• Public Ownership of Scotland’s Energy
    Privatised energy has failed citizens. For evidence please see: www.weownit.org.uk/evidence/energy Meanwhile, the Referendum on Independence has created an inspiring re-engagement in politics across Scotland and some brilliant ideas about what sort of society we should work together to create. Now that all the drama is finally over, it is essential we keep the pressure up and utilise the 'new powers' to make these ideas a reality. New books such as 'Common Weal' (2014) and 'Yes: The Radical Case for Scottish Independence' (2014) both foreground the need for the Democratic Public Ownership of our essential services and infrastructure, in order to move towards a green economy and a more just society. Therefore, this petition has been created alongside another to the Minister for Transport demanding the Public Ownership of Scotland’s Railway. Please sign both and share the links below to help spread the word: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/publicrailwayscotland https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/publicenergyscotland This petition is supported by: http://www.bringbackbritishrail.org/images/pftp_supporters.png To add your organisation to this list, please use the 'Contact User' button above.
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    Created by Ellie Harrison Picture
  • STOP PEAK DISTRICT FOOTPATHS BEING UPGRADED FOR 4X4 & MOTORBIKE USE
    The Peak District National Park is reputed to be the 2nd most visited national park in the world and when you visit this area it’s not hard to understand why, the area is truly breath-taking and living in the Peak District is a real privilege. Sadly not everyone who comes to the Peak District wants to enjoy the peace and serenity that the area offers. The area is under continuous assault by off road enthusiasts who come in significant numbers to rally up and down lanes and bridal ways for recreational sport, these off roaders have learned that if a footpath has ever been used by a horse and cart since the early 18oos they can apply to have the use changed from a footpath to a byway or even worse a Byway Open to All Traffic. To upgrade existing footpaths to byways of any designation blurs the distinction of what is permissible. Even the description of a route which allows for ‘limited use’ by motorised vehicles clouds the issue and implies some right of vehicular access. As we have seen in many cases across the national park – abuse of restricted byways by those seeking out green lanes to drive across, is a common fact. There is no meaningful policing of these routes as the police do not view such transgressions as a priority. This is detrimental to the fabric and essence of the national park and as the authorities have no power to overrule these decisions the applications virtually always get approval as the law is on the side of the applicant. It is an antiquated law that needs to change as a matter of urgency. At the very least - any national park should have special provisions to overrule decisions which will affect these beautiful areas, currently they do not have this power. We must make sure that these areas are left as we found them for future generations to enjoy in the same way, but once these paths are opened up to broader definitions of traffic, the effects and devastation are substantial. I will list a few below: 1. Erosion rapidly sets in and the ground is constantly churned up by powerful motorbikes, 4x4s, – causing once minimal footpaths to become broad lanes 2. The native wildlife and flora habitats are destroyed (some of these are rare or protected species) 3. Peat bog lands are reduced to slurry 4. Some off roaders not content with the path they have, widen their riding area in search of greater challenges, creating more damage 5. Local residents and tourists suffer as a result of the noise these machines bring to the area 6. Green lane traffic poses a danger to walkers and visitors due to the speed and aggression that some apply whilst in the area 7. Once the area is sufficiently churned up, the ground becomes unstable and when the heavy rains of winter start, the degrading effect happens much faster and the lands begins to wash away 8. Neither environmental impact nor local opposition are taken into consideration on decisions to redefine footpaths within the national park because the authorities are simply complying with the letter of the law 9. The number of routes designated as simple, peaceful footpaths within the national park reduces as the definitions are upgraded to encourage more forms of transport. The argument against this is huge and a book could be written about the devastating impact to the area, obviously we can’t do this here and indeed the applicants for this will have their own arguments about why they should have access to the land. Our decision to fight this is not because we don’t like the people who carry out this sport it’s because we value our countryside as it should be. We will add that a large number of disused quarries and certain farmlands charge a small fee for riders to enjoy the ultimate off road experience in purpose-made environments so why on earth would you want to ruin nature at its very best Please support and share with your friends
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    Created by KEVIN G
  • Keep North Tees Haematology Ward Open
    The people of Teesside and the surrounding area have a higher than average incidence of complex blood disorders. This is almost certainly due to the history of chemical manufacturing in the area. The Haematology Ward has eight beds and caters for those patients with the most complex needs, usually when they are at crisis point. The current staff are all totally dedicated to improving the well-being of these patients and are devastated by the news of the planned closure. Although there are currently no plans to close the Haematology Day Unit at North Tees, the loss of the Haematology Ward will mean that patients will not receive the vital continuity of care that they must have when their condition requires a stay in hospital. Instead it is planned to send them to either South Tees or Sunderland. It is unbelievable that the Trust plans to throw in the towel. What next? The NHS faces death by a thousand cuts. Please help to stop this being one of them! Link to the article on http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/haematology-unit-university-hospital-north-7774622?ref=BreakingNewsTeesside&utm_medium=facebook
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    Created by Bernie Allan
  • Dog owner licensing
    Dog attacks on humans and other dogs are increasing. Specific breeds are not attacking people or animals across the breed, but irresponsible owners causing problems
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    Created by Andrew Lee
  • Don't Close Dementia Respite Care provided at Lincoln House Crewe
    Carers of people with dementia depend on good respite to keep themselves well. Caring is hard work done with loving care. There are 5.402 people over 65 years living with dementia and 4.500 carers in Cheshire East Borough. Carers and their family 'save Cheshire East Council hundreds of thousands of pounds by caring . They do not wish to travel long distances for their care service, do not allow Cheshire East to close Lincoln House. Act now sign the petition to keep dementia care respite at Lincoln House
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    Created by Dorothy Flude
  • Abolish the teaching of all religions in schools.
