WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO EDGWARE RESIDENTS AND VISITORS: Why Edgware? Edgware has been chosen by Barnet Council for the vast bulk of the Mayor’s requirement for new residential development in Barnet Borough, allowing towns like Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon and Barnet itself with nothing like as onerous targets. Flats The majority of the redevelopment of Edgware Town Centre will be concentrated in new residential towers. A total of 19 or 20 new towers are proposed including those of up to 29 floors, with most being between 20 and 25 floors, and even the lower buildings are proposed at up to 14 floors. The proposal is for about 3,800 new units (including 460 student units) and this could be expected to house 7,000 people ( Ballymore’s estimate that we think unlikely) to 12,500 people ( suggested by Barnet Councillor Lucy Wakeley and not denied by Ballymore) to maybe even 15,000 people. To put this in context, this will more than double the number of people that live within reasonable walking distance of Edgware Town Centre and hence double the demand for doctor’s surgeries, school places, dentists, etc. etc. Precious little in the form of this essential Town infrastructure is being proposed to be provided, which can only have a hugely damaging effect on the availability of these essential services to existing residents. Parking The land which is to be redeveloped presently provides 1035 car parking spaces, including a 275-space dedicated commuter car park for those that drive to Edgware tube to continue their journey into Town on the Northern line, and also of course the priceless facility for those who need or want to drive into Edgware Town Centre for its current shops and facilities. Again, this is to be almost entirely swept away and replaced, we are told, by a total of 764 spaces, of which 250 spaces will be servicing Sainsburys (in itself, probably insufficient for a full-size food superstore) AND the remaining replacement shops and cafés in the Town Centre (if they are ever built). The other 514 spaces would be in a substantially less convenient Multi-Storey car park. Now we are told that it is currently a matter of negotiation with Barnet Council and other bodies as to the allocation of the remaining 514 spaces between the competing demands of the new residents, the daily commuters and existing local residents who want or need to drive to their Town Centre. The developers argue that because it is a Town Centre development almost none of the new residents will want or need a car, or even a visitors’ space, but even if that were substantially true, and a car was used by only one person per 10 flats, this will still imply 340 residents’ spaces (including about 100 spaces deemed necessary for disabled blue-badge-holders), taking up almost all of the meagre replacement parking leaving just 175 spaces for the commuters (in itself a reduction of 35% of the numbers they presently have) and nothing at all for local residents driving to the Town Centre, and so, predictably, are therefore very likely to be denied access to the new Multi-Storey car park. Timing Because of the huge scale of the proposed development, it is estimated that this development could take TEN YEARS to complete. Imagine that – 10 years of disruption, diversions, mess and misery swamping our Town Centre. How many residents wouldn’t be able to face this and prefer to move somewhere else – that is if they could find someone willing to buy their house and put up with all this! Summary If Barnet Council decide to grant planning permission for this development proposal, which is at a density far in excess of what they have already permitted in Colindale in recent years, and it does indeed go ahead, the suburban character of Central Edgware will be lost forever, and instead replaced with a mini-Manhattan, no doubt at great profit to the developers, but at huge cost to the standard of living of local residents. Action What can be done about this then? Sign this petition below! We need Barnet Council and the Mayor for London to be convinced that these proposals are in fact a gross overdevelopment, totally out of keeping with the character of Edgware and the maximum they should permit here is a development of about a quarter of this density, whilst insisting that the shopping facilities are replaced, that there is more parking, and provision of the necessary supporting infrastructure including schools, doctor’s surgeries, etc. and with buildings considerably lower than those proposed. If we can get enough signatures on this petition, then hopefully it will become clear to Barnet Council and the Mayor of London that the local-residents despise what is proposed and if The Council still chooses to ride roughshod over local residents’ wishes, then they will see the results at the ballot box at the next election.

There has been numerous times items have either been damaged or stolen off people graves. There has also been many times now I've had items either stolen or damaged on my son's grave and I've been contacted by other people who it's also happened to. Lydney cemetery should be made more secure to stop this happing.

We are repeatedly told that there is " no more money for..." The NHS Social Services Mental Health Services Schools Pensions and Welfare Benefits Libraries Youth Clubs Parks Swimming Pools ...and yet you can allow £4.5bn of our money to misappropriated and no-one is being held responsible?

Watermead Country Park is a haven for wildlife in a busy urban area. It has many hundreds of species of wildlife and is home to several breeding pairs of the rare Cetti's Warbler. The building work could see the destruction of vital habitats. Given that “Leicestershire and Rutland are amongst the poorest counties in the UK for sites of recognised nature conservation value” (Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust, 2022) it madness that any kind of development should take place around Watermead.

