Followers

Wednesday 30 December 2009

Happy New Year Reflections

The old year has gone - but what a year. Even though Peter Cranie the NW Green candidate was unsuccessful in winning a seat in the Euro elections the Greens nationally did so well being one of the few parties to increase their overall vote (the BNP vote declined).

It's a real shame though that Nick Griffen took the seat with just 6000 more votes than Peter and that he is now one of our representatives here in the NW. But it's not just the fact that Nick Griffen got in but that Peter would have been an extremely hardworking and competent MEP. He has all the attributes of a caring and knowledgeable politician with the nouse of thinking on his feet!!

Then there was Copenhagen - we'll have to wait to see what happens on this one! And also the continuing economic downturn and the effect it's having on people's lives.

The good news (particularly in relation to these challenges) is that the Greens, according to opinion polls, are on course to win Brighton Pavillion in this year's general election.

Now for me this is the brightest note to start the new year on. A trully green point of view in Parliament will shake things up substantially. It'll be a concentration on real social justice issues both nationally and internationally without the constraints of big business lobbyists. For instance a Green Party input is going to assist on crucial issues like the low payed, poverty, climate change, clean and more democratic politics, getting the green economy properly up and running, and our responsibilities regarding the developing world.

Locally some of the campaigns we have been supporting have not been successful eg Bold Heath Quarry and the incinerator Inch Marsh Frodsham but others have gone well. For example Halton Lorry Watch were our contact and the police's contact with certain hauliers has tended to reduce these firms vehicles from local roads, although the problem is ongoing.

All of these issues and others that are just around the corner in this new year would have been/will be perhaps more effectively dealt with if we'd had Green representation on the council. Well we have a good chance of achieving such this year in Halton View ward were the Greens are just 130 votes behind Labour.

Also for the first time ever in Halton people will have the opportunity to vote Green in a general election.

As usual in life there are challenges we perceive as having either positive or negative outcomes. However it's never the case to say that in any given apparent negative situation that there aren't positives and vice versa - something that makes life that much more interesting and livable.

I sincerely wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope that you will consider voting Green this year for so many positive reasons.

Sunday 20 December 2009

Copenhagen Christmas Present!

Was it a Christmas present? - well perhaps to start off positively everybody was there, present, including a US president. All agreed that global temperature must not rise beyond 2C and as a consequence recognised the need for substantial cuts in carbon emissions. There was the first formal financial commitment by richer nations to help poorer ones to adapt to climate change and the accord committed everyone to adopt within six weeks binding emissions targets for 2020.

But there were no global targets for cuts, no incentives for countries to pollute less and no sanctions for those who pollute more. And many of the commitments are to be "enacted as soon as possible" not a phrase suggesting the sort of urgency needed to avoid perhaps catastrophic climate change.

It could be argued that the developed countries have greater potential than others in pushing an effective climate treaty forward. But the peoples in such countries, with a few exceptions, have not been severely directly affected by the real impact of climate change like some in third world states eg desertification in sub saharan Africa.

We are probably not going to be so severley affected for a couple of decades. However the time for action it seems is now ie within the next six years years. By then if there is no effective global action we will have reached a point were our control of events will be restricted. Carbon in the atmosphere can stay around for up to 100 years. Its not a case of in 10 years or so saying, well this IS really going to affect ME the individual we must stop now! This is the dilemma.

The accord is disappointing but ending positively perhaps out of its percieved failures might come a determined resolve by all concerned to redouble their efforts.

What about us, what can we do? Write or email your MP and prospective parliamentary candidates every month at least till the next general election asking them to ensure that their parties are playing their part in this process.

Perhaps in this you could point out that the current up-personship games being played in the lead up to the election by the different parties attempting to gain the upperhand should place this issue at the top of its must do list. I wonder if any will? I hope to be proved wrong!

One last thing you could do is to vote Green in this year's general election. That would really send a powerful message to the other parties. You now have the opportunity in Halton to do just that!

Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year!

Wednesday 16 December 2009

Eternit Meeting

Attended the Derby Rd Residents Association public meeting last night that was arranged to update residents on the state of play re the proposed Eternit development.

Unfortunately I was only able to stay for a short time but it was long enough to hear Jason Addy talk about his concerns regarding what was going on in relation to the council's handling of Eternit's proposals.

Several requests have been made by the group for information about how the council came to the decision that an Environmental impact assessment was not necessary. Such requests to date have been declined. The group seem to be regarding this response as not being in the public interest.

It was also mentioned that the council owns part of the land. This information I understand is in the public domain. But obviously it places pressure on the council to ensure that the financial gains from any development are optimised. This of course is in the interest of all of us who pay council tax. This said it's to be hoped that this does not unduly influence the council in its decision about the proposal.

The questions I would like answered are as follows:-

What could be done with the site if this development doesn't go ahead? What's happened in other areas? Given the dangers, are unused buildings and other infrastructure just left standing? Are there any cast iron solutions in relation to how to deal with such a situation?

The chances of contracting asbestiosis apparently are minimal but if there's even the slightest possibility should we not act? On balance and without being an expert I feel that the site should have the least amount of remedial work carried out on it given the inherent dangers. I think we should be putting the case strongly for alternative ways of dealing with the site. Unless, that is, council officers can provide sufficient evidence that the present proposal would provide similar safeguards.

Peter Brewin has requested that if anybody who worked at the old Everite site and knows where any material has been dumped to contact him. See earlier blogs for contact details

Saturday 12 December 2009

Halton, HGV paradise?

Recent deals involving Eddie Stobarts (Unilever Widnes and Manor Park Runcorn) it seems will mean even more HGV's using Halton's roads over the next ten years.

These developments and others before and no doubt in the future are part of the council's plans to make Halton a major distribution hub in the north west. Take a look at the very wordy Core Strategy Plans consultative document on the council's website. It would seem that such developments have all party support.

This is occurring in an area which has some of the highest morbidity and mortality rates in relation to chest conditions in England and Wales. It also comes at a time when reports published over the past two years indicate even stronger links between particulates, one of the main emissions of diesel engines, and chest problems in children and older people. Such research indicates that the levels we are currently permitting are too high and should be reduced.

The latest figures regarding the increase in the numbers of HGV's in the next ten years on Haltons roads would seem to be around 1000 HGV's every 24 hour cycle (500 of this figure relates to the Halebank Freight Park which is in the pipeline), if all the developments go ahead.

The council has genuine problems in relation to attracting employment to the area which is out of their control (eg skills base) but it seems to me that their strategies in relation to health and employment are not joined up.

There is going to be an explosion in Green jobs. Maybe the council is looking into this area of potential growth - I hope so, for many reasons

Sunday 6 December 2009

The Wave - Climate Change Demonstration London



Attended the London Climate Change march yesterday.

At Marble Arch on our way to joining the demonstration we came across a monument to animals killed in the second world war with an inscription something to the effect that they had no choice.

Taking a short cut to Grosvenor Square where the rally was to begin we walked through a Mews. There was a tall leaveless tree with a crow's nest at its top. Everything from it gone, although a crow was calling from a nearby place.

These two images made me think that our children, grandchildren and the whole living natural world doesn't have a choice in deciding how the world deals with climate change.

Niaively, I thought, this being the case all the streets of central London ought to have been thronging with demonstrators even though there was an impressive 20000 at the rally.


My memory of the event returns to the plaintive crying of the crow.

Monday 30 November 2009

Eternit Proposals

Residents have 21 days to send in comments and objections regarding the Eternit Derby Rd development(see earlier blogs). Letters should be sent to Glen Henry, Environmental & Regulatory Services, Rutland House, Halton Lea, Runcorn WA7 2GW or email, dev.control@halton-borough.gov.uk

The proposal will be considered by the development control committee probably early January.

Plans can be viewed at Halton Directy Link and council libraries. Also at www.halton.gov.uk by clicking on the planning applications banner which will take you to the search page.

If anyone wants to know more about the matter give Glen Henry in Environmental Services a ring 0303 333 4300 or contact me

Sunday 29 November 2009

The Age of Stupid

It was a strange sort of day for me yesterday, a morning Green Party meeting in Bolton. Early morning central Bolton was cold grey and surprisingly quite deserted for a weekend in the run up to Christmas.

Early evening I saw the film 'The Age of Stupid' attended by about 16 people. It was competing with 'Strictly come Dancing' not much of a contest although I suspect numbers would not have been significantly different if the film had been shown during an hours long TV political broadcast!

Straight after The Age of Stupid it was a late attendance at a 25th wedding anniversary. We arrived of course to find joviality and that innocent cheeky fun that's so precious that you can get at such events. The contrast of course was striking with the heavy mood I'd been left with following the viewing of the film.

The film suggests we have only 6 years to plan applying the breaks solidly to halt what could be a devastated world in the last half of this century. So every possible means of reducing our carbon emissions should be pursued to the hilt.

