Adrian Hollister - Political

Smug David Betts gloats at 2,274 fines in Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:47:00 +0100

The new road layout at the Parkway in Newbury has caught out many drivers. David Betts spoke to the Newbury Weekly news saying "some people just drive about with their eyes shut". He admitted that some people had been fined multiple times. Not really fair looking at this as a cash cow, it's greedy and arrogant. We should give the cash back and perhaps issue a 'smug tax' on councillors gloating like this to make up the difference. At the very least David Betts should issue an apology and consider moving to a more suitable role.

I call on West Berks to do the right thing: Give the cash back, issue warnings (always best to educate people before punishing them) and never look on fines as income - they are a penalty and not a tax.

Fines like this should be put into a community fund and distributed in a way that helps to fix the causes of the fines and protect our communities.

Adrian Hollister
West Berkshire Green Party

Unlawful subsidies for UK Nuclear power

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:52:00 +0100

It's interesting to think that the UK could be subsidising nuclear power unlawfully. This stance raises awareness of the problem of nuclear power - there are a lot of hidden costs. It's not just the building of a plant (with all it's concrete etc), the running, or the decommissioning; its a combination of all three. We will leave a radioactive legacy for generations. Not just a few years, not even in your life time or that of your kids and grandchildren.

For all that time, we will have to actively manage the power stations and radioactive waste:
-We have to keep it secure and protected from terrorism or threats from other states. It's interesting that in London Under Attack: The Report of the Greater London Area War Risk Study, the nuclear power stations and stock piles are targeted because of the devastation they would cause to most of the country.
-We have to keep in cool and contained.
-We have to protect it from our environment. Storms, rain, earthquakes, land slips, etc. Anything can damage our storage systems and nothing is as immune as you think (re: Fukushima).
-We have to protect our environment from it. I'm not too keen on drinking contaminated water or eating foods contaminated by radioactive particles.

All of this costs money - a lot of money - and we have to pay for that and so do our future generations.

If we included these additional costs, would Nuclear power ever be seen as viable?

Daylight Savings Bill - kicked into touch by administrative process

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:21:00 +0100

Dear Sir George,

I write in reference to the recent timing out of the Daylight Saving Bill. It seems a disappointing state of affairs when a significant minority can destroy democracy in action. 140 MPs turned up to vote in favour of the Daylight Saving Bill and only 16 voted against, but those against talked for so long that the bill ran out of it's allocated time. To use administrative process to block the bills progress seems petty and anti-democratic.

Clearly there is a substantial process and administrative problem with the way bills are handled in parliament; something I do hope that you are working to resolve. But, given the cross party support, support from a large number of organisation and support from the general public, I do hope that you can urgently find additional government time to look at the Daylight Savings Bill (there are strong precedents for giving Private Members Bills more government time when needed).

Yours sincerely,

Adrian Hollister

cc Richard Benyon MP

This message was sent in support of 10:10’s Lighter Later campaign and the Daylight Saving Bill. http://www.lighterlater.org

Don't forget to object to the Incinerator at Chieveley

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:13:00 +0100

It's only eight days to go to have your say on the Incinerator plans at Chieveley. The Green Party and I are in complete objection to such plans. So I urge all those with an opinion on the subject to get onto the West Berkshire web site and register their opinion now!

You can find the online planning site in West Berkshire here. You will need to register, but you can see other public comments and you will get a letter in the post to confirm your opinion.

There is also a web site http://www.wbagi.org that can give you a little more detail from local residents and some details from Grundon here.

Vodafone in another massive Tax dodge

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:09:01 +0100

Private Eye have uncovered a further massive Tax dodge from Vodafone.

"£6bn… and then some
The latest major tax avoidance ruse slipped under the public radar because Vodafone stopped setting aside money in its accounts for its offshore disputes in 2006. But the agreement with HMRC, which the company said covers “all outstanding [controlled foreign companies] issues from 2001”, must have cleared the scheme (Vodafone would only say it was “confidential”), letting the company off well over £2bn plus whatever it can funnel through the set-up in future and making the Eye’s initial £6bn estimate of the cost of the dodgy deal look conservative.

