23 August 2011. Caroline Lucas MP, leader of UK's Green Party, called on the UK govermnent to "stop selling arms to repressive regimes".
In response to the changing situation in Libya Caroline Lucas said: "Despite the intensified fighting in Tripoli today between rebel forces and those loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, and the confusion over the reported arrests of Gaddafi's sons, it seems certain that the Libyan dictator's days are numbered. The hope now is that the fighting will be brought to a swift end, and that Gaddafi will be made to face justice in a court of law. And the priority for the international community must be to do all it can to ensure that the pressing civilian needs for essential services and humanitarian assistance are urgently met.
"The mammoth task of rebuilding the country and providing legitimate, truly representative governance after 42 years of a dictatorship now falls to the National Transitional Council and its chairman, Mustafa Abdul Jalil - and it is crucial that these efforts are fully owned and supported across Libyan society. The process of filling the post Gaddafi void and maintaining stability as different elements compete for influence will need to be carefully managed by those who know the country - not by Western nations - if the transition is to be a peaceful and sustainable one. Furthermore, the new administration must show the Libyan people that control of the country's abundant natural resources lies in their hands only.
"Here at home, there are lessons to be learned about the UK's foreign policy. With the help of Western governments and companies acting in their own interests, Gaddafi was able to market himself as a respectable figure on the world stage. Just a few months before the uprising, our Government was still selling him weapons. If we are truly committed to upholding human rights in the region, then we must urgently review our role in the international arms trade - and stop selling arms to repressive regimes. We cannot continue to arm dictators who abuse their own citizens and then try to claim the moral high ground when addressing the conflicts that those same arms have helped to perpetuate."
Monday, 29 August 2011
Friday, 5 August 2011
Who's to blame for rising air pollution? Greens pile pressure on Brighton and Hove Conservatives
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| London Road (Brighton) - Argus |
Earlier this week, the local Green Party website published links to publications that detail where the biggest rises in air pollution occurred:
"On 21 July Brighton & Hove City Council released its latest Air Quality Action Plan which contained the air quality figures for 2010. This can be viewed here: Air Quality Action Plan 2011 (page 23). These reveal an increase in traffic related air pollution across the city particularly in Nitrogen Dioxide which is the main pollutant measured. Comparing figures with earlier years contained in the preceding report air pollution has increased significantly. The 2010 report can be viewed here: 2010 Air Quality Progress report (page 24). Parts of Lewes Road for example have seen an increase of pollution levels from 52 ug/m (microgramme per cubic metre) to 74 between 2007 and 2010, a 40% increase in four years."The website also pinpointed 2009 press statements by Ian Davey - who warned of rising levels of pollution - and Conservative Cabinet Member Geoffrey Theobold - who said transport planning measures had ensured continuing improvement in nitrogen dioxide levels citywide.
In the Brighton Argus of 19 May 2009, Ian Davey said air pollution levels were increasing in some areas. He said "the council is not solving the problem and it may be getting worse in some areas of the city". He said more effort was needed to get people to cycle and walk to work to school and work. [Recent data suggests much of our traffic originates from inside the city - and that a large proportion of car journeys to work are less then three miles long - ed].
Ian Davey suggested improving the cycle and walking network and a 20 mph limit as well as improvements to the bus network to ease the pressure on the number of buses passing through the city center. [These might include rapid transit links, and direct links between suburbs avoiding the city centre - ed.]
He added: “The Conservative administration needs to recognise that if you keep insisting on more car parking you will get more cars.”
Here is the response of the Conservative administration, quoted in here from the 2009 Argus article.
"Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, cabinet member for the environment, said in a statement that coverage of air quality was alarmist. He said: “I would recommend that your readers visit our city air watch website which is recognised as one of the best local authority air on the internet websites. Our air quality action plan is improving air quality ... The council recorded an improvement at more than 80% of its sites in 2008. Transport planning measures have ensured continuing improvement in nitrogen dioxide levels citywide.”
Nigel Jenkins, project development officer for the Sussex Air Quality Partnership, said there had been an overall improvement in air quality over the years which can be pinned down to a series of measures. He said: “The air quality in most cities in the UK is improving because there are European and UK driven initiatives that are reducing pollution across the board. In Brighton there is a very good bus system and generally there have been technological improvements with cleaner engines in cars. If we had the number of cars that we have today on the roads ten years ago the emissions would have been dirtier than they are today.”"The Conservative Administration 2007- 2010 cancelled several crucial elements of the Cycle Town network for safe cycling and attempted to repeal the city's commitment to sustainable transport - to replace it with policies in favor of the car.
For more information on why we should be concerned about rising levels of NO2 click here.
For more analysis of the Air Quality Action Plan, including graph of rising NO2 at several locations click here
Link to Brighton and Hove Green Party website - this story.
Revival for 'crucial cycle lane' as Old Shoreham Road Cycle Lane Scheme receives £330k funding from Sustrans
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| OSR planning story - Nov 2009 |
This is a special moment for cycle campaigners since the changes in spec, safety worries, and eventual scrapping of the 'OSR' scheme sparked interest in the campaign for sustainable transport in Brighton and Hove in 2009.
A council spokesperson said today: "A safe cycle route could now be built along part of one of Brighton & Hove's busiest roads. The city council has won £330,000 from the sustainable transport charity Sustrans to help develop a 1.5 km route along the Old Shoreham Road from the BHASVIC junction on Dyke Road to The Drive. Sustrans' 'Links to Schools' cash would be added to £125,000 of council funds to complete most of the work by March 2012.
"Lanes on either side of the road will have low kerbs to physically separate motor vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. No parking spaces will be lost under the plan. Two busy junctions on the route will also get safety improvements for pedestrians and cycles. Councillors believe the new lanes would fill a vital missing link in the local cycle network, particularly from the seafront in Hove to the Seven Dials area.
"Previous surveys of residents along the road, which carries up to 27,000 vehicles a day, have shown 66 per cent favour a dedicated cycle route."
Cabinet councillor for Transport and Public Realm Ian Davey said: "This shows the council meeting manifesto commitments to improve cycling facilities. Where we build cycle lanes we want them to be excellent, user-friendly and safe lanes which link to existing routes and facilities and really improve everyone's experience of moving around the city by bike.
"This is a crucial east-west route across the city but traffic speed and volume can make it an uncomfortable place for cyclists and pedestrians. The proposed scheme will make Old Shoreham Road safer for everyone including young people using the many nearby schools.
"When the Grand Avenue cycle lane was threatened last year there was a huge petition asking for the council to extend, rather than reduce, cycle facilities. This is our positive response."
A new consultation will now be undertaken before any work starts, subject to official cabinet member approval on August 17.
The council spokesperson added: 'The scheme is being reprieved by the new administration after councillors shelved the idea last year."
Regular readers of this blog will be familiar with the systematic destruction - by the Conservative administration - of plans to transform Brighton and Hove into a cycling city, or more accurately, into a sustainable transport city. These plans were the basis of the Cycle Town grants made to the city from 2005 by Cycling England. The Old Shoreham Road (OSR) Cycle Lane was the backbone of the scheme, providing a safe cycling link between the town centres of Brighton, Hove and Portslade. In 2009, the city planners under Conservative leadership removed segregated cycle lanes from the OSR plans and then found the scheme to be unsafe - and cancelled it. After that they cancelled the Marine Parade cycle lane scheme, and finally tried to rip up the one part of the scheme already installed - The Drive. Public protests, a big media campaign, and a huge swing at the May local elections saw the Tories lose half their seats, and the Greens gain power in the council.
Stuart Croucher, a member of the team who designed the original scheme, made an impassioned plea for the reinstatement of the scheme, and a powerful argument in favour of a network of segregated cycle lanes for young people and learners, in an interview he gave last year. The original plans - and the 'crucial' part played by OSR cycle lane - are all shown in another entry on this blog.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
"Appalling 40% increase in air pollution under previous Conservative administration" slammed by Green councillors in Brighton and Hove
Green Councillor Ian Davey said: "New figures show a serious deterioration in air quality over the four years of the previous Conservative administration."
