Basingstoke is at a crossroads. Our town centre, once vibrant and full of promise, is now marked by empty units, tired infrastructure, and regeneration plans that haven’t yet delivered real change. While we support Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s long-term vision — especially around green space and multi-purpose use — let’s be honest: it’s not enough.  The Town Centre Masterplan lays important foundations, but the reality is delivery has been slow, and existing plans still treat Basingstoke's shopping centres as if both can be revived. That simply doesn't reflect the scale of the challenge - or the opportunity.  We face a drastic oversupply of retail space. Trying to breathe new life into both Festival Place and The Malls - while expanding into Top of Town - risks diluting investment, scattering footfall, and missing the chance for true transformation.  The Malls are owned by the Council. That means the future of this critical part of the town centre is in their gift. And with Festival Place having gone into receivership in 2023, the second floor now sits largely empty. How can we expect to attract new businesses and investment when our retail core lacks purpose and momentum? This proposal puts forward a bold but practical solution: • Relocate the businesses currently in The Malls into the vacant units in Festival Place and Top of Town. • Demolish The Malls and create a modern, people-centred green space that supports business, culture, sport and wellbeing — all in the heart of Basingstoke. There are currently around 22 businesses trading in The Malls, while Festival Place has at least 27 vacant units — ranging in size from large anchor spaces like the former Debenhams, to smaller units suitable for the majority of shops in The Malls. Festival Place alone has the capacity to absorb the existing businesses from The Malls — and that’s before even considering the additional space available at the Top of Town. A vibrant high street will attract new business and investment — from bakers to butchers, cafés to co-working spaces, bookshops to barbers. It’s about creating a place where independent traders thrive alongside well-known brands, where families can spend the day, where culture, convenience and community meet. A successful town centre should offer more than just shopping — it should be a destination, a meeting place, and the beating heart of local life. This is a win-win-win — for businesses, who will benefit from increased footfall and investment; for our community, who gain a modern green space and cultural venue; and for Basingstoke, which can once again be a leading example of local regeneration done right.  Let’s be ambitious. Let’s take control of our town’s future. Let’s reimagine Basingstoke — together.

Social media apps have been shown to be a huge danger to children over and over again. It's time to pass a law to force the makers of the apps to take responsibility, and ensure that no-one under 16 is able to use social media apps in the UK.  Let's hold the likes of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg to account, and cut them off from access to our children.  The dangers of how children interact on social media currently being highlighted in Netflix show Adolescence.  Young, impressionable minds are being driven to dangerous places by profit-hungry social media companies. Children are being exposed to huge harm, from online bullying, to toxic characters like Andrew Tate, or even algorithms that promote eating disorders and more, social media has become a dangerous unregulated wild west for our children. 

Ravenscraig Castle is an historically important castle for Scotland and the United Kingdom: - It was the home of Mary of Guelders Queen of Scotland, the wife of King James II of Scotland. After her husband's death, Mary ruled as regent for their son James III of Scotland from 1460 to 1463.  - It is the only castle in Scotland the building of which was commissioned by a woman. - Ravenscraig was built in volatile times for King James II and Scotland, as a last resort refuge for the Royal family with Falkland Palace deemed not entirely safe and Stirling Castle having been subjected to siege by the waring Douglas Clan following King James II stabbing William, 8th Earl of Douglas to death at a banquet in Stirling Castle. - In 1471 in a very important transaction for Scotland and ultimately the United Kingdom, castle ownership passed from Scottish royalty to William Sinclair, Earl of Orkney and Caithness in return for surrender of Sinclair’s Orkney title.  This exchange was part and parcel of the dowry in the marriage of King James III of Scotland and Margaret of Denmark (the daughter of King Kristian 1, King of Denmark and Norway). Ultimately the terms of the dowry lead Orkney and Shetland becoming part of Scotland rather than Norway.    - It is the first example of a castle built in Scotland, and one of the first in Europe of a castle built with artillery fortification to defend against gunpowder siege artillery and firearms. The high and massive round fronted tower house has a maximum thickness of 4.4 metres. This is the only Scottish pre-1513 gun looped work with an extraordinary reinforcement of wall thickness against bombardment threat. - Kirkcaldy is also an economically challenged area (as recognised by the Scottish government). The restoration of the castle would restore the jewel in Kirkcaldy’s crown and could bring jobs to Kirkcaldy and potentially specialist apprenticeship opportunities, and post restoration tourism jobs.  - As recently as 1905 the castle was used in local customs as an important focal point for the gathering of townsfolk for Hansel Monday and New Years Day celebrations. As recently as 40 years ago the public could visit the rooms in the castle however the rooms are no longer open to the public. Indeed there is no access at all to the castle at the moment. - The Castle is not currently in a good state of repair. The approach of Historic Environment Scotland to the castle appears to be one off managed decline or curated decay ie just a pile of stones to look at from the outside, rather than to preserve or restore.  Given the historical and military importance of Ravenscraig Castle it should be restored and preserved for future generations, like Edinburgh and Stirling Castles.

