Proposing the motion at Full Council, Kate Salmon said: “The Climate & Nature Bill represents the most up-to-date and science-led thinking on how the UK should tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

“The Bill, written by scientists and experts, was first introduced to Parliament in 2020, by former Green Party MP Caroline Lucas. At that time it was called the Climate & Ecology Bill, and it followed the declaration by the UK Government, and by councils across the country – including this one – of a Climate & Ecological Emergency.

“The Bill is being reintroduced to Parliament next month, with the backing of hundreds of cross-party MPs, including two of our five local MPs, peers, local authorities, experts and institutions. If passed into legislation, the Climate & Nature Bill would ensure that the UK has a plan to achieve emissions reductions, and reverse the decline of the natural world, that will actually meet the scientific need.

“Climate change and nature depletion affect us all, right now. There is an ever smaller window of opportunity for us to make the necessary changes to avoid the worst effects of catastrophic climate change. Even in the 12 days since I submitted this motion, BCP has been battered by another named storm, causing disruption and chaos, and there has been another cliff slip on our seafront as a result of heavy rainfall.

“Climate scientists predicted the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, decades ago. Today, they are simply our reality, Without urgent action at every level of government, we know from the science that the spiral of ever more extreme disruption will continue, and there will be an ever greater human cost.

“The Climate & Nature Bill represents the logical and necessary next step in the UK’s efforts to tackle the climate emergency. This motion seeks to ensure that BCP Council supports the Bill formally and publicly; that we use our influence to encourage the remaining three of our local MPs to do the same; and that we renew and strengthen our own efforts at a local level to ensure we are doing all we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and restore the natural world for the benefit of everyone who lives, works, studies or visits here. Thank you.”

Chris Rigby later commented: “I’m really keen to see the Council renewing its commitment to tackling climate change and nature depletion. We’ll be closely monitoring the response of the administration.”

Take action today – contact your MP

The post BCP Council unanimously passes Green motion to support Climate & Nature Bill appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

Kate Salmon said: “I am so, so pleased that Moordown Plus is staying open. This is a huge relief for local families who depend on the day centre to support them and their loved ones, and a real victory for our community. Closing it down would have been ludicrous given the £1 million refurbishment that took place in 2018. It’s a superb facility offering an excellent service for local residents.”

Joe Salmon questioned the evidence base for the proposal at the council meeting when the plans were first made public, while Kate reached out to decision makers and put the case for the centre to remain open. Kate organised a petition of more than 350 signatures from service users and residents, which was delivered to the portfolio holder for Health & Wellbeing.

The post Green campaign against closure succeeds: Moordown Plus Day Centre saved appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

Other equipment in the park is also long overdue for refurbishment or replacement, and Kate and Joe continue to make the case that this should be a priority for council funding.

The post Joe and Kate Salmon sort new play equipment for Moordown Rec appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

“Community is everything and we are fortunate to serve.”

The post Green councillors attend service of thanksgiving and peace at Bournemouth Community Hebrew Synagogue appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

This was alongside Simon Bull and Chris Rigby being safely returned in WINTON EAST with even bigger vote shares and majority percentages than last time.

Moordown

This was Kate Salmon and Joe Salmon’s moment of resounding victory, taking two Conservative seats.

Kate Salmon says: “A HUGE thank you to everyone in Moordown for your faith in us. We are so ready to get started with the real work now – speaking up for you and doing everything we can to tackle the issues you’ve raised with us. We’re proud to be part of such a brilliant local community.”

Joe Salmon says: “Thanks to everyone who voted in the election. Kate and I are both incredibly happy to have the opportunity to represent our neighbourhood, and can’t wait to get started.”

Queen’s park & Charminster

This was the moment that Alasdair Keddie topped the poll in the Queen’s Park & Charminster ward in the BCP Council election:

Commiserations to Nicole Nagel for falling just 62 votes short of joining him on BCP Council.

Councillor Alasdair Keddie with his new ward colleague, Labour Councillor Sharon Carr-Brown. Previously Queen’s Park & Charminster had two Conservative councillors.

Alasdair wrote: “I am overjoyed… I can’t wait to get to work with Sharon Carr-Brown, in service to our local community.”

Councillor Alasdair Keddie is a long-time close friend and activist colleague of Councillor Chris Rigby.

There had been emotional scenes in the count hall after several hours of tension at the Queen’s Park & Charminster ward count tables, as Chris embraced Alasdair when the provisional official news of Alasdair’s closeish but clear victory first came through.

They can’t wait to work together on BCP Council!

