Green Party Councillors Report

This month we’ve been working on some key issues – flooding, proposed changes to planning rules, and the future of our local councils.
Flooding remains a concern in Syston, even as we move into summer. Since the severe floods of the past two winters, we’ve been pushing hard for clearer accountability and stronger action. Following the change in leadership at Leicestershire County Council, we immediately wrote to the new Lead Member for Flooding. We’ve called on them to speed up overdue flood reports and to introduce a proper plan to inspect and clear drains. At Charnwood, we’ve secured major funding for a new flood locker scheme – something Laurie personally called for after Syston flood wardens were unable to access essential supplies during past flood events. The town could receive up to £10,000 from this scheme to support local flood prevention efforts, and lockers with equipment should be in place by the winter, if this is taken up.
We’ll also be working with with Syston’s volunteer flood group to help clear and maintain the areas around the brook – a small but important part of reducing risk and keeping our town looking its best.
We’re raising serious concerns about national planning reforms being proposed by the government. These changes would make it easier for developers to bypass environmental checks, including on local wildlife and rare habitats. We brought a motion to Charnwood Borough Council in June to oppose these changes and to make it clear that we expect developers to carry out full ecological surveys. Protecting our countryside and green spaces is important and we’re standing against any weakening of planning rules.
On top of this, the government is now reviewing the various proposals put forward regarding their enforced changes to how councils across Leicestershire are structured. One idea – suggested by the Mayor of Leicester – to expand the city boundary into Syston, rightly caused outrage. We’ve been clear from the beginning: we do not support this. Local communities like ours must not be swallowed into an expanded city or folded into a distant ‘super council’. Decisions about towns like Syston should be made by local people who understand them.
The government is now asking for feedback on these proposals, and we strongly encourage everyone to respond. You can take part in the consultation by visiting:
www.charnwood.gov.uk/north_city_south
Finally, a quick update on St Peter’s Court. We’re continuing to support residents in pushing for investment, not closure. We’ve raised their concerns at every level and will keep fighting for a better future for the scheme.
Your local Green Councillors & Campaigners: Laurie Needham, Chris O’Neill, Sandra Woodward, Andy Haynes, Rebekka Yates & David Infield
Green Party councillors and campaigners for Syston and surrounding villages