A spokesperson for the Green Group of Councillors said air quality figures for 2010 released last week, showed that parts of Lewes Road saw air pollution levels rise by 40% in the four years to 2010. The figures were released in Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) Air Quality Action Plan 2011.
Cllr Davey is Cabinet member for Transport & Public Realm in Brighton & Hove since he was appointed under the Green-led administration which came to power following local elections on 5 May 2011.
“Air quality is incredibly important for residents’ health. You don’t need to be a scientist to work out that these figures are appalling. When I raised concerns over deteriorating air quality over the last four years, the Tories accused me of being alarmist while claiming that air quality was improving.
“These figures show how irresponsible and complacent their attitude was. Rather than dealing with the problem they preferred the easy option of ignoring it.
“The Green administration will not shrink away from showing the leadership necessary to tackle the problem. We are starting with the Lewes Road where we have been successful in winning £4m from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. Our immediate efforts will be focused on getting traffic moving to prevent congestion and pollution, while working to offer people a real alternative to using private cars to get in and around the city.”
The £4m bid for the Lewes Road corridor project was made under the Tory administration, but Greens claimed credit for the idea. For more on the Lewes Road Corridor Project click here.
For analysis of the AQAP 2011 report: click here.
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Brighton and Hove to publish "climate change action plan" in the autumn
A "climate change action plan" for Brighton and Hove will be published later this year, according to a report presented at a council cabinet meeting on 15 July 2011.
A spokesperson said the report outlined moves to "radically boost energy from renewable sources produced in Brighton & Hove".
Cabinet councillor for environment Pete West said: "The council is gearing up for a massive investment in sustainable energy in the city. We're leading by example by starting with the city's biggest-ever solar electricity programme.
He said this would help the local economy and open up opportunities for others to install solar electricity using the council's buying power to bring down costs.
Cllr West said: "There is no overnight fix and we don't underestimate the technical and financial challenges. But the council will be working hard to overcome them with a range of partners and agencies."
The report was made in response to an independent scrutiny commission set up by the council in April, which called on the authority to help radically increase use of low-carbon power citywide. The council's response made on 15th June highlighted progress:
• A major installation of solar electricity panels on dozens of council buildings and schools, plus 1,600 homes. Work is expected to start this year.
• Households encouraged to participate in domestic electricity generation in the Feed-in Tariff scheme.
• Some new or refurbished school buildings are being fitted with solar hot water and electricity panels plus air-and ground-source heat pumps which cut electricity use.
• The council has undertaken to work with developers of major schemes, such as Shoreham Port, to ensure as much renewable energy as possible is included.
• A Climate Change Action Plan will be published by the council in the autumn, addressing housing, transport, industry, commerce, and sustainable energy.
• A new online tool for developers to plan low-energy buildings introduced this month by the council's planning service.
• The council is looking into setting up a Sustainable Energy Agency to co-ordinate green power initiatives in the city. The authority is also investigating how much energy could be generated by alternative sources such as wind power.
• A 'heat mapping' exercise would identify areas where high energy demand might be met from small-scale low carbon generation locally.
• There will be work done to increase training and apprenticeships in the renewable energy sector, and a campaign to spread the low-carbon message.
• A bid for £1m of EU funds is being made, aimed at setting up apprenticeships related to green energy.
• Officials will investigate funding for a scheme to help communities generate their own low-carbon power.
The Renewables Scrutiny Panel was chaired by Dr Adrian Smith, of the Science and Technology Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex. Other panel members were councillors from various political parties including Cllrs Pete West, Warren Morgan, and David Watkins.
The Panel held four public meetings, hearing from 26 expert witnesses, including council officers, representatives of city partner organisations, experts on renewable energy, sustainable energy businesses and local residents.
A spokesperson said the report outlined moves to "radically boost energy from renewable sources produced in Brighton & Hove".
Cabinet councillor for environment Pete West said: "The council is gearing up for a massive investment in sustainable energy in the city. We're leading by example by starting with the city's biggest-ever solar electricity programme.
He said this would help the local economy and open up opportunities for others to install solar electricity using the council's buying power to bring down costs.
Cllr West said: "There is no overnight fix and we don't underestimate the technical and financial challenges. But the council will be working hard to overcome them with a range of partners and agencies."
The report was made in response to an independent scrutiny commission set up by the council in April, which called on the authority to help radically increase use of low-carbon power citywide. The council's response made on 15th June highlighted progress:
• A major installation of solar electricity panels on dozens of council buildings and schools, plus 1,600 homes. Work is expected to start this year.
• Households encouraged to participate in domestic electricity generation in the Feed-in Tariff scheme.
• Some new or refurbished school buildings are being fitted with solar hot water and electricity panels plus air-and ground-source heat pumps which cut electricity use.
• The council has undertaken to work with developers of major schemes, such as Shoreham Port, to ensure as much renewable energy as possible is included.
• A Climate Change Action Plan will be published by the council in the autumn, addressing housing, transport, industry, commerce, and sustainable energy.
• A new online tool for developers to plan low-energy buildings introduced this month by the council's planning service.
• The council is looking into setting up a Sustainable Energy Agency to co-ordinate green power initiatives in the city. The authority is also investigating how much energy could be generated by alternative sources such as wind power.
• A 'heat mapping' exercise would identify areas where high energy demand might be met from small-scale low carbon generation locally.
• There will be work done to increase training and apprenticeships in the renewable energy sector, and a campaign to spread the low-carbon message.
• A bid for £1m of EU funds is being made, aimed at setting up apprenticeships related to green energy.
• Officials will investigate funding for a scheme to help communities generate their own low-carbon power.
The Renewables Scrutiny Panel was chaired by Dr Adrian Smith, of the Science and Technology Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex. Other panel members were councillors from various political parties including Cllrs Pete West, Warren Morgan, and David Watkins.
The Panel held four public meetings, hearing from 26 expert witnesses, including council officers, representatives of city partner organisations, experts on renewable energy, sustainable energy businesses and local residents.
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Greens propose small tax rise and invite public to help set budget
13 July 2011. Green-led Brighton and Hove City Council has proposed to increase council tax by 3.5% next year - up from the 2.5% increase that was planned by the previous Tory administration. The tax increases will help protect vulnerable people from the worst central government cuts - but cuts will still need to be made, and the council intends to involve the public in setting the budget, by talking to bodies such as trade unions.
The additional 1% increase proposed by the Greens presents about £13 per year on annual council tax bills of around £1,300 for a person living in a typical band C house.
The increase of 3.5% is the maximum allowed under UK law, and is less than inflation which has been running at 4-4.5% over recent months.
A council spokesperson said: "Vital services for the most vulnerable residents in Brighton & Hove will be protected under budget proposals to change the council tax increase by 1% to 3.5% next year as part of a budget that will face unprecedented scrutiny. Brighton & Hove City Council has proposed a budget that aims to protect frontline services for residents including the 9,000 older people and one in five children in the city who suffer in poverty.
"In a major revamp of how the budget is set, the public will have much greater involvement as part of a city wide consultation. In addition all political parties, the voluntary sector and trade unions will be offered the chance to play a part in setting the budget priorities.
"The council faces central government imposed cuts of about £84 million over four years. The council tax proposal will help keep services running for vulnerable residents whose lives are affected by inequality, alcohol and substance misuse as well as domestic violence.
"Savings of up £51.8 million over the next 3 years are being targeted as part of a package that proposes to increase council tax by 3.5% in 2012/13 rather than 2.5% planned by the previous administration. The change from 2.5% council tax to 3.5% generates an additional £1.2 million for the council.
"Promoting efficient use of public money is central to the budget process, as is supporting the local economy in a sustainable way by working in partnership with public, private and third sector organisations. The budget proposals will go to full public consultation in the Autumn.