One of the facts the Age of Stupid highlights is that only 20% of the applications for wind farms in Britain had been given the go ahead in the last ten years. If this figure had been 100% we would now be producing 10% of our energy by sustainable means.

People argue that wind farms at sea are preferrable to those on land for various reasons - maybe. But I'd argue we don't have the time and given that all the environmental and technical planning requirements are met all wind farm developments should go ahead.

Locally we have the issue of a Wind Turbine facility on Frodsham hill. There is a fairly vociferous opposition group who are fighting this proposal and whatever their sincere objections are I consider that the serious nature of the situation we find ourselves in should have a weighty bearing on the outcome of the proposal.

Thursday 12 November 2009

Eternit proposals - debate

Peter Brewin has received a response from the council to the effect that an environmental impact assessment re the site would not be necessary under schedule 2, section 10 of the Town and country planning regulations - Infrastructure Projects and (b) urban development projects.

The council also considers that with regard to the 'likely characteristics and location of the proposed development, sensitivity of the receiving environment and significance of environmental effects an Environmental Impact assessment is not required...' in relation to the proposal.

It would seem that from the information the council have to hand about the characteristics of the site and the sort of developments planned they do not consider that a full environmental impact assessment is necessary.

I think obviously its necessary now that the residents group confer with their 'expert' advisers regarding this response. I am no expert but presume that a decision by a local authority that a particular development does not justify an environmental impact assessment can be appealed against at some stage. But obviously there would have to be grounds to support such an appeal.

However I don't read from their response that council officers have come to any firm decision about the matter. They are still at the stage of considering the developers plans regarding remediation and whether these are sufficiently viable.

Friday 30 October 2009

Eternit Proposals - debate

Unfortunately the demo as planned did not go ahead today as the Granada Reports team were unable to make it. There might be some sort of repeat but don't hold your breath!

However I'm sure the developers will be aware of what's been happening and this will have the effect of focussing minds!

One of the main issues in this of course is the chance of airborne contamination via any proposed remediation work that might pose a direct health hazard to local residents.

Who should we listen to - the developers and their experts (obvious financial interest here), council officers and the expertise they have and can call on (there is some obvious and understandable financial interests in this but hopefully a sincere concern for the well being of residents) ranged against activists who might have a lot of research experience and hands on knowledge?


Please keep checking this site for further informaton and to follow the debate. Please leave any comments here you might have about any of the issues involved.

Thursday 29 October 2009

Eternit Demo

Granada News will be covering this event on Friday (tomorrow) at 12pm. Peter Brewin Derby Rd Residents group is asking as many people to make themselves available at this time. They will be meeting at the site opposite Clairemont Drive.

There are some views being expressed that the Derby Residents Group should wait until the council have thouroughly looked into the matter of remediation and decided whether to proceed with the proposals - I disagree with this position - balanced publicity opens up issues to further debate and scrutiny and the earlier this happens the better.

I think its important that in the interests of a balanced debate we should consider what the council's current position is. I spoke to Will Watson in the Environmental Health Dept recently and the following is an account of how he interprets the situation.

I wanted to get some idea of (i) the extent of the problem (ii) how it compared with the Rochdale case were the proposed development was turned down and (iii) what were the Environmental Health Depts current views.

Coincidently Will Watson was working with Rochdale Council at the time of the problems of the TAC site there so he is in a good position to give a balanced view in relation to comparisons.

He told me that there hadn’t been any in depth surveys carried out by the council on the Derby Rd site although he did mention that in the 1980’s the council had capped what had been a tip on the south side of the railway (not sure whether this related to work regarding to By Pass)

(i) Will said that the proposed plan would involve on the hotel and commercial units site the removal of all obstructions piping etc that contained a mixture of concrete and white asbestos. A main issue in this area is the brook that has material impacted with different types of asbestos down to a depth of 100 metres. This depth creates difficulties in relation to excavating the material so the area is to be capped

In the location were residential units are proposed, were it is considered there are less materials present, it would mean the removal of soils impacted with concrete and white asbestos material under what would be the sub base of the residential units. Some of these materials would be moved across the site to be capped with other materials in the hotel site/commercial units area. The remainder would be transported to specially designated landfill sites (not apparently Bold Heath Quarry)

(ii) The Eternit proposal compared with Rochdale differs in terms of the amount, predominance of the more dangerous types of asbestos and the depth of the material. In Rochdale there are greater amounts of asbestos material and a predominance of the more dangerous types of asbestos present and the depth of the materials tends to be greater. In contrast on the Derby Rd site the bulk of the material is on the surface and consists predominantly of the relatively more safe white asbestos bonded with cement.

There were plans in Rochdale to build 600 units on the site but the major concerns about the project were not so much about the dangers inherent in moving the asbestos material but that the developers could not satisfactorily demonstrate that the plans they had for remediation were viable. There actions were such that they tended to put the main players in the process off.

(iii) The view in the Envirnonmental Health Dept seems to be that if the developers can prove that at each stage of the remediation process they will be applying certain measures and they are able to substantiate the efficacy of this remediation than they would have no major objections about the proposal.

They are currently considering remediation plans put forward by developers and have involved a third party consultancy to ensure greater scrutiny.

I hope this is an accurate record of our discussion.

The health hazard issue about the development seems to come down to what are the chances of wind blown strands of asbestos occurring during the remedial work? If the proposal doesn't go ahead what is to happen to the site - it seems that the council will have a responsibilty to carry out remediation work on the site any way. Would this work follow similar lines to what has been proposed by the developers?

Its a dilemma for local residents in the area - if the development goes ahead would you like to live just yards away from such remediation work, even given assurances about the extremely minimal chances of being exposed to asbestos?

Tuesday 27 October 2009

Eternit Development - Demonstraters Needed!!

Peter Brewin from the Derby Rd Residents group phoned me last night to let me know that Granada Reports might be doing a slot on this issue.

Digging by Peter has revealed that a similar proposal at an identical site in Rochdale (same previous firm TAC as on old Everite site producing items containing asbestos) was opposed by local residents because of the possibility of acute health hazards. Their case was taken on by the Daily Mirror and was covered by regional TV companies. They were able to stop the proposal from going ahead.

Peter says that he's hoping to find out today if, and when, Granada will be doing the filming. If they do Granada has suggested that we have as many people (children included) as possible to be around during the filmimg and have placards etc (Peter is arranging for these to be made available.

If you can help let Peter know on 423 3941

Keep accessing this site to keep up to date

Monday 26 October 2009

Green Pressure Pays Dividends!

I've just heard that the council is to carry out a survey in Barrows Green Lane regarding what the residents think about the installation of speed humps along the lane.

The Green Party along with other residents have been campaigning for over a year about HGV's and speeding traffic using the lane and one of the spin offs of this has been the setting up of the Lorry Watch scheme in 2008. The scheme has provided the police and the council with information about haulage firms contravening the weight restrictions on Barrows Green lane and Moorfield Rd.

The Green Party have been in touch with the council about other ways of combatting the problem - one of these has been considering the provision of different types of speed humps but this would obviously have to be with the consent of the majority of residents.

Initial reaction from the council didn't seem to be very positive. They indicated that there weren't sufficient monies available to consider such a project. But it seems that the pressure placed on the council from Lorry Watch and the Green Party and individual residents has paid dividends.

This is a clear example how Green Party involvement in a community can get things moving particularly when the main council administration, in this case Labour, is under pressure electorally.

In the Halton View ward situation the fact that the Greens are 130 votes behind Labour and stand a good chance of taking the seat next year seems to be galvanising the Labour Party into action in the ward.

Sunday 25 October 2009

Green Party Goes General in 2010!

Breaking and fantastic news (for me) - the opportunity to vote Green in a general election! There are so many reasons to be considering voting Green in the General Election next year at such a crucial time for us all. Please take time to have a look at the Green New deal policies on the Green Party's national website, see below, and if you want more information please let me know.

Here's the press release we're issuing this week.

"Halton Green Party is to stand a candidate in the 2010 general election. This is the first time that a Green Party candidate has stood in a general election in Halton.

Jim Craig, is a founding member of Halton Green Party. He was born in Liverpool, and grew up and went to school in Runcorn. He is currently a resident of Halton Lodge in Runcorn.

Jim is concerned about how much politics has been devalued over recent months owing to the expenses scandal and would like to see it cleaned up thoroughly.

He believes that the Green party has the right policies for the challenging times we face,

“Green policies help create a stable economy, jobs and a healthier and safer way of life. These form part of our Green New Deal and tackle the most pressing problems of today:

· Fixing the financial system so banks are no longer too big to fail
· Energy efficiency measures for homes, schools and hospitals to create 80,000 jobs, cut fuel bills and reduce harmful emissions
· Free social care for the elderly, improving quality of life and creating 60,000 jobs
· Creating 200,000 jobs through a massive increase in the amount of energy from renewable sources, such as wind power

The message for the general election is clear, you don't have to choose between jobs and the environment. The Greens offer the best of both worlds”.