Because it is simply wrong at a time when a lot of people are struggling to feed themselves and their families because of the 'cost of living crisis' that MPs should have their food and alcohol consumption subsidised from the public purse. At a time when public sector workers are having to resort to strike action to achieve a living wage, many people are having to choose between 'heating or eating', and there are an estimated 2,500 foodbanks in the UK, its Members of Parliament in 2023 enjoy an annual salary of £86,584, whilst members of the House of Lords receive a daily attendance allowance of £323, or £1,615 for a five day week In addition to their generous remuneration, MPs and Lords have access to no less than 19 catering facilities within the Palace of Westminster, all of which offer subsidised food - and alcohol. The terms "subsidised" and "subsidy" are used here and throughout in their commonly understood sense, of a commodity or service being made available at a discounted price that does not reflect their true value on the open market Following an Open Democracy Freedom of Information request last year, we now know, that that subsidy amounted to £17 million over the three year period up to 2021. It is reasonable to conclude, by taking the average annual cost of the subsidy of £5.6 million over that period, and adjusting for inflation, the equivalent figure for the period 2021 to 2024 is likely to be in the region £20 million. One can quibble about the precise figure but we know it is a sizable subsidy. This is not just about money though. The Open Democracy article about this can be seen here and should be read by anyone interested in this petition or contemplating signing it. https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/food-poverty-parliament-mps-taxpayers-cost-of-living-subsidies/ As if the disparity between an arguably cossetted legislative assembly (generous 'expenses', subsidised travel, second homes, gold plated pensions etc), and those they make laws for, were not bad enough, matters are brought into even starker contrast when one considers the apparent callous indifference MPs show towards measures aimed at ensuring that those who do not benefit from food subsidies, receive adequate nourishment - not least schoolchildren. In January 2023 the Member for Coventry South Zara Sultana introduced a Private Members Bill to extend the eligibility for free school meals to all school children. This was prompted by evidence in her constituency and across the country as a whole, that children were coming to school hungry, (in response to which schools started Breakfast Clubs), and that additionally, many children brought in no lunch boxes, or if they did, their contents were nutritionally inadequate. The bill received its first reading in January 2023, and then came back to the Commons in March for a second reading. Prior to the vote on the second reading Zara Sultana wrote to the Prime Minister pointing out that it was estimated that four million children in the UK were in food poverty, and food inflation was at an all time high of 18.9%. Her efforts were in vain as the government effectively blocked the bill, with a second reading re-scheduled to June when Parliament is not even expected to be sitting. It appears therefore that whilst MPs, who are amongst some of the highest paid people in the country, are happy to receive a subsidy from the public purse for their culinary pleasure, including alcohol consumption, they are otherwise perfectly content to see children going hungry, but for a subsidy for school meals which would cost a fraction of the £20 million subsidy they benefit from. It has been argued that the subsidy benefits passholders and other groups working within the Palace of Westminster. However subsidised canteens are not standard for most workplaces, but in the case of the Palace of Westminster this does not include open access to the Members Dining Room which is restricted to MPs, and serves haute cuisine and fine wines at transport cafe prices - a recent menu for example featured "Oriental crispy lamb salad with plum dressing" for a mere £2.20 This contrasts very poorly with what most people have to pay in their workplaces for more modest fare. Nurses for example who have a much more physically demanding job nevertheless pay more for their meals than MPs as this article from Nursing Notes explains https://nursingnotes.co.uk/news/nhs-staff-pay-around-twice-as-much-as-mps-for-food-at-work/ There would appear to be an ethical and moral deficit in a legislative assembly, the ostensible purpose of which, is to serve the interests of the country rather than just their own, the sheer amount of the subsidy aside.