Councillor Jason Kitcat, Cabinet Member for Finance & Central Services, said: “We believe this small rise is needed to help protect vital frontline services that support some of our most vulnerable residents such as older people and children who stand to suffer because of the excessive and unnecessary cuts imposed by the Coalition government. This is part of our vision to create a fairer society that meets everyone’s needs.
“The previous administration planned to increase council tax by 2.5 per cent so we think that most residents will agree that a further one per cent rise to protect some of our most important frontline services is a price worth paying.
"As it stands the city faces deep inequality with thousands of children and elderly people languishing in poverty, women suffering domestic violence as well as high levels of alcohol or drug abuse.
“Everyone has to reduce spending in this recession and the council is no different. The government is forcing us to reduce spending by £84 million over the next four years despite significant efficiency savings we have already achieved. To that end we will be reducing spending by up to 15% over the next two years. This council’s entire approach will be focussed on value for money.
“At the same time we are lobbying the government to review the current council tax system and introduce a more progressive local taxation that is fairer to everyone. In a recent meeting I have personally asked local government minister Grant Shapps MP to reconsider the cuts he is imposing on Brighton & Hove.”
The proposed council budget-setting process will go to Cabinet for approval on 14 July with the proposed budget to go to Cabinet for approval on 8 December before being considered by Full Council on 27 February 2012.
New, Consultative Budget Process
Brighton & Hove City Council’s Budget Council takes place 27 February 2012. The budget process allows all parties to put forward viable budget amendments and council tax proposals.
The proposed new consultation process will involve:
• more in-depth public consultation in September/October through a process to be agreed by all political parties;
• greater scrutiny both early in the process on particular issues and in considering published proposals in December / January;
• for the first time cross-party review and challenge of the options as they are developed within the “star chamber” process
• consultation with business rate payers;
• roundtable discussions involving all political parties, recognised trades unions and the Community and Voluntary Sector Forum
• formal and informal consultation with Trades Unions and with staff affected
• formal consultation with service users as needed
The additional 1% increase proposed by the Greens presents about £13 per year on annual council tax bills of around £1,300 for a person living in a typical band C house.
The increase of 3.5% is the maximum allowed under UK law, and is less than inflation which has been running at 4-4.5% over recent months.
A council spokesperson said: "Vital services for the most vulnerable residents in Brighton & Hove will be protected under budget proposals to change the council tax increase by 1% to 3.5% next year as part of a budget that will face unprecedented scrutiny. Brighton & Hove City Council has proposed a budget that aims to protect frontline services for residents including the 9,000 older people and one in five children in the city who suffer in poverty.
"In a major revamp of how the budget is set, the public will have much greater involvement as part of a city wide consultation. In addition all political parties, the voluntary sector and trade unions will be offered the chance to play a part in setting the budget priorities.
"The council faces central government imposed cuts of about £84 million over four years. The council tax proposal will help keep services running for vulnerable residents whose lives are affected by inequality, alcohol and substance misuse as well as domestic violence.
"Savings of up £51.8 million over the next 3 years are being targeted as part of a package that proposes to increase council tax by 3.5% in 2012/13 rather than 2.5% planned by the previous administration. The change from 2.5% council tax to 3.5% generates an additional £1.2 million for the council.
"Promoting efficient use of public money is central to the budget process, as is supporting the local economy in a sustainable way by working in partnership with public, private and third sector organisations. The budget proposals will go to full public consultation in the Autumn.
Councillor Jason Kitcat, Cabinet Member for Finance & Central Services, said: “We believe this small rise is needed to help protect vital frontline services that support some of our most vulnerable residents such as older people and children who stand to suffer because of the excessive and unnecessary cuts imposed by the Coalition government. This is part of our vision to create a fairer society that meets everyone’s needs.
“The previous administration planned to increase council tax by 2.5 per cent so we think that most residents will agree that a further one per cent rise to protect some of our most important frontline services is a price worth paying.
"As it stands the city faces deep inequality with thousands of children and elderly people languishing in poverty, women suffering domestic violence as well as high levels of alcohol or drug abuse.
“Everyone has to reduce spending in this recession and the council is no different. The government is forcing us to reduce spending by £84 million over the next four years despite significant efficiency savings we have already achieved. To that end we will be reducing spending by up to 15% over the next two years. This council’s entire approach will be focussed on value for money.
“At the same time we are lobbying the government to review the current council tax system and introduce a more progressive local taxation that is fairer to everyone. In a recent meeting I have personally asked local government minister Grant Shapps MP to reconsider the cuts he is imposing on Brighton & Hove.”
The proposed council budget-setting process will go to Cabinet for approval on 14 July with the proposed budget to go to Cabinet for approval on 8 December before being considered by Full Council on 27 February 2012.
New, Consultative Budget Process
Brighton & Hove City Council’s Budget Council takes place 27 February 2012. The budget process allows all parties to put forward viable budget amendments and council tax proposals.
The proposed new consultation process will involve:
• more in-depth public consultation in September/October through a process to be agreed by all political parties;
• greater scrutiny both early in the process on particular issues and in considering published proposals in December / January;
• for the first time cross-party review and challenge of the options as they are developed within the “star chamber” process
• consultation with business rate payers;
• roundtable discussions involving all political parties, recognised trades unions and the Community and Voluntary Sector Forum
• formal and informal consultation with Trades Unions and with staff affected
• formal consultation with service users as needed
Friday, 8 July 2011
Greens win campaign for Cycle Parking at main entrance to Brighton Station: 40 new spaces at front (south entrance)
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| May. Cyclists locked bikes to railings outside |
The announcement is a reversal of the previous decision by Southern not replace cycle parking facilities at the front of the station, which were removed during renovations earlier this year. At that time, Southern said cycle parking representated a security threat in that they could not monitor bags left on cycles in the busy main entrance to the station.
The new cycle rack will be located where currently there is a small car parking area used by British Transport Police (BTP) and Southern Staff adjacent to the building that houses the BTP offices and public conveniences. It will be fenced, and monitored 24 hours a day by Southern’s CCTV Control Centre. The new facility is due to be completed by early September.
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| As they once were: an estimated 100 cycles or more at station front |
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| May: The space where the old cycle racks once were |
The cabinet member responsible for Transport in Brighton and Hove's new Green-led City Council, Cllr Ian Davey, backed the campaign to get cycle parking re-instated at the front of building. He described the move as a Green win and said: "I have been discussing the need for provision of cycling parking at the front of the station with Southern since coming into post in May. I am delighted they have listened and responded so positively. I look forward to them being opened in September.”
Cllr Ian Davey is also Brighton and Hove City Council’s Deputy Leader.
A council spokesperson said: "Southern has been working closely with Brighton and Hove City Council on plans for the station frontage including cycle parking, and following recent feedback from cyclists who use the station, installation of the two-tier rack will begin next month."
Southern’s Franchise Improvement Director, David Scorey said: “We are pleased to announce the installation of this new facility. Although we have put in over a hundred extra cycle parking spaces at the rear of the station which are very well used, some of our passengers told us they wanted parking to be available at the front. This will go some way to meeting those requirements.”
Opinion
Cycling should be made a more convenient option option, not less convenient.
In my opinion, the 40 new cycle parking spaces will barely be able to cope with the number of cycles already chained to the front of the station. It seems clear that people some people are leaving their cycles there for long term parking. Not only is there a train station and a bus terminus there, it is the gateway to Brighton's main shopping area, and dense residential areas of Queens Road, Western Road and the North Laine. If we are going to encourage cycling, we need to plan for storage for a lot more cycles. It seems a pity to waste the quadrangle in front of the Station, and Southern should play its part in promoting sustainable transport. But they do face a problem - how to deal with cycles left there long term, and even abandoned. Could they levy a small fee, as is done in some other places? Should the city provide a large cycle parking facility? Watch this space.