Learn more about the Green Party in Halton here www.haltongreenparty.org and read more about the Green New Deal here http://www.greenparty.org.uk/policies/economy.html


(For further information please contact Derek Mellor on 0151 423 1692 /07772381933) or Peter Cranie on 07875492072

26/10/09

ENDS

Sunday 18 October 2009

Everite Plans, Health Hazard Issue

Halton's planning committee are to discuss a proposal to develop the old Everite now Eternit site probably within a month and they are wanting queries/objections re the issue to be received by the end of this week. I hadn't picked up on this until somebody living in Farnworth contacted me last night for my help.

The development would include a hotel and one hundred and twentythree residential units and apparantly involve the capping of contaminated land where the hotel is planned to be (Everite offices) and removal of possible hazardous material (asbestos) where the housing units are going to be sited (nearer the village centre).

I'm extremely busy at the moment and explained to the person I couldn't give a detailed response in such a short time although I did suggest if he hadn't already covered the following to consider using them as a template for a response:

1) Concern about the issue of the moving of hazardous material on local roads.

2) The expectation would be and should be stated in objecting or querying the matter that a full environmental impact assessment should be carried out in relation to this together with mitigation measures and a full Health Impact assessment.

3) The short term impact of works HGV's related to the project using roads in Halton - It's estimated that if the various distribution and other industrial developments that are in the pipeline in Halton at the moment go ahead there is a potential for an increase of up to around 800 HGV's per 24 hours using local roads. (600 HGV movements from the proposed Halebank rail freight development alone - figures from Halton Council) - the Eternit development could possibly add to this dependent on the timescale of all the other projects involved

4) The impact of the number of dwellings planned and related infrastructure on the "village feel" of Farnworth village centre.

5) Concerns re road access.

I'll be sending a brief response along these lines to the council - if you want a copy of this plse phone me on 0151 423 1692

If you want further info re matter contact Peter March on petermarch31@hotmail.com whose campaigning against the development.

Also send your emails querying or objecting to proposal to Planning at dev.control@halton-borough.gov.uk

Wednesday 7 October 2009

Quarries/Landfills and missed opportunities?

I was saddened to hear the result of the public inquiry into Bold Heath Quarry/Landfill.

The fight against this development has been going on for years and supported by a range of residents organisations and political parties including Halton Green Party particularly the work of Maureen Miller. The result shows how relatively recent legislation is really operating in the developers favour.

Local democracy has been clearly swept aside by this decision and seems to count for nothing. And there's nothing we can do about it. At the end of the day if the developer perseveres, crosses the 't's' and dots the 'i's' that's it - end of the line.

It's also yet another development in the area that will see the increase of HGV's on local roads. See earlier blogs for discussion on how the council seems to be creating one big hub of a logistics and distribution centre in Halton. Do we really want this?

The green revolution in relation to the accelerating demand for alternative energy technologies is on our doorstep the opportunities are there but are we?

Maybe the fact that Halton is in the lowest 5% in the country in relation to skills levels of school leavers is why we seem to be bearing the brunt of this focus on a low skills economy. OK technically we have Daresbury and what goes with it but that's Daresbury a far away world from the lack of opportunity epidemic that blights some of our more deprived areas.

Maybe the council is working on attracting the booming alternative technology industry here, maybe its not that easy and there are sound reasons for the way it is - I don't know. Do you?

Tuesday 29 September 2009

Spillage in Barrows Green Lane


Today has seen quite a few tipper trucks over the weight limit travelling up and down Barrows Green Lane laden with what looks like building waste, some with cement. The Lorry Watch scheme have sent information to the police about one of the lorries.

Later in the afternoon I noticed that one of the trucks had stopped and the driver was examining his load as if he had had a problem with it. As I went past him and travelled further along the road I noticed spillage on the road's surface and the grass verge - presumably coming from the lorry I'd just seen. By the time I'd put two and two together the lorry had moved on and I'd not been able to get the reg number. This was at about 5pm. Also going further along the lane at its junction with Derby Rd I noticed more spillage.

We've informed the police about this incident but it would be useful if anyone else saw this vehicle at 5pm parked up on the lane that they contacted me on 0151 423 1692.

Sunday 27 September 2009

"The Age of Stupid" and Halton

I'd advise anyone who's interested in one possible version of the future to try to see "The Age of Stupid" which was premiered in March this year - the year of the Copenhagen UN meeting on Climate change (December 2009). I saw the film last Thursday in the Community Church in Frodsham

Its another topic I go on about and worry whether I'm putting people off. But I think it should be shown by every council in the country to their elected members and officers to push the debate on in relation to what we can all do at so many levels.

The film, a sort of documentary plus, if you don't already know stars Peter Postlethwaite (I didn't know until recently he grew up in Warrington or was it Wigan) who in the year 2050 following catastrophic climatic events looks back at "The Age of Stupid" ie now at what we weren't doing to tackle climate change.

At this very moment I'm thinking of Halton Council's core strategy document - strategical planning for the borough until 2020 and particularly its economic development plans which seem partly to be ensuring that Halton becomes a major centre for logistics and distribution (means heavy goods vehicles etc). This includes its support of expansion of Liverpool airport as part of this strategy.(not exactly a plus in terms of tackling climate change - maybe in vote winning though!)

Without being privvy to exactly what Halton council is doing regarding economic development and I must say I've not looked at the core strategy document in any depth (only just received it) and I'm certainly no expert, it begs the question what are we doing to attract what will become one of the biggest growth industry's in the next decade to the area - sustainable energy. Perhaps sincerely I'll be pleasantly surprised at the work that's going on or indeed I'll be made to recognise that attracting any industry per se to Halton is difficult!

The Green Party and other organisations are hoping to show the film in Widnes in November this year. It is not going to be a Green Party thing the subject matter is too important (sorry if I sound holier than thou but am thinking of my grandchildren) We would like to invite everyone to the viewing including council members (and officers of course). Please come, we all really need to be acting together!

Will be posting dates and times in due course

HGV's and speeding again!!!

Attended the Lorry Watch meeting on the 21st September and it was agreed to follow up the possibility of using speed and weight sensing humps (these humps are only activated when vehicles are exceeding speed limits or are over a certain weight) and also seeing whether the Sat Nav systems that are sending non local vehicles our way can be changed in such a way as to make the routes down Barrows Green Lane and Moorfield RD 'no go areas'.

I've discussed these ideas in blogs before but we are going to try and do something concrete about them. Regarding the retractable humps we'd obviously have to survey people on Barrows Green Lane and Moorfield Rd about such a possibility. Maybe it's going to be a non starter because of lack of funding we'll see!! I've written to Highways section about it and will let you know the result.

Hoping to speak to police about the Sat Nav issue as well.

The other thing is that the group is sending out a press release of some sort and contained in it will be the offer of our group helping residents to form similar groups in other areas with problems. With the plans the council have to make Halton a centre for logistics and distribution there might be an increasing need for such schemes!!


In the meantime Lorry Watch will be continuing in the area in October and possibly every three or four months to keep the Hauliers on their toes. Residents have also been asked to report incidents at any time.

We need volunteers - if you can help plse let us know

Saturday 19 September 2009

Lorry Watch meeting


There's to be a Lorry Watch meeting on Monday 21st September at 10am in Widnes.
We'll be discussing progress made to date and whether and when we'll be starting a new observation period. Police and hopefully Trading Standards will be in attendance.

Its notable that since our last observations in July HGV traffic in the area has increased. This of course could be purely coincidental.

The consensus is that we should be considering more effective long term solutions but it doesn't rule out observational periods. Anecdotal evidence suggests that our contact with hauliers has been positive and educational from both theirs and our points of view.

If you're able to attend or want to comment and prefer to speak to me directly please phone me on 0151 423 1692

Tuesday 15 September 2009

Then, Now and Wow

The last time I attended a Liverpool Green Party meeting was in 2004. Then they were held at Liverpool University's Students Guild in the city centre. If I'm served appropriately by my memory, not sure of this these days, the membership seemed to be prominently young people, particularly students.

Peter Cranie was the work horse of the group, always enthusiastic full of ideas and supportive of all in a positive way.

I think I saw a little of the fruition of his work (and others) when I attended a Liverpool Green Party meeting at the beginning of this week.

A little aside at this stage before I get to the core of my ramblings. The meetings are now held at the Aigburth Bowling and Cricket club next door to St Michaels station. I mention the station not only for purposes of orientation but to relate a story about how easy it is to fall into the cultural trap of relying too heavily on the car.

I'd mentioned to several people about my intention to go to the meeting and was hoping somebody might take me up on the offer of transporting them there. This would resolve my conscience about using the diesel monster to get to Liverpool and back. But nobody responded and I was left to my conscience and pretentious and untried principles.

