As you have probably noticed, the Council is running a "100 Days" campaign to clean up the local environment. Whilst few would argue that litter-free streets and dog poo-free parks are more pleasant and healthier, some are questionning whether the Council is going too far and whether there are other reasons behind the clean up.
An un-named group has put up stickers (see above) created a spoof website (http://www.100days.org.uk) that claims the Council's campaign's "overarching theme this year will be making more money for us - your Council and our favourite corporate partners. While at the same time having a jolly good bash at dirty homeless people, bored teengagers, graffiti artists and in fact anyone on the streets who might damage our attempts to sell more real estate to developers of luxury flats. That's right, once again it's time to ignore the real issues affecting the residents of this city (like record levels of car pollution and the increasing gap between rich and poor) and instead focus on things that curtain-twitching potential Labour voters worry themselves about, like dog shit and other people who don't look like them. And if that's not enough, in 2005 we'll also be picking on charity soup kitchens, closing down market traders and much, much more!"
A fair point you might think - after all, air pollution will kill many more than discarded gum wrappers ever will - but how did the Council react? According to the Manchester Evening News, Cllr Paul Murphy, the council's Direct Services boss called the group cowardly and anarchic, promising to prosecute anyone caught putting up the organisation's posters. He said: "What people have got to understand is that we are attempting to clean up Manchester to a world class city standard. If people feel that agenda threatens liberty or we are being killjoys then I disagree profoundly. These people are environmental terrorists and we would be ankle deep in litter if it were left to them."
Yes, you read it right. The council are calling the protestors behind the web site "terrorists" and failing to answer the main point raised by the web site which question's the council's priorities. Oh, and if you were planning on having one of the most natural of gardens, a wildflower one where you do little if any maintanence, then be warned. This year the council is also focussing on fining those with overgrown gardens.
MCC Going Greenest? - the Council aims to become "Britain's Greenest City" but what do you think? Full Council resolution available.
Social Enterprising - Report back from conference on Social Enterprises
4x4 Spells Double Trouble - Environmentalists find public support for SUVs to pay double the city centre parking charges
Political EDMs - Get your MP to sign the Action Against Irresponsible Motorists EDM
Cycle Lanes - Who are they for?
Working Together to Make Poverty History - Fallowfield and Withington Christian Aid supporters unite to wipe out debt
Dirty Aid, Dirty Water - Would you drink the Irwell?
BTCV & Mersey Valley Countryside Volunteering Days - Explore the wonders of Mersey Valley whilst making a difference to your local environment
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