Shepway Friends of the Earth Activity Bulletin - September 2002

The "activity " in the heading will, we hope, include you! The Steering Group is doing it's best to keep the 'green' discussion going in the media, but we need help from the whole group if we are to win the arguments on a number of hot topics. Are there any members who are willing to write letters, either to decision making bodies or the local press? " Wind Power versus Nuclear power - See Greenpeace leaflet enclosed. It is absolutely vital to write to the Government (or fill in the on-line DTI energy debate questionnaire at energydebate@dti.gsi.gov.uk) NOW during the consultation period on the Energy Review in view of the Energy Minister's stated preference to keep the nuclear option open (Could it be because he has a nuclear power station in his constituency?). DEADLINE FOR THIS IS 13 SEPTEMBER - DON'T DELAY. " GM crops There have been discussions in the local press over a proposed GM trial site near Ivychurch. Following local pressure the farmer has wisely decided not to proceed at the moment. However, we need to be vigilant - there is another GM trial site near High Halden, Ashford that is still going ahead. Others may "crop up in our patch"! We should keep the debate going in the local press. " Recycling Proposals for a waste incinerator at Richborough were initially seen off by objectors but have not admitted defeat. If such a facility were to be built, waste would be drawn from Shepway amongst other districts to feed its requirement for fuel in order to make it cost-effective, thereby blowing away local recycling initiatives. We need to keep up the pressure on our own District and County Councillors to ensure that they oppose incineration in favour of more enthusiastic support for recycling schemes and higher targets. Again, keep the letters flowing to the local press. " Transport The report from SOCCOM seemed to make the comments we were hoping to hear for our area, but more recently the Government has announced that the Ashford to Hastings railway line will not be electrified in the near future. We need to keep hammering home our priorities for integrated public transport and facilities for cyclists and walkers. " Housing developments on green belt areas (possible knock-on effects from the decision to develop at Ashford) Expansion is rumoured to be on a scale at Ashford so large that it will involve impacts on neighbouring districts of Shepway (Folkestone and Hythe) and Canterbury. It is suggested that expansion occur along the A28 to Canterbury, involving a potentially very destructive dualling of the A28, and along the rail corridor to Folkestone. Anyone who has the time should address comments to John Prescott NOW referring to the Green Paper consultation, to try to deter him from making such plans. Mr Prescott is not contactable directly by email (so much for Open Government) but can be reached through his department in the following ways: Fax: 0207 944 6589 Planning.general@odpm.gsi.gov.uk Regplan@odpm.gsi.gov.uk Planning.policy@odpm.gsi.gov.uk Housebuilding@odpm.gsi.gov.uk * Friends of the Earth Head Office and Greenpeace have well-resourced and attributable information you may need on their internet websites to compile letters. If you do not have access to the internet, we can download the information and forward it to you. REPLY SHEET - AMEND AS NECESSARY Dear Barrie Yes, I am willing to campaign by writing to decision making bodies / and the local press** on the following topics: Perhaps you could send me information specifically on the following aspects:** I do/do not have access to the internet. My e-mail address for receiving further briefing material is: My postal address is: I am willing to take part in demonstrations or hand out leaflets to support FoE campaigns relating to the topics listed above.** I really cannot write letters or take any active part in FoE campaigns. You campaign for me, and I enclose a handsome cheque for the funds to salve my conscience.** Yours sincerely PS I look forward to coming to the next FoE meeting at 25 William Avenue, Folkestone on Thursday 19 September.** ** DELETE AS APPROPRIATE.

Secretary: Treasurer: Membership: Campaigns Coordinator Moira Stuart Penny Wright Rhona Hodges Barrie Botley Shepway FoE Steering Group

Mission Statement Shepway FoE Constitution Local Campaigns What you can do Welcome letter to new members

Friends of the Earth are working for lasting change on all these vital fronts Genetic Engineering We have long had concerns that genetic modification of food breaks nature’s safety barriers. Now not only has Prince Charles publicly agreed that genetically modified foods reduce consumer choice and damage the environment, but all the major supermarket chains have now banned their use in their own-brand products. Friends of the Earth are calling for a five-year moratorium on their use, and there is increasing public concern about the possible dangers. Nuclear Power After five years of campaigning, we have won our campaign against Nirex’s plans to site a nuclear waste dump at Sellafield. The expansion of civil nuclear power has been discredited and brought to a halt, but there will be more battles to fight to protect local communities and the environment from the possible dangers of nuclear waste Traffic Reduction Our Road Traffic Reduction Act is only a start. We now have to work with government, local councils and industry to develop sustainable transport patterns - including improved public transport, safe cycle routes, improved pedestrian facilities, and new ways of organising work to reduce unnecessary travel. Air Pollution Our recent report Prescription for Change exposed the appalling effects of air pollution, which kills some 10,000 people in England and Wales every year, and helped to alert the public. We now plan to lobby at European level for effective controls over nitrogen dioxide and ozone emissions, and for targets to be set for reducing them. Achieving this may take a great deal of time and effort, but it is essential for the nation’s health. Saving the Forests The recent Presidential decree banning new mahogany logging concessions in Brazil is a welcome step forward, but it is only one step on a long road. Climate change Climate change, caused by increasing levels of carbon dioxide and the release of other ‘greenhouse’ gases into the atmosphere, is a global disaster in the making. We played a big part in drafting the Home Energy Conservation Act, which is helping to reduce emissions. We intend to step up research into practical solutions based on the replacement of fossil fuels by alternatives such as wind, wave and solar power. Cutting down on waste In Britain, we bury 5 million tonnes of paper every year in landfill sites. Not only does this accelerate forest destruction and create growing pressure on land use; it also contributes to global climate change because rotting paper releases methane, a climate-changing gas.

Would you like to know more, or perhaps become a member of Shepway Friends of the Earth? Annual membership costs £6 (waged) or £2.50 (unwaged); you will receive a regular newsletter and have the opportunity to join in our campaigns. We can be contacted at: 3 Abbott Road, FOLKESTONE, Kent CT20 1NG Telephone (01303) 257046

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE