Back in 2017 the Council selected developer Guildmore to restore and redevelop ‘The Playtower’, to provide housing and a local cinema.  Seven years on, however, the building continues to deteriorate with the Guildmore scheme apparently stalled. It’s the Council’s duty to lead decisively on this project and to put local people at the heart of the process, but it has failed to do this. Local people have a right to expect better and want to see some progress over the next year! A community petition has been launched which can be signed by anyone who lives, works or studies in the Borough of Lewisham (even if under 18yrs). Local people deserve better.

If the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill is not stopped or significantly and substantially amended, it will cause harm, it erodes the role of a parent and reduces children's rights and educational opportunities.

In the heart of Nelson, we've all come to love the tranquility that our town offers. However, an issue has been increasingly disturbing our peace – the rise of the Volkswagen UP Gti cars on our streets. As an inhabitant who cares deeply about maintaining the charm of this town, I am moved to address this issue seriously. To me, and to many others, these cars are not just vehicles, they resemble a chaotic interruption to our daily lives. The sound emitted by the Volkswagen UP Gti can be best described as irritating - comparable to someone loudly sneezing incessantly. This constant noise pollution disrupts the serenity we so value and negatively impacts our mental well-being. Furthermore, these vehicles are often described by many, including myself, as visually unappealing. Their box-like appearance blends poorly with the aesthetic grace of our picturesque town, leading to a stark contrast that is difficult to ignore. Beyond personal discomfort, it is important to recognize the broader implications. Studies have shown that noise pollution is linked to increased stress levels, which can contribute to severe health issues including hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Given these impacts, it's imperative that we take action to prevent such detriments to our community's health. Moreover, aesthetics matter. The picturesque scenery of Nelson should remain unmarred by vehicles that disrupt its visual harmony. The Union of Concerned Scientists, among other studies, highlight how integrating aesthetically pleasing elements into community planning enhances property values and contributes to residents’ satisfaction and pride. Let’s protect our cherished town and ensure a harmonious living environment for all residents. Sign this petition to show your support for a ban on Volkswagen UP Gti vehicles in Nelson and help us preserve the beauty and tranquility of our town.

Bioethanol has a critical role to play in decarbonising transport, now and in the future. As part of the UK’s standard E10 petrol blend, it reduces carbon emissions and cuts fossil fuel use. Its production also delivers two essential by-products: high-protein animal feed and carbon dioxide. CO₂ is indispensable across the economy – from its importance to the NHS for its operating theatres to cooling nuclear reactors. For the food and drink sector, it is used for everything from preserving packaged food to carbonating drinks.  The US-UK trade deal is set to remove tariffs on US ethanol for up to 1.4 billion litres of imports - the size of the UK’s whole ethanol market today and far exceeding previous US exports to the UK. This change will only worsen the impacts already being felt by regulatory problems that have given overseas producers an unfair advantage in the British market in recent years.  This means that the operating environment for UK bioethanol producers is now impossible, and without government intervention UK plants will be forced to close.   The impacts of plant closures would be widespread. The UK bioethanol industry supports over 7,000 jobs, directly and through its supply chain, with the majority of these in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the North East. The loss of skilled, well-paid green industrial jobs in Yorkshire and the North East would impact local economies and could threaten future green investment in these regions.  UK bioethanol producers also process up to 2 million tonnes of feed wheat every year, providing a vital market for UK cereal farmers. If plants close, hundreds of growers will lose a dependable market for wheat that cannot be used in breadmaking. Instead, they’ll be forced to export it at lower prices, while livestock farmers will face higher costs for less climate-friendly imported animal feed.  Allowing these plants to close would be a short-sighted move. Bioethanol is essential for reducing emissions in road transport today, but will also have important future applications in decarbonising aviation and marine transport, and in supporting the development of hydrogen and wider green industrial innovation. Over-reliance on imports will undermine the resilience of our future energy supply. It is vitally important that the government acts swiftly to protect this strategic national asset, safeguard thousands of jobs and ensure the UK’s food and energy security.