We are deeply troubled by the imminent closure of the Glasgow Bipolar Hub. The Hub is a ground-breaking and much-needed resource for individuals living with bipolar disorder in Glasgow and beyond. Since its launch in 2020, the Glasgow Bipolar Hub has served as a beacon of hope and healing for countless individuals and families. As highlighted in the recent article "Bipolar treatment hub launched in Gorbals becomes first in the world" published in the Glasgow Times on 29th June 2020, the establishment of this hub marked a historic moment as the first of its kind worldwide. It not only showcased Glasgow's commitment to mental health care but also set a remarkable precedent for other regions. The Glasgow Bipolar Hub has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of individuals battling bipolar disorder by providing specialized treatment, support, and a nurturing community. The hub's holistic approach, which combines evidence-based therapies, medication management, peer support, and educational programs, has yielded remarkable results. Through comprehensive care plans and personalized interventions, the Hub has helped countless individuals regain control over their lives and fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment. Furthermore, the Glasgow Bipolar Hub has served as a catalyst for destigmatizing mental health conditions. By raising public awareness and engaging in community outreach initiatives, the Hub has played a significant role in dismantling societal prejudices and promoting acceptance, understanding, and compassion. However, we have recently received distressing news that the Glasgow Bipolar Hub is being closed due to funding challenges and resource constraints. This disheartening prospect has left us deeply concerned about the welfare and well-being of those who rely on the services provided by the Hub. Closure would result in a devastating loss for individuals with bipolar disorder, their families, and the wider community. We believe that mental health care should be a fundamental priority for our society, and the closure of such a vital institution undermines the progress we have made in advocating for mental health rights. We cannot afford to let this beacon of hope extinguish when the need for accessible and comprehensive mental health support is more crucial than ever. We cannot allow this essential facility to be shut down. It is our responsibility to ensure that individuals living with bipolar disorder have access to the resources and support they require to lead fulfilling lives. By signing the Bipolar Hub Closure Petition, you can play a crucial role in urging the relevant authorities and stakeholders to take immediate action to save this invaluable resource. Let us join hands and stand together to protect the Glasgow Bipolar Hub, preserving a lifeline for mental health care and ensuring a brighter future for all those affected by bipolar disorder. How You Can Help: Sign the Petition and add your name to the growing list of concerned individuals demanding the continuation of the Bipolar Hub's services. Share Widely: Spread the word about this petition through social media platforms, email, and personal conversations. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join the cause and sign the petition as well. Contact Local Representatives: Reach out to your local representatives, politicians, and influential figures to express your concerns and ask for their support in preserving the Bipolar Hub. Highlight the positive impact it has had on the community and emphasize the urgent need for financial assistance. Time is of the essence, and we must act swiftly to prevent the closure of the Bipolar Hub. By signing the petition, spreading awareness, and engaging with local authorities, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by bipolar disorder. Together, let us advocate for the continued operation of the Bipolar Hub and ensure that the necessary support and resources remain accessible to those who need them the most. Thank you for your attention and your commitment to this vital cause.

If the vehicle entrance goes ahead, it will be meters from the very youngest children at Chestnuts school, leading to increased pollution and disruption to them every day, as they play in their playground, as well as an even busier road to cross on the way to and from school. Despite deputations from children, parents and governors from the school to the council, the plans for the vehicle entrance were still signed off. The school was not consulted properly on the plans, which, as a major stakeholder, they should have been. A vehicle entrance in this position poses a serious risk on an already busy road to child safety and health. The creation of a new vehicle entrance here is in direct opposition to Haringey council's Climate Change Action plan, which 'targets a borough-wide reduction on carbon emissions which will improve living standards for all residents'. In addition, the planned vehicle entrance is in the same location as a planned zebra crossing which has now been put off indefinitely, after years of being promised by the council to make a particularly treacherous crossing safer. There is already a vehicle entrance into the development that can be used for vehicle access, a second one is not needed.

I have a child with a disability and we have mice and rats running around our home

The roads in and around Retford are absolutely atrocious. Over the past few months, the standard of the roads has deteriorated rapidly, causing extreme distress and disruption for the town's residents. Many potholes are on main junctions in the town centre and on the main roads, which receive a lot of traffic on a daily basis. In some areas, the roads are simply not fit for purpose. This problem is not just unique to Retford, but to the whole of Nottinghamshire - in recent years, Nottinghamshire has been named as the 'worst county in the country' for potholes/highway maintenance. Despite these warning signs, our Council has done very little/if anything to resolve this issue (some of the repairs that have been done have made the roads even worse!), and this petition is a way for our community to demand more should be done to rectify the problem. There have been many pledges by the council to rectify the issue, but with no results. The roads are now in need of urgent repair - in many cases, new sections of the road need to be re-surfaced. I strongly urge any residents from Retford to support this petition and make our voices heard. Simply reporting a pothole on the council website is not enough - they are not filling them in and the roads are deteriorating even more. This is not a political petition aimed at specific political parties - it is a petition for anyone who wants to see our concerns being taken seriously. We pay enough council tax (and road tax for those who drive) to ensure our local town and roads are well maintained. Where is this money being spent? Why is the town's basic infrastructure not being maintained? Enough is enough. It is time the council take accountability and sort the problem before any further damage is caused.

Property is being bought up by outsiders and used as a second home during seasonal time periods - leaving these towns with expensive housing markets and desolate centres during certain times of the year. It is unfair that locals should have to endure such financial and physical stress because of wealth being poured into their hometowns where their families may have lived for generations or where they have a strong sense of community

Most, if not all of the tenants in this block have young children and therefore, need to use a buggy. It makes it very difficult to leave and enter the building, especially for single parents. When I bid for this property I was told it had a lift but was not informed that there would be two sets of stairs to get to the lift (I was told I can not refuse this property offer when I came to view it). As a single parent, this is very difficult. Building a ramp would be safer and easier for all tenants with young children or mobility issues.

So residents can safely cross a busy road.