• AN ENGLISH/WELSH TRULY WALKING RIGHT TO ROAM
    WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, DEMAND A TRULY, UNIVERSAL RIGHT TO ROAM SIMILAR TO THE SCOTTISH 2003 LEGISLATION. The English and Welsh countryside needs to be opened up for recreation and leisure. Walking/rambling is one of the top pastimes and it is very important for mental and physical health (e.g. combatting Depression, obesity). Walkers/ramblers greatly respect and value wildlife and the British countryside. Many species are facing extinction. Former Minister of State for The Environment, Labour’s Left Wing (the late) Michael Meacher’s Right to Roam policy (2000 Act) needs to be extended so that anyone can (responsibly) walk on any “cart” tracks and farm land (subject to exceptions), akin to Scotland’s 2003 legislation. Michael’s Act only provided limited access to the countryside, via relatively small areas called “Access Land.” Michael also created the South Downs National Park. This has been its saviour, as it protects the beautiful Downs from the current ravages to the countryside by almost unfettered developments. Changes in the Planning Laws (and Government policy) unleashed the developers. They love to build upon Green Field Sites, often in beautiful rural locations, to maximise profits. The unique British countryside is a major attraction for the Tourist Industry. Greater local access to the countryside, generally, should reduce the stress on the National Parks (e.g. The Lake District) through overuse (e.g. erosion of foot paths). There should be greater financial support for environmental groups, conservationists, rural education and the farm industry, especially small farmers. This would be part of the “deal.” Historically, under the Enclosure Acts since the 18th century, the “gentry” and landowners “stole” the land from the “common people.” True Right to Roam would give some recompense for these past injustices. Arguably, many farms have been bought over and over again by the Public Purse, through subsidies. Since the 19th Century, there was a strong lobby for the Nationalisation of land (Fabian pamphlet 1958), although this is not the aim of this petition. Although aimed to be discussed in Parliament, political parties might wish to include the principles behind this petition in their manifestos. Vic Parks June 2017
    21 of 100 Signatures
    Created by vic parks
  • Multi Purpose Gym
    I have yet to find a Gym which suits my needs and until that day I intend on opening my own. I aim to create a gym which provides areas for Calisthenics, Power Lifting and Skill development.
    17 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Robert Helson
  • Fishing matches
    Because nothing is been done at the pond for the children any more like it used to.
    7 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Dawn Black
  • Let's get Steve a home.
    Homelessness is a scar on our society. Steve has probably been walked by thousands of times. We have thousands of empty homes - Steve deserves a home.
    11 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Mike Dobs
  • Bin the Brown Bin Charge / Tax
    This decision hasn't been thoroughly thought through and has sparked a mass outcry on any posts advertising this move by Highland Council. Highland Council have slapped a 3% increase on council tax bands A to H and this stealth tax of £30 will affect the worst off who will have to choices, and be left with nowhere to put their garden waste which is currently uplifted. I know an elderly person in our neighbourhood, with no transport but a large garden. Where will he put his grass clippings? He'll be forced to send them to landfill as he can't afford the extra charge! Highland Council also haven't considered the wider community impact with many local people using the bin to remove Council grass clippings, leaves, bushes and branches that would normally be left on the streets of communities. What will the streets look like when this is impemented and people no longer have good will towards the council. This goes further, flytipping will increase as people try to rid themselves of items they previously placed in a bin. Increased landfill charges will soon put a dent in the estimated £660,000 the council set out to make, which is based on 22,000 people taking up this service. Based on social media response, the council may be doing well if they make half this figure. All the old bins will be dumped in neighbourhoods and ultimately end up increasing the space we consume in landfill - there will be little to no other use for the hundreds not required. Should the council change tack in future, what will he financial and impact on our plant to manufacture hundreds of new bins? The service will operate as before, teams visiting each street in diesel operated waste trucks. Instead of making many collections, a few per street if they are lucky? These inefficiencies are a means to an end but to have these vehicles polluting our streets for a few bins is counterproductive to climate change. Each person to opt in will receive a sticker for their bin. The admin associated with this entire idea will be even more of a drain on the already under resourced council. There are many more arguments as to why this is ludicrous, you only need to look at Highland Council social media to see the upset this had caused and the wave of unrest as this charge is lumped on top of the already increasing taxes we pay. My worry is that these charges are the thin end of the wedge. Once people start paying for a brown bin collection, what will be introduced next year to 'balance the books'. Please resist these charges and sign this petition to send a strong message that this is unacceptable and will hit those that can't afford it worst! Everyone deserves a place to live, a tidy green space to enjoy and refuse collections to keep their space and streets tidy.
    11 of 100 Signatures
    Created by A P
  • 100 seat Greater Manchester Council
    The ten boroughs now only exist in people's imaginations. Many, especially young people, no longer identify with them but know they "belong" to Greater Manchester. Few people know their local councillors' names or the leaders of their council. People do know Andy Burnham is the mayor and 100 councillors will have a higher profile than the 1000 or so currently across the 10 boroughs. Councils have slashed staff numbers. The number of councillors is now completely out of proportion to council employees. There could be massive cost saving in councillor costs while increasing effectiveness. Manchester Town Hall is being renovated and would provide a suitable chamber for 100 councillors from across the Greater Manchester area.