    Despite evolution being an accepted scientific fact, we still allow the teaching of religion to innocent children as part of their state education. There is is no evidential basis for religious beliefs and as such, to influence and indoctrinate young children as they form their view of the world seems to me to be abusive. History has shown us the divisive nature of religious belief and the conflict it can cause. It is time for our children to be taught religious studies in an historical context only.
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    Created by Jenny Hurley
  • Re-instate the School Crossing Patrol in Canford Heath
    This road crossing is very dangerous especially during school drop off and pick up times. It is difficult to cross this very busy road during these times for pedestrians, and it is hard for drivers with two very busy junctions in close proximity and restricted views of both sides of the crossing especially when large vehicles including buses are turning. There are three schools within close proximity, Ad Astra First School, Haymoor Junior School and Magna Academy making this crossing very busy with a large proportion of pupils crossing without an adult. From a pedestrian point of view, the junction has been deemed too dangerous for an individual to stop the traffic, yet it is ok for our children to be left to cross the road alone. People are witnessing children stuck on the island in the middle of the road waiting for cars to stop, which is incredibly dangerous. From a driver’s point of view - without the school crossing patrol - the pupils assume the traffic will stop and wait. There can be a constant stream of pupils attempting to cross the road which is causing traffic jams down Adastral Road. Driver’s do not want to stop due to the high volume of people waiting and it halting their journey. There have been a couple of instances where traffic has gone to pull away and a child has run across the crossing, making it very dangerous.
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    Created by Gemma Burney
  • End the archaic and oppressive regime of sanctions at DWP
    It's a matter of principles in belief and defense of the last remnants of the welfare state of which a slow and deliberate attempt has been made to eliminate to the benefit of nobody in society. It's also in contradiction of human rights legislation recognized on an international basis...
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    Created by Damian Kershaw
  • Save Our Number 36 Bus Service
    The proposed cuts to bus services would severely restrict people's ability for travel: • to and from work • visiting friends and relatives • To access education and training • access to hospitals, doctors, dentists and other medical services • access to leisure activities including town and countryside locations Fewer buses will mean more traffic congestion and delays which affects all of us.
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    Created by Michael Hughes
  • Removal of Means-testing of Payment for Carers
    Carers are on call 24/7 and save NHS and Social services considerable sums by undertaking their responsibilities as Designated Carers for those partly or wholly disabled. A Carer, in receipt of a State Pension, receives no payment for their costant vigilance because that Pension is more than a Carer's Allowance. Effectively they are working for NHS and Social Services for nothing. It is grossly unfair and the means-testing must be stopped so that Carers' heroic and selfless contribution to society can be properly recognised and remunerated.
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    Created by Terence Joyes
  • Be Child Cancer Aware
    Approximately 4,000 new cases of cancer in children and young adults are diagnosed in the UK each year. Be Child Cancer Aware, a parent led and run charity has already sent out millions of signs and symptoms awareness cards with the result that a number of families have received an early diagnosis. Ben's diagnosis is featured on their website. We ask the UK government to officially support this campaign to empower parents with the knowledge that might save the life of a child they know or love. The charity Be Child Cancer Aware introduced and has been successfully leading this awareness campaign for over 4 years without any official support. They now look to the government to recognise the importance of knowing the main signs and symptoms of all childhood cancers.
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    Created by John Drummond
  • The Headsmart Campaign for the earlier diagnosis of children's brain tumours
    Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and teenagers in the UK and our diagnosis time is slower than similar countries to us. Ashya King required two operations to remove his brain tumour, which was reportedly the size of a satsuma. His situation echoes that of our son David, who was treated at the same hospital. Had David's tumour been diagnosed earlier, it would have been smaller. He would probably have needed only one operation instead of the 11 that he endured. I knew nothing about the symptoms of brain tumours at that time. Had I been more aware, I would have taken our son to the doctor weeks earlier. I believe this would have resulted in a better outcome for David, who died in 2012, aged 16. Most parents know the symptoms of meningitis. Few know the symptoms of a brain tumour and yet both these illnesses represent the same risk to a child. The HeadSmart campaign is designed to raise awareness of the symptoms of brain tumours in children, with the sole aim of reducing the average diagnosis time and bringing UK diagnosis times into line with other western countries. Late diagnosis of childhood brain tumours in the UK causes unnecessary suffering, disability and death and is unacceptable. The little help I've received so far from the Department of Health, has been conditional on my NOT being allowed to acknowledge it in the national press. As a mother who had to watch her son die from spinal tumours and full dementia, suffering from a disease that might have been prevented by earlier diagnosis, I beg you to sign this petition and enlist the public help of Jeremy Hunt. THANK YOU
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    Created by Sacha Langton-Gilks