THE GREEN Party deputy leader Amelia Womack came to Winchester last week to help their candidate Andrew Wainwright campaign in the constituency for the General Election.

The Chronicle met them both with local campaigners out on the streets of Winchester.

Andrew, 50, is an IT company director and has lived in Winchester for over 20 years. His children were born in the Royal Hampshire hospital and go to Peter Symonds college and Kings’ School.

When asked what the main issue for Winchester Andrew said: “Air pollution comes up time and time again because of the congestion.

"We are in the bottom ten in the country according to Public Health England. “

He added “A woman we met today said her husband had been seriously affected by air pollution and was only able to travel at certain times of the day to avoid it. We want to address the issue of the number of people with breathing problems from air pollution.

"Winchester is in a valley and pollution just sits here. Fifty-one people a year in Winchester District die from respiratory conditions.”

When asked what can be done he said: “Many of the things that can be done are quite simple. We want to encourage cycling and walking not only because they are good for the health but also the economy, and the community. Cyclists and walkers are more likely to use the shops, are fitter so use the NHS less and the sense of community is restored which has been eroded by traffic.”

He added: “Copenhagen is a city much larger than Winchester but with lower pollution as almost everyone has a bike. We would like to have a bike hire system in Winchester. Also we get complaints about cyclists from motorists and about motorists from cyclists, the answer is we need more cycle lanes.”

“I understand there was to be a national cycle path between Winchester and Southampton which was blocked by a few landowners. We would like to revive that idea.”

Mr Wainwright also mentioned the proposed new sports centre and said: “The proposal to move the sports centre from River Park to Bar End has not adequately considered cyclists or pedestrians who would be using it.”

Deputy leader Ms Womack, 32, said “I’m here to support Andrew and the local party. I’m interested to see what the issues are in Winchester and I support a candidate who is passionate about Winchester and the environment and he deserves the chance to represent its residents.”