    3 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Mike Milligan
  • Say 'NO' to the re-introduction of Fox Hunting
    I am an animal lover, I'm not a animal right's crusader. I find the leaked plans to re-introduce FoxHunting goes against everything it means to be British in the 21st Century. Please support my petition which is the first I have ever begun.
    89 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Dan Worthy
  • End the shame and stigma for survivors of domestic, mental, physical and sexual abuse
    Abuse in all its forms is largely a silenced issue. It's estimated that up to 20% of adults have been abused at some point in their lives - yet we never hear these stories because people are too frightened or ashamed to come forwards. Abuse survivors have to live with the trauma of abuse as though it is still happening to them in the here and now, living with a range of issues including mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and PTSD, flashbacks, trust issues, even an inability to go on and have healthy relationships. Some may develop dangerous coping mechanisms such as alcoholism and drug addiction. Perhaps on some level, society thinks if we never discuss it, it doesn't exist. But we do need to talk about it. We need to talk about it so that survivors can talk about it without fear and get the help they need. What has happened to them is NOT their fault, yet they are living with the repercussions and it has affected every aspect of their life. I speak from personal experience, having been the victim of abuse myself. I never spoke out about my experiences due to fear and shame, feeling that I would be judged or treated differently if I came forward. It took me many years to get the courage to speak to someone and begin to deal with the events that had happened, and the effects they had on me and my life. I want to remove that shame and stigma, I want us to talk openly about abuse - it happens everyday! We need to be open about it, accept it, and help survivors to come forward and get the help they need. This petition will be delivered to: Secretary of State for Health Secretary of State for Justice It will also be sent to all UK local councils, general media, medical professionals and made available to the general public. Thank you for your support. Useful Links Please note that these links will take you AWAY from this petition, so please sign and share the petition before clicking the links, or bookmark this page so you can come back later. Domestic Abuse Statistics - Living With Abuse (http://www.lwa.org.uk/understanding-abuse/statistics.htm) Child Abuse Statistics - NSPCC (https://www.nspcc.org.uk/services-and-resources/research-and-resources/statistics/) Statistics on childhood abuse - Office for National Statistics (https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/abuseduringchildhood/findingsfromtheyearendingmarch2016crimesurveyforenglandandwales) Support If you need help or support to deal with any abuse you have suffered, please visit these sites. If you are having suicidal or worrying thoughts, please call 999 or speak to The Samaritans on 116 123. Rape Crisis (www.rapecrisis.org.uk) Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) Samaritans (www.samaritans.org) National Association for People Abused in Childhood (www.napac.org.uk)
    14 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Tess Milligan
  • Hose pipe watering on Allotments
    Watering cans can be heavy when filled up and this is a deterent to older people who would like an allotment but are put off by all the necessary watering. Allowing hose pipes to water the plants, PROVIDING all users agree to an increase in their rents if necessary, is a plausible Health reason. It has been shown time and time again, working in the outdoors on an allotment is very beneficial both to mental Health and physical Health.
    5 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Marion Crockford-Smith
  • End Homelessness in the UK
    130,000 people a year in England alone are asking for help regarding homelessness (Shelter, 2017). Homelessness is a matter of social injustice not just personal responsibility, everybody in Britain has a right to accommodation, it is not just a lack of shelter, it involves a deprivation over a number of dimensions, lack of physical and mental comfort, lack of privacy, lack of rootedness in the world and a lack of purpose in life (Somerville, 2013). Even in affordable social housing there is now an uncertainty in security, resulting in an increase in rough sleepers by 102% since 2010. The reason for homelessness is simple, not enough housing,not enough social housing, the ridiculous peak in house prices and the uncertainty of short hold tenancy in private sector housing. This needs to be stopped, we need to stop allowing housing associations and landlords putting vulnerable people out on the streets. Most of us are one wage slip away from being on the streets so help us today to change the lives of thousands of people. Sign today, save tomorrow. Follow us online at - https://sleepsafesleepwarm.wordpress.com/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/SleepsafeSleepwarm Twitter- https://twitter.com/CSleepsafe Refernces Shelter England. (2017). Home. [online] Available at: http://england.shelter.org.uk/ [Accessed 6 May 2017]. Somerville, P. (2013). Understanding Homelessness. Housing, Theory and Society, 30(4), pp.384-415.
    53 of 100 Signatures
    Created by tessa kinsella
  • Get rid of the 'Bedroom Tax' cut to Housing Benefits!
    These cuts are unfair and further disadvantage people who are in a position of need. Approximately 660,000 UK social housing residents have been impacted by the cuts (Fullfact, 2013). This has had significant negative impacts on lives across the UK, leaving thousands of people desperately struggling to pay rent and make ends meet. Hundreds of thousands of residents have gotten into rent arrears, resorted to food banks, and been kicked out of homes they have lived in their whole lives. This is drastically immoral and WRONG. Sign the petition to help us rid the unfair Bedroom Tax!
    46 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Rachel Coates
  • Change the disabled logo
    It is mortifying to be judged by people when you use disabled spots if your disability is not visible. There are stories of abusive notes being left on people's cars, which is a huge knock to their self confidence, which is often already low. The change of logo would symbolism a inclusive acknowledgment of all disabilities.
    27 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Barbara Sandland