Could I go by train - the meeting might end late, could I get my connections - who would pick me up from the station. Its that mindset that's difficult to shake off. But I resolved to do it and to my relief found it to be incredibly easy and cheap to use the train (£2.70 return). I've got a rail card - not telling you which type!!

Whats more I discovered a way from Widnes to Southport via Liverpool Southparkway by train which would be relatively direct and inexpensive. Just shows you what can happen when you do something different!

Back to the meeting - I was struck about the quality of the debates which occurred. It seemed a much more settled group than the one I had witnessed in 2004. Its composition was more varied with more greys present including me of course. In 2004 it seemed I was the only grey in the village. It was more secure, more assured (two councillors in the bag) and this was allied by a definite vision of the way the party was heading.

I actually felt proud to be in the Green Party and to be among people who were really concerned about people who lived in the locality as much as being concerned about furthering the Green Party in Liverpool. To me this is what the Green Party is all about. (Is it the same in other parties - maybe it is) This was brought into sharp focus a couple of times when people felt that the emphasis in such and such a topic area should really be on working with other parties rather than involvement in inter party bickering.

Well done Peter, well done everybody. Hope I don't sound too sycophantic, but I mean every single word!!

Monday 7 September 2009

Planes, Dotty and Joe

Believe it or not my dog Dotty a springer spaniel is instinctively 'Green' by nature.

The only things she barks at are shapes she's not familiar with, in response to other dogs and aircraft. She's very familiar with aircraft as they fly low over where I live every day so its not the unfamiliarity angle that activates her, its her green nature.

I have, of course, not encouraged this behaviour in any way! But she looks up on hearing the sound of aircraft and runs along an imaginary grassy flight path as the object looms overhead. I must admit I kind of like viewing planes but I don't like flying and will do everything in my power not to fly, partly because of the high altitude affects re the carbon emssions of commercial jets as well as my anxiety.

I think the way people in the Green movement are percieved as kill joys in terms of everyday activities like flying is a shame. It's partly our fault in not showing a more positive side to changing our behaviour. Like how much more healthy (and fun) to walk with the children to school or get the bus etc. Doing everyday things in a different way or becoming involved in community activities which are healthier and more environmentally friendly. Bringing the 'F' word fun back into living - rewarding people for recycling (something which Halton Council to their credit are piloting in Widnes).

But there is also a need for the Green movement as we all know, to be constantly making people aware without being too holier than thou of the immense challenges we face in relation to climate change and the fact that we all have to pull together in order to lessen the negative effects of it.

But lets step up the positives in changing behaviour, for instance let local communities create think tanks composed of you and me and those who might know a little more about the subject and work out how we can creatively enjoy and own the changes that will have to come.

Joe my grandson 4 started primary school today in Widnes. When he can officially leave school aged 16 it'll be 2021. We'll have a little more knowledge then about the problems we will be facing. Dotty won't be around cavorting along grassy flightpaths I probably won't be here but Joe will be starting his adult life.

What we do in the next ten years is apparantly going to be crucial in whether the effects of climate change are going to be either severe or catastrophic. Between now and then we all have a duty to ensure a reasonable future for him as well as all the other children starting school today - they don't have a say. Neither do peoples in the third world who are now being directly affected by climate change and who will increasingly suffer in the near future.

Sunday 26 July 2009

Lorry Watch project for summer ends


The Lorry Watch which has been operating on Barrows Green Lane Widnes over June and July finished last week.

It has differed from the previous project last year in that residents have been involved in contacting hauliers directly themselves. It seems that there has been a good response from this with Hauliers appreciating our direct contact.

Time will tell how effective this last stint has been but the group is hoping to follow it up with a months session later in the year. Some residents will be continuing 'the watch' whenever they have time and this no doubt will send a message to hauliers that we are really committed to ensuring a reduction of HGV traffic on the weight resticted routes in the area.

One of the issues the project has thrown up regards the use of Sat Nav systems by HGV's, particularly non local traffic. At the review meeting we will be holding on the project in September we will be discussing this point with the police. I know that is some areas Sat Nav systems have been altered to bar the use of weight restricted roads.

The Lorry Watch scheme is particularly relevant in that it links in with one of the main policies being pushed by the Green Party nationally relating to "Safer Streets": 20 mph speed limits on all roads in residential areas; a greater awareness of pedestrian needs and practical measures to implement such policy.
So Halton Green Party is fully supporting the Lorry Watch Scheme!

Set out below are basic details of the results of the project:


Lorry Watch operated on Barrows Green Lane Widnes for one month during June and July 2009.

Volunteers spent 8 hours per week observing traffic movements and 31 observations of possible HGV contraventions were noted.

Of these 14 definite observations of HGV’s were made the remainder we were not able to ascertain because of lack information.

We contacted 8 firms by phone and email regarding their contraventions and received a positive response from all.

With six of the vehicles we were unable to identify telephone numbers or website addresses. However photos were taken of these vehicles, which had registration details on them, and these were passed on to the police for further investigation.



If you're interested in getting involved, including attending the review meeting in September, please contact Jane Fitzpatrick via 0151 423 1692

Saturday 18 July 2009

'Green' reunion - reflections

A couple of weeks back we had a party to celebrate ourselves - everyone who's been involved in Halton Green Party.

It's been 5 years (early 2004) since Jim Craig and I, with others, started the Green Party in Halton and Jim managed to get up here to be with us for this celebration (Jim started the party in Runcorn at the same time but had to move down south following his employment late 2004).

Jim's departure was a big blow to me personally as he is a hard working really creative person and was the main link in Runcorn. Its difficult basically being on your own and starting a local political party. My wife (Linda) has really helped and I've had support from various people over the years (even some friends who might not necessarily have voted Green - I really thank them!) But it's not the same as having a political activist soul mate, to hear you out, to bounce things off and bring you down to earth sometimes, who's always physically near - its different than phone calls.

It seems to me that this has been the experience of other Green Parties starting off up and down the country. There are not too many activists out there especially in non city areas. Nevertheless the Green Party has grown nationally at some rate over the past decade and now we are the fourth party numerically in terms of numbers of councillors in the country. It's almost as if the Green Party's time is now. There are signs currently, for instance, that the party is on the verge of winning its first seat at the next general election (Brighton Pavillion - Caroline Lucas).

In the areas where the Green Party has established itself locally and started to win seats it has tended to stir things up politically and motivate other politicians of different political colours to become more active in their local wards which has got to be good for local democracy.

Anecdotal evidence in the Halton View ward where the Greens are virtually breathing down Labour's neck (130 votes behind Labours top candidate in the ward) would seem to indicate that this is the case. Not only this, but Halton Council appears to have become more acutely aware of Green issues and has been initiating some really useful projects in relation to energy saving and recycling initiatives - Phil Harris one of Halton Council's Executive Board members has done some stirling work in this area which I would applaud. I wonder though, how much of this has been related to our presence? This of course could be wishful thinking on my part!

What have we been up to in the past 5 years?

Well in practical terms among many things we've been involved in:- Successfully campaigned over safety issues at Runcorn Docks (2004/6); ensured that the council complied with legislation in relation to providing public seating in Halton that could be accessed by older people and people with disabilities (2005); provided written evidence at Public Inquiries against proposals for incinerators at Ince Green and Weston Point (2006/7); Helped residents in their campaign to try to stop a mental health secure unit from being set up in the Halton View ward (2007/8); provided written evidence to the Second Mersey Crossing Public Inquiry in opposition to the proposal in terms of it's not being the appropriate solution re congestion (2008/9); helped initiate a residents Lorry Watch Scheme in Halton View (2008/9)and provided written evidence to a public inquiry against a proposal for quarrying and landfill site near Halton View ward (2008/9)


In terms of opportunities we've provided for people - perhaps we've brought likeminded people together to start asking questions about what they're able to offer their community; hopefully, without sounding pompous, we've got people to think about the real challenges we are facing in today's world and different ways of solving such challenges; provided people with an opportunity to vote for an ethical party which is just as much concerned about people in other parts of the world as it is in our community that sees linkages between how they fare and how we fare socially, economically and ecologically.

Perhaps all this is too grand and if we asked a Green Voter in Halton View ward why they have voted Green in the last few elections it might just be that its provided them with a real possibility of voting in someone new in the ward, an event which has not happened for some considerable time.

This is a real possibility in May 2010!

Thursday 2 July 2009

Lorry Watch - update!


Lorry Watch is up and running on Barrows Green Lane Widnes which tends to be the main local road route that HGV's use.

We've already identified two firms and had direct contact with them. What we are doing is in a polite way warning them that their details will be passed on to Trading Standards if they are observed in the area again.

I've been in contact with the police (community support) and they've asked us to forward photos of errant lorries. We'll do this if there is a registration number on the vehicle concerned and we have not been able to contact the firm.

On the second observation photos will be sent to the police and trading standards.

