tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84479725729657966562024-02-20T18:20:31.966-08:00Manor Castle Green PartyThe election campaign for Manor Castle Green Party, Sheffield.Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-9974039885953280172010-04-12T15:39:00.000-07:002010-04-12T15:40:39.265-07:00New home!This blog is moving!<br />You can now find it at<br /><a href="http://manorcastlegreens.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/">http://manorcastlegreens.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/</a>Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-58621920920872289492010-04-08T15:34:00.000-07:002010-04-08T16:09:37.092-07:00Meet your Parliamentary CandidatesIf you want to ask your General Election candidates a question you will have an opportunity on Tuesday 27th April at St Mark's Broomhill (7 for 7.30pm). Jillian Creasy will be speaking for the Greens and I believe all the other candidates have been invited. There are lots of other hustings- (see the <a href="http://sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/calendar/">calendar</a> on Sheffield Green Party website) but this is the only one I know of where all the Sheffield Central Candidates will be involved.<br /><br />In all my years as standing in the local elections (and I have stood in every one since 1994-<a href="http://sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/elections/election-results/sheffield-city-council-election-results/">see all the results here</a>) I have never been invited to debate with my fellow candidates to give people the opportunity to decide who they should vote for. Surely there is an organisation in Manor Castle Ward that could host a debate? Churches, mosques, societies etc need to get involved with democracy and quiz the would be councillors about their policies. This year I will be standing against the former leader of Sheffield Council Jan Wilson. I know Jan is a hard working local counsellor, for whom I have a lot of respect- but I do have fundamental differences with her on policies, and the people of Manor Castle should be able to understand those differences before they cast their vote.The two big parties are currently bombarding us with General Election leaflets, but very few of them contain any policies! The Green Party can't afford to compete with that volume- we just don't have the finance. But the literature we do give out will contain our policies so that you know what you are voting for, and it will also be easily found on our <a href="http://sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/policy/">website</a>.<br /><br />So if you are involved with a local religious group or community organisation, why not organise a hustings? You will need to act quickly though as there are only 27 days to go before the election!Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-74800266055342695482010-04-06T02:07:00.000-07:002010-04-06T02:09:47.473-07:00Take a look at this: http://www.38degrees.org.uk/clean-up-lobbying<br /><br />I've just emailed my prospective parliamentary candidates to demand that they supports real transparency in lobbying to help clean up politics and asking them to sign <a href="http://sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/2010/03/30/greens-make-clean-campaign-pledge/">Sheffield Green Party's Clean Campaign Pledge</a>.<br /><br />Whether it's tobacco advertising, arms deals, GM food, or airport expansion, companies pay people to try to influence government. We've got a right to know what they're doing, especially when its our prospective MPs who are working as lobbyists.<br /><br />Please email your candidates now and ask them to commit to lobbying transparancy, it only takes two minutes: http://www.38degrees.org.uk/clean-up-lobbyingGraham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-33933751421617177502010-04-04T14:52:00.001-07:002010-04-04T16:06:01.100-07:00Election campaign begins...Sorry I have been so quiet lately. I have been getting <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk">http://sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk</a> </span>ready for the election. I am pleased to say it's nearly ready. Please have a look and give Sam and I some feedback. All we need now is for Gordon Brown to give us a date! I have also been officially accepted as the local election candidate for Manor Castle Ward. We know this election is on May 6th which is why everyone thinks Gordon Brown will call the General Election on the same day. So you are likely to have 2 votes on May 6th. Please vote for <a href="http://sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/people/councillors/cllr-jillian-creasy/">Jillian Creasy</a> in the General Election and <a href="http://sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/people/green-party-officers/graham-wroe/">Graham Wroe</a> in the local election.