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| Sign warning cyclists not to park cycles there |
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| Another view of railings outside the front of the station |
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Brighton's Lewes Road Corridor Green transport project given the go ahead with £4m of central government funding
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| Cllr Davey leading cycle campaign Feb 2011 |
The Brighton project was one of 39 sustainable transport schemes across England that were given the go ahead as part of a £155 million Government investment aimed at boosting economic growth and reducing carbon emissions.
Cabinet member for transport in Brighton and Hove City Council, Green councillor Ian Davey, expressed joy at the news. He said the scheme had been suggested by Greens during the previous Tory administration, and it was good news it was won under the new Green administration: “One of our key aims is to give the city the infrastructure it needs to be open for business. A crucial part of that is sustainable transport, enabling people and goods to move around without spoiling our streets or the air we breathe.
“This is a great opportunity for the council to work with residents and business to alleviate some of the transport problems in the area, particularly poor air quality caused by congestion.”
A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesperson said: “It’s part of our ambition to make the city one of the greenest in the UK. Some 66 councils bid for a pot of £155m the government made available. 37 authorities were successful."
With external partnership and council funds, plus support from the local community, the project will be worth approximately £6 million over four years. Key partners in the bid include Southern Rail, Brighton & Hove Buses, Sussex and Brighton Universities, the Primary Care Trust, and the Engineering and Physical Research Council.
"It will be used to help local people make more eco-friendly transport plans for themselves. Physical alterations to the road will include upgrades to public transport infrastructure, cycling improvements, traffic signal upgrades, pedestrian improvements and improved links to the new South Downs National Park.
An exact timescale for the project has yet to be fixed, but work should start this year.
The judging panel included buses and transport expert Tony Depledge, Ian Drummond from local government body ADEPT, Stephen Joseph from Campaign for Better Transport, Adam Marshall from the British Chambers of Commerce, Lynn Sloman from Transport for Quality of Life.
Brighton Pavilion's Green MP Caroline Lucas said the news was "fantastic" and a "step in the right direction".
39 projects won funding as part of the first allocation from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. They cover eight regions and a total of 37 local authorities, with many more as partners. All have been judged to be effective against the fund’s two key objectives of creating growth and cutting carbon.
The successful schemes also include a variety of measures such as smart ticketing, the promotion of infrastructure for electric vehicles, bus and rail improvement measures, cycling and walking and are designed to link together to create a sustainable transport package that delivers economic growth.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “I am delighted to be able to fund these excellent projects.
“All the winning schemes have one thing in common – they will help build strong local economies while addressing the urgent challenge of climate change.
“We have empowered local authorities to create packages of sustainable initiatives that are tailored for their local areas, and this is only the beginning – even more funding will be announced next summer following a second round of bids.”
For details of the Brighton and Hove's bid for DfT funds, click here
http://russellhoneyman.blogspot.com/2011/05/brightons-lewes-road-63m-sustainable.html
More on this story from the DfT - http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20110705
Brighton & Hove City Council's Green leader calls for economic summit to create new, low carbon economy
5 July 2011. Brighton & Hove City Council Leader Bill Randall today called for a summit with the city’s business leaders to develop a new economic strategy for the city.
Cllr Randall is also leader of the Green group of councillors. He said: “We are working on a programme of initiatives to improve the local economy and we want to work with the city’s business leaders to strengthen our city economic strategy.
“Not only is the existing economic strategy out of date but new threats and opportunities have presented themselves.
“This summit will take into account the global recession and the massive public spending cuts we face as we look forward to the economic recovery and to safeguard our long term success.
Cllr Randall intends to broker a city-wide consensus to kick-start the council’s priorities which include making Brighton and Hove the UK ’s greenest city through sustainable economic development.
The strategy will create jobs by attracting new businesses as well as retaining and growing those already in the city. This will help forge economic recovery and help the city to make the transition to a thriving low carbon economy, attracting investment and enabling business to compete in the burgeoning climate change sector.
Cllr Randall's comments follow the State of the City report, which found the city had a strong economy that is buoyed by a healthy entrepreneurial spirit and a high number of businesses per person.
The report revealed that significant numbers of private sector jobs are being created and there is also a thriving local and organic food sector. The economy is also boosted by eight million visitors each year.
An HSBC report recently described Brighton & Hove as the 'capital of the UK 's rebellious alternative economy' and one of the seven ‘super cities that’ will lead the UK out of the recession.
The success of the city's creative industries and digital sector has contributed to the city taking this title and the role of the two universities has meant a constant supply of well-educated residents.
Cllr Randall said: “We want to galvanise the city to showcase what we have to offer, working towards development certainty and creating investment confidence.
“We aim to promote the theme of a green & low carbon city as part of the drive to make the city the UK ’s greenest.”
Cllr Randall became leader of the council when Greens became the largest group in the council after local elections in May this year.
Business Pofile
The council is committed to supporting the city’s 13,400 small businesses, of which 86 per cent employ fewer than 10 people, while responding to concerns about the impact of multinationals
Two major developments in the city include American Express’ European Headquarters and the Brighton & Hove Community Stadium – both of which will provide huge boosts to the city’s economy
The council’s Local Employment Scheme aims to increase employment and training opportunities for local people who want to work in the construction industry. It also provides support to local building firms in order to secure contracts on large developments, and to assist developers and contractors with their workforce needs.
Cllr Randall is also leader of the Green group of councillors. He said: “We are working on a programme of initiatives to improve the local economy and we want to work with the city’s business leaders to strengthen our city economic strategy.
“Not only is the existing economic strategy out of date but new threats and opportunities have presented themselves.
“This summit will take into account the global recession and the massive public spending cuts we face as we look forward to the economic recovery and to safeguard our long term success.
Cllr Randall intends to broker a city-wide consensus to kick-start the council’s priorities which include making Brighton and Hove the UK ’s greenest city through sustainable economic development.
The strategy will create jobs by attracting new businesses as well as retaining and growing those already in the city. This will help forge economic recovery and help the city to make the transition to a thriving low carbon economy, attracting investment and enabling business to compete in the burgeoning climate change sector.
Cllr Randall's comments follow the State of the City report, which found the city had a strong economy that is buoyed by a healthy entrepreneurial spirit and a high number of businesses per person.
The report revealed that significant numbers of private sector jobs are being created and there is also a thriving local and organic food sector. The economy is also boosted by eight million visitors each year.
An HSBC report recently described Brighton & Hove as the 'capital of the UK 's rebellious alternative economy' and one of the seven ‘super cities that’ will lead the UK out of the recession.
The success of the city's creative industries and digital sector has contributed to the city taking this title and the role of the two universities has meant a constant supply of well-educated residents.
Cllr Randall said: “We want to galvanise the city to showcase what we have to offer, working towards development certainty and creating investment confidence.
“We aim to promote the theme of a green & low carbon city as part of the drive to make the city the UK ’s greenest.”
Cllr Randall became leader of the council when Greens became the largest group in the council after local elections in May this year.
Business Pofile
The council is committed to supporting the city’s 13,400 small businesses, of which 86 per cent employ fewer than 10 people, while responding to concerns about the impact of multinationals
Two major developments in the city include American Express’ European Headquarters and the Brighton & Hove Community Stadium – both of which will provide huge boosts to the city’s economy
The council’s Local Employment Scheme aims to increase employment and training opportunities for local people who want to work in the construction industry. It also provides support to local building firms in order to secure contracts on large developments, and to assist developers and contractors with their workforce needs.
Green MP says Government education plans will "make higher education an unaffordable luxury"
28 June 2011. Commenting on the proposals set out in the Government’s White Paper on Higher Education, Caroline Lucas, Brighton Pavilion’s Green MP, said:
“The Coalition’s reckless determination to marketise higher education and increase competition poses a serious risk to future generations of students hoping to attend our city’s universities. Just providing prospective students with more information about standards in universities will not change the fact that, for many, £9,000 per year in fees will make higher education an unaffordable luxury.
