What a conference we've had!

From motions to keynote speeches to training, there was something for everyone and the quality of debate was, as ever, excellent.

We also got a huge amount of press coverage. Our stunning win in Chesham and Amersham has put us back in the spotlight - and the media are beginning to see that only we can dismantle the Tory Blue Wall.

Our current constitution allows for too much of the power and decision making to take place in Westminster and Whitehall. This excludes entire regions of the UK especially in England from being able to make a contribution to decisions that affect them.

Communities feel unable to control what happens in their local areas. This leads to a dangerous feeling of powerlessness and alienation.

Councillor Helen Hall is one of four founder members of Plastic Free Burton, a branch of the East Staffordshire Fairtrade Group. This group is part of the national initiative, organised by the campaign group Surfers Against Sewage, and follows on from the initiation of Plastic Free Uttoxeter. The group have already received the backing of key businesses and groups, including Morrisons, Central England Co-Operative, Trent & Dove, Burton ReRun and the Co-Operative Learning Trust. Helen backed the motion at Full Council, which was unanimously passed by ESBC to pledge their support for Plastic Free Burton.