Thank You

I'd like to thank the 647 people in Chorlton ward who voted Green in the Council elections, 11.7% of the vote. I know how hard the Labour and Liberal Democrat candidates fought for your vote, with more resources than I was able to muster, and I know that many other people who might vote voted Green will have voted tactically to achieve a particular result.

I'd like to commiserate with defeated Liberal Democrat Councillor Paul Ankers, who in my opinion has been a good hard-working councillor, and someone whose personal views I felt I often agreed with. His defeat was not his fault; like many of his colleagues he was the victim of anger in the electorate over what they saw as his Party's betrayal of their promises and their propping up of a hated Tory Government.

I'd like to congratulate the victorious Matt Strong (on his 'strong' campaign?), but I'd also like him to remember the widespread support which the voters of Chorlton have for green issues and for social justice, as he works with his Labour colleagues on the council.

Full result in Chorlton: Labour 2964
Lib Dem 1701
Green 647
Tory 223

I'm please to see that at least Green votes far exceed Tory votes in the Chorlton area. In both Chorlton Park and Whalley Range we were also well ahead of the Tories, and in Whalley Range just 50 votes behind the Liberal Democrats.

Final point - on May 5th all 33 seats resulted in Labour victories. Whilst Labour did spectacularly well, there were still around 40% of the electorate voting for other Parties, but that resulted in no councillors for any other Party. This is bad for democracy; whilst a Yes in the AV referendum (and by my reckoning at the Count, Chorlton voted 'YES') would have made little difference to the Parliamentary arithmetic, it would at least have been an indication that people wanted change. First past the post delivers very unbalanced results, and Manchester is increasing proof of it. The need for democratic reform is very much still with us.

Greens call for cheaper bus fares

Brian Candeland and the Chorlton Greens team are calling for Manchester City Council to take advantage of new legislation and cut bus fares, improve services and boost Chorlton's economy.

Quality Contract Schemes, available from last month under the amended Local Transport Act 2008, would allow Mancunians to regain control over the quality, availability and cost of their public transport system. "Cutting bus fares is the right thing for everyone in Chorlton." says Brian, "Thousands of residents will feel the benefit in their pockets, and everybody will benefit from reduced congestion on our roads as more people take advantage of cheaper buses. This in turn will make our roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians".

Manchester's bus companies have no obligation to run services for any other reason than to make a profit. In the past decade the cost of motoring has fallen by 13% in real terms whilst bus fares have risen by 17%, while operators have cut back on bus routes that connect local people with services, health care, jobs, and neighbouring communities.

Residents of neighbouring areas currently find it easier to access the city centre rather than Chorlton, putting our local business owners at a disadvantage to large city centre companies. Making it easier for communities to the east and west of us to access Chorlton would benefit local businesses, bring new jobs to the area, and enrich our community.

"As your elected Councillor I will push the Council to improve our transport system so it works for our community and not just for the bus companies. We must take this opportunity to provide Chorlton residents with cheaper fares, better services and a safer, more pleasant environment".