“And the idea that universities will be ranked according to graduate employment rates and salaries completely ignores the reality that many graduates take up worthwhile jobs which are either voluntary or low paid.”
“The Coalition’s reckless determination to marketise higher education and increase competition poses a serious risk to future generations of students hoping to attend our city’s universities. Just providing prospective students with more information about standards in universities will not change the fact that, for many, £9,000 per year in fees will make higher education an unaffordable luxury.
“And the idea that universities will be ranked according to graduate employment rates and salaries completely ignores the reality that many graduates take up worthwhile jobs which are either voluntary or low paid.”
Friday, 1 July 2011
Save Saltdean Lido - call by Green Councillor Geoffrey Bowden
29th June 2011. A call to secure the future of Saltdean Lido has been made by Brighton & Hove City Council's Green-led administration.
The pledge was made by Councillor Geoffrey Bowden in response to residents' concerns about the future of the iconic Grade 2 listed pool.
Residents have complained about the state of building's fabric and what they claim is the pool's sporadic opening. They are urging the council to take action taken against the current leaseholder.
The council says it has already served notices on the leaseholder and is in discussion with him about works needed to comply with the notices. The council favours continuing negotiation as a means of ensuring the building is maintained and the pool regularly opened.
The authority says the Lido is an important asset to the local community and the city as a whole.
Councillor Bowden, cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, said he shared the residents' view that the Lido must be saved.
"The council shares everyone's passion for the Lido," said Councillor Bowden. "The argument is not about whether we save it – we all agree that we must. The debate is about how best to do it.
"Going through the courts will be expensive, slow and, ultimately, may not work.
"The situation is very complex and we have a duty to be legally fair to everyone, including the current leaseholder. However, we are determined to work with all those involved to protect and enhance the Lido for the future."
The pledge was made by Councillor Geoffrey Bowden in response to residents' concerns about the future of the iconic Grade 2 listed pool.
Residents have complained about the state of building's fabric and what they claim is the pool's sporadic opening. They are urging the council to take action taken against the current leaseholder.
The council says it has already served notices on the leaseholder and is in discussion with him about works needed to comply with the notices. The council favours continuing negotiation as a means of ensuring the building is maintained and the pool regularly opened.
The authority says the Lido is an important asset to the local community and the city as a whole.
Councillor Bowden, cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, said he shared the residents' view that the Lido must be saved.
"The council shares everyone's passion for the Lido," said Councillor Bowden. "The argument is not about whether we save it – we all agree that we must. The debate is about how best to do it.
"Going through the courts will be expensive, slow and, ultimately, may not work.
"The situation is very complex and we have a duty to be legally fair to everyone, including the current leaseholder. However, we are determined to work with all those involved to protect and enhance the Lido for the future."
That's not cricket! Green council shows it means to be firm as well as fair with unauthorised Traveller camps
1 July 2011. On Tuesday 29 June, council officers and police removed two groups of Travellers who had recently camped in parks in Brighton and Hove.
Councillor Pete West, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, said: "Our aim is to ensure Gypsies and Travellers are treated with the same respect and consideration as any other community."
"By the same token, we expect all communities nomadic or otherwise to respect our parks and open spaces and to treat other people with respect and dignity and not to engage in anti-social behaviour," Cllr West added.
The two Traveller groups had recently set up unauthorised encampments in Greenleas Park in Hangleton and Horsdean Recreation Ground in Patcham.
A group of Irish Travellers had moved nine trailers into Greenleas Park on Saturday. Following a visit from council and police officers on Monday, the Council made a request to Sussex Police to use their powers under the Criminal Justice Act to direct them to Horsdean Traveller Transit Site where enough space is available to accommodate the six families.
A similar request was made to evict a second group of Irish travellers from the frequently used cricket pitch at Horsdean Recreational Ground, Patcham.
A council spokesperson said: "This group of Travellers had damaged the two wickets, putting the three matches planned for this week in jeopardy."
Councillor Pete West said: "We will continue to take a firm but fair approach to travellers arriving in the city and this includes taking swift action when they park in unsuitable locations or engage in anti-social manner. We will always use our legal powers and resources to tackle unacceptable behaviour in an appropriate and proportionate way."
The council is also applying for a possession order to move Travellers from Ladies Mile Open Space. Following visits from the Traveller liaison team and the Traveller education service, and completion of welfare checks, the council has decided to seek an Order for Possession of this land. The hearing will take place on 1 July 2011.
Councillor Pete West, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, said: "Our aim is to ensure Gypsies and Travellers are treated with the same respect and consideration as any other community."
"By the same token, we expect all communities nomadic or otherwise to respect our parks and open spaces and to treat other people with respect and dignity and not to engage in anti-social behaviour," Cllr West added.
The two Traveller groups had recently set up unauthorised encampments in Greenleas Park in Hangleton and Horsdean Recreation Ground in Patcham.
A group of Irish Travellers had moved nine trailers into Greenleas Park on Saturday. Following a visit from council and police officers on Monday, the Council made a request to Sussex Police to use their powers under the Criminal Justice Act to direct them to Horsdean Traveller Transit Site where enough space is available to accommodate the six families.
A similar request was made to evict a second group of Irish travellers from the frequently used cricket pitch at Horsdean Recreational Ground, Patcham.
A council spokesperson said: "This group of Travellers had damaged the two wickets, putting the three matches planned for this week in jeopardy."
Councillor Pete West said: "We will continue to take a firm but fair approach to travellers arriving in the city and this includes taking swift action when they park in unsuitable locations or engage in anti-social manner. We will always use our legal powers and resources to tackle unacceptable behaviour in an appropriate and proportionate way."
The council is also applying for a possession order to move Travellers from Ladies Mile Open Space. Following visits from the Traveller liaison team and the Traveller education service, and completion of welfare checks, the council has decided to seek an Order for Possession of this land. The hearing will take place on 1 July 2011.
Thursday, 23 June 2011
Green councillors seek to give Gypsies and Travellers same respect and consideration as any other community, in return for "Good Neighbour Compacts"
Brighton and Hove City Council will seek to engage with Travellers on the same terms the rest of the community, a Green councillor Pete West said in Press Release issued 15 June 2011.
As part of its ‘firm but fair’ approach to unauthorised traveller sites, Brighton & Hove City Council plans to ask travelling communities entering the city to sign up to Good Neighbour Compacts. The council is in talks with Sussex Police about how the proposals can be implemented.
”The compact is one of the proposals contained in our review of the city’s Traveller Strategy,” said Cllr Pete West, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability. “Compacts are already used widely in social housing and we would hope that most travellers will sign up.
“We are not expecting Compacts to solve all the problems but we believe they will help. They are a new approach to a problem that no other previous administration in this city - Tory or Labour - has been able to solve.
The search for a permanent site is also an urgent priority for the council. “We will consider sensible locations where travelling communities might be allowed to stay for short period of times,” said Cllr West. “This is a better alternative than the current cat and mouse game, which sees travellers moving from site to site, sometimes causing damage as they go.
Another proposal would see greater value for money protection given to the environmentally sensitive parks and open spaces, which have been damaged by travellers.
“We will, of course, consult the resident community and the travelling community before changes are made to the Travellers Strategy, which was introduced in 2008 by the then Tory administration,” added Cllr West.
Traveller numbers this summer are not unusually high, however there is a higher number of traveller children and this has made the need for careful and sensitive handling of unauthorised sites extremely important.
”We follow the procedures outlined in Government Guidance on Managing Unauthorised Camping published in 2004 and the Travellers Strategy,’ said Cllr West.
Partnership with the Police is central to this work. A joint visit is made to any new site within one working day of the site being established in line with police protocols, and health and welfare checks are carried out.
“We have a small Travellers Team, which is very hard-pressed in the summer months when traveller numbers rise. Government spending cuts make it impossible to increase the size of this team.