The latest casualty of the exorbitant retail rents charged by Greenwich Hospital is the excellent vintage shop Joli, closing down this week. We understand Greenwich Hospital has to make money for its charitable concerns but, with imagination, this can be done without destroying the livelihoods of small local businesses and without ignoring its responsibility as custodian of a special part of London. Pricing out independent shops is counterproductive. Greenwich is a place valued by locals and visitors for its heritage and unique character. That will be lost if it goes the way of most high streets in the UK and becomes an identikit mass of chain stores. We call on John Healey, Deirdre Mills and vice admiral Martin Connell, respectively the trustee, director and advisor of Greenwich Hospital, to stop this happening.

This petition to rename America to its indigenous name, Hah-nu-nah, is crucial in the context of recent governmental actions that have altered significant geographical names, such as the Gulf of Mexico and Denali. These changes have been implemented without substantial consultation with indigenous communities, highlighting a pattern of disregarding the original names bestowed by the native inhabitants of these lands. By advocating for the restoration of the name Hah-nu-nah, we aim to honour the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of indigenous peoples. This act serves as a step towards reconciliation and acknowledges the deep-rooted connections between the land and its first inhabitants. In light of the recent renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and Denali back to Mount McKinley, it is imperative to address the importance of indigenous nomenclature. Restoring the name Hah-nu-nah not only rectifies historical oversights but also fosters a more inclusive and respectful recognition of our nation’s diverse cultural landscape. Supporting this petition is a meaningful action towards embracing and preserving the indigenous identities that form the foundation of our shared history.

The future of the iconic Prince Charles Cinema in London’s West End is under serious threat! We are beyond disappointed that our landlords, Zedwell LSQ Ltd and their ultimate parent company Criterion Capital, have demanded the inclusion of a break clause in our new lease. This could leave us homeless with only 6 months’ notice should they receive planning permission to redevelop the cinema. Losing The Prince Charles Cinema would mean losing not just an iconic cultural institution, but also an engine for the economy of the West End that brings people from all over London and the surrounding area to watch films, shop and eat and drink.  This would have repercussions way beyond the building itself. The Prince Charles Cinema was opened in 1962 as a live theatre before becoming a cinema in the mid-sixties.  Under our stewardship the cinema, which receives no public subsidy,  has become known for its unique range of programming spanning the history of cinema. At a time when cinemas continue to close throughout the world, we are happy to buck the trend with our thriving and fiercely independent offer. We feel that this demand amounts to a clear attempt by Zedwell LSQ Ltd and their ultimate parent company Criterion Capital to use their significant financial resources to disregard our legal entitlement to a new lease, and bully us out of the building once the existing one ends in Sept 2025.  We can’t let that happen.   ‘The Prince Charles has a place in my heart. It’s the people, the programming, the accessibility, feeling, texture... you cannot go wrong. You also know that on any given day, you can close your eyes, press your finger to the programme, and you’ll hit something great. It’s like tuning into your favourite radio station.’ - Paul Thomas Anderson  #SaveThePCC  

1. A Safe Space for Children • It provides a safe and welcoming environment for kids to play, learn, and build friendships. • Without it, families lose access to affordable, local resources for after-school activities and community events. 2. A Hub for the Neighbourhood • The Centre brings people together, strengthening bonds between neighbours and fostering a sense of belonging. • It supports local initiatives, events, and activities that benefit everyone, from children to seniors. 3. Protecting Our Heritage • The Soanes Centre is home to a historical graveyard, preserving a vital piece of Tower Hamlets' history. • Losing the Centre means neglecting an irreplaceable cultural landmark tied to the area's identity.