<br /><br />If you would like to help with the election campaign there are many different ways you can do this- here are a few ideas.<br />*Join the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Sheffield-Green-Party/175900643477?ref=nf">Facebook</a> group and tell all your friends about us.<br />*Put up a poster- you can <a href="http://sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/files/2010/04/A4_Poster_2010_Sheffield_GP.pdf">print one off here</a> or contact me for a ready printed one.<br />*<a href="http://sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/about-us/donate/make-a-donation/">Make a donation</a> to help us compete with the massive resources of the 3 main parties.<br />*Volunteer to leaflet your street or area- contact me very soon if you would like to do this.<br />*Help us canvass- we are constantly out and about knocking on peoples doors, talking to them about problems in their area and asking them to vote Green. If you are interested in doing this we can give you "on the job" training, and you can work with an experienced canvasser until you feel confident to have a go by yourself.<br />But probably the best way you can help is to talk to your friends and neighbours about why you are voting Green. Help us to overcome our stereotype of being a "single issue party" and tell people "I'm voting Green because I don't want the creeping privatisation of the NHS to continue" or "I'm voting Green because I want our troops brought home as soon as possible" or "I'm voting Green because we need to create a million new jobs to build a sustainable future".<br /><br />Sheffield City College is now graced with 3 wind turbines, to go with the pv solar panels on the tower that have been working for a while. The next stage of the development is now underway with the demolition of D and E blocks and the old bridge across Granville Road, that will create space for the landscaping and new pond. <a href="http://www.sheffcol.ac.uk/index.cfm?pid=0bbd8547-dcab-4f4c-b952-f2694c67926d">Further details about the new building here</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6f1rSXJyjd9wBYK4rBZSWqT37DQZOJUOnLADuPYCWGzyJFk3tr1q3HFpdd7FNbubg6EpojzIibZunj4-wYxUno4zSjVmsw16YiIYr5ZN4cHsNFLqJIbX8yS75Xt-zK_UPcCVh2VSdwU/s1600/collegeturbines.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6f1rSXJyjd9wBYK4rBZSWqT37DQZOJUOnLADuPYCWGzyJFk3tr1q3HFpdd7FNbubg6EpojzIibZunj4-wYxUno4zSjVmsw16YiIYr5ZN4cHsNFLqJIbX8yS75Xt-zK_UPcCVh2VSdwU/s400/collegeturbines.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456410460649855010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsbXgvvRUSstgOeGcdQNMq_NngZYSvv3vGDhnyYWiZVgssoDPkhga8TVB3ZvmQghFhmVo0qVXQGjGhrC8IcxFPtR8gaGOnAeeKpAr8YuNMX3V4m7YJyO0LK5NSujoWOaT7-dhtbL6tBA/s1600/DSC00112.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsbXgvvRUSstgOeGcdQNMq_NngZYSvv3vGDhnyYWiZVgssoDPkhga8TVB3ZvmQghFhmVo0qVXQGjGhrC8IcxFPtR8gaGOnAeeKpAr8YuNMX3V4m7YJyO0LK5NSujoWOaT7-dhtbL6tBA/s400/DSC00112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456410449350888946" border="0" /></a>Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-29377129272341905522010-03-14T15:40:00.000-07:002010-03-14T15:59:14.703-07:00Conference highlightApart from my emergency motion, which was passed unanimously,this speech was one of my highlights of conference.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Bh5-6cbBKU&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Bh5-6cbBKU&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />Here is the text of my Emergency Motion on the Yarlswood hunger strike, which is still continuing.<br /><br />This conference notes the on going hunger strike at Yarlswood Detention Centre and the demands of the hunger strikers, including<br /><br />*Access to appropriate medical treatment.<br />*an end the detention of children and their mothers, rape survivors and other torture victims, <br />*an end to the detention of physically, mentally sick people and pregnant women.<br />*an end to the separation of children from their mothers.<br /><br />This conference is appalled at the way the hunger strikers have been treated, being locked outside without outdoor clothing, and in corridors without toilet facilities. Some women have been beaten by the guards.<br /><br />This conference calls on for the immediate release of the Yarlswood 4 (Aminata Camara from Guinea, Sheree Wilson from Jamaica, Shellyann Stupart from Jamaica, Gladys Obiyan from Nigeria), who have been put in prison even though no charges have been made against them.