Public green spaces are important community assets These public recreational spaces provide outdoor sports grounds for local people and those further afield. These are places for the community to meet, walk and spend time outside in nature. They include playing fields for sport and recreation, childrens’ outdoor play areas, a sheltered garden, boules pitch, community orchards and meadows. These green spaces are a vital asset for our physical and mental health in otherwise built-up neighbourhoods.    Seaford seriously lacks public green spaces  After decades of development, there are only four pockets of publicly accessible sports and recreation space left in Seaford. For a town with a population of over 23,000, this is a worrying deficit. The Covid-19 pandemic showed us how much we need our neighbourhood green spaces where young and old can feel uplifted by the wildflower meadows and beauty of nature, walk their dogs, play football, boules, or simply hang out with friends and decompress - for free.  Seaford Town Council (STC) is in the process of applying for Deeds of Dedication to protect the other two green spaces at The Crouch and The Salts. However, this process requires the formal consent of Lewes District Council (LDC). STC also agreed to ask LDC to apply to Fields in Trust to protect the recreation grounds at the Downs Leisure Centre and Walmer Road. Meanwhile, the town continues to grow in size, with the threat of building developments hanging over these precious community spaces. Recent development on local playing fields at Newlands have failed to make up for the loss of outdoor recreational space.  Our parks and open spaces need legal protection   Fields in Trust provide a simple way to shield these vital green spaces from development by creating a legally binding Deed of Dedication. This protects green spaces from being built on, future-proofing Seaford's last remaining spaces for us, and future generations, to enjoy. In a climate crisis, with biodiversity threatened more than ever, what could be more important than protecting these irreplaceable green spaces? The current Government has committed to accelerating house building, together with weakening local planning rules and creating larger, more distant Unitary authorities. With plans for local government to be reorganised, there is no guarantee that any commitment to keep these spaces for recreational use will be honoured by future local governments. As a result, local people could have less of a say about how they are managed and protected. Precious green spaces like Walmer Road and the Downs Leisure Centre recreation grounds are vulnerable to asset-stripping by cash-strapped councils to dispose of and sell to developers.   Remember plans for the Medical Hub?   Cast your mind back to 2018. The previous Council administration tried to build a medical hub and Tesco store on the recreation ground at the Downs Leisure Centre at a time when Seaford's Neighbourhood Plan specifically ruled out development on existing recreation grounds. (LDC has since offered a viable site in town for developing an improved medical centre.)   Council officers have said that existing planning regulations are robust enough to protect both sites from development. In Seaford's Neighbourhood Plan outdoor playing space is protected. But this can be overruled if there is insufficient land for local housing or other development. There simply is no guarantee that national or local planning rules will be enough to protect our green spaces - but a Deed of Dedication would protect them forever. It's up to us to persuade Lewes District Council to act. All we need is 1,500 signatures on this petition to present it to a Full Council meeting. Please sign this petition to help protect our community green spaces.                  

Unit rates rose by 9% in 2022, 13% in 2023, 5.5% in 2024, and now there’s another 8% proposed for 2025—a total increase of over 39% in just four years, more than double the UK’s 18% rise. Standing charges have jumped from £49.50 to £86.75 since 2023—a 75% increase. Yet Guernsey’s cost of living only went up 4.2% this year. We used to be a place full of hope and community spirit, where people looked out for each other and generations could live, work, and build a future. Now it feels like the island is turning into a playground for the rich. The cost of living is rising so fast that it’s becoming impossible to keep up. Greed is slowly but surely pushing everyday people out, and many full-time workers are already on the brink of homelessness—if they’re not there already. We’re asking for transparency and fairness for the island community—the working people who make this island run but can no longer afford to live here. I’ve been overwhelmed with stories of poverty and how this increase will ruin lives. I urge you to reconsider. Sources: BBC News Guernsey: Cost of electricity rises as fixed-price deals end Guernsey Press: Electricity prices are set to rise by 8% from July

It is important for those with disabilities, and those who cannot access Platform 2. It is important because people should care about those with major disabilities and those who care about a 21st century station.

