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Complete the BearsWay projectThe BearsWay project is an important initiative for increasing sustainable transport. It has sadly been shouted down by a small but vocal minority who do not like the changes. They have been reiterating several pieces of misinformation (below), and it seems that the local councillors have been swayed by their rhetoric. Many of the councillors who voted for the amendment which scrapped Phase 2 of the BearsWay did so in opposition to their own parties' sustainable transport policies (Lib Dem and SNP councillors, specifically). Some of the misinformation presented by the opponents to the BearsWay: 1) They claim that the road has been narrowed to an unsafe width, and is difficult to drive on, and that emergency response vehicles are unable to pass cars. Having had discussions with Blue Flag drivers, ROSPA advanced drivers, Driving Instructors, the Police, and Ambulance drivers, there is no evidence to support this assertion. If one drives to the speed limit (30mph), there is no difficulty navigating the traffic calming measures. We suspect that a number of people who used to drive the road at speeds in excess of the limit are angry that they can no longer do so. I have not spoken to an Ambulance Driver who had an issue with the width of the road. 2) They state that a majority of residents are against the proposals. There is no evidence whatsoever for this. There was a petition against the BearsWay which gathered 2,500 signatures, a number of whom are not local. There are 30,000 people local to the area, and 18,000 daily journeys on the road. 3) They complain that cyclists do not use the cycleway provided. This has been measured, and 92% of cyclists use the segregated cycle lane. There are several possible reasons for the minority not using it, including: It is very difficult to enter the cycle lane Northbound, as it requires crossing a busy lane of oncoming traffic, which is particularly difficult during peak times. Some cyclists were unaware of the cycleway, as it is not well signposted. The link from Burnbrae Roundabout to the crossing at MacDonalds is awkward to negotiate, and interrupts the route - it is far more straightforward Southbound to stick to the road for 200 yards until the crossing point moves the cycle lane to the left hand side of the road (and this also holds up traffic less than using the crossing lights) The BearsWay is not finished - the remaining phases would have addressed the issues in getting on to the cycleway safely. 4) The reduced lanes cause congestion. a) There was only ever one lane in each direction - this is the same. b) There is no evidence of increased congestion - the average journey time along Milngavie Road has increased by approximately 1.3 seconds according to a commuter who logged 150 of his journeys.. 5) There was nothing wrong with the road as it was, and therefore no need to change it. Note that 3,000 cyclists are KSI'd (Killed or Seriously Injured) on UK roads each year. This number is rising year on year. These deaths are caused by collisions with motor vehicles, most commonly when a motor vehicle driver violates the cyclist's right of way. Firstly, the old cycle lanes were poorly marked, and often poorly maintained as well; Cars regularly parked in them (they still do on the section from the Burnbrae Roundabout to Milngavie Precinct); Motor vehicles regularly cut into them in order to cut corners; Motor vehicles tended to drive faster than the speed limit. To conclude, a quote from an excellent article (Blog) on the need for change (Source here: http://www.magnatom.net/2016/09/east-dunbartonshire-time-for-change.html) It's not easy of course, because Change never is. It involves making some sacrifices. It means that a road might have to be a wee bit narrower. It means that occasionally you might have to wait behind a bus for 20 seconds. It means that occasionally at junctions, priorities might need to be adjusted. The odd parking space has to be lost! It feels like our liberties are being taken away from us. Are we truly free though? Is having a congestion free dual carriage way Bearsden Road which you can zoom down at 40 mph without impediment in your car really freedom? Only to be stuck in 2 miles of nose to tail traffic on the Switchback Road, which is already dual carriage way, so perhaps we need three lanes each way? What about those that can't drive, perhaps as they are too young, can't afford it, or are not able to through disability. Sure, the bus is one option, but it will never truly provide the freedom that we yearn, by taking us from where we live to where-ever we want to go. It will help to some extent, and is part of the integrated solution, but it is not the whole answer. Freedom only comes when all those who wish to travel, by whatever means they wish, can do it in a way that is safe, comfortable and convenient. As London, and countless other examples demonstrate, if you build it, they will truly come. And they will come with the many, many benefits that having a significant percentage of your populations travelling actively will bring. So I call on the politicians and especially the councillors of