HILTON Dawson accuses the Greens of having no transport policies or of having nothing to offer the poor and unemployed. Well, actually, we were the only party to produce a full manifesto of local transport and other policies at the last local elections. The poor and unemployed are the people most likely not to have private transport and the most likely to be starved of investment if the Western Bypass is built. Hilton's argument of only being able to improve public transport after the Western Bypass is built ignores basic economics. Districts are only offered so much money for transport improvements. You either spend it on the bypass or public transport, cycling and walking. There isn't enough for both.

Our district has an unemployment rate of 5 per cent. This is too high but there are plenty of ways to reduce this with real, permanent jobs. An excellent public transport system is a good start with new drivers and conductors and vehicles. From my experience, it isn't lack of roads that stops local people starting businesses. It is all very well having a scruffy patch of land on an industrial estate but what is needed are low rents, excellent training and advice and purpose-built units for people to occupy. As far as a site goes, there is an excellent opportunity for good quality businesses in the derelict canal corridor and the former Mitchell's brewery site.

If words such as 'sustainability' are to mean anything, we must look for innovative ways to provide secure jobs. Offering bribes to firms to relocate to your area at the expense of somewhere else is no way to do this. As soon as the grants run out these firms will be chasing the next gravy train. As a green, I want a clean, well organised district where people have control over their own lives and where businesses are here to stay. This may not be 'the real world' now, but it is something that is well worth fighting for. We create our own futures.

Cllr Jon Barry Green Party