The Trafalgar Tavern isn’t just a pub – it’s a vital part of Greenwich’s cultural, economic, and social fabric. Its outdoor seating area allows locals and visitors to enjoy one of London’s most iconic riverside views, boosting footfall and supporting a thriving hospitality sector. The enforcement notice threatens to remove that space without evidence of harm, despite no formal complaints, no safety issues, and no actual obstruction to cyclists or pedestrians. The enforcement notice issued by the Council is not justified on planning grounds, and its removal would do serious harm to the local community, public enjoyment of the riverside, and the economic viability of a historic and much-loved venue. If this enforcement succeeds, it sets a damaging precedent. It sends a message that popular, well-managed community spaces can be shut down due to vague, unsubstantiated claims, even when those spaces are celebrated by the public and add real value to the area. 1. No evidence of obstruction to Cyclists or Pedestrians The Trafalgar Tavern’s outdoor area occupies space that is already closed off to cyclists by design. The cycle route along this section of the Thames Path diverts inland before it reaches the Tavern, specifically to protect public safety and respect the Tavern’s longstanding riverside use. Cyclists are not permitted to ride through this section, meaning that the claim of “restricted access to cyclists” is factually incorrect and misleading. Likewise, pedestrian access remains fully open. There is a clear, unobstructed walkway between the seating area and the river, allowing all members of the public to enjoy the waterfront. This is supported by the lack of formal complaints on record about obstruction in this area, despite many thousands of daily users. 2. No demonstrable harm from ‘visual clutter’ The seating area is part of the character and charm of this riverside location. It features coordinated furniture in keeping with the heritage environment. The Council’s claim of “visual clutter” is highly subjective and not supported by any measurable impact on local views or enjoyment. On the contrary, public engagement shows overwhelming appreciation for the seating area’s vibrancy, views, and contribution to the area’s appeal. 3. Strong Community use and zero history of Nuisance The Trafalgar Tavern has hosted outdoor seating for years without any significant record of anti-social behaviour, complaints, or safety issues. The area is family-friendly, well-managed, and operates within its licensing terms. This is not an unregulated pop-up. It is a professionally run, responsible hospitality venue serving locals and tourists alike. 4. Disproportionate economic impact  Removing the outdoor area will drastically reduce the venue’s operating capacity and threaten local jobs and revenue. This enforcement action could force the closure of a historic and iconic business, affecting not only staff but also local supply chains and tourism. 5. No Obstruction to emergency vehicles or essential access  There is no evidence that emergency vehicle access or operational access is impeded by the outdoor seating. The space is not a highway thoroughfare and is managed carefully to ensure safe passage as needed. We respectfully request that the Planning Inspectorate consider these facts and representations and uphold the appeal in full. To support the Trafalgar Tavern: • Visit: https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk • Search using Case Number: 3364847 • Submit your comments by 12 June 2025 • Quote Planning Inspectorate Appeal Reference: APP/E5330/C/25/3364847 Let’s protect community, heritage, and responsible hospitality. SAVE OUR SEATS. Why should others join the campaign? Because this isn’t just about one pub, it’s about protecting public access to vibrant, safe, and welcoming outdoor spaces. If planners start targeting successful venues like this without clear justification, other businesses and community hubs could be next. Whether you’re a cyclist, a pedestrian, a resident, customer, or a visitor, this campaign is about: • Defending common sense planning that balances public access with local vibrancy. • Supporting local jobs, tourism, and independent businesses. • Keeping riverside areas lively, beautiful, and accessible: not sterile and empty. We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking for fairness. No complaints. No evidence of harm. No reason to take this space away. Let’s make sure a small group of objectors doesn’t speak louder than the thousands who enjoy and support this space every week. Join us. Speak up. Save our seats.

This route is very popular with cyclists as it is practically the only viable way to cycle between the wider Wimborne area and Purbeck. Around 23,000 motor vehicles traverse the A31 at this location every day. It's arguably even more dangerous for motorists as occupying a car or van places the driver’s head an extra 6-8 feet behind the Give Way lines restricting visibility even further. Indeed the majority of near misses I’ve witnessed at this location involve drivers on Dullar Lane attempting to cross or join the A31.

Sharks play a vital role in the ocean, they are the white blood cells of the ocean, without sharks we have no ocean. They have been on this planet over 400 million years. Sharks were swimming through accent oceans before trees even existed. They belong here more than we do. Who are we to depopulate a species that has been here longer than us… 

The construction of over 150 houses currently ongoing across the village would mean yet another increase in the number of people residing here. Therefore, I believe the current transport available to residents of Upper Tean is unsustainable.   At present, the 6A runs every 30 minutes from Blythe Bridge to Hanley via Meir Park, Meir, Longton and onwards to Hanley. I am not proposing that all services terminate in Upper Tean, but one in two would still make a difference amongst all demographics and bus users in the village.  Blythe Bridge is home to the other local Doctor’s surgery in our practice of Tean and Blythe Bridge. It is also home to the closest train station to our village and direct connectivity with Blythe Bridge will mean shorter journey times into Stoke by train. Beyond Blythe Bridge is Meir Park where many of the villagers shop for groceries, then Meir, home to the Meir Primary Care Centre - a vital NHS service for residents of the whole constituency and a centre in which residents in Tean require to visit frequently for blood tests, district nurses and vaccinations amongst others. Connection along the 6A would also be beneficial due to the bus route passing through Longton. Here, along with Hanley are the remaining branches of banks, which have moved out of towns such as Cheadle. The extension of the 6A every hour to Tean would mean an alternative route to Hanley too and a direct route to the busy Victoria road home to many retailers large and small. I appreciate this is ambitious but the benefits to the residents of Tean would be excellent and get more people using bus services to the areas they currently have to use cars and taxis to get to. 

Fred Done is investing millions in technology to improve horse racing yet he can't (or should I say won't) pay his employees sick pay when they're away from work through no fault of their own.  My friend has been non-weight bearing for at least 8 weeks after a necessary operation and all she can claim to keep her house going is SSP. We all know that no-one can run a house on £94 odd per week.  Everyone who works for an employer needs to feel safe that their family and outgoings will be taken care of if they get ill. Being ill and/or going into hospital is stressful enough without the worry of wondering how you're going to pay your bills. Please sign if you are or have been an employee who has/had to survive on SSP or want to support all those in that difficult position.