“Our aim is to ensure Gypsies and Travellers are treated with the same respect and consideration as any other community,” said Cllr West. “By the same token, we expect all communities nomadic or otherwise to respect our parks and open spaces and to treat other people with respect and dignity and not to engage in anti-social behaviour.
“Unfortunately, there are a minority of travellers who behave badly, as there are in all communities.
We will always use our legal powers and resources to tackle unacceptable behaviour. This may involve powers of reasonable persuasion and application to the magistrates’ court seeking eviction from council owned and privately owned land. We always support the police where they use their powers to deal with criminal and anti-social behaviour as part of our firm but fair approach.
”While I appreciate and sympathise with the concerns of many residents about the recent impact some unauthorised encampments have been having on parks, I wish to reassure them that the council is doing all it can within the bounds of its legal obligations, and our desire to be firm but fair,” said Cllr West.
“I am greatly concerned about the politicisation of the issue by some opponents which I fear risks stoking up prejudice and racial hatred, and would ask for calm and understanding from all.”
A spokesperson for Sussex Police added: “Sussex Police is committed to reducing any tensions between the settled and traveller communities, deal with any crime or anti social behaviour amongst all groups and, when requested, consider the emergency powers that exist to require people to leave unauthorised encampments.”
As part of its ‘firm but fair’ approach to unauthorised traveller sites, Brighton & Hove City Council plans to ask travelling communities entering the city to sign up to Good Neighbour Compacts. The council is in talks with Sussex Police about how the proposals can be implemented.
”The compact is one of the proposals contained in our review of the city’s Traveller Strategy,” said Cllr Pete West, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability. “Compacts are already used widely in social housing and we would hope that most travellers will sign up.
“We are not expecting Compacts to solve all the problems but we believe they will help. They are a new approach to a problem that no other previous administration in this city - Tory or Labour - has been able to solve.
The search for a permanent site is also an urgent priority for the council. “We will consider sensible locations where travelling communities might be allowed to stay for short period of times,” said Cllr West. “This is a better alternative than the current cat and mouse game, which sees travellers moving from site to site, sometimes causing damage as they go.
Another proposal would see greater value for money protection given to the environmentally sensitive parks and open spaces, which have been damaged by travellers.
“We will, of course, consult the resident community and the travelling community before changes are made to the Travellers Strategy, which was introduced in 2008 by the then Tory administration,” added Cllr West.
Traveller numbers this summer are not unusually high, however there is a higher number of traveller children and this has made the need for careful and sensitive handling of unauthorised sites extremely important.
”We follow the procedures outlined in Government Guidance on Managing Unauthorised Camping published in 2004 and the Travellers Strategy,’ said Cllr West.
Partnership with the Police is central to this work. A joint visit is made to any new site within one working day of the site being established in line with police protocols, and health and welfare checks are carried out.
“We have a small Travellers Team, which is very hard-pressed in the summer months when traveller numbers rise. Government spending cuts make it impossible to increase the size of this team.
“Our aim is to ensure Gypsies and Travellers are treated with the same respect and consideration as any other community,” said Cllr West. “By the same token, we expect all communities nomadic or otherwise to respect our parks and open spaces and to treat other people with respect and dignity and not to engage in anti-social behaviour.
“Unfortunately, there are a minority of travellers who behave badly, as there are in all communities.
We will always use our legal powers and resources to tackle unacceptable behaviour. This may involve powers of reasonable persuasion and application to the magistrates’ court seeking eviction from council owned and privately owned land. We always support the police where they use their powers to deal with criminal and anti-social behaviour as part of our firm but fair approach.
”While I appreciate and sympathise with the concerns of many residents about the recent impact some unauthorised encampments have been having on parks, I wish to reassure them that the council is doing all it can within the bounds of its legal obligations, and our desire to be firm but fair,” said Cllr West.
“I am greatly concerned about the politicisation of the issue by some opponents which I fear risks stoking up prejudice and racial hatred, and would ask for calm and understanding from all.”
A spokesperson for Sussex Police added: “Sussex Police is committed to reducing any tensions between the settled and traveller communities, deal with any crime or anti social behaviour amongst all groups and, when requested, consider the emergency powers that exist to require people to leave unauthorised encampments.”
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Spanish Revolution protesters leave Old Steine camp, Brighton
9 June 2011. Protesters occupying the Old Steine in central Brighton agreed to quit their camp, according to Councillor Ben Duncan, Cabinet Member for Communities in Brighton and Hove City Council.
He said: "We respect the right to peaceful protest and will facilitate it where possible but we will take action where necessary to fulfil our duties as a council and these include ensuring public parks are protected for the whole community.
"The right to peaceful protest does not include the right to camp in public parks and we will uphold local bylaws to prevent this. We have accommodated the protesters' protest and allowed them to make their point and they have behaved well so far and we expect them to leave this Sunday. It's good news that they have promised to move on and I expect them to fulfil that promise."
The following pictures capture the spirit of the non-violent protest...
Click 'Read more' for more pics...
He said: "We respect the right to peaceful protest and will facilitate it where possible but we will take action where necessary to fulfil our duties as a council and these include ensuring public parks are protected for the whole community.
"The right to peaceful protest does not include the right to camp in public parks and we will uphold local bylaws to prevent this. We have accommodated the protesters' protest and allowed them to make their point and they have behaved well so far and we expect them to leave this Sunday. It's good news that they have promised to move on and I expect them to fulfil that promise."
The following pictures capture the spirit of the non-violent protest...
Monday, 20 June 2011
Recycle Week - Green councillor Pete West spends a day with refuse collectors and says more recycling of household waste is possible and will save landfill tax
June 17 2011. Ahead of National Recycle Week, which runs from June 20 to 26, Councillor Pete West, Brighton & Hove City Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, accompanied refuse and recycling crews on their rounds to see collections at first hand. He said much more could be done toward recycling in Brighton and Hove.
He said: "For every tonne of waste that goes to landfill, the council has to pay £56 in Landfill Tax - that's council taxpayers' money which could be much better spent elsewhere."
"Many people are already recycling, but there is more that can be done - from going out with a refuse crew on their round earlier this month I know that materials that can be recycled are still being put out in refuse bins. There are lots of ways we can all make a difference and cut waste, whether it is by reusing items, for example, by giving them to a charity or community group which can make use of them, or recycling using the 'black box' doorstep recycling scheme, and recycling points around the city. The YMCA charity shop at the Hove Recycling Centre is proof that one person's rubbish is another person's treasure."
Central Sussex YMCA shop at Hove Recycling Centre is a charity shop putting tonnes of rubbish to good use - and raising thousands of pounds for local people at the same time. They supply recycled goods to Sussex Central YMCA shop at Brighton & Hove City Council's recycling centre off Old Shoreham Road in Hove is a treasure trove of goods - including the kitchen sink! Items which might otherwise have ended up being discarded as rubbish are donated for sale at the shop and a paint recycling scheme is about to be launched there.
The role of the shop which is run by Sussex Central YMCA, in association with the city council, is being highlighted as part of national Recycle Week which runs from June 20 to 26.
It is one of a variety of ways across Brighton & Hove in which residents are being encouraged by the city council to reuse and recycle as much waste as possible - to help the environment and cut costs. These include doorstep recycling collections; recycling banks across the city collecting everything from glass and cans to bras and toys; recycling centres; sales of subsidised home compost kits; and providing details of local charities and community groups which can reuse furniture, timber, bric-a-brac, paper and other unwanted goods.
All kinds of items which might otherwise have ended up being discarded as rubbish are donated for sale at the shop. Furniture, clocks, clothes, bicycles, and electrical goods, and bric-a-brac make up the bulk of its stock but quirky and unusual items also come its way - recent donations, for example, have included a Sphinx garden ornament which was so heavy it need four people to move it and was soon snapped up by a new owner; large plants which have outgrown their home; a sledge; ironing boards, and sinks.
