The following is from the Worcester Standard newspaper, who spoke to Neil Laurenson:

Coun Laurenson, who became the first Green Party candidate to ever be elected to the council, said he was disappointed the parties had not explored the option of a multi-party cabinet.

"I'm disappointed they didn't wait until the meeting we had scheduled on Wednesday night with the chief executive Duncan Sharkey - we were only talking a matter of hours," he said.

"It was a perfect time to look at the idea of having a multi-party cabinet and a more democratic council. We haven't even had the chance to hammer out details on how we could share cabinet positions proportionately.

"People will have their views on whether it would work but if you can put a man on the moon you can have the Tories and Labour working together. It was the starting point for more democracy on the council but they haven't even given it a chance."

In the interests of finding a workable solution to how the Council is run and to replace the current "winner takes all", closed shop cabinet administration we are prepared to support either the Conservatives or Labour as Leader of the council provided that:

a) The position of Mayor is given to the other side,

b) The cabinet appointments are politically balanced

c) Cabinet positions retain their executive power but they will be supported by a balanced support group that is also politically balanced,

d) Committee chairs will be allocated in a politically balanced way.

e) The above changes would be implemented immediately however the Council Constitution would be changed within 6 months.

We will make sure that we repay the trust placed in both Neil and the Green Party to ensure that we will work hard for the people of St. Stephen ward.

For a full list of the results in Worcester, go to http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/local_elections_2012 

 http://voteforpolicies.org.uk/

What is Vote for Policies?

Vote for Policies makes it easy to compare what the political parties are promising to do. It helps you make an informed, unbiased decision about who to vote for. Find out which party you really support...

Election leaflets were sent to residents of Gheluvelt Court in the post because it is difficult for non-residents to enter the premises. Neil Laurenson, candidate for St. Stephen ward, said:

"For a while it looked like we wouldn't be able to buy enough stamps, which ultimately could have had an effect on the result of the election. What's more, the increase in price of stamps is likely to have an effect on local businesses."

Neil Laurenson, candidate for the ward, said:

"I'm really proud of the effort that people have put into the campaign, and I'm proud of the latest leaflet, which indicates how busy we have been in the area over the past couple of years."

"Vote Green posters are never going to win an election by themselves, however many are put up by green minded sympathisers, but they do help to keep up the momentum and should help to increase turn out on the day." - said Louis Stephen, Campaign Manager for Worcester Green Party.

If you are already a Green Voter why not encourage others to support us on the day too by putting up a poster? You can email us at Louis.Stephen@WorcesterGreenParty.org.uk or call us on 01905 359 509 and we will drop one round for you.

Neil said: "I was impressed with how well-organised the litter-pick was, and in a very short space of time, we collected a lot of rubbish."

Worcester Green Party Candidates.

The British Medical Association said just last week that the reforms would be 'irreversibly damaging to the NHS' and emphasised the 'widespread opposition across the NHS workforce'.

The government has refused to abandon the bill in spite of the overwhelming levels of public and professional discontent. It is therefore essential to increase the pressure yet further as the terrifying prospect of a virtual privatisation of the NHS edges ever closer.

In the context of such evidence and anger, is it possible to conclude that the government is doing anything other than pursuing the policy for the exclusive benefit of its own members and Tory funders? The bill would entail the privatisation (i.e. the end) of the NHS. Privatisation is about making profits out of existing services for private shareholders, not making sure that people get the best care possible.

Robert told the Worcester Standard: "It looks very disappointing. Only seven years on from major expenditure it really should be looking a lot better." Hopefully appropriate checks will be put in place to prevent the situation once more deteriorating through lack of proper attention or failure to keep on top of private utility companies.

See http://www.worcesterstandard.co.uk/2012/02/09/news-'Patchy'-High-Street-to-be-resurfaced-29673.html for the full story.

Neil Laurenson represented the Green Party at a well-attended public debate organised by Revered Fiona Haworth from the University of Worcester, which was held at St John's Church on Bromyard Road on 8th February.

