15th April 2006

MAKING PROGRESS
Launch of Oxford Green Party’s Local Election Manifesto

Oxford Green Party is launching its 2006 election manifesto on the steps of the Town Hall, St. Aldate’s 9am on Tuesday 18th April when candidates will be available for a photo opportunity.

The manifesto, Making Progress sets out a full range of policies for improving the local economy, quality of life and environment within and around Oxford. Full manifesto on www.greenoxford.com (under ‘Publications’).

This year, the Greens are focusing on four Citywide themes which link into
their last, fully costed, City Council budget presented earlier this year:

·      More affordable, high quality housing
·      Greener transport – safer transport
·      Less waste, more recycling and a cleaner City
·      A more responsible, democratic Council

“Oxford’s air is badly polluted, we have an insufficient number of affordable homes, an appalling record on recycling and poor quality services. Just a few good reasons to vote Green.” Cllr Craig Simmons, City Council Green Group Leader.

“Despite the Council’s overall poor performance, the Greens have used their influence to make many positive improvements as evidenced by Green budget successes. Over £2m of new social and environmental initiatives have been approved without an additional increases in Council Tax.” Cllr Sushila Dhall, Green Party Councillor

Based on last year’s record County success, when the Greens won five of the sixteen County seats in the City, the Greens are hoping to increase their representation this year with a number of strong candidates standing in winnable seats. The Greens are also defending four of their seven seats – all of which they are expecting to hold.

Some of the Wards to watch:

· David Williams, formerly a Labour Councillor for 20 years, is standing in Iffley Fields where the Greens already hold the other seat. Labour are standing an unknown following the retirement of long-standing Councillor Bill Baker.

· Chris Goodall, a well known and respected campaigner in North Oxford, is standing in the marginal Ward of St. Margaret’s where he has previously come a close second to the Liberal Democrats – whose uninspiring performance on the Council over the last two years is bound to lose them support.

Notes to editors:

1.      Local Green Party website: www.greenoxford.com
2.      England and Wales Green Party website: www.greenparty.org.uk

Further information, interviews:
Oxford Green Party: 01865 202257, 0773 980 3047
Green Party national press office: 020 7561 0282

ENDS