We're looking for more volunteers - it's an activity were you really feel your doing something for others and it can be fun - so come and join us!

Monday 29 June 2009

Bold Heath Quarry/Landfill Proposal

Objections to the Bold Heath Quarry proposal are going to be heard by the Inspector concerned at an Inquiry in the Council Chamber St Helens Town Hall Victoria Square St Helens WA101HP on 25th August at 10 am.

It's now too late to send in letters objecting to the proposal but its possible to hand in written objections or speak at the Iquiry if you present yourself at St Helens Town Hall on the first morning.

St Helens Council is now only contesting the proposal on health grounds.
The Green party is objecting in relation to silica emissions, a known cause of silicosis, heavy goods traffic emissions and perceptions of public concern and anxiety regarding the links between pollution and health in Halton.

If anybody wishes to submit written objections and needs material please contact me. Also if you're not able to attend the Inquiry we might be able to get your objections to the meeting on the day, again give us a ring on 0151 423 1692

Monday 22 June 2009

Lorry Watch - up and running again

Residents held a meeting today to discuss how they ought to proceed with the Lorry Watch scheme in the Moorfield Rd and Barrows Green area that was piloted last year by Halton Trading Standards.

Unfortunately Halton Trading Standards has merged with Warrington Trading Standards and at the moment are not able to provide any support.The problems continue so the Lorry Watch scheme will start up again this Wednesday 24th.

We will have to carry out the contacting of offending haulage companies and whereas before on the advice of Trading Standards we were just noting down information we aim to take videos and photos this time.

One of the things we might be considering with companies that continue to flaunt the restrictions is to liaise with the local paper to start a 'name and shame' monthly item that would include photos. We'd prefer not to do this. It's obviously better to get people working alongside us rather than alienating them!

I'm unsure how much people are aware in Widnes but in the next ten years or so, particularly if the planned Second Mersey Crossing, (this seems to be the king pin for these new proposed developments) Ditton Rail Freight Park, Waste Recycling Plant Widnes Water Front and Bold Heath Quarry go ahead, we will be fast becoming not only the capital of waste dumpage in the UK but also Lorry World!

I emailed David Parr Cheif Executive Officer HBC a few weeks ago to ask him about his estimate of how many more HGV's there would be on Halton's roads if the Rail Freight Park went ahead. He stated that the total would be about 580 more HGV's per day.The breakup of percentage figures of HGV traffic in terms of road usage is as follows as follows:-


1.61% A56 from Liverpool

45.98% Runcorn-Widnes Bridge

4.36% M57

42.99% M62 East

5.06% M62 West


So it looks like from the Rail Freight Park development alone there will be up to 580probably plus HGV's per day. My understanding is that the Waste Recycling plant on Widnes Waterfront would be in the region of 200 extra HGV's per day.

Recent research is suggesting that 7% of children in the UK are likely to develop chest conditions owing to particulates at child height level. These fine particulates are emitted mainly from diesel vehicles (as well as incinerators) HGV's being one of the main culprits. I'm unsure whether such health statistics are factored in when decisions are made about such schemes.

Lorry Watch is going to have its work cut out!

Monday 8 June 2009

Shame, and hope not hate

I feel ashamed that people in the north west have elected a BNP candidate to represent them and all this entails.

The further south you go it seems that on balance the BNP vote diminished and the Green vote increased. I've always thought of us northeners as being really warmhearted and welcoming as a people and so I found the results of the election very saddening.

But then I think about what I perceive as the differences in the rates of ethnic minorities residing in the south and north and can bring myself a little to understand what pushes someone to vote BNP.

I remember a van driver last week in Widnes who told me he'd be voting BNP - because the simple mantra he'd received from all sorts of sources had told him he'd lost his job because of others from elsewhere.

I think of some 'good' people in Burnley I know who didn't vote BNP not because they weren't sympathetic to what the BNP was going on about but because they considered that they didn't want any blood baths on their doorstep.

This is reality and I'm sure we've all come across such reasoning.

What of the future - well its too early of course - we need to reflect. A couple of simple things struck me last night when I was watching the results programme. (Or maybe it's me whose simple - Linda nods!)

I felt uneasy about how all the candidates snubbed Nick Griffen. I too would have walked off the podium but I would have felt uneasy. I had this feeling even more so a couple of years ago at election time when I'd gone to the local election office for a run down on procedures. After the meeting as I was going out of the door I noticed a few BNP members coming out as well. I felt the urge to let the door shut in their faces but I couldn't. I didn't know these people - but they were human.

The other thing was the fact that the Green vote nationally was up and as Caroline Lucas said if the system of PR in Germany had been operating (national poll plus candidates in regional areas) we'd have obtained about seven or eight seats. And what about the Green result in Norwich definitely bodes well for the by - election.

Well done everyone particularly Peter.

Thursday 4 June 2009

Polling Day!!

Polling day came and I thought I wouldn't be able to do anything apart from voting owing to childcare commitments. But I did get the two people who benefit directly from such services to phone all their friends 30 plus to vote Green and ask their friends friends to do the same.

The response was overwhelming so Green candidates all over the country hopefully will benefit.

Got the message this afternoon that the Greens were on 15%, ahead of Lib Dems but we'll have to wait and see.

Monday 1 June 2009

Green Bus?


Did anyone see a Green Bus in Sefton Park late yesterday afternoon? Well if you did it was the Green Party's Green Bus travelling the country to spread the good news!

It was red actually (photo to prove this) - a bit of a disappointment as a couple of people sunbathing in the Park mentioned. However one of their party was wearing a straw hat and as I was too he wanted to have his picture taken with me. After getting the promise of the ten people in the group to vote for Peter I gave in to their request. Does this count as buying votes?

More seriously looks like the BNP(7%) is catching up nationally. In the latest poll they're a couple of points behind the Greens(9%). So even more reason for voters to really think about voting tactically for the Greens as the remaining seat in the north west region is likely to be between them and us.

Re the canvassing last night at the Green bus event - reception all very positive with a couple of people saying they lived locally had voted Green before and would be doing so this Thursday.

Since I started leafleting a few weeks ago spoken to about 40 people with only two of them stating they'd be voting BNP. This poll very straw (hat) so still a lot to be fighting for and I really can't stand the idea of being represented by someone from the BNP.

Out in the Widnes area today and tomorrow. If anyone's interested give us a shout!!

Thursday 28 May 2009

Second Mersey Crossing - importance of the Green perspective

I note in the past month or so there have been several letters in the Widnes Weekly News regarding the second Mersey crossing. Some of these letters have been opposed to the new bridge but the majority have raised various points in relation to the consequences of the project but at the same time not opposing it directly.

The Green Party maintains its opposition to the second crossing on three main premises. The major threat of climate change with the consequences of more rapid change than what is currently anticipated, completely throwing out of the window all the figures relating to use of the new crossing. That building more roads/ bridges does not really solve the long term problem of congestion - there are many examples of this nationally and internationally. Finally the socio economic arguments that the new crossing will be of real benefit to local residents in my opinion does not hold up to detailed analysis.

No matter whether you agree with the views expressed above it’s possible that you’ll appreciate that the really sad thing in the whole process relates to the apparent power imbalance between the proponents of the second crossing and those who object to it wholly or selectively. That imbalance is to do with finance and therefore the ability to present as best a legal case as possible.

In some ways, and in an ideal world, the better way of dealing with such a proposal that has uncharted consequences for residents in Halton would have been to have had a proper balanced public debate and inquiry. With financial provision for objectors as well as proponents to make their case in the most effective way possible. And at the end of the day to hold a referendum on the matter – as was the case regarding the congestion charge in Manchester.

The only other suggestion I can make would be that a Green presence on the council might have ensured that the proposal from the beginning might have been subject to greater critical appraisal. This might have encouraged the important issues being raised at this late stage to have been aired earlier. This could have affected the evidence that will be considered by the inspector at the public inquiry over the next few weeks.

Monday 25 May 2009

Halton Euro Campaign trail 7

Today in a district of Halton that has a huge Conservative majority. Struck by the interest shown by residents - very positive.

I approached two people chatting outside a house and gave one of them a leaflet. The other person said, "Can you let me have one please just in case I miss it?"

Hot day again and talked to quite a few people gardening - only one refusal out of 25 contacts.

Sunday 24 May 2009

Halton Euro Campaign trail 6

What a fantastic day for leafleting in Widnes with temperatures in the mid 20's and quite a few people out gardening.

It's interesting how many people seemed to want to see the leaflet obviously considering voting Green.

Most people were very friendly although there was one group of people one of whom refused a leaflet, another in a car with the engine running said to me it wasn't very Green to be delivering leaflets. I said in my best Columbo voice that she might have a point but could she tell me another way of getting the really important Green view to as many people as possible.

An uplifting incident was when someone recognised me from a picture that was published in the local press last election. I wasn't in my local ward so it shows you the interest that people seem to have in the Green Party.

