TOWN HALL FOCUS: Emphasis on 'local' for the Greens

In a debate on the Sheffield Economic Masterplan, Coun Creasy, who represents Central ward alongside fellow Green, Coun Bernard Little, said the council should not just concentrate on attracting outside investment for new developments.

"We get lots of small businesses appealing for us to help them. We don't believe that all inward investment is bad but we think it is important that support is given to local firms," Coun Creasy said.

Although losing a vote on a proposed amendment to the masterplan which would have made her commitment council policy, she added that it is "an agenda we will continue to push".

Coun Creasy said the Greens believe there should be more affordable housing to help people priced out of the property ladder, and that energy efficiency grants should be made available to people in older private homes - not just council ones - to pay for improvements such as insulation. The party is also keen to promote better public transport facilities and more cycle routes to provide an alternative to car journeys on crowded roads.

The Greens also want a city-wide target to reduce carbon emissions - like the Lib Dems.

"Having a target just for the council misses the point. We think the council should be setting the carbon footprint for the city as a whole," Coun Creasy said.

And the Greens are also concerned about the growth of the drinking culture in the city centre due to its impact on health and the quality of life of people living in areas near bars or takeaways.

Coun Creasy said:"We would like to promote a responsible drinking culture."

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