A paint recycling scheme is also about to be launched at the shop, under which people can donate leftover unwanted tins of paint, to be used by local charities, community groups and people on low income free of charge. www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/paintreuse
For the YMCA the store, and their other high street shops, are a vital source of income which raise essential funds for the charity's work with children, young people and families in Brighton & Hove.www.hoveymca.org.uk
Recycling Factfile
For full details about recycling in Brighton & Hove and the range of materials which can be recycled visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/recycling
Around 30,000 tonnes of waste are recycled in Brighton & Hove every year from doorstep collections, recycling points and recycling centres - the equivalent in weight of 2,100 double decker buses. (This is out of a total of around 108,000 tonnes of waste generated in the city each year.)
Brighton & Hove City Council's recycling centre are operated on behalf of the council by Veolia Environmental Services. They are located off Old Shoreham Road, Hove, BN3 7AE, between Aldrington Avenue and Leighton Road, and off Wilson Avenue, Brighton, BN2 5PA, about half way up Wilson Avenue, on the eastern side.
A huge range of materials can be recycled at these sites, from cans, aerosols, and cooking oil to metal, car batteries, computers, TVs, textiles and shoes
Turning food scraps into compost is another way of cutting waste and a new video on the council's website www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/composting gives tips on home composting. Subsidised compost kits are available from the council.
Recycle Week www.recyclenow.com
He said: "For every tonne of waste that goes to landfill, the council has to pay £56 in Landfill Tax - that's council taxpayers' money which could be much better spent elsewhere."
"Many people are already recycling, but there is more that can be done - from going out with a refuse crew on their round earlier this month I know that materials that can be recycled are still being put out in refuse bins. There are lots of ways we can all make a difference and cut waste, whether it is by reusing items, for example, by giving them to a charity or community group which can make use of them, or recycling using the 'black box' doorstep recycling scheme, and recycling points around the city. The YMCA charity shop at the Hove Recycling Centre is proof that one person's rubbish is another person's treasure."
Central Sussex YMCA shop at Hove Recycling Centre is a charity shop putting tonnes of rubbish to good use - and raising thousands of pounds for local people at the same time. They supply recycled goods to Sussex Central YMCA shop at Brighton & Hove City Council's recycling centre off Old Shoreham Road in Hove is a treasure trove of goods - including the kitchen sink! Items which might otherwise have ended up being discarded as rubbish are donated for sale at the shop and a paint recycling scheme is about to be launched there.
The role of the shop which is run by Sussex Central YMCA, in association with the city council, is being highlighted as part of national Recycle Week which runs from June 20 to 26.
It is one of a variety of ways across Brighton & Hove in which residents are being encouraged by the city council to reuse and recycle as much waste as possible - to help the environment and cut costs. These include doorstep recycling collections; recycling banks across the city collecting everything from glass and cans to bras and toys; recycling centres; sales of subsidised home compost kits; and providing details of local charities and community groups which can reuse furniture, timber, bric-a-brac, paper and other unwanted goods.
All kinds of items which might otherwise have ended up being discarded as rubbish are donated for sale at the shop. Furniture, clocks, clothes, bicycles, and electrical goods, and bric-a-brac make up the bulk of its stock but quirky and unusual items also come its way - recent donations, for example, have included a Sphinx garden ornament which was so heavy it need four people to move it and was soon snapped up by a new owner; large plants which have outgrown their home; a sledge; ironing boards, and sinks.
A paint recycling scheme is also about to be launched at the shop, under which people can donate leftover unwanted tins of paint, to be used by local charities, community groups and people on low income free of charge. www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/paintreuse
For the YMCA the store, and their other high street shops, are a vital source of income which raise essential funds for the charity's work with children, young people and families in Brighton & Hove.www.hoveymca.org.uk
Recycling Factfile
For full details about recycling in Brighton & Hove and the range of materials which can be recycled visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/recycling
Around 30,000 tonnes of waste are recycled in Brighton & Hove every year from doorstep collections, recycling points and recycling centres - the equivalent in weight of 2,100 double decker buses. (This is out of a total of around 108,000 tonnes of waste generated in the city each year.)
Brighton & Hove City Council's recycling centre are operated on behalf of the council by Veolia Environmental Services. They are located off Old Shoreham Road, Hove, BN3 7AE, between Aldrington Avenue and Leighton Road, and off Wilson Avenue, Brighton, BN2 5PA, about half way up Wilson Avenue, on the eastern side.
A huge range of materials can be recycled at these sites, from cans, aerosols, and cooking oil to metal, car batteries, computers, TVs, textiles and shoes
Turning food scraps into compost is another way of cutting waste and a new video on the council's website www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/composting gives tips on home composting. Subsidised compost kits are available from the council.
Recycle Week www.recyclenow.com
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Call for decriminalisation of drugs from Police Chief and Green MP in Brighton and Hove
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| Collection of Ecstacy (MDMA) tablets |
14 June 2011. A call for decriminalisation of personal drug use, and a health based approach to treatment, has been made Brighton's Green MP Caroline Lucas - and her call has been backed up by Brighton & Hove Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett.
Caroline Lucas said an evidence-based approach is needed to tackle the UK's drug crisis, reduce the number of drug-related deaths, and make our communities safer.
In a speech to NHS healthcare professionals in Brighton yesterday evening, Green Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas supported the findings of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, which earlier this month called for a major review of drugs policy.
Caroline said, "There is growing agreement across the scientific and political communities, in the police and the legal professions, that we need to move away from prohibition of use towards an evidence-based, public health approach to drug addiction.
"One of my top priorities as a local MP is to tackle Brighton and Hove's very sad reputation as the drugs death capital of the UK.
"In order to do that, we need to recognise the reality that the so-called ‘war on drugs' has failed - and start dealing with drugs differently.
"Here in this city, we understand more than most the consequences of a national drugs policy that has failed our citizens and our communities.
"Having seen the commitment locally to successful evidence-based treatment and support programmes, I think we are also well placed to start shaping an alternative approach - one that works."
Caroline, who is an active member of Parliament's All Party Group for Drug Policy Reform, is planning a high level roundtable in the city later this year, bringing together medical experts, and key local stakeholders, including the police and council representatives, to help develop an alternative approach.
Caroline believes that Brighton could set a positive example for other cities battling high levels of drug misuse by shaping a different approach which builds on successful initiatives that are already happening in the city, such as the highly successful RIOTT trial, which demonstrates that previously unresponsive patients can achieve major reductions in their use of street heroin.
In her calls for a potential decriminalisation of personal drug use and a health based approach to treatment, Caroline is joined by Brighton & Hove Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett.
He commented, "My officers will continue to enforce the law as it stands. However, my personal view is that whilst production, supply and trafficking are and should remain crimes, the use of drugs is not well addressed through punitive measures.
"Providing people with treatment not only resolves their addiction - thereby minimising risk of overdose, drug related health issues, anti social behaviour and dependence on the state, for example - but cuts the cost to the community by reduced offending."
Caroline added, "We have some excellent practice in the city in dealing with drug addiction, both from the third section, and from interventions like Operation Reduction, run by the local police.
"Over the coming months, I want to work closely with key agencies, healthcare professionals and community groups to explore ways for us to make a change for the better. I want to hear from local people about whether the city's services are currently equipped to best reduce drug-related harms - and how they could be improved.
"One area I should like to explore is extending the provision of naloxone, used to counter the effects of heroin or morphine overdose, to all prisoners leaving prison with a history of addiction.
"Pilot programmes in Scotland and Wales are already showing positive results in terms of lives saved."
She has also called for an urgent review of the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act, together with a cost benefit analysis to compare its effectiveness in reducing the societal, economic and health costs of drug misuse with an alternative approach based on treating drug addiction as a health issue, not a criminal one.
"In this age of austerity, when we are told that every penny of public spending must be justified, nobody is checking whether the war on drugs is value for money or money and effort wasted", Lucas will say.
"I don't think it will be easy.
"A new approach, based on treating drug addiction as a health issue not a criminal one, will represent a significant shift in thinking - and any changes should be brought in slowly and carefully.
