Greens launch North East campaign

"Supporting local community activism is central to Green politics. The project planned at Lambhill is a great example of people working together to improve their own lives, protect their environment and support a truly sustainable local economy.

"The Green influence in the Scottish Parliament has resulted in initiatives like the Climate Challenge Fund, which is helping to support this innovative local project. A foot in the door at Westminster would deliver even greater progress on the environment and social justice. Westminster is crying out for a Green voice.

"The work being funded by the Climate Challenge Fund and others will help create training and employment, build new community facilities, generate renewable energy, and cut carbon emissions which will save the community cash from their fuel bills. Glasgow North East could benefit greatly from greater support for this kind of creative spirit. Both the UK and the Scottish Governments have failed to bring about the transformation we need, so I'm proud to be here to support a community that's getting the job done for itself."

Patrick Harvie, the party's co-convenor and MSP for Glasgow, said:

"It's a disgrace that UK politics has moved so seamlessly from private sector failure of historic proportions to a debate about which public services to cut first. The Greens are the only party to understand that Glasgow's economic problems can't be fixed by refloating the same failed economic model, and we're also the only party in this election with a clear policy to end the benefits trap. Well be campaigning positively in this by-election, with policies which offer real opportunities to people in Glasgow North-East."

Notes

1. David Doherty, 24, is an environmental protection graduate of Strathclyde University. He lives in Clydebank and serves on the board of a building renovation charity in Glasgow which promotes both hi-tech and low-tech ways for householders to save energy. He has a strong track record campaigning for people and the environment and writes a column on environmental issues. David campaigned in the 2009 Euro-elections where the Scottish Greens' vote overtook the LibDems and Tories in Glasgow North East.

2. The Lambhill Stables in Glasgow North-East is a charity which aims to restore & enhance the existing derelict Lambhill Stables building into a community hub, visitors attraction, community garden and social enterprise. The project has recently made a successful application to the Climate Challenge Fund, receiving £130,000 to help reduce the carbon footprint of the community. This adds to funding received from the Big Lottery, Glasgow City Heritage Trust and Glasgow City Council. The project is currently in the final stages of negotiations of the land transfer with British Waterways to transfer the land with the aim of starting work restoring the building before the end of the year.

For more information see:

Contact

Kieran Wild, agent for Glasgow North East 07840 863508