15 August 2024 / 21 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Thank you to everyone who voted for Belinda Bawden from the Green Party in Lyme & Charmouth at the Dorset Council election on 2nd May. Belinda was re-elected with 61% of the vote. She said: "Thank you for trusting me to represent you again. I’m hugely grateful and humbled by your support, which has increased across all our polling areas. I’ll continue to listen and work hard on your behalf."
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7 August 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Green Councillor Claudia Webb (Rodwell & Wyke) writes: "On Sunday 4th August 2024, I had the honour of joining hundreds of residents in Weymouth to stand together in unity against racism and injustice. The anti-racism protest, which drew people from all walks of life, was a powerful display of our community’s commitment to equality, justice, and the shared belief that racism has no place in our society."
5 July 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Everyone in the Green Party movement is today celebrating the largest advance in our 41-year history, as the number of Green MPs quadrupled to four. In rural Dorset, there were some pleasing advances in the Green vote, for candidates Ben Pantling (Mid Dorset & North Poole), Kelvin Clayton (West Dorset) and Ken Huggins (North Dorset).
15 May 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Dorset Council's new Liberal Democrat administration, elected on a promise of cross-party working, has appointed Green Councillor Clare Sutton as Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education & Skills.
31 March 2024 / 11 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Looking back at Jon Orrell's 2019-2024 term of office [4/4]... The wonderful flowers and tubs on Wesley Street, Melcombe Regis are the work of local residents themselves. They have done a great job brightening up the scene. They were at risk of losing this through a lack of insurance. As part of a charity called Transition Towns, local Green Councillor Jon Orrell was able to help secure insurance. The street went on to win a Civic Society award.
30 March 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Looking back on Jon Orrell's 2019-2024 term of office [3/4]... The Lantern on Ranelagh Road has been helping homeless and vulnerable people for decades. Lately Jon Orrell has joined the board as a trustee. Jon says: "The Lantern is going from strength to strength. Houses are being bought for people who are rebuilding their lives. A new venture has seen the NHS invest in mental health treatments at Hope House by St John’s church. Jon is also involved in the board of We are Weymouth as the town council link. Jon has also sat on the Health and People Scrutiny Board in Dorchester.
29 March 2024 / 11 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Looking back at Jon Orrell's 2019-2024 term of office [2/4]... Melcombe Regis Green Councillor Jon Orrell says: "It has been good to see that the permission I gained for the change of use for the precious St John's Gardens has reaped benefits over the last few years. "This oasis of green now has a corner used by local groups who engage with people with learning needs. The fruits (and veg) of their labours are wonderful to see.
28 March 2024 / 11 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Looking back on Jon Orrell's 2019-2024 term of office [1/4]... Pictured is the new footpath and cycleway that runs by B&Q in Weymouth. It used to be narrow and messy. Melcombe Regis Green Councillor Jon Orrell worked with Public Health and other partners to redevelop this area, and preserve the old railway lines that are part of our history. Jon said: "I am keen to see the rich past of our town celebrated whilst also making it safe to walk and cycle.
26 February 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Green Councillor Clare Sutton (Rodwell & Wyke) secured Dorset Council’s commitment in 2021 to reinstating the Underbarn - a scenic path in Weymouth from Bincleaves Green to Castle Cove Beach. The Underbarn has been closed since 2001 owing to safety concerns after landslips. It has since fallen into an overgrown state of disrepair. Much of the Underbarn was cut through after the initial reopening agreement. Unfortunately progress then stalled for various reasons. However, landowners were informed last month that works would recommence and this has now started.
2 February 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
On paper, Dorset Council has balanced its budget for 2024-25 through a 5% rise on Council Tax, fees and charges, and using up to £8m of its reserves if it can’t find further savings. But it has already spent £40m of reserves in its first five years. The Council Tax rise will hit many residents really hard but, with various councils across the country going bust, Dorset Council has little choice unless central government policy changes. Funding to local authorities has been slashed by half since 2010, with Dorset remaining almost bottom of the pile. Adult Social Care in particular, which already accounts for over 40% of Dorset Council’s expenditure, is chronically underfunded. Local Care Home Manager Claudia Webb writes: “This is an extremely pressing issue which successive governments have failed to address."