The revelation also seems to contradict Hartnett’s repeated assertions that nothing less than the full force of the tax law was applied to the company, since this scheme is if anything more squarely caught by the UK’s tax laws than the Mannesmann arrangement and on its own would have brought in more than £2bn. More troubling questions, then, for the NAO and retired Judge Park."

So, Newbury based Vodafone have yet again swindled us all out of cash. Swindled, because we as a country could have used that money for investment in services, debt payment, or even reducing the tax bill for the poorest. But no, the money goes to shareholders, a good deal of which won't even be in the country. Shame on you Vodafone.

Blame culture on Teachers, no news on under performing Heads or Govenors

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:40:47 +0100

The Tory and Lib Dem government has that it plans to make it easier for head teachers in England to sack under performing staff. According to the press release it is due to go ahead from September 2012. Seems to me to be another blame culture thing - point the finger and not fix the problem. I wonder if head teachers and governors will be under the same pressure? It would be interesting if we could have a public review of head's and governors, especially around here in the Downlands of West Berkshire.

MP's should not vote on political party funding

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:13:00 +0100

Why should MP's get to vote on political party funding?

I know for sure that I personally support the change to level funding - it would open democracy in our country and it would certainly help political parties with limited budgets (such as the Green Party). How much money you have should not influence your ability to get elected. The US system is the worst case I can think of and we are moving towards it. It's not democratic, it's just a plain worship of mamon. Here in Newbury we are a US style system - you either vote Tory or their pet party the Lib Dems - at least that's what they want you to think and with the budgets they wield they can afford to buy the marketing to let the messages stick.

It is also so easy to see that donation money could be used to influence the actions our elected MP's take. There is, for example, no discrimination of where that money comes from home, abroad, extremists, faith groups, companies alike. Would you be happy for your MP to vote on stem cell research if you know their party was funded in any by businesses in that line of work? or allow them to vote on banking regulation when assisted by researchers or others from the banking industry? It's just so open to accusations of corruption that it stinks.

The only fair way, and the only way to ensure that corruption of any form is ruled out from our electoral system is to ensure that each party has the same budget to spend and ideally as little as possible.

I wonder how Richard Benyon will vote here in West Berkshire? For level political systems or to keep one that is open to accusations of corruption, waist and power hungry greed.

If you agree that things need to change, you need to vote for your local Green Party candidate - the only political party offering real ethical change. Adrian Hollister

The Green Party ahead of Liberal Democrats in new poll

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:49:43 +0200

The Green Party ahead of Liberal Democrats in new poll

The Green Party are surging ahead of the Liberal Democrats according to the latest voter intention figures published by ComRes. Public support for the Liberal Democrats has declined dramatically thanks to a growing disillusionment with the coalition government over controversial NHS reforms, cuts in housing and education and a U-turn on tuition fees.

The report coincides with another election poll released earlier this year by polling company, Marketing Means, which revealed a large swing to the Green Party in March this year. However, while previous voter intention surveys such as Market Means have indicated the Green vote is increasing, the new ComRes report which came out on the 16th October 2011 proves that the Green Party is now a real alternative for traditionally Liberal Democrat voters.

Caroline Lucas, leader of the Green Party recently called on disaffected Liberal Democrats to look to the Greens, saying:

"I have a special message for those Lib Dem supporters who are beginning to despair of the path their leadership has taken them down. If you became involved in politics to serve your local community, to protect the environment, or to challenge inequality, then join us.”

The ComRes report coincides with another election poll released in March this year by polling company, Marketing Means which revealed a large swing to the Green Party.

The report shows when asked if voting were compulsory, 7% of those asked would vote Green, where only 6% would vote Lib Dem. The same question indicated a decrease in support for the Conservative Party, with 15% choosing Labour compared to 13% saying they would probably vote Conservative.

General Apathy for Academy Status

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 23:47:00 +0200

With fascination I've been following the mini Poll on the Newbury Today web site - "Are you in favour of schools receiving Academy status?" The results (to date) show a general apathy towards the whole Academy scheme with more than half not bothered if their schools change.

