Thank you for your questions regarding my views on green issues within Shepway.

Dungeness:
The power station is important to Shepway as both a local employer, and as a rates payer. To this end I believe that we should support the future of the station, without losing sight of our responsibilities towards the local environment. In order to be effective in minimising (indeed removing) pollution of any kind, we need to have involvement.

Renewable Energy:
I am totally committed to pollution free energy sources, and welcome all efforts to discover and make use of these. I do believe however that we must also consider local residents when installing these new sources. Additionally, research & development should not represent an open cheque book to extravagance.

GM Foods:
GM crops need to be better understood before I feel safe in their growth and end use.
However, I do realise that additives are extensively used in the fanning industry, and I worry more about their impact at this present time.

Emergency Plan:
I do not know of Shepway's plan, nor of the use of potassium iodate. This is a sad reflection of the publicity approach being currently adopted by the Councils.

Cycling:
I do support cycle routes but I have to say that I would need to understand what items appear on future budgets before priorities can be assessed. In principle however, I look forward to more safe use of bicycles.

Operation Stack:
HGVs on our roads is an issue that requires fundamental principles to be reviewed. As regards to 'Operation Stack', I hope police will work with agencies like Locate in Kent and the County Council to find an alternative.

Recycling:
Shepway is not doing enough to promote and provide sensible, easily accessible recycling. I believe that additional sites are needed. The Labour candidate Mr R Carpenter has agreed to our request to provide additional facilities on his own Commercial Park site in order to help the Lydd town residents.

I understand your concerns to elect Council members selectively, and I hope that these answers give you a clearer understanding of my 'green' principles. I can not do more than pledge to yourself and others that I will always endeavour to keep these type of issues high on my personal agenda.
Yours Sincerely,
Paul Lythgoe