GREEN Party members were celebrating over the weekend which saw their highest ever vote in the Stroud District Council elections and the winning of three new seats, spreading their influence across the district.
Newly re-elected Thrupp Green Councillor Martin Whiteside said:
“It is fantastic to see elected Green councillors spread out from our existing Stroud Valleys power base to Nailsworth, Coaley and Uley, and Wotton-under-Edge. Our hard working councillors' positive message of hope and determination to protect our wonderful countryside and work to create a more equal society in the face of austerity, obviously struck a chord with many voters. Greens look forward to working with other parties in the best interests of our District.”
First-time elected Green councillor for Wotton-under-Edge, Catherine Braun said,
“I’m delighted to be elected as the first Green Councillor for our ward and look forward to engaging with all community groups and residents to champion local issues.”
First-time elected Green councillor for Coaley and Uley, Jim Dewey added:
“I will actively work with local communities to implement 20mph limits and make our roads shared spaces and safer for all. I will continue to oppose the way this government has overridden local democracy to build an incinerator at Javelin Park, Stonehouse, and I will work to keep our villages as beautiful places for all to enjoy.”
Newly elected Green Councillor for Nailsworth, Norman Kay, who has been Mayor of Nailsworth commented:
"There is an immediate and important role for me protecting the green spaces of Nailsworth and Horsley from inappropriate development."
With no party in overall control of the Council, the Greens are the third largest party on the District Council, with eight seats. In the coming four years, Greens will play a critical role in guiding the overall direction of the District Council.
Re-elected Green Councillor John Marjoram, who is the longest-standing councillor from any party said:
“Having been so often in opposition in the past, it is great to get back with an increased number of councillors, and we hope to work with both Labour and the Liberal Democrats, to positively create a better future for the people who live in this district.”