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 calls for better joined-up working across the county11 April 2025
Bridport & Lyme Regis News reported on Green Councillor Belinda Bawden’s question to the full Dorset Council meeting on 10th April: “[…] Could we please design a process whereby Dorset Council promptly develops project proposals for the requested repairs, maintenance and improvements in our wards, with suggested requests for co-funding if appropriate, so that town and parish councils can decide whether they are prepared to contribute financially to get things done?”
“No evidence” of Dorset Council’s permeable surfaces policy being put into effect, says Cllr Belinda Bawden as tarmac car park extension agreed10 April 2025
The Dorset Echo covered an intervention by Green Councillor Belinda Bawden in support of a Labour councillor’s complaint that an approved car park extension to a Dorset Council-owned site in Chickerell is set to be tarmac, rather than a semi-permeable surface.
Cllr Belinda Bawden: “Quite a lot of complaints” about newer, brighter streetlights18 March 2025
BBC Dorset covered Councillor Belinda Bawden’s contribution to a Dorset Council debate where resident dissatisfaction at the brightness of newer streetlights in the county was noted: “Councillor Bawden told the committee that she received quite a lot of complaints about the new, brighter lights where they had been fitted already.”
Belinda Bawden demands homes for everyone24 February 2025
Green Party Dorset Councillor Belinda Bawden says: “The affordable homes crisis concerns us all, and elected members are urging Dorset Council to be more ambitious. We need more suitable social and genuinely affordable housing, not only for our young working people and families but also for those looking to downsize.”
Cllr Belinda Bawden secures extra bus stop in Lyme Regis17 February 2025
Lyme Regis and Charmouth Dorset Councillor Belinda Bawden says: “It was a blow to Lyme Regis when the town bus service finished when the school bus contract was changed. Many residents have told me that it was a lifeline for them to get to the shops and other local services. “I requested and secured an… Read more: Cllr Belinda Bawden secures extra bus stop in Lyme Regis
Early Years Provision in Lyme Regis: Belinda Bawden calls for views3 February 2025
Green Councillor Belinda Bawden (Lyme & Charmouth) says: “I have been asking Dorset Council for Early Years provision for Lyme Regis at the Children’s Centre to give our children the best start in life. Many parents have complained to me about the lack of provision for the under fives which can affect their ability to… Read more: Early Years Provision in Lyme Regis: Belinda Bawden calls for views