Neil said: "It was good to hear different perspectives on Christianity and capitalism. If Christianity means a belief in behaving decently and looking after each other, then capitalism in its current form is certainly not compatible. Indeed, neoliberalism and the pursuit of infinite growth on a finite planet will make life misery for even more people. We need an economic system that places a concern for others at its heart.”

What subject would you like to discuss at the next policy in the pub meeting?

Neil and others in Worcester Green Party believe that the main beneficiaries of the decision, which is yet to be endorsed by the secretary of state, Eric Pickles, will be the developers, St. Modwen, who would probably introduce commercial development along Nunnery Way to the detriment of the city centre shops and commercial centre of Worcester.

At the meeting concerns were also raised about parking on match days, as the chairman of the club has confirmed that parking would not be free, which would likely lead to people parking on surrounding streets, therefore exacerbating the existing parking problems in relation to the hospital. Surely there are alternatives to building a new ground, which could lead to the club going bust?

You can read more here:

http://www.worcesterstandard.co.uk/2012/01/06/news-Safety-fears-spark-call-for-action-25998.html

Green Party members joined hundreds of people who marched through Worcester City Centre to voice their anger at the government's attack on public sector pensions.  

Prior to the national strike, the BBC commissioned a poll which suggested that 61% of people believe public sector workers are justified in going on strike over pension changes. Indeed, there seemed to be a lot of support from people in Worcester on the day.

Neil Laurenson, Green Party candidate for St. Stephen ward, said: "The government is yet again using a crisis caused by the private sector to heap misery upon public sector workers, who, after years of contributing to their communities, simply want to enjoy a worthwhile retirement. The repeated misinformation from MPs who actually do have very generous pensions is as infuriating as it is hypocritical. We must continue to campaign for fair pensions for all."

According to the county council, there are 280 areas within Worcestershire with multiple reported incidents, with the area of Bilford Road from the Astwood Road bend until the bridge being at 244 on the list.

The data only covers incidents that the police are aware of - the figures did not include the elderly lady who was hospitalised, nor the elderly gentleman killed on Bilford Road in 2003.

At the meeting that Neil arranged with Councillor Mary Drinkwater and a member of the Highways Department on 31st October, potential solutions for making the road safer were raised, but the Council took the view that nothing can be done due to some technical reasons.

Several residents have since contacted Neil to raise concerns, as they have personally witnessed accidents or near-accidents on Bilford Road. Neil will continue to press the council into making the road safer.

Neil consulted residents to see if they would be in favour of lowering the local speed limit from 30mph to 20mph, as several residents had raised concerns about speeding.

64% of people who expressed a preference were in favour of lowering the speed limit.

As this is not an overwhelming majority, Neil will continue to encourage the County Council to come up with some solutions to the various traffic and speeding issues on the estate, making sure that the Council does not take action until any options are put to residents in a consultation. 

Neil Laurenson and other Green Party members are consulting local residents living near the Tudor Grange School to find out whether they want their road to have a 20 mph limit. If enough people are in favour, he will lobby the the County Council to extend the current 20 mph zone (the green area on the map below).

Our 20 mph campaign is being supported by the campaigning organisation 20's Plenty For Us. To find out more about the benefits of having a 20 mph zone where you live, visit their website at www.20splentyforus.org.uk.

20's Plenty For Us from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

Date: 18 October 2011
Time: 18:15 - 19:45
Location: Urwin lecture theatre EEG087, University of Worcester St John's Campus, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ

University of Worcester host a free screening at 6:15pm on 18th October

Join Worcester Green Party members at this free screening at University of Worcester.

What is "Just Do It"?

Just Do It is a documentary that lifts the lid on climate activism. On October 18th, the organisers are aiming for more people to see Just Do It in a single day than throughout the entire theatrical release. The film will be screened in almost 100 universities across the UK, for FREE, open to both students and members of the public. It's a great opportunity for as many people to see the film as possible.

See justdoitfilm.com/university-of-worcester-615pm  for more information. Hope to see you there.