Rachel Fryer, the Greens' education spokesperson, has a good summary of why people should care: "The Green Party has always spoken in favour of greater freedom for the school to decide how it is run. However this does not and must not mean putting the running of the school into the hands of a private sponsor who may know nothing or very little about education, and taking the power away from parents and teachers who have little representation on the governing body at an Academy."

"Academies can see principals paid in excess of £120,000 whilst there is a high turnover of valued and committed staff lower down the pay scale as they are invited to reapply for their jobs on different pay scales."

"Time and again Greens and others have asked why the freedoms and funding attached to Academies cannot be given without the strings of creeping privatisation and millionaire sponsors attached. Yet no answer is given."

"With the proposals of up to 25% cuts across local authorities, inevitably affecting front-line staff including teachers, we could be facing the situation of having new buildings without the teachers to go in them. Let's give the money directly to schools through greater investment and through bringing back BSF (Building Schools for the Future) money, trusting schools and teachers to know the best way to spend money to improve education."

Adrian Hollister
Newbury & West Berkshire Green Party

Another stinking filthy First Great Western train from Paddington

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:51:00 +0200

As Mrs Thatcherput it: "Any man who rides a bus to work after the age of 30 can counthimself a failure in life". In an attempt to kill public transport, Conservative governments have put in place public transport systems that are designed to make profit. They are not designed to serve their users with the best and most cost effective journey - they are just interested in profit. There is in no competition between rail operators in Newbury. We have only one incumbant supplier who's worries all come from the shareholder and not the rail user. So is there any surprise when the rail operators - First Great Western - look to cram as much profit (people) into each train?

The utilitarian state of our rail stations, trains and station facilities (such as parking) also deter people from the train network. Up until very recently, the car park in Newbury would fill with rain making it impossible to walk with dry feet from the car to the station; seats and facilities are refreshed but in a cold almost military way (where is the Newbury in our station?); and staff seem demoralised.

You can get an idea of the state of trains from the one I was on the other day… https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150275670839736&set=a.411882899735.185075.609674735&type=1&ref=nf

What we need is very simple:

-Stations that reflect the community they serve
-Train's that cost effectively provide clean comfortable seats for all
-Simple train fares that don't penalise buy on the day ticket prices

How about:
-Train tickets that include the seat number at purchase - if there are no seats left TOC should pay fines for standing customers.
-Train tickets by default include the cost of parking (until the rest of the transport system is functional this is an essential stop gap that will atract more people)
-Seat configurations that allow commuters and business people enough space to work (working on a train in standard is almost impossible)
-Family spaces that can actually support families (I've never managed to get our lot into a single group of seats - we always have to spread out down the train in different seats or stand)

Can the Tories and Liberal Democrats do this? I doubt it, they lack the vision and the ability to deliver.

For the moment, I can only hope that when the next government is elected people remember that they voted for this mess, and to vote with their feet.

Adrian Hollister
West Berkshire Green Party

Newbury Greens at #26March in London

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 22:15:00 +0100

Newbury Greens travelled with friends and members of other political parties to the march in London today. What a great event. Pictures and write up to follow.

Dear Richard Benyon, why do you insist we need new nukes?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:03:16 +0100

Dear Richard Benyon,

It's clear that the cold war is over and spending a vast amounts of money on a new generation of nuclear weapons does not make the UK or the world a safer place.

In the 21st century we need an army (with boots) that are flexible enough to deal with security threats (primarily terrorism), peace keeping duties (and potentially interventions) and humanitarian missions, such as helping dealing with the aftermath of the Tsunami in Japan.

Through an FOI request (http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/files/gpuk/mod_trident_foi_2010_jan.pdf) it has been shown that the MoD are already purchasing parts for the next generation of nuclear weapons systems.

I note that you are strongly in favour of nuclear weapons but your coalition government announced a deferral of the decision to renew the nuclear submarine fleet (something that seems essential for the new range of nuclear weapons systems) until 2016.

