the environment before greed and profit.

For questions or comments about this article please email press@nottingham.greenparty.org.uk or contact@nottingham.greenparty.org.uk.

The post Gedling ward by-election: candidate announced appeared first on Nottingham Green Party.

Sadly, the motion, which had cross party support from all opposition groups, was voted down by the ruling Conservatives.

Richard said, “It’s a great shame that the motion was defeated, but we will continue to work to protect Rushcliffe’s wildlife and to make sure the council also plays its part.”

Climate change is not the only threat to our wild animals, insects and plants: many other aspects of human activity are also leading to a catastrophic loss of biodiversity. The complex web of life of plants and animals that interact, depend on each other and make our country such a beautiful place is constantly under threat.

Loss of habitat, intensive farming, destruction of hedgerows and woodland has led to a huge decline in the numbers of birds, insects and plant species. More than 40% of our insect species are declining, and a third are endangered. Our bird population has decreased by over a quarter since the seventies. And the loss is accelerating.

The government already says that councils have a duty to conserve biodiversity. But that is only going to happen if each council makes specific policies and commitments to address the actions that are needed to halt the tragic decline of our natural world.

For questions or comments about this article please contact:

Cath Sutherland
Press Officer
07766294745
press@nottingham.greenparty.org.uk

The post Please Rushcliffe Council, Save Our Wildlife appeared first on Nottingham Green Party.

The Nottingham Green Party are proud to announce Catriona Sibert for Sherwood ward and Barbara Coulson for St Ann’s ward as our candidates for the by-elections to Nottingham City Council taking place on Thursday 7th October.

Catriona Sibert was born and raised in Nottingham and moved to Sherwood this year. She has worked in the charity sector for several years, in medical research and currently works for a children’s charity.
A former committee member for the Young Greens, the national youth branch of the Green Party, Catriona was also a Gold medal winner as part of the English team at the 2010 Commonwealth Fencing Championships.

Barbara Coulson has lived in Nottingham for 40 years and has an allotment off Woodborough Road. In addition to being an active campaigner on peace and climate change, she has held a range of jobs involving listening to individuals with problems and working out solutions together, and has spent a lot of time dealing with the flawed benefits system in a professional and personal capacity. Barbara is confident in tackling difficult situations and putting cases forward to the relevant authority. From travelling on the No 40 bus, swimming at Victoria Baths and spending time with local people, Barbara knows there is a rich and vibrant community in St Ann’s and how much support is provided by projects in the neighbourhood.

On 7th October, vote for Catriona and Barbara to elect Green councillors in Sherwood and St Ann’s that will work hard for local people and put equality and the environment before greed and profit.

For questions or comments about this article please email press@nottingham.greenparty.org.uk or contact@nottingham.greenparty.org.uk.

The post Sherwood & St Ann’s ward by-elections: candidates announced appeared first on Nottingham Green Party.

Sue with the Book of Declaration
of Acceptance of Office.

Sue said: “I feel very honoured to be given the opportunity to continue as Mayor, last year was very difficult and it is wonderful to have the opportunity to have another year to raise money for my chosen charities and meet many people in the Borough.”

In her previous year as mayor Sue has been able to take part in some physically distanced activities. She has presented awards for Plastic Free Cotgrave (Sue is committed to being as zero waste and carbon neutral as possible), planted many a tree including an oak in Bridgford Park for Remembrance Day, and unveiled a plaque for the planting of a Miyawaki Forest at Farmeco in Screveton by the Nottingham Soroptimists.

Sue’s three chosen charities are:

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org)

Trent District Community First Responders (https://trentcfr.co.uk)

Musicworks (https://musicworksnet.co.uk)

To donate please email mayor@rushcliffe.gov.uk.

In her acceptance speech, Sue talked about the wonderful work these three charities are doing.

She continued, “For these charities, I am still walking around the Borough of Rushcliffe. So far, I have now gone from Zouch to Hickling, and Ratcliffe-on-Soar to Shelton, so I think that’s about two-thirds. On public footpaths, it’s about 100 miles I think. I’m learning a lot about rural bus services. I also did manage a few events last year – I did manage a one hundredth birthday, and then there were some events for VJ day, which were actually in person, and some Remembrance events. I’m once again extremely honoured and very happy that you have let me carry on for another year, to really experience what it’s like to be the First Citizen of Rushcliffe, and I hope that I will represent you all very well”.

The unanimous vote by all councillors
present.

For questions or comments about this article please email press@nottingham.greenparty.org.uk or contact@nottingham.greenparty.org.uk.

The post Green Mayor first ever to be re-elected for second year in Rushcliffe appeared first on Nottingham Green Party.

The Green Party and the Liberal Democrats in Nottingham have joined together to create a modern, forward-looking green plan to replace the old Broadmarsh shopping centre.

With many groups coming forward asking for the old Broadmarsh to be turned into a park, Nottingham Liberal Democrats and Nottingham Green Party have combined to work up an inspiring vision for the area, with considerable green space combined with facilities for local independent businesses and creative activity, which are two of our city’s strengths.

