The cyber park is going to be a big development within Cheltenham, and it’s important that we ensure that we push for this to be the best that it can be for the people of Cheltenham. With more than 1000 new houses, and the promise of 35% of those to be affordable, it’s also likely we’ll see a big influx of people within our town. The council are currently looking for consultation comments on the site masterplan, with submissions closing on August 28th. It’s important that everyone who wants to have their say does. You can do so by visiting the council website and clicking through to Public Access and entering the reference ’24/01268/OUT’.
The Government Needs to Pledge to Continue Nature-Friendly Farming Support
A new Natural England report that found nature-friendly farming schemes have boosted biodiversity which is to be welcomed. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and we urgently need to address the enormous risk that habitat and biodiversity loss poses to our future.
Most farmers want to do the right thing for nature and this report clearly shows that government support for nature-friendly farming pays off. Now we need to see more of it.
Farmers need reassurance, certainty, and easier access to funding for nature-friendly farming, so it is very disappointing that the Labour Government has so far refused to commit to maintaining the level of support payments.
The Green Party is urging the government to show leadership and not only commit to maintaining the current level of funding, but to listen to the many calls, including from the RSPB, National Trust and The Wildlife Trusts, for a massive increase in nature-friendly farming support.
We do not have to have an ‘either or’ between nature restoration and food production. With more leadership from the Government, we can achieve both.
It’s Time Cross Country Trains Should Lose its Licence to Operate
The fact Cross Country Trains, which is the main train operator using Cheltenham Spa station, is having to implement a reduced timetable due to performance failures, should prompt the new government to look to remove its licence once and for all.
Cross Country has been one of the worst performing train operators in the country in recent years. It is another example of failed privatisation. And rather than fares which subsidise the dividends of its parent company, Deutsche Bahn, it is time we had a service which is reliable and owned and run for the good of the country.