GREEN Party co-leader Jonathan Bartley joined local council candidate Robin Lewis and county councillor Rachel Smith in Chalford last week.

They discussed local issues and visited Christ Church Primary School and the community shop, meeting parents and local residents.

Over the past 10 years residents and businesses have called for traffic calming and safety measures, in the notorious accident spot in Chalford.

Jonathan expressed how impressed he was by Stroud during his first visit and, whilst talking to locals outside Chalford Village Shop told the SNJ: “I’ve heard so many good things about Stroud, so I’m really thrilled to be here, it seems to be a really progressive place.”

The co-leader was joined by Green Party county councillor Rachel Smith who said: “A big issue the area is road safety, particularly by Christ Church Primary School.

“I’m keen to try to address some of the traffic issues so that people can really enjoy living here, without their lives being dictated by traffic.”

Rachel was keen to point out the importance of meeting with local residents to discuss their concerns in order to come up with workable solutions for the community.

The SNJ has reported on many accidents in the parish however Rachel stressed that road-related incidents which may not have been reported to the police.

Following a quick visit to Chalford Village Shop, where he purchased Stroud Brewery Budding, the Green party co-leader expressed his support for district council Green candidate Robin Lewis and reiterated his belief that local councillors should reflect the concerns of local people, and not centralised government.

After leaving Chalford, Jonathan was spotted visiting artist Clay Sinclair’s shop in Stroud High Street.

Mr Lewis is standing in the district council by-election in Chalford.

Also standing in the Chalford district by-election are Kris Beacham (Liberal Democrats), Darren Loftus (Conservatives) and Karen Pitney (Labour).