A DISTRICT councillor has quit the Liberal Democrats and intends to run as a Green councillor, it has emerged.Stowmarket South councillor Brenda Davis said the environmental party would campaign better on issues close to her heart.

A DISTRICT councillor has quit the Liberal Democrats and intends to run as a Green councillor, it has emerged.

Stowmarket South councillor Brenda Davis said the environmental party would campaign better on issues close to her heart.

She currently serves on the social policy panel, southern area planning control committee, and planning referrals committee at Mid Suffolk District Council, where there is currently one Green councillor, Andrew Stringer.

She has represented the council on the Pickerel Project, working to improve the River Gipping through Stowmarket. Ms Davis has also served on most committees of the town council.

She will remain on both councils as an Independent, before seeking re-election as a Green Party representative.

Ms Davis said: “My highest priority has always been the protection of what is left of our natural heritage, and the Green Party is the clearest advocate of that vital task.

“The local need for affordable housing is greater than ever, and again the Green Party, through councillor Andrew Stringer, is successfully campaigning to meet that need. I will continue to work for local people, putting them ahead of any party affiliation.”

She has been an outspoken representative of the interests of people living in Combs Ford for more than 10 years as a Stowmarket town councillor, and for six years as a mid Suffolk district councillor.

Born in Stowmarket and living locally all her life, she is a mother and grandmother as well as a foster-carer.

n Meanwhile, Mr Stringer has urged the district council to invest its money in ethical funds, avoiding companies that have interests in areas including arms, gambling, tobacco and animal testing.

He said: “I think it is only fair and right that we are involved with banks and institutions with investments that are not involved in other people's misery.

“I think people in mid Suffolk would be proud that we are not involved with firms in to arms or even companies with many health and safety convictions.”