"But in the long term, a more evidence-based drugs policy will help us to prevent crime, and protect our communities from the worst effects of drug abuse."
Monday, 13 June 2011
Solar panels to save £23k on council electricity bill as Brighton and Hove's Green-led council pledges to 'lead by example'
The Green administration on Brighton & Hove City Council has given the go-ahead for roof solar panels on prominent buildings in the city.
Lead councillors supported the solar power scheme at a meeting of the new council cabinet last week.
The council says it hopes to finance the scheme by earning money from the national grid.
The council could take between £40K and £160k depending on sunshine, meaning the initiative could save £23k in the council's electricity bill.
Council officers said they had explored sites across the city to find the best places for solar-powered generators.
It has listed 23 sites as potentially profitable - with 17 locations for photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
The council wants the panels to be in place by April 2012 when rules mean solar energy may become less profitable.
Currently surplus electricity fed in to the national grid is worth 41p a kilowatt hour.
Councillor Jason Kitcat, the council's cabinet member for finance, said: "I'm delighted that one of the new administration's first decisions will be our city's largest ever roll out of solar panels.
"With this project the council will generate new funds to help offset government cuts to our budget while also reducing our carbon footprint.
"We would encourage everyone in the city to consider whether they too could use renewables to save money and reduce emissions.
"Brighton and Hove can be a hub for green industries and we plan to lead by example."
For more information please contact the Brighton & Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.
12 June 2011
Friday, 10 June 2011
Green Council leader Bill Randall pledges to make Brighton and Hove into UK's "greenest city"
10 June 2011. Brighton & Hove will become the UK’s greenest city, council leader Bill Randall said at a cabinet meeting last night.
Councillor Randall said: “We believe we have captured that spirit to offer the city a fresh start through policies fuelled by fairness and driven by a desire to produce the UK's greenest city and narrow the gap between rich and poor. We look forward to working with residents, public and private sector partners to achieve our aims."
In his first major speech since taking control of the council, Cllr Randall set out three key aims for the next four years.
• Making the city into the UK's most sustainable, "greenest" city
• Tackling inequality and wage gap
• Involving residents, community and voluntary organisations in the council’s work.
He set out a plan to reduce the city’s eco footprint and set up a ‘biosphere reserve’ with neighbouring authorities – both plans backed by the business community and other public bodies.
Initiatives include local carbon budgets, which run alongside financial budgets, as well as plans to fit solar panels on schools and other public buildings to take advantage of feed-in tariffs and increase the use of renewable energy.
While admitting that tackling equality will not be easy because of the public spending cuts, he said the first priority will be to protect services for children, vulnerable adults and those on low incomes
Other initiatives include introducing a ‘living wage’ and ensuring that the highest paid council officer earns no more than 10 times the lowest paid officer.
Involving communities is a high priority with plans being piloted to introduce neighbourhood councils with their own budgets and working closely with the city’s vibrant third sector and trade unions.
Mr Randall said the administration takes over in hard times but that there is a new spirit in the city.
Councillor Randall said: “We believe we have captured that spirit to offer the city a fresh start through policies fuelled by fairness and driven by a desire to produce the UK's greenest city and narrow the gap between rich and poor. We look forward to working with residents, public and private sector partners to achieve our aims."
In his first major speech since taking control of the council, Cllr Randall set out three key aims for the next four years.
• Making the city into the UK's most sustainable, "greenest" city
• Tackling inequality and wage gap
• Involving residents, community and voluntary organisations in the council’s work.
He set out a plan to reduce the city’s eco footprint and set up a ‘biosphere reserve’ with neighbouring authorities – both plans backed by the business community and other public bodies.
Initiatives include local carbon budgets, which run alongside financial budgets, as well as plans to fit solar panels on schools and other public buildings to take advantage of feed-in tariffs and increase the use of renewable energy.
While admitting that tackling equality will not be easy because of the public spending cuts, he said the first priority will be to protect services for children, vulnerable adults and those on low incomes
Other initiatives include introducing a ‘living wage’ and ensuring that the highest paid council officer earns no more than 10 times the lowest paid officer.
Involving communities is a high priority with plans being piloted to introduce neighbourhood councils with their own budgets and working closely with the city’s vibrant third sector and trade unions.
Mr Randall said the administration takes over in hard times but that there is a new spirit in the city.
Patcham Place: Long Lease Sale is best option for preserving the C16 building, says Green cabinet member for finance Councillor Jason Kitcat
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| Patcham Place Old London Road (Wikipedia) |
Councillor Jason Kitcat, cabinet member for finance and central services, said: "We think this is the best option for Patcham Place as the council does not have the significant investment needed to bring the historic building back into use.
“Patcham Place is part of Brighton’s history and we’ve been working closely with the planning team on a brief that will ensure the building will be renovated sensitively. The green spaces around Patcham Place will remain in council control for public use.”
Patcham Place was once owned by Anthony Stapley, one of the signatories of King Charles I’s death warrant. Also included on the 1.7 acre site is a Grade II stable block, currently used as a parks depot.
A council spokesperson said: "The council-owned Patcham Place is being marketed as part of the council’s asset management process as it has been declared surplus to requirements. The capital raised from the disposal will be re-invested in the council’s capital and value for money programmes, for the benefit of residents."
"Once marketed the council will evaluate the bids and bring back a further report for the cabinet to make a decision," the spokesperson added.
Patcham Place was occupied by the Youth Hostel Association for nearly 70 years until October 2007. Since then the council has investigated a number of options for the building.
Patcham Place was one of two buildings shortlisted by the South Downs National Park for its headquarters but the new authority chose a location more central to the national park.
The council also looked at the possibility of relocating some of its services there. However, the building was not suitable and the council did not have sufficient funds to refurbish the building.
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Bright Start nursery saved from funding-cuts-closure by Green-led City Council
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| Carline Lucas at Bright Start last year |
Green Councillor Sue Shanks, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People met the nursery advisory group this week to tell them the nursery will stay open, and to hear their views about the future of the nursery.
Cllr Shanks said: “We want the city’s children to be happy, healthy and able make the best of their abilities through good nurseries. While there was a question over the numbers of children attending and the level of subsidy provided, we think we can improve on both these aspects. The uncertainty around Bright Start has not helped it become sustainable."
Bright Start is a city council-funded nursery for six months to five years old children based in North Laine in the city centre. In October last year, the council, then under Conservative Party leadership, proposed the closure of Bright Start in response to cuts in Central Government funding. At the request of Green councillors, and Green MP Caroline Lucas, the Council's Chief Executive agreed to 'call-in' this decision so a scrutiny committee of councillors could review it.
Greens took control of the council after the local elections on 5 May 2011.
A campaign to promote the nursery had an impact with a number of new children starting including children with free places funded by the two-year-old scheme.
Cllr Shanks said: “Good nursery provision is vital as the early years of a child’s life are so important to their future development. Ofsted inspectors said that the nursery provides excellent support for children's learning.
“I also want to ensure that our most disadvantaged children can benefit from the nursery including increasing the number of two year olds with free childcare places.”
Bright Start nursery cares for more than 80 children. The number of 3 and 4 year olds has increased to 39 compared to 31 a year ago. The group are planning a nursery open day and table top sale to help publicise the nursery.
Ofsted inspectors recently praised the work of the nursery. Bright Start was inspected in February 2011 and achieved an overall good judgement, an improvement on its previous inspection.
Inspectors said: “The nursery is well organised with a confident and trained staff team providing good quality childcare to meet children's needs overall. Children enjoy an attractive and highly stimulating play environment, with many well presented resources and play areas. “
Bright Start will be holding an open day for parents interested in the nursery on Friday 1 July. Please contact the nursery on 01273 291570 for more details.
The Green Campaign to save Bright Start was taken up by MP Caroline Lucas last year. Click "More" for copy of Caroline Lucas letter to the Conservative Cabinet Member Councillor Vanessa Brown
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