Winton east

This was the moment Simon Bull and Chris Rigby were safely returned, with even bigger vote shares and majorities than in 2019:

Simon Bull commented: “Thank you so much to the residents of Winton East. Chris Rigby and I are so humbled by your support and we will continue to do our best for the ward and the wider BCP area. We are joined by three new Green councillors – they will work hard for their wards and BCP.”

Chris Rigby writes: “I love this photo! 4 years ago I was a nervous wreck on stage and afterwards my hand shaking so bad I could barely sign all the paperwork to officially make me a councillor.

“This time I was also nervous, but focused, and filled with purpose. With three new Green colleagues joining Simon and I, and with their wards bordering Winton East there is no limit on what we can achieve together. Somebody yesterday described it as the green heart of Bournemouth and I like that a lot.”

“THANK YOU to everyone who made this possible, by going out and voting Green. Both Simon and I have increased majority %’s and I am so humbled and grateful for the trust you put in me to represent you and Winton East. I do not take this for granted and I’ll once again give it my all.”

East Cliff & Springbourne

In our fourth key ward of East Cliff & Springbourne, Sara Armstrong fell short by just 12 votes, taking 830 (28.9%) as Conservative councillor Anne Filer just clung on with 842 (29.3%). Labour unseated the other two Conservatives.

Commiserations to East Cliff and Springbourne Greens for coming so very close to a breakthrough with their hugely energetic ‘late surge’ ward campaign. Thank you to everyone who supported Sara, Paul and Louise in any way.

Sara Armstrong commented: “We want to thank everyone who has supported us through engagement, voting and volunteering. We remain committed to our community…… this is only the beginning.”

The Liberal Democrats won 28 of BCP Council’s 76 seats, while the Conservatives were reduced from 36 to just 12.

This means that the Lib Dems as the largest party will not be able to govern without some support from (probably) at least two other political groups.

Councillor Simon Bull chats to the presumptive new Leader of BCP Council, Councillor Vikki Slade

Green Party candidates at the very end of the all-day election count

From left to right: Paul Gray [East Cliff and Springbourne], Nick Tidiman [Boscombe West], Councillor Kate Salmon [Moordown], Louise Kenchington and Sara Armstrong [East Cliff & Springbourne], Nicole Nagel [Queen’s Park & Charminster], Councillor Chris Rigby and Councillor Simon Bull [Winton East], Councillor Alasdair Keddie [Queen’s Park & Charminster].

Photos [except the second and last ones]: Richard Crease Photography w | f | t | i 
Second photo of Kate and Joe Salmon: Steven Thomas 

The post Five BCP Green councillors elected in Bournemouth appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

 “And something that comes up time and again, is the worrying increase in the amount of dog fouling on our local streets.”

Local campaigner Joe Salmon adds: “This is a serious issue. So we’ve contacted the Council on multiple occasions about this. One thing they were considering was the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order. This would really help the Council be able to properly enforce preventative measures. However, action on this seems to have stalled due to budget pressures.”

Conservative-run BCP Council has been forced into £35.1m of budget cuts for 2023/24 – plus the maximum Council Tax rise.

Kate says: “I’ve also suggested to the Council that they consider a public information campaign to raise awareness of this issue. And they have said that they will take that forward for consideration at this time.”

The post Local dog fouling: BCP Council progress on better enforcement stalls due to budget pressures appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

Yet Moordown Green Party campaigner Kate Salmon is concerned at signs that the road is in overall bad repair. Several large cracks have appeared along the central line. Kate has reported her concerns to BCP Council and asked for early action to prevent the situation worsening.

The post Spate of potholes in Moordown: Kate Salmon pushes Council for proper Castle Road repairs appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

Kate Salmon, Green Party speaker for Moordown and a worker for an anti-poverty charity, says: “If you’re struggling with rising costs, you can call the Help Through Hardship Helpline free on 0808 208 2138, and speak to a trained Citizens Advice worker for personalised support to address your money worries.

“They can help provide support to maximise your income, help you navigate the benefits system, and identify any additional grants you could be entitled to. If needed, they’ll issue you a voucher for an emergency food parcel from a local food bank.”

Simon Bull, Green Party Councillor for Winton East, says: “Are you on a prepayment meter for your electric? Have you redeemed your voucher? Don’t miss out on the £400 available to help you: 

“Here is a link to the BCP Cost of Living webpage. As the cost of living increases it is important to be aware of the benefits, payments and support options available to you. There are local and national schemes that can help you with rent, food, energy and more.”

The post Cost of living crisis: Help is available for local residents, highlight Kate Salmon and Simon Bull appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.