Save our bus station

Tim Oxton, independent socialist candidate in Colchester

 

Socialist Unity Network; what do you think is the most important issue in this election?

The local Tory administration’s plan to build an art gallery, known as the Visual Arts Facility, on top of our bus station, without any guarantee that a new bus station will ever be built to replace it.

 

Socialist Unity Network; why did you make the decision to stand?

We had collected over 18,000 signatures on the second biggest petition in the history of Colchester, and this was being ignored by the ruling Tories and their friends the majority faction of the Lib Dems.  We finally decided to stand in mid-March, when, despite previous undertakings, Colchester Borough Council ordered the demolition of our bus station, without waiting for permission to build the Visual Arts Facility (VAF).

 

Socialist Unity Network; what kind of vote are you expecting on May 4th?

We have absolutely no idea.  It could be derisory.  It could be in the low hundreds.  We are not expecting to win any seats but we are hoping to take away enough votes from some of the incumbent councillors to topple them from their perches.

 

Socialist Unity Network; aside from the vote what are you hoping to get out of this campaign?

The Deputy Prime Minister has to decide on the council’s application to itself for planning permission to build the VAF on the bus station.  We are hoping to show John Prescott that there is substantial opposition to the destruction of the bus station and that therefore he should call in the plan for a public inquiry.

 

Socialist Unity Network; If you had to chose just one thing to improve about local democracy - what would it be?

An increased level of consciousness among the electors.

 

Socialist Unity Network; public services are being subjected to ever increasing pressure to accept private sector money - how can we reverse this trend?

Elect a socialist government which will change the rules of the game.

 

Socialist Unity Network; Some environmental campaigners have started talking about nuclear power as a way to bring down CO2 emissions - what do you think of this?

This would be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

 

Socialist Unity Network; What question do you wish was on this list but doesn't appear?

“I have answered (seven) questions, and that is enough.  Young man, do not give yourself airs.  Do you think I can listen all day to such stuff?  Be off, or I’ll kick you downstairs!”  (Lewis Carroll)

 

 

 

 

April 2006

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