Out tomorrow again hope the weather holds

Saturday 23 May 2009

Halton Euro Campaign trail 5

At it again today - haven't had a chance this week owing to child care commitments!

So finished off Hale on a beautiful day with those May blooms and smells - it really is an attractive place and very much removed from the nearby urban sprawl which isn't to say that such doesn't have its own advantages.

Hale seems to be a close knit community, the village itself an island in a sea of green belt and arable land. Everybody knowing everyone else and their business which of course like everything has its plusses and minuses.

An issue here as mentioned before is the long protracted subject of Liverpool Airport's (John Lennon Airport) runway expansion. A decision on this has been on hold for some time.

It seems to me that Green Party acitivity in the village could produce fairly positive results in terms of both residents and the Green Party's interests particularly in view of the runway issue. Unlike the Greens none of the parties in Halton are against runway expansion because of isues like climate change although at times the Lib Dems appear ambivalent on the subject.

But its also struck me from chatting to people here because of the closeness of the community and the popularity of the councillor (Labour) who has held the seat for some time that the likelihood of taking the seat in the near future would be minimal.

But as I've mentioned in a previous blog several people in Hale have expressed an interest in having the opportunity to vote Green at local and general elections.

So we'll see what comes of my tentative contacts with a few local residents that I've had in the past couple of weeks.

The Greens position in the polls continues to be encouraging and over the next few days I'll be concentrating on other areas of Widnes. Please help if you can - 0151 423 1692

Monday 18 May 2009

Halton Euro Campaign trail 4

Unable to leaflet last Friday in Hale owing to family committments. But Linda and I did manage to do some in the pouring rain in the Farnworth area of Widnes Friday evening.

Several people have said that apart from the leaflets through the post no other party has been out leafleting to date. And at least one person mentioned that they'd vote Green because of this.

I'm sure that when people saw us wandering round in a sodden mess they either thought we were mad or believed strongly in something!

Went out for a short period today - seemed to be warmly received by people.

Recent opinion polls augur well for Greens polling around 11%. The BNP are currently on 4% - this could change and particularly as Nick Griffen is lead BNP candidate here in the north west more BNP resources could be used to push and bolster their campaign in this area. So no time for complacency - if there was ever a candidate who should win a seat here it's Peter for all sorts of reasons - so I'll be out leafleting hopefully till June 3rd. Please join us if you can!

Monday 11 May 2009

Halton Euro Campaign trail 3

Day 4 of leafleting - still in Hale.

Positive vibes today. The majority of people I spoke to, with all the revelations in the press about expenses, were talking about considering voting for the Greens in the Euro elections. Including a couple of gentle 60ish men. A bit more of a balance compared with yesterday!

It makes a real difference though talking with people if they are around and they are with this current sunny spell. I'm sure I half persuaded some people to consider voting Green voting tactically to keep the BNP out.

Probably the best bit of the session was meeting a woman who wished she could vote Green in both general and local elections in Hale. Apparantly her children who live away are both Green voters. Will be following this up.

Discovered that the national Green Party election material had been delivered in the Hale area. It was interesting to note that several people had actually read the leaflet and key words like 'fourth party' sprang to mind. And without being a sexist a lady actually related to me where Peter lived and that he had a young child. So I guess on this limited anecdotal evidence the message is getting through!

Unable to leaflet now for three days owing to child committments. If there's anyone one out there in Hale who's received our local leaflet I'd love to hear from you even if you're not a Green supporter.

Back in Hale on Friday!

Sunday 10 May 2009

Halton Euro Campaign trail 2

Third day of leafleting in beautiful Hale with the sun shining and those delicious aromas of May buds bursting out all over the place with tempting smells of herbs.

As elections mostly occur in May surely we should latch onto the idea of providing free local aromatic floral tours to people who'll leaflet for us. We must have mapped out these ward routes many times all we need to do is list the flora en route something the Green party should be eminently capable of doing!

No I've not taken to the madness of the May hare although I was saddened not maddened on meeting my first Halean resident who was a mild sixtyish person who lived in a tidy bungalow which smelt of those Sunday lunches when mum was around.

I explained the reasons for tactically voting Green to keep the BNP out when he said that's the Party he'd be voting for. I was speechless but he gently took the leaflet off me and I'm sure would have offered me a bite of lunch if I hadn't looked so well fed.

Linda (my wife also leafleting) said that's perceptions for you and that it was also the beauty of life - full of surprises.

To her the mild mannered person was hankering for the fifties when he was young and things made sense and most things were black and white (pardon the colourism). I added patronisingly that he probably read the tabloid press and his views had been moulded over the decades.

It was just that he was so nice and definitely going to vote and I thought of all those other so nice voters dotted all over the place and was saddened.

Still we delivered a weighty number of leaflets including some of our own local ones. The latter we're hoping will encourage local residents to get involved with us in time for next years council elections - Here's hoping!

Saturday 9 May 2009

Euro Campaign trail

Out yesterday and today in the Heath ward area Runcorn leafleting.

Some good feedback in relation to Peter's campaign. When I was discussing the ins and outs of tactical voting in the Euro election (as if i know!) and the reason why the person I was speaking to should vote for the Greens, ie partly to stop the BNP, the potential voter intimated that he'd read the article in the Observer and he was having a good think about voting Green.

Yet another, a Conservative councillor, was aware of the need for tactical voting but whether this is transmitted into a vote for the Greens who knows!

Leafleting in the beautiful village of Hale tomorrow - we'll be putting out our local leaflet as well as the regional one.

Monday 4 May 2009

Green Party candidate for the Euro Elections interviewed in the Independent Newspaper

Peter Cranie the North West Green Party's candidate for the Euro election this June was interviewed in the Independent newspaper today.

Peter, who was leafleting last Friday with me in Widnes, will be contesting one of the seats in the North West region against Nick Griffen of the BNP. He has knowledge of our local problems and was involved in our campaign in the council elections last year.

He's very hard working, committed to social justice and green issues and has also been involved directly in the Merseyside Coalition against racism and fascism.

Here's the unedited version of the article that appeared today,

"An anti-racism campaigner has emerged as the candidate who could stop the British National Party chairman Nick Griffin winning a seat in the European Parliament next month.
Peter Cranie has been chosen by the Green Party to stand in the North-west, where the BNP's hopes of winning its first seats in a nationwide election are highest. Respect, the left-wing party headed by the Bethnal Green and Bow MP George Galloway, has stood aside in the region and is urging its supporters to vote Green to stop the BNP.
The Greens, who already have two MEPs, are making a major push in the North-west. They are convinced that that the proportional representation (PR) system used in the 4 June elections makes voting Green the best way of denying the BNP victory and the significant boost in funds from the Strasbourg parliament that would follow.
Under the PR formula, all votes received in a region are added up and the first seat is given to the party with the highest number. The votes for that party are then divided by the number of seats it has already won in the region plus one (for example, if a party has won one seat, its remaining votes would be divided by two). The party which then has the highest number of votes gets the next seat. This process continues until all the seats are allocated.
At the last European elections five years ago, Labour and the Tories each won three of the North-west's nine seats, the Liberal Democrats two and the UK Independence Party (Ukip) one.
Ukip's fortunes have declined since and election experts believe the crucial battle affecting the BNP's chances will be the one for fourth place behind the three main parties. The region will elect eight MEPs this time.
Mr Cranie, a 36-year-old father of one, has been preparing for next month's fight with the BNP for three years. A leading member of the Merseyside Coalition Against Racism and Fascism, he stood down from his job as a lecturer so he could devote more time to the European elections. He now works for the parenting support charity Parentline Plus.
The three main parties insist that the voting system is such a "lottery" that supporting them is the best way to beat the BNP. But the Greens are appealing over the heads of the three parties in the hope of encouraging tactical anti-BNP voting. They are also working hard to mobilise the ethnic minority vote.
Mr Cranie told The Independent yesterday that he could not "guarantee" that a vote for the Greens would prevent the BNP from winning a seat, but insisted that it offered the best hope of achieving that. In the 2004 European elections, the BNP won 6.38 per cent of the votes in the North-west and the Greens 5.55 per cent, so the Greens claim they are the most likely party to overtake the extreme-right group.
Mr Cranie, the Green Party's national spokesman on children, schools and families, has jobs as his main campaign theme. "A Green vote is a vote for jobs," he said. Accusing the BNP of "dog whistle politics", Mr Cranie added: "In an environment of economic fear and insecurity, the seeds are being sown – racism and intolerance – by a party that in its constitution bars any person because of the colour of their skin and the home of their ancestors."

Friday 10 April 2009

Scaremongering and Antartica!

I was a little surprised and disheartened to see a letter a few weeks ago in the 'Weekly News' which was captioned in large print accompanied by photos "Greens Case on Speed is Discredited"

The thrust of the letter relates to previous letters in the paper from un-named persons about speeding and HGV's in Moorfield Rd and Barrows Green Lane Widnes. These letters were critical of the council doing little about the problems and in one of them mention was made of the fact that only one person (ie yours trully) was the only one trying to do something about the issue (The lorry watch scheme I presume).