I would appreciate an understanding of your position on EDM1477 - is this something that you agree with? I would also appreciate confirmation on the coalition government's stance on renewal of nuclear weapons - it seems to me very confused.

Lastly, I would also like to understand how you came to the judgement that nuclear weapons are in the best interests of our country - I have yet to see or read a rational unemotional justification.

Yours sincerely,

Adrian Hollister

Call for 50mph speed limit on A34 in Berkshire

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:05:27 +0100

Yet again there were more accidents on the A34 running past Newbury in West Berkshire. Weekly, if not daily there seem to be accidents involving the short slip roads or the slow and winding hill based section running through the downlands past East Ilsley. Both seem to cause traffic to slow down well below 70 often blocking both lanes leaving other traffic to panic, this is made worse by those selfish few driving faster than the conditions allow.

Why don't we just mandate a slower speed limit through Berkshire on the A34? Average speed camera's are often described as safety cameras, here is a real example where safety would undoubtedly improved.

So come on West Berkshire Council, improve our environment, our safety and save a bit of the environment too: reduce the speed limit on the A34 through Berkshire to 50mph.

Adrian Hollister.

West Berks local Green speaks in House of Commons

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:41:48 +0100

Newbury and West Berkshire Green Party member Miriam Kennet gave a speech in the House of Commons this week on changing the model of economics and business so that goods are no longer built with built in obsolence but everyone is encouraged to reuse recycle and repair things that once they would have thrown away. The capitol expenditure cost savings for local business would be significant.

The speech was hosted by COMTEK which specialises in preventing E waste. The local company The Green Ecnonomics Institute, with 3 offices in Reading help mobile phones to be recycled from the Thames Valley and given to people, to hospitals and schools in countries like Togo where people cant afford telephones. The evening also discussed how larger companies are lobbying against this initiative and how smaller companies can benefit and how open source is a very green idea.

Repairing computers is now becoming one of the fastest growing industries and the new ideas of recycling and reusing even computer applications was introduced. The evening held on the terrace at the House of Commons also featured the Carbon Trust, Computer Aid and many people from the telecoms, computer industry.

For further information and for press enquiries please email local member Miriam Kennet.

We should back the wind turbine at Sheepdrove

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 01:00:21 +0100

With oil prices again on the rise and a real prospect of oil prices sticking at ever increasing levels, people have again begun to start thinking about the mortality of the current energy sources. Here in West Berkshire there are protests going on for a small wind turbine at Sheepdrove farm in Lambourn. Short sighted people often called NIMBY's (Not In My Back Yard) moan about how it would scare horses, kill flocks of birds, produce noise and ruin their land scape (none of these points are, IMHO, real issues). These are, of course, the very people driving car's, running oil central heating and very much like their electricity supply thank you. These are also, of course, the very people that would be first in line to complain when the energy they use becomes too expensive.

Already we have seen here in West Berkshire's downlands how the villages here have been hit by the high oil prices. Lambourn, Great Shefford, Chaddleworth, the Ilsley's and more are all vulnerable as their sources of energy for heating and hot water are seemingly limited. There is no gas up here so everyone is blighted by the high oil prices... oil for heating, bottled gas, electricity and coal/wood all have undergone a bizarre uplift following the price of oil. Competition, it seems, is again not the answer.

Despite this, there still seems to be a short sighted approach to renewable energies here in West Berkshire. Why do all new houses in West Berkshire not include solar powered solar hot water heating? A simple and relatively cheap measure for the developers, but the long term benefit to our community and our society would be dramatic. Why not embrace the use of local renewable energies? If every farm the size of Sheepdrove had it's own wind turbine able to produce 50-100kW, not only would be farms start to become electricity neutral, but the times of domestic high demand are not in common with times of commercial farming high demand - allowing excess electricity to be ploughed back into the local community ensuring a good sustainable supply.

Many people saw and endured real hardship after the second world war - during these times people knew how to re-use, repair, and recycle. We seem to have forgotten this, and people now resist a sustainable future for their children and their grandchildren. Odd, in my mind, that people would be so careless about the people they love and know, assuming that someone else can solve the problem elsewhere. I wonder where they think future energy will come from? I wonder if they have thought that the next world war could be over energy? where would we as a nation stand in an energy war? a question for another blog entry I think.