<br /><br />This Conference resolves to send a message of support to WomenBehindTheWire@ncadc.org.uk and a copy of this motion to the Rt Hon Phil Woolas Minister of State for Borders and Immigration.<br /><br />Here is a little more background to this if you haven't seen it in the press.<br /><br />Aminata, Sheree, Shellyann, and Gladys, were resident in Yarl's Wood IRC on Monday 8th Feb, when an absolute and unwarranted response to a peaceful hunger strike by Serco staff, led to eight hours of chaos. Many of the detainees were injured, Aminata, Sheree, Shellyann, and Gladys, were removed from association and transferred to Bedford police station, where they remained overnight. They were then transferred to Colnbrook STHC, where they were this morning.<br /><br />Gladys Obiyan, alleges that in the police station on Tuesday morning, when they were about to be moved, the police roughed her up.<br /><br />At 01:15 this morning they were told they were being moved to prison, HMP Holloway and HMP Bronzefield, when they asked why they could not be returned to the detention estate, they were told there were no bed spaces available, this is blatantly untrue. women in Yarl's Wood this morning confirmed there were plenty of empty bed spaces.<br /><br />All the women are deeply disturbed at the prospect of being put in prison.<br /><br />None of the women have been charged with any offences or were in any way involved in any actions at Yarl's Wood that were other than peaceful.<br /><br />UK citizens cannot be remanded to prison, except they have been brought before a judge and the judge orders it so.<br /><br />Aminata, Sheree, Shellyann, and Gladys, have not and will not be brought before a judge, they are being remanded to prison on the whim of Phil Woolas MP<br />Minister of State for Borders and Immigration.<br /><br />What You Can do to Help:<br />The detained women are asking you to Email/fax/phone/write Phil Woolas MP, requesting that Aminata, Sheree, Shellyann, and Gladys, are returned to Yarl's Wood immediately or released into the community. Download model letter <Yarl's Wood Four.doc>, which you can copy/amend/write your own version, there are no Home Office reference numbers available as the women were moved from Yarl's Wood, with out their belongings.<br /><br />Rt. Hon Phil Woolas MP<br />Minister of State Borders and Immigration<br />3rd Floor, Peel Buildings, 2 Marsham St<br />London SW1 4DF<br />Telephone: 020 7035 0195<br />Fax: 0870 336 9034<br />Email: Privateoffice.external@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk<br />Emails: UKBApublicenquiries@UKBA.gsi.gov.uk<br />CITTO@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk<br /><br />Please let the campaign know of faxes/emails sent:<br />WomenBehindTheWire@ncadc.org.ukGraham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-63120004740612588602010-03-03T14:19:00.000-08:002010-03-03T14:23:52.665-08:00Why you should vote Green!New video from Caroline Lucas-enjoy.<br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AsUwbSwvvJk&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AsUwbSwvvJk&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-57764528744731679382010-02-08T11:52:00.000-08:002010-02-08T13:02:51.076-08:00EMT at it againEast Midland Trains are continuing to upset and bully the people of Sheffield with their ridiculous tactics of denying people access to the bridge across the station. They seem determined to alienate as many people as possible.<br /><br />Following article is on page 2 of tonight's Sheffield Star.<br /> <br /><br />08 February 2010 <br /><br />By Nick Ward <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />FURIOUS campaigners have slammed railway bosses for stopping people without tickets crossing the Sheffield station footbridge.</span><br /><br /> The move, on Friday evening, comes just months after campaigners won their fight against an application to install ticket barriers to stop anyone without a ticket using the bridge.<br /><br />Stagecoach, which owns East Midlands Trains, applied to install barriers to improve security and stop fare dodging but faced a massive protest when the plans were announced in 2008.<br /><br />Sheffield Council's planning board rejected the scheme in November.<br /><br />Protesters were angry the barriers would prevent residents from using the station footbridge as a route between the city centre and Norfolk Park.<br /><br />Members of campaign group Residents Against Station Closure say they are furious after the bridge was closed to anyone without a ticket on Friday evening.