The writer went on to say after a preamble, which talked about how the Green Party was against another Mersey crossing and was in favour of tolling the existing bridge and how this would bring more HGV's to the area, that the council and the Halton View Action Group plus police had done quite a bit (flashing speed restriction signs and speed guns) in relation to the problem of speeding. The Green Party according to the writer was nowhere to be seen in all this activity but, "... are quite prepared to frighten people by overstating the case".

The assumption by the writer was that the letters were politically inspired, The writer states, "The danger of speeding is not one to be used by un-named letter writers from Barrows Green Lane for political purposes".

I have to say that I am not behind any of these letters and have no idea who the writers are.

I think the second mersey crossing issue is a complicated one and the Green Party's position on this can be viewed in an earlier blog(26/06/08. It would seem (note seem) though that the second Mersey crossing is tied up with many development schemes (eg Eddie Stobart) in the area which undoubtedly if they all come to fruition will probably (note probably) increase not decrease the potential HGV usage of local roads.

The writer of the letter in my opinion was right in saying that local politicians have been trying all sorts of ways in improving traffic problems in the area but the other issues she raises in my opinion are not quite correct. I am not going to respond directly to this letter (I think?) and join in a round of personal criticism with few of the players listening to alternative points of view. I'm sure there'll be others willing to take up these particular cudgels - maybe!

I can only assume that the writer (I could be wrong with paranoia taking over)herself is politically motivated and her response might be related to my involvement with the "Lorry Watch Scheme" which local residents and myself set up in partnership with Halton Trading Standards at the end of last year. I can only say that the scheme is not a Green Party domain - it's community inspired and community run and we have tried hard to involve everyone living in the area.

One of things that I dislike about party politics is the attitude of the proponents of party's that their position is the correct position that they're the only ones with the truth, whatever that is. It's also the competitiveness the need to win votes to be seen as the only body in the locality doing anything about this and that.

I find it difficult personally because of this, sometimes, to become involved in a particular local activity without a voice within me saying "Am I doing this to win votes or what!" To counter this I try to ensure that whatever I get involved in is ethically sound and where my heart is - I think that's all that anyone can do. Whether you're winning votes or not is by the way really - that's my justification - sorry to sound greater than thou!

If I am to be accused of any scaremongering however it's not in the area of speeding but, I have to admit, on the incredibly important topic of climate change. Now somebody writing to the paper about this little sin of mine I'd applaud!

Something happened Tuesday last, April 7th, that has pushed my scare mongering to untold heights. None other that The Times newspaper on page 2 (leading articles column - I never thought this day would come so soon!) headlines were, 'A Sudden Chill - An ice bridge in Antartica has disappeared from the map. This is a defining moment that means the world must move much faster against climate change'

Briefly it commented on the fact that last weekend a 25 mile strip of ice believed to be stabilising the enormous Wilkins ice shelf collapsed. What's alarming to scientists is the speed of events taking place in Antartica. The ice shelves are collapsing far more rapidly than anticipated 15 years ago. Scientists such as Jim Hensen of NASA fear that predictive models of how the climate is changing could be misleading as recent evidence is showing much more rapid change with unknown consequences.

As individuals, local and larger communities we must act now to ensure that leaders at the UN summit in Copenhagen this December take the necessary dramatic action that will move away from the incredibly slow pace that world governments are progressing at on this issue. Otherwise, I believe, we leave ourselves in a very dangerous position.

A non party political group of us are hoping to arrange some events this year in Halton to highlight the issue and to look at what we can do ensure that we and our politicians are doing as much as possible to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

For further information keep reading this blog - please!

Wednesday 25 March 2009

The Age of Stupid - what can we do?

Not sure how many of you are aware of the world premiere of 'The Age of Stupid' (docu drama) recently which involved the reminiscing of an old man (Peter Postlethwaite) 50 years into the future about whether we could have prevented climate change.

Liverpool Green Party are organising a meeting at 'The Fact' cinema 88 Wood Street (behind Bold Street Liverpool) on 31st March 6pm to 8.30pm to discuss what we can do about the issues raised in the film.

John Coyne Liverpool Green Party councillor in a press release sums up what the meeting will be about:-

"We are running out of time if we want to avoid an irreversible climate catastrophe.

Many of us are already taking steps in the right direction to change the way we live. The Green Party offers the challenge to do more. There are political routes to avoid climate chaos..

Using your vote is a low-carbon action. Working to elect more Greens in local, national and European government sends an eloquent message to today's decision makers and serves notice on them that they will be replaced by tomorrow's Green decision takers.

There can be plural political routes. Sincere activists in other parties can use the credible electoral threat from the Greens to move their own parties' programmes in the right direction.

There are fundamental differences. In the current economic crisis, the other parties are desperate to have us rescue the world trading system by buying more stuff – and accepting the extended debt to do that. On the contrary, the Green Party sees no future in endless economic growth – the planet cannot sustain it. We need to find ways to have more fun with less stuff.

Because the climate crisis is so urgent, the Green Party is entitled to ask any environmentalist to suspend their dislike of party politics and, for a few crucial years, to lend their support to the Greens.

Some people will not be comfortable with engaging in party politics of any persuasion. Maybe the imminent threat of climate chaos changes our comfort zones?

Our meeting will explore all political routes to avoid climate chaos".


The issue of climate change was one of the main reasons I became involved with the Green Party and this continues to be the case.

I shall be going along to the meeting. If any one else is interested in attending please let me know. I reckon its going to be a really interesting and creative event!

Derek 0151 423 1692

Tuesday 10 March 2009

Landscaping what do you want? me moaning!

Halton council are going through a process, presumably like several other north west region authorities, of developing areas of their landscape ensuring that it 'fits in' and dovetails with regional needs.

They had a meeting, open to residents, which I attended a couple of weekends ago. A presentation was given about the aims of the project and then participants were asked for their views about their local area, what landscaping features they wanted maintaining and future developments etc.

The event had been publicised in the local press and various relevant organisations had been contacted about it. There were 10 participants!

It's a shame that so few people attended. However I'm not sure whether this figure could have been increased substantially by for example mailing all residents about the event even if it were viable in terms of costs. When we tried to get people involved in a Lorry Watch scheme in Halton View recently by leafleting and personal contact, out of approximately 200 residents we got one response!

Of the people who were present there were none from areas that perhaps were more in need of landscaping and improvements in street furniture. The environment we live in effects us on so many levels and according to research is fairly crucial in relation to our feelings of well being.

It was a case of the voices being listened to being the ones who had more direct access to the resources available. I thought of one estate area in Halton - Halton Brook were apparantly there are no landscaped garden areas only a run down green area in the centre of the estate. Maybe there are plans for some initiatives in Halton Brook but the council reps did not give me the impression that any were planned.

It seems that the development team, a private consultancy agency plus the council's 'landscaping' section will be talking directly with other groups in Halton. Lets hope they get to the parts others can't reach.

Having said all that another feeling I had was that it was good to be living in a community were you did have an opportunity to have your say - we need to take care of our democracy by supporting it!

Monday 2 March 2009

Council response: Multi-recycling blue bins in Moorfield Rd

I got this response from Halton council regarding the multi-recycling blue bins situation in Moorfield Rd Widnes (see blog 24th February).

It seems that residents in a part of Moorfield Rd are able to multi recycle but not so in another part.

However as stated in the text below the council will be writing to residents not covered once they know more about availability.


"Many thanks for the information regarding Mr...

I have spoken to the section once again and they have confirmed that at present the only collection for Mr .... is the paper and green waste collections and NOT the multi recycling. We needed the address to be totally sure of this.
As yet there are no definate plans to extend the multi recycling to specific areas but we are hoping to acheive this is the near future.

I apologise for not being able to give you a more positive answer but we will write to the residents of Moorfield Road once we know more information on plans to extend the service to them.

Kind regards
Customer Service Advisor
Halton Direct Link"


I think we'll have to keep asking the question!!

Wednesday 25 February 2009

Stop that Carrot from Sinking!

Recent research on the rate of global warming has given me some semi sleepless nights recently and prompted this particular blog.

Prof Chris Field told the American Science conference in Chicago in February 2009 that global temperatures will be beyond anything previously predicted. He said that even the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) had underestimated the rate of change, and that warming is likely to cause more damage than has hitherto been forecast.

The IPCC projected only last year that the world needed to reduce its carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 based on the assumption that Artic summer ice may be gone by the end of the century. However recent research is indicating the summer ice could be gone within 5 years - so this figure needs to be radically readjusted.

Apparently for the world to be relatively safe it’s necessary to keep the temperature rise estimated for the end of the century at less than 2%. Currently we are heading for a projected 6% which will have devastating consequences for us all - ie without sounding melodramatic the end of life as we know it!

