16 Mar 2012

Anonymous asked: What is the latest on the fight to save Bethesda Field in Rogerstone?

On the subject of Bethesda Field, I acted in an advisory capacity only. However, the campaign website is quite informative http://www.save-bethesda-field.co.uk/ and I see the matter has now gone to a Public Enquiry.

All the contact details are also on the website, so I suggest the enquirer contacts the campaign direct,

Regards, Pippa

Is Economic Growth an Illusion?

6 Mar 2012

How much of the economic growth of the past 60 years is an illusion, created by levels of borrowing – financial and ecological – which cannot be sustained?

Our economy and ecological well being are strongly linked. As the economy grows so does the rate of almost everything destructive to the ecology. From deforestation, extraction of resources and the raising of cattle to emissions of carbon dioxide.

We have an economic crisis and we are reaching limits to economic growth in the West. According to the news, corporate power and most politicians, this is the only crisis we face.

However, another major crisis threatens our world. The ecological crisis. It threatens all life on Earth. This crisis has been created by the pursuit of the impossible dream of continued growth. We have inflicted more damage to the planet since 1950 than in the previous 100,000 years.

The current economic system cannot address the environmental crisis of it’s own making. Promises that economic growth and environmental damage could be decoupled have rung hollow.
Governments continue to respond to the crisis by seeking increased economic growth. This only delays and enlarges the underlying problems.

With the ongoing financial crisis, we are at last beginning to talk about things that seemed impossible while the illusion lasted: equality and an end to growth.

Growth and the need to encourage it is the problem. We need a stable, growthless economy which avoids both financial and ecological collapse.

Alternative Development for Mill Street

6 Mar 2012

Greens in Aberystwyth have been in the forefront of campaigning for an alternative to the County Council’s plan for a new retail development on the Mill Street car park.

Tim Foster, the Green Party Council Candidate for Rheidol Ward said: “The whole process has been very opaque. About four years ago the Cabinet of Ceredigion County Council (CCC) took a decision to encourage development on the site of Mill Street Car park the most convenient for the centre of Aberystwyth.

On 13th October 2011 Ceredigion Council issued a statement naming the successful bidder as developers Chelverton of Bristol in conjunction with the supermarket chain Tesco.

Campaign groups like Aberystwyth Friends of the Earth are ardently opposed to any new supermarkets opening in the town. A spokesperson said that supermarkets bleed local businesses dry and local producers can not supply them. They destroy local economies.

Cymdeithas Yr Iaith (the Welsh language society) are also unhappy pointing out that supermarkets undermine the sustainability of local communities and as a result the future of the language.

Mr. Foster explained that, “Supermarkets are renowned for not supporting farmers and undermining local businesses. These corprations push prices paid to producers down bringing us ‘cheap’ food.”

“The arrival of more supermarkets in Aberystwyth could threaten the future of many local businesses not just in Aberystwyth but in North Ceredigion.

“Like all corporations they suck money out of the local economy to make profits for distant share holders. Unlike local businesses which are likely to re-spend money locally.
“Ceredigion council seems set on destroying a lot of what is valued in the area. We need real progress not this madness.”

Historic laying of first White Poppy wreath in Newport

6 Mar 2012

History was made on Rembrance Day in Newport when a White Poppy wreath was laid alongside red poppies at the official British Legion Ceremony.

Wales Green Party Leader, Pippa Bartolotti had initially arranged for the White Poppy wreath to be laid after the ceremony, but when she approached the British Legion they invited her to join the main event. ‘This really is a first’ said Pippa Bartolotti. ‘Times are changing, and people who see our servicemen and women maimed and killed, are now openly considering that there are ways other than war to solve our difficulties.’ The Peace Poppies are Newport’s way of sending a message about the alternatives. ‘We are indebted to the courageous people of the Newport British Legion who are pointing the way to a more open, more thoughtful society.’ She said.

Incineration is No Solution

6 Mar 2012

The Stop Newport Incinerator Campaign (SNIC) has been remarkably successful in getting the Wales Government to think again about incineration as a solution to reducing landfill. The poorly conceived Prosiect Gwyrdd is for the first time being called into question. Incinerators planned to take the waste from 5 local authorities: Newport, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. Each had their own campaign groups, who joined together at the Senydd on 15th November to have their votes heard.

The result of these combined actions was twofold. Firstly , the Petitions Committee announced on the 16th November that they would accept information regarding other methods of disposing of waste, and secondly, the Prosiect Gwyrdd Joint Scrutiny Committee requested evidence on the effects of incinerated toxins on human health and the environment.

This is a terrific outcome, and the first stage of our fight to have our health concerns properly validated.”