East Dunbartonshire to think carefully about the future. Not just their own future, or at the ballot box next year, but for the future of an area I am sure they really do care for. I ask for them to consider that Change, even politically difficult Change is not only desirable, but needed for the area to flourish. Yes there is a strong local voice against it, but then many of them don't want children to have freedom of safe movement. Is that what you and your party stand for? Really? If they choose not to invest in active travel, the area will drown under the weight of the motor vehicle, something that even many of the opponents of the BearsWay agree is an issue. Be on the side of change. Be on the side of a brighter, healthier, less polluted, less congested East Dunbartonshire.3,289 of 4,000 SignaturesCreated by Phil G
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Wilbury Avenue Rat Run.Wilbury Avenue is a quiet residential street, with many elderly people, children and pets. Not only is excessive speed a danger, it also destroys the quality of life of the area.3 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Paul Humpoletz
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We request reinstatement of Formby Hall in accordance with the WMBC Core Structure policy C.P 3Atherton people were gifted this building in 1917 it has served as our community hub for almost one hundred years Contrary to the councils claim, the Formby Hall was running at a profit when the council decided to sell this Hall and therefore wasn't in receipt of any council subsidy whatsoever! The council nether owned nor operated this Hall Consequently we contend that our Hall was wrongfully sold by Wigan Council to 8th Wonder properties Ltd. So It is vital that this well supported gifted amenity is returned to our community, in the same condition that this building was in on April 2011 prior to 8th wonder properties taking charge of this building!192 of 200 SignaturesCreated by Paddy Mccrory
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Pedestrian Crossing A27/Peak Lane/Catisfield RoadWith the update works on the A27 and the forecast increase in traffic, a pedestrian crossing is desperately needed at this point. The road is being crossed regularly by pedestrians to access 4 schools, 2 pre-schools and a pub as well as normal journeys between friends and relatives. This safety feature is urgently needed and should have been included in the original upgrade plans for the A27. There is a crossing on every other major junction along this stretch of the A27 but not one at probably the most frequently used, certainly by young children. For the safety of our children as well as parents, locals residents and those who support the local public house, please support this petition to push for the Council/Highways Authority to install a fully lighted pedestrian crossing as a matter of urgency.468 of 500 SignaturesCreated by Clive Nixon
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STOP REPEATED DELAYS ON RECEIVING PENSIONS WHATEVER YOUR GENDERWomen born in 1953 have been hit twice. All people, including men, have had their pensionable age changed once and it may well change again. These women do get their pension - at the old rate, women born in 1953 will not get the increase standard rate - have no chance to increase their pension by 10% p.a. if delay receipt to increase their pension (that option is now reduced to 5%.) - we have paid NI contributions for more years than people who will benefit at the new rate. This means that any woman born in the same month (but in 1950) - received their pension at 60.5, who those born in that month of 1953 will start getting theirs at 64.9 years - by delaying their pension to receive at 64.9 like me, they would either get about 44% more pension than me for their life or have 229 more weekly payments if we both died at the same age and received our pensions at the same age. - The average life expectancy of someone 3 years old older than me is not a lot different from me. The government are changing rules by stealth. Changing these rules more than once so they can approach this in a divide and conquer way as only those effected at each change might complain. Each time they change they revisit part of the age groups they have already changed and add a further age group. If you aren't affected this time, you may be affected next time. When it happens to you, it doesn't mean that they won't revisit or change or delay again especially at a time close to when you thought you would retire.16 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Linda Everett
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Make it compulsory for schools with social media accounts to be set to private.The primary school my children attend has a public Twitter profile that they post photos of the children on. 3 explicit Twitter profiles have retweeted and liked a photo of my child. It was brought to my attention that the school profile is public and it is not compulsory to have it set to private. I don't want this to be able to happen to any other child. We need to protect their privacy and safety.2 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Jasmine Allison
