17 November 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Green Councillors Clare Sutton (Rodwell & Wyke) and Jon Orrell (Melcombe Regis, and Mayor of Weymouth) were among the speakers at a Stop Portland Waste Incinerator protest in Weymouth on Saturday 16 November, attended by hundreds of concerned local citizens. The protest against the new Labour Government's decision to green-light the scheme was the lead item on Saturday night's BBC Spotlight.
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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.
12 January 2024 / 11 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Melcombe Regis Green Councillor Jon Orrell opposes the higher car parking charges for Weymouth, with other Dorset towns remaining much cheaper. Meanwhile, the town council is working on a new plan for the coming decade. One part concerns building on two small car parks. Jon Orrell said: "I do not support this in the absence of much better bus links and joining up with the train station."
7 September 2023 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Green Councillor Jon Orrell (Melcombe Regis) has been featured in the Dorset Echo, responding to a BBC investigation which suggests Wessex Water may have illegally dumped sewage on dry days. Across the Wessex Water area from the Dorset coast to the Bristol area, the BBC identified 68 sites where sewage may have been illegally discharged last year. Wessex Water disputes much of the data. Jon was quoted in the Echo: “It’s shocking that they’re dropping sewage on dry days, we were led to believe that it may be a problem with storm surge, but it turns out that they are putting it out on dry days as well.
6 February 2019 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Green Party Councillor Dr Jon Orrell said “It is clear that arresting climate chaos means keeping fossil fuels in the ground. Prospecting for more is madness and shows the folly of this governing party; seeking short term profit for the few and causing long term devastation for the many. They are happy to allow oil exploration, but would not support a windfarm in the same waters.” West & South Dorset Green Party members are in full support of those campaigning against the drilling.
15 March 2016 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Campaigners are to hold fresh talks with council officials in an effort to tackle traffic congestion and pollution on Boot Hill. At a public meeting before Christmas [pictured] residents in Weymouth’s most polluted street called on officials to do more to protect their health. Now campaigners will be sitting down with Highways and Public Health officials to ask what progress is being made. Green campaigner Jon Orrell, a local GP, said: “One of the big concerns raised by residents is that they’ve not been getting accurate readings over the quality of the air they breathe. They are right to be worried.
26 January 2016 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Yesterday saw a positive exchange of ideas between local Green Party members and the South Western Franchise Consultation representatives at Weymouth Station. There was clear recognition by all that recent increase in rail use was a positive step towards reducing air polluting emission from car journeys. However, questions over the way our railways are best operated and for whose benefit were raised. Dr Jon Orrell, Green Party member and rail user expressed a number of concerns over the current rail service.