The plans include:

A complete demolition of the West side of the Broadmarsh building and the replacement of this and the central walkway into the city with a park

Use of the shell of the old East side of the Broadmarsh to create a building which is a mix of leisure and small / start-up business units with a green roof and vertical planting.

The creation of an eco-building for co-working in the day and as a creative arts hub in the evening.

Tell the council what you think here.

These plans are currently an aspiration – feasibility studies would need to be done before the detail could be designed.  Alexis Lane, a graduate of NTU’s School Of Architecture, has drawn a plan of the shared vision. At the centre of the plan is a ‘green gateway’ for people coming into the city to shop or work or relax, and will contribute towards the council’s plan for Nottingham to be carbon-neutral by 2028.

The plan has been welcomed by the national leaders of both parties. 

Sir Ed Davey MP, the leader of the Liberal Democrats said

“As someone who grew up in Nottingham, I’m delighted to see this exciting proposal for such a key site in the city. I hope the City Council listen and seize this opportunity” 

Green Party co-leader Jonathan Bartley said:

“This is an important moment for Nottingham to show true leadership by adopting this ambitious vision which could transform a major part of the city centre and offer significant green space that will benefit everyone who lives, works or visits there.

“During the pandemic we have all seen just how vital such green spaces are to our wellbeing and I would urge Nottingham City Council to recognise just how transformational this project could be for the city centre.”

Guy Jones, Chairperson of Nottingham Green Party said “This is a forward-thinking plan. It would add beautiful green space, local vendors and many activities to the southern side of the city centre, and would combine with the wonderful new library, college, pedestrianised Collin Street and restored Carrington St, to make a fantastic area for people to use. It would become very popular. Financing it would be an issue, but the government is committed to lowering our carbon footprint, and has pledged funds for ‘green initiatives”.

Lloydie James Lloyd, Campaigns Co-ordinator for Nottingham Liberal Democrats said “Nottingham deserves to be a destination city. It already had the largest number of independent shops outside of London and a thriving cultural scene. Making a green gateway into the city would make Nottingham not only a city that people wanted to visit but help raise it up as a city worth living and working in. The City Council has a duty to the next generation and we have set out clear, minimum environmental considerations in our plan. They have asked for the city’s opinion. They must not only listen, but also act on what they have been told”

You can click here to download a copy of the plans.

All text jointly attributable to Nottingham Green Party and Nottingham Liberal Democrats

All images © Alexis G Lane

Text and images may be used provided full attribution is given

All publicity and media enquiries should be directed to:

press@nottinghamlibdems.org.uk
press@nottingham.greenparty.org.uk

The post Greens and Liberal Democrats work together to deliver stunning new vision for Broadmarsh site appeared first on Nottingham Green Party.

The main reasons for the objection are:

• Uniper estimates that the incinerator will work at an electrical efficiency of 26.1% (that is, just 26.1% of the energy in the waste will be exported as electricity) – worse than the efficiency of UK coal-fired power stations which is currently around 32%.
• Uniper’s proposal does not adequately consider the implications of the EU Circular Economy Package or the Defra policy statement in support dated 30 July 2020, committing to reach zero waste by 2050.
• Uniper has failed to demonstrate a need for extra incineration capacity, and have seriously overstated the quantity of residual waste and understated incineration capacity in the surrounding area.
• The proposed site is not near to urban areas where most waste is created, and so will promote unnecessary transport of waste into the Green Belt.
• It will generate large quantities of CO2 (around 450,000 tonnes per year) with no realistic proposal to become carbon neutral.

Guy Jones, Chair of the Nottingham Green Party, said,

“Not only is incinerating waste not a form of recycling. It causes damage to the environment directly. Much of the waste that will be burnt at the plant is plastic. Plastic is made from fossil fuels. This incinerator will be nothing more than a fossil fuel power station just like the plant it is replacing.

“This proposal is an example of the insanity that prevails when business pays lip service to environmental issues.

“The solution to waste is to reduce, reuse and recycle. Burning it to create energy will simple justify the continued production of the waste in the first place.

“The solution to the energy problem is to reduce the need and massively increase production from environmentally sensitive and sustainable sources.

“Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station should be converted to a Green Energy Centre, providing environmentally low impact and sustainable power to people and business in the local area.”

Click here to sign the petition against the EMERGE Centre on Change.org: https://www.change.org/p/nottinghamshire-county-council-no-to-the-ratcliffe-on-soar-incinerator

The post Greens object to Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station replacement plans appeared first on Nottingham Green Party.

Sue will also be raising money for three local charities during her term of office:

• Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, inspiring younger generations to love and care for the natural world on their doorstep;
• Community First Responders, attending ‘999’ medical emergencies in the local community giving life-saving treatment; and
• Musicworks, who use music in a variety of care settings to improve the quality of life for those with dementia or undergoing end of life care.

Sue Mallender has been councillor for Lady Bay ward since 2003, is an active and founder member of many local community groups and a longstanding member of Nottingham Green Party.

For more information about Cllrs Sue and Richard Mallender and to find out how to contact them, visit the Rushcliffe page.

The post Councillor Sue Mallender elected Mayor of Rushcliffe appeared first on Nottingham Green Party.