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Hastings & Rye Support Refugee ChildrenUnaccompanied children in the Calais Jungle are suffering appalling conditions. Many are being abused and have mental health problems. Many have been injured and some killed trying to reach the UK. Their suffering is needless - they have the legal right to be in the UK. The Home Office has the details of nearly 400 young people and children with legal entitlement to come to the UK. They are therefore now our responsibility. Refusing to welcome them is criminal negligence. The Calais Jungle is due to be demolished by October 31. The children must be brought to safety before then. As Hastings and Rye residents, with a proud tradition of helping those in need, we call on Amber Rudd MP to do whatever she can to bring those children to safety immediately.450 of 500 SignaturesCreated by Jamie Osborn
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The UK Parliament: Assess and Discuss critical information regarding Syrian catastrophe.Because the extreme bloodshed and destruction in and of Syria is a War Crime foisted on them by the West and their Middle East 'Allies', and just like Iraq and Libya, it is a 'Regime Change' plot based on lies. The creation, arming, paying and transport to Syria of terrorist mercenary interventionist groups is the worst crime of all, a 'Crime Against Peace', which also enshrines War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity.18 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Paul Barbara
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Teach basic British Sign Language and Deaf Awareness in all schools.To promote the inclusion of all hearing impaired peoples in our society. Hearing impairment is often invisible which can lead to the isolation of hearing impaired children and adults in our society. If sign language and deaf awareness is taught in all schools across the UK, the communication barriers between the hearing and deaf world can be dissolved and an enrichment of society can take place which can only benefit all.22 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Susie Webley
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SAVE BECKENHAM PLACE PARK GOLF COURSEThis golf course has been open for over 100 years. I and many residents have been using this golf course for over 40 years. It is a place much loved for it's idealistic beautiful views and the wildlife that live there, It is a place of peace and tranquillity and it is enjoyed by all different age groups and families, where small children enjoy feeding the squirrels and enjoying the nature that this beautiful. place has to offer. There are also listed buildings that hold alot of history. People of all ages can enjoy not only the views but can also enjoy a refreshing drink and tasty food in the cafe run by very welcoming staff. Please lets stop Lewisham Council from closing this beautiful open space where us people enjoy going to either play a game of golf or just enjoy walks or taking our children there, or just to have some peace in such tranquil surroundings13 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Sandra Pearson
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Invest in Liverpool Children's CentresThe Healthy Liverpool Agenda recognises the need for focussed early intervention, reducing inequalities and expansion of community based services. In Liverpool a third of our children live in poverty and research shows the detrimental impact this has on their health. Liverpool children's centres have a proven track record of delivering health focussed services including: Targeted speech and language interventions. Breastfeeding support. Healthy Eating programmes. Physical Activity. Mental Health support services. Accident prevention services. Children's centres are a trusted and well established community resource with over 78% of children under 5 accessing a service in 2015. The investment needed is only 0.26% of the total CCG budget. We urge the CCG to recognise this opportunity to invest in partnership working and to invest in the children of Liverpool.2,057 of 3,000 SignaturesCreated by Liz Parsons
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Stop the pensioner 'Bedroom Tax'Plans to cut housing benefit will affect people who have worked hard all their lives. Pensioners should not bear the brunt of yet further underhand benefit cuts. The hardest hit will be the poorest of pensioners, those on state pensions. The likes of my mother, who worked hard all her life and brought our family up. We've all been grafters, and now she's being punished by a government that just doesn't care. In fact, it's not that they don't care, it's that they don't even see. My 81 year old mum has been living in a two bedroom council flat for 35 years, it's her home. Pensioners like my mum will lose £14 per week or be pressured into leaving her beloved home. This is yet another example of a government which simply doesn't care about ordinary people in our country and yet again targets the most vulnerable.148,090 of 200,000 SignaturesCreated by Michael Collins
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