REDDITCH Greens are urging people to think of the future and vote for them in the coming local elections on May 6.
The call comes as the latest ‘State of the Global Climate’ 2020 report issued this week highlights growing greenhouse gas concentrations, increasing land and ocean temperatures, rising sea levels, melting ice and glacier retreat and extreme weather.
Local leader of the Greens, Claire Davies, said: “Greens have consistently led the way in fighting for a better and more sustainable future for us all.
“This can be seen by the other parties adopting our ideas.
“But to drive real change Greens need to be at the top table and that’s why we are asking for your vote.”
A party steeped in the local community, she said the Greens would support and work in partnership with community organisations, to tackle the issues faced by local people, and to ensure every person has the best possible chance in life.
She added the Greens would also ensure any proposed changes to open green spaces in the town would go thorough public consultation first.
“We also believe that any new-build housing should be carbon-neutral, designed to enhance community, create a sense of place, with the required infrastructure in place,” said Claire.
“There should be a greater provision of affordable homes, and opportunities to work with local building firms, with emphasis on using empty buildings as new homes.”
The party also believes now is a perfect opportunity to kick-start a ‘green recovery’ by supporting local businesses to improve ways of working, and encourage the town to plug-in to up and coming green sector jobs.
It would also create a ‘citizens’ panel’ to find ways locally to tackle the climate emergency.
On transport the Greens are calling for a wide-ranging approach to getting around, one that is safe, affordable and efficient, offering a practical alternative to driving.
On the proposed redevelopment of Redditch town centre they say they would fight to ensure facilities at the library would not be compromised.
They would also call upon borough and county councils to divest their investments from the fossil fuel industry.
“We all know change takes a long time to produce results but time is the one thing we haven’t got, which is why people should vote Green on May 6,” said Claire.
