Local Elections 2026: Greens offer strong voices for communities
Last week, in my role as Chair of the Economy, Inclusive Growth and Environment Committee, I had the pleasure of visiting the Green Skills Technology Centre at Peterborough Regional College, writes Peterborough Green Party’s Nicola Day.
I spoke to senior leaders and course leaders at the college who told us that demand for these courses at the centre is outstripping the supply.
During the tour I was shown the new technologies that students are being trained in. This included: heat pumps, electric vehicles and solar panels. It was incredibly inspiring to see that the Green Skills Centre is offering forward thinking courses of regional significance.
My visit to the £13.7 million Centre for Green Skills will feed into wider strategic plans about developing links between education providers, organisations, the manufacturing sector and the local authority. It is a project I have been working on with Cabinet Member Cllr Angus Ellis to ensure our city transitions in a just way, and that our workforce is future proofed. We also aim to drive jobs and inclusive growth in this rapidly accelerating sector.
As part of this project I also visited Peterborough’s Anglia Ruskin University. They have plans in their next phase to provide a focus on green technology and skills for the future. I’m excited to be working on this and will push hard to ensure that Peterborough is leading the way in this sector. I look forward to exploring the possibilities and seeing how this project progresses.
The Peterborough Green party were delighted to entertain Zack Polanski at the wonderful Green Backyard last weekend. The visit drew a crowd in excess of 200 people and Zack spoke about how the traditional campaigning methods of leafleting and door knocking are still the most effective way to win votes. “You don't win with the tweets, you win on the streets” was his clear message
With the local elections fast approaching our Green party candidate for Orton Waterville ward, Alex Bowerbanks has been busy working with me, listening to residents and taking actions on issues that matter to them.
Alex has worked alongside me on scrutinising planning applications. He has been a strong voice for residents regarding the Showground Development along with helping me to secure and manage speed cameras for Goldhay Way and Wistow Way. He has lived in the ward all his life and was educated at local schools. He now sits on Orton Waterville Parish council.
We have been out and about all year round in all weathers and can often be seen litter picking, cleaning graffiti and helping to tidy communal gardens.
In this year's local elections the Peterborough Green party are campaigning in more wards than ever before. When you think about who to vote for in May’s local elections, do consider voting for candidates who work hard all year round. Do consider voting for strong voices for communities, do consider voting Green.