Tennyson Green, WEymouth, to… remain green! 3 April 2023 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson Built just after World War I, Bradford, Tennyson and Emerson Roads form a distinct community off Chickerell Road in Rodwell, Weymouth, with two public greens. These are well-loved by residents, who tended them during lock down, where young children have played safely for many decades. Residents were horrified when landowner Aster submitted a planning application to build new houses - just two, not even affordable ones, with four parking spaces - covering the whole of Tennyson Green. They organised a fantastic campaign against this, which Rodwell & Wyke Green Councillors Brian Heatley and Clare Sutton fully supported, and were delighted when Aster withdrew their application. Read more »
“Massive blow” to residents as First’s number 9 bus to be withdrawn 24 March 2023 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson Rodwell & Wyke Green Councillor Clare Sutton has been in touch with First’s Dorset Operations Manager since January, about their new number 9 bus serving Wyke. The three-month trial, serving users in Chickerell Road, Lanehouse Rocks, Wyke High Street, Walker Crescent and Wyke Road areas, got off to a good start, cross-subsidised by school provision, but on 23rd March he informed Clare the service is losing money and will cease on 27th May. Clare commented: "This is a massive blow to residents who depend on it and we are sorry we weren’t able to influence First’s decision." Read more »
Portland Incinerator: Power to the people… but not from waste! 24 March 2023 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson Dorset Council’s Strategic Planning Committee unanimously rejected Powerfuel’s application for a giant waste incinerator at Portland Port on 24th March. Many local people spoke with expertise and eloquence on a range of issues including: (a) Inconsistency with Dorset’s Waste Plan, (b) The blight on our landscape, for both residents and visitors, (c) The potential damage to wildlife, the arts, and as a sailing venue. Objections made by Green Councillors Brian Heatley and Clare Sutton included: (i) Air pollution in general, and the impact of up to 80 extra (huge!) HGVs per day on those walking or cycling to our local schools, shops, doctors etc. (ii) The impact on Dorset’s World Heritage Coast and local heritage assets. (iii) That, given the need to generate less waste rather than burn it, it would become a ‘white elephant’. Read more » Portland Incinerator
Cllr Clare Sutton calls for extra funding for youth clubs across Dorset 2 March 2023 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson The Dorset Echo has covered a call by Green Councillor Clare Sutton (Rodwell & Wyke) for extra funding for youth clubs across the county. Attending the Dorset Council Cabinet meeting, she asked: “Can the council please consider making a 'cost of living' grant available to youth clubs which have been working so hard to keep youth work alive in Dorset and support our young people through these difficult times? Read more »
Clare Sutton: Dorset Council budget lacks ambition 14 February 2023 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson The Green councillors on Dorset Council have supported the Council's budget for next year but say it lacks ambition. At yesterday's full Council meeting the leader of the Green Group, Clare Sutton said: "We think this Council can do better than 'safe and legal', and should be preparing itself to tackle some of our more entrenched issues". She highlighted four issues to tackle as a priority: housing, public transport, youth services, and disposal of surplus Council assests. Read more »
Cllr Belinda Bawden organises Home Energy Workshop in Lyme Regis 7 February 2023 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson The energy crisis is hitting everyone. In Lyme Regis and Charmouth as elsewhere, there are many older properties which can be draughty and difficult to heat. Green Councillor Belinda Bawden organised the recent Home Energy Workshop in Lyme Regis. Saving energy and money goes hand in hand! It was Belinda who set up the Lyme Area Community Energy Champions scheme, where volunteers offer energy-saving tips and home surveys with a thermal camera, which shows up cold and leaky spots. Read more »
New Speedwatch groups starting in Lyme Regis and Charmouth, at Cllr Belinda Bawden’s request 1 February 2023 / 7 December 2024 by chrishenderson Responding to residents’ concerns about speeding cars in Charmouth and Lyme, which cause pollution and risk serious accidents, local Green Councillor Belinda Bawden asked Dorset Police to start Speedwatch initiatives. A briefing was held in January and volunteers will soon be monitoring the speed of cars to gather the evidence we need to request changes. The Speedwatch initiative will target roads where problems have been reported. Read more »
Insulate Bridport! It should be much easier, says Cllr Kelvin Clayton 1 October 2021 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson Green Councillor Kelvin Clayton has challenged Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Planning to make basic home improvements such as double glazing easier for people living in listed buildings, of which there are around 500 in Bridport. Kelvin said, “It’s ridiculous that given the climate crisis we all face it’s so difficult for Bridport owners to get double glazing for their homes. Double glazing barely shows from the outside and the planning department needs to wake up to the reality of the situation.” Read more »
Town Councillor Belinda Bawden wants car club trial for Lyme 1 October 2021 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson Lyme Regis town councillor and Green Party member Belinda Bawden is starting a car club trial in Lyme Regis. Belinda says “If you only use your car occasionally then a car club could save you a lot of money. Or perhaps your household has two cars – in this case joining a car club could let you make do with one.” Read more »
Discussion stifled at County Hall on Climate & Ecological Emergency Bill 15 April 2021 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson Green Councillor Kelvin Clayton has voiced disappointment after a motion he is promoting to gather support for the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill was ruled out of order at Dorset Council. Councillor Clayton, who represents Bridport as one of four Greens on Dorset Council, had asked Dorset Council to support the Private Member’s Bill and to write to rural Dorset’s five MPs to ask them to support it too. Read more »
