Successful Campaigns

Thank you once again for signing and supporting the petition to Keep ticket offices open on London Overground. I wanted to write to you to give you an exciting update on the campaign. This week we heard from TFL and London Overground that 47 of the 51 London Overground station ticket offices proposed for closure would remain open. This is fantastic news and I would like to thank everyone that supported this campaign particularly those that signed the petition, submitted a response to the public consultation and of course transport unions RMT and TSSA. This really is a fantastic result that will ensure that passengers maintain safe, secure and accessible stations whilst being able to buy the full range of tickets available to them.

Lunch time on the 22nd November Jenny Chalmers and I had a site meeting with Councillor John Howard one of the Ward Councillors and Councillor Jas Athwal Leader of Redbridge Council, both councillors were very receptive to the Haul Road cause noting the terrible loss of habitat in the Country Park area and the potential effects on protected wildlife. Cllr Athwal stated that he was going to discuss the situation with senior officers of the Council. In the evening we had the deputation booked for the full Council Meeting at Ilford Town Hall six of us took to the Council Chamber floor where Jenny gave the deputation address, fitting in all the main points within the allocated two minutes. A series of question and answers followed from the assembled Councillors when finally Cllr Athwal asked the final question “My question is, if we move the haul road to the area that you suggested, would that meet your requirements?” I replied “It is a compromise, from our perspective that is the least evil route.” Cllr Athwal replied “Done!” There were smiles from the assembled Councillors and jubilation from the supporters that braved the cold night to be in the gallery. So we have done it, people power has won the day for nature conservation. So thank you all for your support I don't think we could of done it without you! The local Recorder newspapers website has coverage if you wish to read more at https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/politics/fairlop-waters-gravel-lorries-wildlife-reprieve-1-5792315

HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE COUNCIL AND THE PROPOSAL WE SAW WAS A DRAFT LEAKED BY MISTAKE. I HAVE BEEN ASSURED THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THE WAY WE USE THE VALE PARKS AND GREEN SPACES WITH OUR DOGS.

Great news! 03/11/22 The news we have all been waiting for has at last arrived! The Port of Dover recently announced that it has abandoned its plans to dredge the Goodwin Sands for landfill for their port development. As you can imagine, after six and a half years of campaigning this news is extremely welcome as it clearly shows that development does not need to come at the expense of the environment. We would like to thank you all for your encouragement, donations and support, without which we would not have achieved this positive outcome. This campaign has definitely been a huge joint effort. We would like to recognise the support provided by our MP Natalie Elphicke who understood both the need for the port development and our concerns for the marine environment. We have no doubt that she was instrumental in encouraging the Port of Dover to source the necessary landfill elsewhere. Despite this result being a vindication of all we have fought for, we know this is just a battle won, not the whole war and we will not be resting on our laurels. We are acutely aware that assurances need to be sought from all the major stakeholders including The Crown Estate, the Environment Agency and the Marine Management Organisation that they will never allow the Goodwins to be exploited ever again. Thank you again for staying with us over the past six years and we look forward to keeping you updated on our continued work to Save Our Sands. Best wishes, Joanna and Fiona

26/07/18 We won!!! Home Secretary Sajid Javid said "cannabis-derived medicinal products" will be available "by the autumn" through the NHS system Announcing the changes, Javid said: “Recent cases involving sick children made it clear to me that our position on cannabis-related medicinal products was not satisfactory.” Thanks to the hundreds of thousands of 38 Degrees members who signed this petition, wrote to Sajid Javid, and pushed the government to make this important change to the law.

Thanks to the people of Barry and wider Vale of Glamorgan we have managed to convince the Vale of Glamorgan Council to drop their plans for the commercial development of Porthkerry Country park. I was proud to help co-ordinate the campaign and will remain vigilant to ensure this vital natural park remains a home for our local wildlife. Thanks for your support.

01/07/20 Plans to extend an open cast mine by its owners have been rejected by councillors. The Banks Group wanted to enlarge its Bradley West mine in County Durham to extract an extra 90,000 tonnes of coal. More than 6,000 letters of objection were sent with opponents branding the plan "environmentally unacceptable". Durham County Council's planning officers had recommended the plan be approved but councillors rejected it at a meeting, held via videolink. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-53255021

17/4/18: We did it! The voices of cross party MPs and the respectful but resolute demands of the Commonwealth Heads of State, together with personal stories in the press, finally all had an impact. The government apology and promised action were resoundingly good if tarred with shameful tardiness. But implementation is all and we should ensure that an independent body takes on the role of monitoring progress, highlighting problems and ensuring a voice for the people directly affected. Only then, will justice be done. Click here for more information: https://home.38degrees.org.uk/2018/04/18/save-the-windrush-generation-petition-hand-in/

07/01/21 Paul has asked me to thank everyone who supported this campaign. "A huge Thank You to everyone who took the time to sign this petition in hope that Fiveways Post Office would stay open. Great news- I have found a husband and wife team to run the office after Mike and I retire. Best wishes and stay safe, Paul."