RICHARD BODEN SELECTED VETERAN CAMPAIGNER WILL FIGHT PARLIAMENTARY SEAT

Richard Boden has been selected by the Green Party to fight the Ashford parliamentary seat in the next General Election. Richard is married with two children and lives in Wye. With his wife Rebecca, he runs Wyecycle which is one of the most successful local recycling companies in the the country. The ward of Wye has a recycling rate of about 70%, the best of any ward in the country. Richard is an experienced candidate, having stood for Ashford in two previous general elections.

One of Richard's other main interests has been the promotion of farmers' markets, which allow producers within a 30 mile area to sell foodstuffs directly to customers. This is important in helping to maintain farming incomes, and in helping to reduce the huge distances much of the food people eat is transported in this country and around the World. Richard has carried this campaign for local food further by directly challenging the role of supermarkets in Britain. He has constantly promoted local production of food for local consumption, as a route to maintaining jobs and keeping transport pollution down. Richard says:

"With unprecedented pressure now being exerted on the local natural environment, there has never been a more important time for Green Party policies to be adopted in the Ashford Borough. As such I am delighted to be given the opportunity to promote the things that really matter; sustainable agriculture, energy conservation, reduced car dependancy, and a recognition that we all depend on a healthy environment."ENDS c268 words