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.

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.                  

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.

Reducing congestion inside the toilets, supports better hygiene practices, and is a more convenient and accessible solution to washing your hands before and after a climbing session.  

Bridge Park isn’t just part of Brent’s story—it’s part of Britain’s. We, the undersigned residents and supporters of North West London, write to express our collective support for the listing of Bridge Park Community Centre (formerly Stonebridge Bus Depot) as a site of national historic and architectural significance. Bridge Park is far more than a building. It is a powerful living testament to what can be achieved when communities are given the freedom to lead, build, and transform the environment around them. Born out of the Harlesden People’s Community Council (HPCC) in the early 1980s, Bridge Park is Europe’s largest Black-led community enterprise centre, developed in direct response to the 1981 uprisings. At a time of intense racial tension, poverty, and social unrest, a group of young Black Londoners took ownership of a disused bus garage and turned it into a centre for training, sports, cultural activity, and childcare—a model of hope and healing when it was most needed. 1. Historic Significance Bridge Park was a radical, community-led response to structural inequality. It reflects the lived experience of marginalised urban youth and the strength of grassroots leadership. The project stands as a rare example of sustained Black civic enterprise and self-determination, directly recognised by the (then) Prince of Wales in 1988, who called it “one of the most important developments I have seen in this country for a long time.” It offers a vital counternarrative to the dominant histories of decline and disorder. It shows a people-led vision of Britain’s urban and multicultural future. 2. Architectural Significance Bridge Park is a pioneering example of adaptive reuse. A former bus depot reimagined by local people into a multi-purpose civic space. Its design directly reflects the values and needs of the community that shaped it. It is a monument to democratic architecture—where vision was born from lived experience, and the building’s function served real social purpose. 3. Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality Listing Bridge Park would demonstrate Historic England’s commitment to its Strategy for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality, especially Action 2: recognising more representative and diverse heritage. It would protect not just bricks and mortar, but the memory of a movement that redefined public space, ownership, and community agency—especially for those too often excluded from the official record. 4. A Call to Honour Our Shared Heritage Bridge Park’s story is not only Black history or Brent history—it is British history. A national story of resilience, creativity, and pride. To deny its listing would be to erase a critical chapter in the story of modern Britain. To grant it would be a courageous act of historical justice. We respectfully call on Historic England and the Secretary of State to: • Grant listed status to Bridge Park under application reference 1493686; • Recognise its special historic and architectural interest; • Acknowledge its critical role in shaping inclusive national heritage. Bridge Park must be protected—not just for what it is, but for everything it represents.

Restoring our village hall will bring substantial benefits to our community.   • Preserving our Heritage: The hall holds historical significance and contributes to local identity.   • Community Hub: A restored hall fosters social connections and provides a space for community events.   • Inclusivity: Renovations can improve accessibility, welcoming people of all ages and abilities.   • Increased Usage: More local groups and organisations will engage, strengthening social cohesion.   • Economic Boost: A well-maintained hall can attract visitors, supporting local businesses.   • Community Pride: Restoration encourages local involvement and a sense of ownership.   • Health & Wellbeing: The hall can support fitness, mental health, and social programs.   • Intergenerational Engagement: A shared space for different generations to connect and collaborate.

The Assumptionist Order has indicated that Our Lady of Grace parish must vacate its historic church and presbytery in Charlton, placing this thriving Catholic community at risk. Our Lady of Grace Church and Grade II listed Highcombe House represent irreplaceable heritage dating back to 1903. The church, built in Neo-Romanesque style by French architect Eugène-Jacques Gervais in 1905-1906, stands as testimony to the Assumptionist Order's mission in England. The integrity of this site depends on preserving the church, Highcombe House, and gardens as a unified property, including the historic pathway connecting the church to Our Lady of Grace School. This pathway has a history dating back over 200 years—originally part of Eastcombe farm's orchard paths, adapted by Sir William Congreve around 1820. The gardens contain a historic mulberry tree of significant age requiring protection. This tree forms part of the site's living heritage and contributes to local biodiversity, warranting dedicated conservation. The path has been used by generations of residents including General Sir George Whitmore's family, the Barlow family (1862-1902), followed by the Assumptionist community and schoolchildren, creating a living timeline connecting today's community to centuries of local history. Any subdivision would compromise the site's historical significance and the vital connection between parish and school community. The newly formed Our Lady of Grace Buildings Preservation Trust is ready to work with the Assumptionist Order, local council, and experts to develop a sustainable plan that respects the Order's interests while preserving this site for future generations. Once lost, this shared heritage can never be restored. We believe collaborative dialogue can find solutions that honour the Assumptionist legacy.

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.