How is the UK performing? If we consider all carbon emissions including aviation, shipping and carbon emitted in other countries for goods consumed in the UK then we have increased our emissions by 8% since 1990. Even without including the latter we are barely breaking even.

What should we do? - well shout about it to all and sundry, lobby your MP, organise email petitions to Gordon Brown (or find out if there are any active ones currently), contact your councillor ( is our council aware of these recent findings and if so what initiatives are we planning to do about it is as a council). The list could go on…

In the final analysis if we are to tackle the problem effectively head on it’s obviously got to be at international level.
As Danny Chivers (New Internationalist) put it, “Imagine ten rabbits lost at sea in a boat carved out of a giant carrot. The carrot is there only source of food, so they all keep nibbling at it. The boat is shrinking rapidly but none of them wants to be the first to stop, because then they’ll be the first to starve. There’s no point in any of them stopping unless everyone stops – if even one rabbit carries on eating, the boat will sink”.

That’s why the Copenhagen talks on climate change at the end of this year are going to be so crucial. With a new US administration in toe perhaps there will be real progress who knows? But we all have a responsibility this year to push for the international single mindedness necessary to meet the challenges facing us all. We owe it to future generations.

So shout as loud as you can, stop that carrot from sinking!

Tuesday 24 February 2009

Blue Bin Recycling Scheme - Wrong Post Code!

The issue of the new blue bin recycling scheme being available to as many residents as possible continues.

An older person in Moorfield Rd Widnes asked if I could help him in recyling tins bottles etc as he was very keen to do as much as possible re reducing landfill use.

He does not have a car and his nearest recycling area is a 30 minute walk away. So at the moment he has a mountain of cans and nowhere to put them!

I've emailed the council about the matter as follows,

"I have been approached by a resident in Moorfield Rd Widnes in his eighties who is trying desperately to recycle tins bottles etc but is hampered because of not living in an area that is part of the new blue bin scheme.

Could you tell me if his property will be receiving this particular blue bin service in the near future?

Derek Mellor"

I think the council should respond positively to people in this person's position by perhaps looking at other ways they could help in the short term.

I'd like to hear from anyone wanting this service and not receiving it at the moment. Give us a ring on 0151 423 1692

Thursday 29 January 2009

Lorry Watch - progress report.

The pilot Lorry Watch scheme which had been set up as a joint venture between residents and Trading Standards and ran from October to December last year has resulted in approximately 40 firms being contacted by the council regarding HGV's using local roads that have weight restriction orders on them.

Following on from information provided by volunterers Trading Standards are currently writing to keepers requesting details of drivers in order to issue warning letters.

It was a pity that a press release at the beginning of the scheme was not released as it might have encouraged other people to become observers. As it worked out there were only 4 of us able to offer any time and this unfortunately was limited.

Trading Standards has promised to contact us to review the project and to see whether it can be extended.

Halton seems to becoming the mecca of the HGV with such developments as Eddie Stobarts and the proposed Rail Freight terminus at Ditton in the offing. We need to take action now as this problem is not going to go away. So if you want to do something about the ever increasing numbers of HGV's on our roads locally and you have some spare time please consider helping out.

We can make a difference as other Lorry Watch Schemes in the country have shown and it can be enjoyable and satisfying (and I'm not sad) doing something in the community for the community rather than sitting back and complaining expecting others to do it!

Contact Geraldine Marchment Trding Standards at Halton Trading Standards 01925 442445 or ring me for a chat 0151 423 1692.

Derek

Tuesday 20 January 2009

Obama and Widnes Resident's Success!

Two things that happened today have genuinely uplifted me.

First, I’m sure like millions of others, I consider that the inauguration of Obama offers the world a new start in a shift from the old politics of seeking self interest to a new era of pushing for a more sharing and caring world.

But for me personally it’s also the emphasis that Obama placed in his inauguration speech on meeting the challenges of climate change. If he is able to stick to his prime goals in this area then the future security of the world, particularly of the poor of the third world, will be enhanced.

The other uplift came in the form of the success of Derby Road area residents in persuading a St Helens Planning committee meeting to turn down yet another proposal for the restart of quarrying and subsequent land filling at Bold Heath quarry.

Councillors at the meeting accepted the arguments put forward by residents that the development should not go ahead on health grounds and the increase of heavy goods road traffic in the area.

Saturday 17 January 2009

London Airport Expansion - what a disaster!!

Caroline Lucas sums the decision up

'The Green Party said this evening that the decision to allow Heathrow to build a third runway was indefensible and
immediately put Britain in breach of European air quality guidelines.

Green Party leader Dr Caroline Lucas MEP said the announcement was "irresponsible, deceptive and environmentally disastrous."

Dr Lucas said: "This decision demonstrates a complete contempt for the environment, for the health of UK citizens and for our democratic processes.

"A third runway will have disastrous consequences for residents in my South East constituency - leading to serious environmental damage and social upheaval through increased pollution, and the destruction of local communities."

Dr Lucas warned that the Transport Secretary's proposals for Heathrow would condemn the UK to an unsustainable future of significantly higher noise and air pollution - and to accelerating climate change. "Any government which, on the one hand pledges to make a significant reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020, and on the other gives the green light to the greatest expansion of aviation in a generation, is guilty of either the most shameless hypocrisy, or the most unforgivable ignorance and stupidity," she said.

The MEP and long-standing campaigner against the expansion of the aviation industry added, "Despite the promises which were made to limit further expansion, this Government has persisted in a deceptive campaign for a third runway
which its own figures estimate will almost double the number of flights using Heathrow each year.

"Whichever way you look at the Government's proposals on aviation, they are a social and environmental disaster. What we need is a sustainable transport policy which incentivises train travel, makes aviation pay its true costs and restricts airport capacity."

The Tories and Lib Dems have quite rightly expressed their opposition to the announcement. It's a shame that locally they don't oppose in a similar the expansion of Liverpool airport if they are really serious about tackling climate change. Check out Peter Cranie's blog at www.petercranie.blogspot.com re further discussion.

Thursday 8 January 2009

The Good, the Bad and the wake up call?

Happy New Year!

As life’s about positives and negatives, the negative first in these first few weeks of the new year.

Apart from the credit crunch, and what a fine mess some people have got us in, I was saddened to see the latest figures related to how the UK is doing in relation to reducing carbon emissions and the fact that, contrary to what the present government is suggesting, we are moving away from our Kyoto targets.

Check out “Measuring Progress towards Carbon Reduction in the UK” in “Britain in 2009”, an Economic and Social Research Council publication. Research featured in it suggests that we continue to miss our targets for Kyoto if we take into account emissions from aircraft and shipping and goods consumed here but produced elsewhere.

According to Kyoto reporting, UK carbon emissions have fallen by around 6% since 1990 If we include aviation and shipping emissions this 6% is wiped out. Furthermore if we look at figures linked to goods consumed here yet produced abroad the UK’s carbon emissions have risen by at least 8% since 1990. As the author comments, “Policy must consider all carbon emissions induced by UK consumption. Viewed in this way the UK’s task ahead is truly daunting”.

The positive - our children – Linda and I are blessed by having 3 beautiful grandchildren. Joe, now 3, is my soul mate and makes me think there could be something in reincarnation, he’s been here before! The other two Oliver and Oscar are now 9 months old and truly are quickly becoming themselves if that doesn’t sound too much like stating the obvious, but I think you know what I mean!

We spend a lot of time with them, it’s tiring but mostly very rewarding. It’s all that wonder of new discoveries and often this brings into dazzling focus the beautiful world we live in.(if we look for it in those terms).

If we put these negative and positive images together it’s surely a wake up call. It’s certainly the main reason I got involved with the Green movement 6 years ago and it continues to be the main motivation in my involvement with the Green Party. Climate change is bigger than the threat of terrorism and the credit crunch (easy to say I know if you’re not too effected) but we’re talking about all our children and grandchildren’s future safety and even possibly, given the worst scenario, their survival.

The more Green candidates that are elected at whatever level, the greater the pressure on governments here and abroad to recognize the fact that more and more people are waking up to the dangers of climate change and are prepared to alter their behaviour. This will further ensure the greater likelihood that Kyoto targets are met.

In June this year we’ll be voting in the European elections. Our Green MEP candidate for the north west is Peter Cranie (a new dad!). He lives in Liverpool and is aware of our local problems. Apart from being a new dad he is an experienced political activist and commentator. He has an academic and social work background and his professional and lifetime experiences have equipped him to be aware and sensitive to people's needs. His organisational abilities are first class I know personally as he helped us here in Halton with our successful 2008 campaign.

We have a chance to respond to this wake up call, by voting Green, by voting for Peter Cranie.

(If you want to know more about Peter's vision and views check out his blog at www.petercranie.blogspot.com - see bottom of this page for a link)