Adrian Hollister

Some links:
Lambourn Web site
Newbury Today Article

Incinerator heading for Chieveley & Curridge near Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 16:06:00 +0100

The planned incinerator plant near the M4 north of Newbury has rightly raised eyebrows from the locals in West Berkshire. The idea is to put the incinerator in an old quarry and ship vast quantities of waste to the plant to be burnt. It generates some net new electricity, but also stock piles vast quantities of nasty toxic chemicals and puts a whole bunch more into the air. Local residents of the downlands in West Berkshire are right to be concerned. The downlands are one of the last unspoilt parts of our country, with the legendary Ridgeway running through it's heart. The downlands supports farms with some of the highest animal welfare standards, studs, business and houses with a well knitted community. What Grundon are proposing directly attacks at the heart of the community here.

I am sure I will write more about this subject here, but for the moment here is a quick quote:

"Why anyone would want to pollute West Berkshire with additional CO2, toxins and ash is beyond me - the residents of Chieveley and the downlands area of north Berkshire have my complete support rejecting
this idea.

The re-branding of incineration of waste to environmentally friendly power production is a misnomer - Greens worldwide oppose incineration because rather than eliminate waste it encourages waste production and in the process creates dangerous, health threatening toxic by-products, which then have to be dumped. It's also an inefficient method of producing energy. A hierarchy of techniques with reduction, reuse and recycling is inherently more preferable to burial or incineration.

We must as a society reduce the amount of waste we produce and aim for a 'zero-waste' strategy (as has been successfully implemented in parts of (Canada and Australia). Good waste prevention and minimization would eliminate the need for this facility.

Adrian Hollister. "

If you would like to contact me on this or any other issue, please call-in, phone, or use the 'Contact Me' in the left side bar.

Stagnation in charitable trusts whilst big society flops around

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 02:44:16 +0100

I do love walking, quite often starting out on a short stroll with the dogs ends up with hours of rambling investigating areas I've never walked before or revisiting areas that are interesting. Two of my favorite areas are the Kennet and Avon Canal (Bedwyn to Newbury) and the Ridgeway (Goring to Lambourn). These are great walks in fantastic locations and your never too far from a village pub for a relaxing moment. I do wonder though, who in David Cameron's big society will be maintaining these AONB and areas of outstanding recreational opportunity?

I know the Kennet and Avon Canal trust will be doing everything they can, but with funding cut to the bone on all of these charitable trusts, I just can't see how they are going to get an army of volunteers to give up a four hours or so a week to help maintain it all.

The K&A Canal already shows signs of wear and in areas is in need of urgent repair. I can understand why trusts are relucant to put money into projects as they really don't know if, after March 28th (budget), they will still have a role or have any funding. So we sit and largely stagnate whilst the big society flops around us – costing the tax payers more than it could ever save.

On the North Wessex Downs AONB there is the wonderful Ridgeway trail. Despite a vehicle ban, it also suffers significant erosion and need for repair. Cars and motorbikes regularly rip up the fragile right of way, horses do their part too – with sections so muddy and ripped up by the hooves of horses that walkers and cyclists are forced into the bushes further extending the erosion.

There are sections where I can stand on the eroded path with the natural land higher than my shoulders above me. Where, David Cameron, are you going to find the money, resources and labour to fix these delicate and utterly unique parts of our country?

I fear that in the rush for political change the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have in effect thrown assets like this into the bin. Off the agenda and into the forgotten pile. Clearly we need more Greens in government – local and central. We need to keep reminding ourselves that money is not everything in life – our health, well-being, friends and society matter more than pounds saved (or squandered on the rich).

Selling UK plc facilitates foreign ownership and influence

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 23:46:38 +0100

Selling the countries silver puts us all in the hands of private companies who's incentive is a combination of greedy profit and social/political control. Too radical a thought? Of course it's not, but it is something that we don't like to talk about. Now go on try to show how the UK is not one controlled utterly by the private goals of foreign regimes.

