Councillor Belinda Bawden - Dorset Green Party

Lyme & Charmouth, Dorset Council

Belinda lives in Lyme Regis and was elected to the Lyme Regis Town Council in 2019. She won the by-election in April 2022 for Dorset Council, and was re-elected by a landslide in the May 2024 Dorset Council election.

Belinda says: “We punch above our weight in Dorset Council and seem to be respected across the political divide for our well-evidenced contributions and collaborative style of working. Electing Greens really does make a difference!

Locally, Belinda has worked hard to represent Charmouth and Lyme Regis, advocating for residents with problems and developing solutions when challenges arise. She is proposing road safety improvements based on residents requests and developing responses for the new Local Transport Plan.

Belinda recently campaigned on behalf of local traders following the disruptive road closures and helped the new business group to set up.

Belinda adds: “I am humbled and privileged to represent the people of Charmouth and Lyme Regis again to continue the work to put people first in planning our future places. I encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to stand for their local councils or volunteer for our many community projects, to help shape a fairer, greener future for everyone.”

Latest news items featuring Belinda Bawden

Belinda Bawden working hard after re-election to Dorset Council with large majority15 August 2024
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.”
Lyme business group launches with Belinda Bawden’s help3 January 2024
Dorset Green Councillor for Lyme and Charmouth, Belinda Bawden, has been working with local businesses to help them to set up a new business group in Lyme. Several business owners stepped forward to help coordinate it and Tom Robinson, of Tom’s on the seafront, is the first chairman. With a fast-growing membership of over 80 local businesses, the new group is a welcome additional voice to Lyme’s active community.
Cllr Belinda Bawden works on recycling/waste separation with Lyme & Charmouth businesses, Dorset Council2 January 2024
Getting more recycling and waste separation is vital with new regulations coming in. Green Councillor Belinda Bawden has been working with local businesses in Lyme Regis and Charmouth, and Dorset Council’s commercial waste management team, to work out the best ways to resolve some immediate issues, and to look at longer term solutions to reduce food waste.
Belinda Bawden works hard for Christmas to carry on in Lyme Regis after road closures28 December 2023
The road closures since September affected trade in Lyme Regis, as shoppers were confused by road closed signs. Dorset and town councillor Belinda Bawden worked hard to get the “open for business” message across. She organised a Christmas market and produced a map showing numerous festive activities and events.
Belinda Bawden lobbies Dorset Council for parking improvements in Lyme & Charmouth30 September 2023
Traffic congestion and parking in Lyme and Charmouth are big issues for local residents. Bus services are in need of improvement and on some roads speed is a real problem. Green Councillor Belinda Bawden says: “Among the things I have been working on is asking Dorset Council to offer a designated space parking permit for those with the greatest mobility challenges. I’ve also requested resident parking permits for Queen’s Walk in Lyme, and changes to deal with dangerous parking around junctions, including Wesley Close in Charmouth.”
Cllr Belinda Bawden working hard on local sewage overspill16 July 2023
It’s distressing to hear about pollution in our rivers, the landfill debris affecting our beaches and concerns about harbour dredging. But despite the scale of the problems we’ve got some good progress to report. Green Councillors Belinda Bawden and Rob Smith have been in regular partnership meetings with South West Water, the town council, Dorset Council, Environment Agency and the River Lim Action Group to resolve sewage problems.