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 »
Dorset Greens oppose planned incinerator on Portland 3 February 2020 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson Dorset Green Party opposes the development of a waste incineration plant on Portland. We oppose the delivery lorries through a residential area, the emission of health-damaging particulates close to a densely populated urban area, and the 30-year demand for residual waste instead of dealing with waste better. Read more » Portland Incinerator
Clare Sutton’s Budget speech: Protect schools from budget cuts 24 February 2019 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson This is the text of the budget speech given by Clare Sutton, Green Party county councillor for Rodwell. Clare urged the Conservative council not to pass on cuts to schools, and to do more for the homeless. Read more »
Jon Orrell: Jurassic Coast drilling shows Government energy policy is leading us towards climate chaos 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. Read more »
Clare Sutton: New jobs should go to Weymouth 10 June 2018 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson Everyone should have the freedom to improve their lives but Weymouth is unfortunately one of the worst areas in the country for social mobility coming a shocking 322nd out of 324 local authority areas. In 2019 a new Dorset Council will be formed and Green county councillor for Rodwell in Weymouth, Clare Sutton, says this is a great chance to bring many more skilled jobs to Weymouth to give local people more opportunities. Clare said, “Having grown up here and returned to bring up my children, I love my home town and it’s a great place to live if you have a decent job and a secure home and are in good health. However, I am all too aware of the lack of opportunities for young people in particular and am extremely disappointed that the motion I put forward was not agreed. It is important to keep this in the spotlight." Read more »
