Jon Orrell will be the Green Party candidate for Melcombe Regis in the Dorset Council local elections on May 2nd 2024 looking to hold his seat won in 2019.
A local doctor, in the past looking after patients, now looking after the town and planet. Weymouth is a flood zone. We must take climate chaos and sea level rise seriously. Clean air, pure water, active travel and natural foods are needed for individual health. They are needed for the planet's health.
Jon's family has had a four-generation link to Weymouth. Jon's grandfather ran the Lupins Hotel in the mid-20th Century. His parents were married at St John's Church. Jon has himself seen the hard work of running a hotel. So, he's keen to support local hospitality and tourism.
Jon's father worked as a GP at the Royal Crescent Surgery for 30 years. His mother was a practice nurse. Jon has worked for 25 years as a GP in the same surgery.
Jon is very concerned about the NHS. At its best, it delivers local healthcare without charging money to patients. The last 15 years of government cutbacks to social care have seen the NHS on the ropes. It can recover if treated well. The NHS has a core of dedicated doctors, nurses and other workers. It is vital that we have a supportive government to look after it. Jon is totally committed to preserving and improving our local health service.
Jon writes: "It has been five years since the last election. There is a lot to look back on.
"There is a new footpath and cycleway that runs by B&Q. It used to be narrow and messy. Working with Public Health and other partners, we redeveloped this area and preserved the old railway lines that are part of our history. I am keen to see the rich past of our town celebrated, whilst also making it safe to walk and cycle. I support the planting of new trees. They are attractive and keep the streets cooled in heatwaves. Mental health is helped by being able to see trees.
"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. We are limited in parkland in Melcombe, but there are opportunities to join others at Tumbledown Farm on the other side of Radipole Lake. Activity in the outdoors is good for individual health and exercise, the food grown is nutritious and it’s great for cutting carbon emissions.
"It is easy to see what is bad. The test is to do something about it. The Lantern on Ranelagh Road has been helping homeless and vulnerable people for decades. Lately I have joined the board as a trustee. 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. I am also involved in the board of We Are Weymouth as the town council link. I have also sat on the Health & People Scrutiny Board in Dorchester. I can use my GP experience here to defend local services.
"The wonderful flowers and tubs on Wesley Street 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 I was able to help secure insurance. The street went on to win a Civic Society award. They deserve praise for this."
There is more to be done. This is why Jon seeks your vote.
Here are Jon's aims:
As a town councillor Jon has worked on the town council owned Tumbledown Farm project just north of Radipole lake.
As a Dorset Councillor he has been a member of the People and Health Scrutiny Committee.
Jon joined others and spoke against the planned Portland Incinerator at the public planning committee pressing home points about public health and air pollution. (The plan was rejected but there is an appeal)
Jon opposed the barge. Jon says "The barge is wrong. I totally opposed it coming here. Asylum seekers should be processed quickly and settled, not put on a cramped barge. I voted to remove the barge asap at Dorset Council."
Jon says: "I can look back to having made progress with the many activities mentioned in this post. There is much more to be done.
"It would be great if you could support me with your vote.
"Thank you."
Contact Jon
jonorrell@btinternet.com
01305 772152
