On 12th April, Dr Caroline Lucas MEP came to Forest Row to launch the Forest Row Local Election Manifesto.
Traffic
The best strategy for Forest Row is to continue to support the efforts of the Post Referendum Campaign group in East Grinstead in getting the proposed scale of the EG development reduced to a level that satisfies the needs of our local population, rather than the aspirations for economic growth promoted by central government, and imposed disproportionately on the south east. A ‘relief’ road will bring grief, as it opens the back door to large-scale, unsustainable housing developments to fund it.
We want to see better co-ordination between bus and train timetables, and more frequent evening buses, making it more convenient for commuters to leave their cars at home. We will also promote car- and lift-sharing schemes.
Support for Local Business
Forest Row already has a good mix of small businesses. We will encourage a greater diversity of retail shops so residents can meet more of their needs locally.
Support for Young People
Although there is an active Youth Group in the village, many residents have told us there isn’t enough for young people to do here and have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour. There is a proposal to install security cameras near the Community Centre: we think that will just record the symptoms of the problem rather than address the root cause. We’d like to get parents and teenagers together for a brainstorming session to see if we can help facilitate more constructive things for them to do. By strongly supporting the most vulnerable 13 to 18 year age group, we can reduce their risk of falling prey to the alcohol and drug culture which leads to anti-social behaviour.
Environment
Climate Change is probably the greatest issue we will have to address in our lifetimes. Here are some examples of what Greens have done in local authorities. In Kirklees, where the housing department is led by Green councillors, solar power has been installed in council houses and care homes which represents 5% of the total domestic solar electricity generated in the country and provides tenants with free energy, without an increase in council tax. Similarly in Brighton, Oxford, Norwich and many other rural districts and London boroughs, councils run by the mainstream political parties have been spurred into action after losing a few seats to The Greens. There are no comparable initiatives in Wealden – we will bring pressure to change this.
Recycling
Thanks to national legislation introduced and lobbied through parliament by Friends of the Earth in 2003, requiring every authority to have kerbside recycling in place by 2010, Wealden is finally bringing this service to Forest Row in May. We will use our experience to support the Recycling Champions in ironing out any challenges during the transition.