EMA heading to scrap heap - poorest hit yet again

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:17:00 +0100

How conned the people of Newbury and West Berkshire must feel. At every opportunity the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats go back on their election pledges. The EMA allowance was brought up several times in the hustings, with both parties pledging to invest more in education and keep education open to all. But how times change. Under the pretence that this is paying off our nations debts, both parties are intent on selling the future of our knowledge economy to pay for tax benefits for the super rich (1).

The Green Party have been clear all along – education must be open to all. Adrian Hollister from the Green Party in Newbury said, “The scrapping of the EMA is a clear attempt by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat government to exclude education, through financial burden, to poorer members of our society. Their obsession with reducing the national debt whilst conceding tax benefits to the super rich (1) demonstrates that their agenda is not a genuine attempt to help every member of our society.

The Green Party will continue to oppose their strategy and will continue to fight for a fair and inclusive society. Is is not too far a stretch of the imagination to see that if the Tory and Lib Dem's are allowed to continue their big business and super rich agenda, education and healthcare will only be available to those with enough disposable income to pay for it. The poor will once again be excluded and social mobility eradicated. This throw back to the Victorian era must not be allowed to happen.”

1. Tax cuts for the super rich include ways of avoiding paying inheritance tax http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/consult_age_75_annuity_responses.pdf

Barmy bankers big bonus bonanza

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:49:13 +0100

How can you claim to be looking to save every penny and pay back the UK debt pile, if you are giving bankers - the cause of our recent recession - license to print money in large bonus' for it's staff? The Conservative/Lib Dem clear "big business/rich people" agenda is seeping through so that even the most die hard Times/Daily Mail reader can see. There was an opportunity here to push the excessive bonus tax for another year, it would help repay our debts and curb unsustainable targets. The banks were clearly happy to pay it and the staff were clearly happy to still have a job (and some bonus). Even easier, the Green Party way forward is simple to administer and monitor - cap state owned bankers bonus levels at £25K with a view to phase them out asap.

Old comment from Adrian Hollister - compensation always drives behaviour. If we are setting targets for people with big payouts attached to them, they are generally going to do all they can to achieve the targets to get the payouts. If you have to pay bonus monies, set the targets to be fair, ethical, and sustainable.

Environmental impact of rentals needs improvement

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 17:37:00 +0100

There should an obligation on landlords to do the best they can for their tenants and the community in which the tenants live - at least their should be and at the very least there should be a moral obligation. I may be optimistic here though - the Tories and their Liberal Democrat partners in crime are doing their very best to change us into as selfish and self centred a society as mad Maggie did many years ago.

I've been speaking to people throughout the West Berkshire downlands about rental properties and the big divide between those properties provided by the housing association and private landlords. In my quick poll of people it seem that housing association has a much higher quality of rental properties - certainly in terms of environmental and tenant welfare issues. I've not yet spoken to a tenant in a housing association house that thinks their buildings are in need of an environmental upgrade. I know solar hot water feature highly in my wish list, but this would only create a bigger gap between the housing associations and private landlords.

The worst off seem to be those that cannot get a housing association house. The quality of housing stock from private landlords does seem to be terrible.

For example, whilst most now have double glazing, it's only because the old single glazing was so beyond repair it just had to be repaired to keep the property occupied. I've yet to find any private tenant that thinks their private landlord has or even would consider upgrading insulation levels to meet the minimum modern standards.

Another common example discussed is that none of these private landlords are concerned about water quality in the home, with many 60's/70's/80's properties taking drinking water still from the water tank in the loft (and as I understand this can be a great source of nasty bacteria).

So what am I suggesting? I think that the standards of the housing association should be applied to all private rental properties. There should be parity in their quality. I also think that all new and tenanted homes should be provided with a solar hot water system. Simple things like this would improve the quality of life for many of the people in our community and ensure that we continue to strive to have the best quality of life with the least impact on our environment.

For reference, you can find the Sovereign Housing strategy here.