It’s important because community-driven initiatives address local needs in a way that top-down approaches often cannot.  By empowering residents, charities, and CICs, these projects foster a sense of ownership, collaboration, and pride in the community.  Leveraging the Tower Hamlets Social Value Levy and matchfunding amplifies the impact, ensuring that resources are used effectively to create tangible benefits, such as housing solutions, green spaces, and cultural enrichment.  This approach not only improves quality of life but also builds a stronger, more resilient Tower Hamlets.

Why is it important? It is crucial to invest in a youth centre in Witney because the lack of accessible, funded activities for young people has led to a rise in anti-social behaviour, mental health issues, gang violence, and substance abuse. Studies show that over the past decade, reductions in youth services have contributed to these problems. Providing a safe, supportive space where young people can engage in positive activities will help reduce boredom, prevent risky behaviour, and promote better mental and physical health. Reasons to join the campaign:  • Statistical evidence: Reduced youth funding correlates with an increase in anti-social behaviour and mental health challenges.  • Accessibility: Not all young people can afford to participate in private clubs or sports, making a free, local youth centre essential.  • Positive alternatives: A youth centre offers a constructive space for expression, creativity, and personal development.  • Community well-being: Investing in the youth today will create a safer, healthier community for everyone in Witney. By supporting this campaign, we can provide the next generation with the resources they need to thrive and avoid falling into negative behaviours. I personally am a youth so can tell you just how important this case is to me personally.  Thankyou so much in advance. If Your a youth who feels this is needed or a parent who cares for youth in Witney please sign up !!! ❤️

This campaign is vital to preserve the rich traditions and community spirit of Argyll and Bute. Local events like agricultural shows have been an integral part of our cultural and economic landscape for generations, bringing people together and supporting small businesses, charities, and community groups. The recent changes to school holiday policies threaten participation in these events, diminishing their accessibility and success. By joining this campaign, you support a return to local flexibility in school holiday scheduling, ensuring these cherished traditions can continue to thrive without undue burden on families or organisations. This is a chance to stand together for our heritage, economy, and community well-being, sending a strong message to decision-makers that local voices matter.

This is important because not only is the the pub and event organisers are being singled out without valid reason! But also the vulnerable people & children who come to enjoy the music and without the danger of going into the carnival itself.  We have had next to no problems at these events compared to what goes on in other locations and we feel the community is at a loss if we are unable to go ahead. Let’s get our licence back to keep the event outside in the sunshine and also so we have enough room for the amount of people coming. The inside capacity isn’t large enough to host this event and given the nature of the day we don’t see why we can’t be outside like everyone else.

This can’t happen. Officers claim the car park is surplus to requirements and people can simply park elsewhere but this contradicts local knowledge and experience. There will be a net loss of 12 disabled parking bays. High St/Mary St car park is the most accessible car park for many disabled people and older people who cannot walk far to visit High Street businesses or events/venues/groups in the vicinity. Many often can’t find a spot in the Crescent car park anymore and find Orchard multi-storey next door a nightmare by comparison. It is also the only place you can park in the area after 7pm (its lowest level is not locked) as Orchard is shut then. Removing that night time parking facility in particular would spell disaster for the popular nearby venues including CICCIC (Creative Innovation Centre) and the Lawns Social Club, businesses and churches, whilst also restricting the opportunities for many local residents to access a social life and increasing isolation. Taunton aspires to be a destination - for arts and culture, festivals, social activities, retail -  but removing this car park will do nothing but damage to town centre footfall, our cultural life and the town’s economy. Worshippers at churches in the area would also be deprived of the ability to attend services.  Vivary Park (owned and managed by Somerset Council) across the road hosts major popular events through the year attracting thousands of visitors, making the nearest car park - the High St/Mary St car park facility - absolutely vital to the continuing success of these and to avoiding traffic and parking chaos. People do not yet have an adequate level of public transport opportunities to always leave the car at home. We demand that Somerset Council presses PAUSE on current plans, undertakes a proper impact assessment, looks at all the options and commits to proper consultation and joint working with local residents, businesses and stakeholders to secure continuation of effective parking provision in the area (including at night) in the interests of Taunton’s community and economy.