Green Party Activist

I have lived in this area for over eleven years, have a child at a local school where I am a Governor, and I am active in my local community. I currently work in education and have experience in coordinating an organization set up to tackle the effects of crime.

Where the Green Party Stands

Energy prices

Fuel bills are soaring. Pensioners and people on low incomes are hardest hit. We must install energy saving measures and renewable energy in every home and public building. Nuclear power is not the answer. Investing in green technology will boost the economy and create jobs as well as saving the planet. The Green Party supports stronger regulations for new buildings and is calling for a new Council service to advise every householder about energy saving and green energy.

Housing

Good, affordable housing in every neighbourhood is the key to successful communities. The Green Party has contributed to policy requiring developers to provide affordable housing. We have also lobbied for the Decent Homes programme (an investment programme for Council owned housing) to cover basic repairs, weather proofing and insulation, not just new kitchens, bathrooms and central heating.

Human Rights

The war in Iraq has been followed by the so-called "war on terror", which has alienated many Muslims and eroded human rights. When national government fails to listen, the Green Party has lobbied at local level on issues such as the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, destitute asylum seekers and the right to protest at the G8 summit.

Public Transport

Car drivers are frustrated by frequent gridlock and we all suffer from traffic pollution and noise. We can reduce the need to travel by saving local services. We also need better railways, trams and buses. If more journeys were made on foot, bicycle or public transport, it would help essential car users. The Green party has pushed for Quality Contracts to regain public control of the buses and called for public funding of any further routes axed by the commercial operators.

Waste and Litter

We are drowning in our own waste. Fly tipping and litter are rampant. We need to change our "throw away" society by reducing, re-using and recycling packaging and goods. Dirty streets cluttered with wheelie bins are a health and safety hazard. The Green Party has worked with local residents and the Council to tidy up streets and footpaths and improve recycling facilities.

Green and open spaces

Young people need places where they can play sports or just hang out, keeping them off the streets and giving them some independence and interest. The Green Party has supported "friends" groups and helped direct "planning gain" money into improving parks (for example the new playground in Meersbrook Park).

Recently Rob has:

• been an active member of the group that has brought a new playground and youth facilities to Meersbrook Park.
• been successful in getting traffic calming on Meersbrook Park Road, Brook Road and neighbouring streets
• pushed for a pelican crossing on Spencer Road (due 2008)
• supported local residents in opposing planning applications that would damage the quality of the local environment and people’s lives.
• pushed for the return of community support officers to the area
• sorted out pot holes, broken bins, blocked gullies, overgrown trees etc
• supported local campaigns on international issues (e.g the war in Iraq).

Green record on the City Council

The Greens now hold two of the three Council seats in Sheffield Central ward. Cllrs Jillian Creasy and Bernard Little have spoken up in Council it's Committees, in public meetings and the media. They have addressed issues such as transport, housing energy, recycling, the local economy, debt, the supercasino, fluoridation of water, disability, human rights, the war in Iraq, nuclear power and climate change. They have also done huge amounts of casework, successfully sorting out a wide range of problems. Electing a Green Councillor in Gleadless Valley will mean that the Greens can achieve even more for your city and neighbourhood.

Election Result in 2006