£75 more from Jumble Sale

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 09:03:00 +0100

Made a tidy £75 for the Green Party in West Berkshire yesterday. Our jumble sale recycled a large number of items that would normally have gone to the tip, generated some funds, and was great fun for all involved. Many thanks to Pam Cooper for her organising efforts - spot on as usual!

Newbury Tories want more roads - forget people and community

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 21:55:42 +0200

What on earth are the Tories thinking in Newbury? They want to build ring road! What completely insane thoughts went through their heads - "I know we are cutting costs, so lets spend more on roads." and one can only assume that housing, community services and other vital services provided by our council would have to be cut to venture down this project. You out of date fools: it's not your worship of the motor car that we should spend money on. I keep saying that the focus should be on the quality of life for our citizens and the sustainability of our community. Clearly only the Green's in West Berkshire offer this option as the Lib Dems have whimped out on their morals.

You can find more in the Newbury Today web site.

Tory's and Lib Dems start bickering locally but agree nationally

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:51:00 +0200

Tory's and Lib Dems start bickering locally but agree nationally as reported in the Newbury Weekly News.

I am amazed at the bare faced cheek from the Newbury Liberal Democrats - they seem to forget that they are in power with the Tories. They chose to sell their objectives and morals so that they could go into power; and they did this knowing that they were joining with a party offering fundamentally different views on almost every issue. Now these differences are coming closer to the surface, local Liberal Democrat party members are being shamed into speaking out.

In the local election debates and hustings the Liberal Democrats agreed with the Green Parties assertions that "Nuclear weapons are a humanitarian, moral, legal and environmental disaster." but they could not agree on what to do with them. Their last review in April this year asserts "there are credible alternatives to the like-for-like replacement of Trident."(1) In the local hustings this seemed to vary some where between the Green Party's clearly anti-Trident stance and the Tory's clearly pro-Trident stance. In this I can only assume they hope to confuse voters enough that they wouldn't ask too many more questions on the subject (and Nuclear weapons only came up twice in our local hustings).

There is only one political party in our area that has had a consistent vision for AWE - the Green Party. During the hustings, at peoples front doors, on the radio and on numerous video interviews I have always stated that AWE is a facility with immense intellectual value - something that we should not throw away, reduce, or leave to rot over time. This vast pool of intellect could be used to push this country to the top levels of sustainability. Imaging if we did not need to rely upon imported gas, oil, coal or manufactured goods. We are an immensely creative society - we could easily invest in this

Mr Rendel mocks his political party and their coalition cuts as 'irresponsible', but it is you who is irresponsible Mr Rendel: It is irresponsible for Mr Rendel to want to see AWE whither on the vine - dead after the current generation; it is irresponsible for Mr Rendel to blame the Tories for actions in his coalition that don't make good press; but fundamentally, it is irresponsible for Mr Rendel to continue to support the Liberal Democrats when their centre left agenda was ripped up for a moment of power with the extreme right wing Tory hatchet mob.

Ultimately though, this issue will come to the people of West Berkshire to vote upon in the next local elections - Blue Tory, Yellow Tory, or a credible, honest and progressive Green Party.

The real Tory and Lib Dem agenda starts to become visible

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 02:56:03 +0200

If we ever needed evidence that the Conservative and Liberal Democrats agenda is aimed at saving only the super rich, the latest Condem announcements make it clear. Already squeezing the poor for as much as they can get away with (branded 'scroungers' or similar by the condems) the parties now set their sites at the middle class. Changes to universal benefits are in complete contrast to those proposed by the Green Party. They are also in complete contrast to the original policies of the Liberal Democrats. Their continued thirst for power at any cost still shocks me.

Clearly we have a new extreme right wing element in our politics. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats represent this disturbing change. Whilst the Labour party is lost in it's strange middle ground, the Green Party does still offer an alternative. The Green Party seems to be the only large political party party in the UK offering a an alternative that doesn't discriminate against the poorest whilst bailing out the richest. Personally, I still can't see why we need to cut so many services... if the banks and the super rich were to pay back their debt to society I'm sure that our debts would decrease very quickly.