<br /><br />Protester Graham Wroe said: "The six members of a city planning board unanimously voted to reject the scheme after receiving nearly 1,250 objections - and slammed the station operator for pursuing the plans despite such overwhelming opposition.<br /><br />"But now EMT are continuing to disrupt pedestrians journeys, forcing people to use the unlit and dangerous covered bridge which has no disabled access, or take an extremely long detour to get round.<br /><br />"On some previous occasions when EMT have carried out ticket checks they have issued pedestrians with tickets to enable them to cross the bridge. On this occasion they failed to do this and forced everybody to walk round.<br /><br />"We are calling a meeting of Residents Against Station Closure on Monday February 15 at 7pm at Victoria Methodist Church, Stafford Road, to discuss our response."<br /><br />Fellow campaigner Mark Halsey has written to East Midlands Trains saying: "I wish to complain at being stopped on the footbridge at Sheffield station this evening.<br /><br />"This is despite the fact that Sheffield City Council, when you applied to install barriers, made it clear that while you are entitled to run a penalty fare scheme, this only applies to the platforms on which your trains operate and that you can at no time prevent pedestrians from using the footbridge over the station.<br /><br />"I would like an explanation as to why your staff and company think that the civil law doesn't apply to them."<br /><br />East Midlands Trains said the ticket checks were part of an ongoing plan to prevent people trying to travel without a ticket and have been carried out for a number of months at Sheffield station. These ticket checks are also carried out in other stations across the East Midlands Trains network.<br /><br />Loads of good comments on the website<br /><a href="http://www.thestar.co.uk/headlines/Outrage-as-residents-hit-by.6051230.jp">http://www.thestar.co.uk/headlines/Outrage-as-residents-hit-by.6051230.jp</a><br />and a very supportive editorial<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Don't alienate Sheffield folk.</span><br /> EAST Midlands Trains are right to be concerned over fare dodgers, who deprive the company of vital revenue which, in turn, threatens its role as employer to thousands of people. But it is not acceptable that their campaign to stop people travelling without a ticket should result in pedestrians being prevented from using a footbridge at Sheffield railway station, which is what happened the other evening when the rail company ..carried out a ticket check operation.<br />An application for ticket barriers at either end of the footbridge, in effect restricting its use only to train passengers, has already been thrown out by Sheffield City Council, which felt the apparatus was out of keeping with the character of the railway station.<br />In reality, though, this decision would have been driven equally by sympathy for the campaign against the loss of the footbridge to general use.<br />For the rail company to unilaterally close off a well used and much appreciated thoroughfare which not only links a major part of Sheffield with the city centre but also joins Hallam University with its bespoke tram stop, is to ignore the feelings of the public at large. The irony is that they no doubt sympathise with the company in its plight against fare dodgers.<br />We would appeal to them to find an alternative way to achieve their goal without alienating Sheffield people.Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-9109503399028459552010-01-19T14:52:00.000-08:002010-01-19T15:00:53.698-08:00British Human Rights under threat<object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nmMGPfX8Ztg&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nmMGPfX8Ztg&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object><br />I was pleased to find this clip from an excellent panel at the Brighton Conference last year. It's a shame it doesn't include my question at the end about the way we treat asylum seekers in this country. Am now looking forward to going to London in February, the last Green conference before the General Election!Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-26857207543339571562010-01-11T15:02:00.000-08:002010-01-11T15:12:57.501-08:00Greens can win!Very encouraging article in today's <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/poll-surge-suggests-greens-on-course-for-first-commons-seat-1863895.html">Independent</a>, showing that the Greens are now favourites to win Brighton Pavillion at the next General Election.<br /><br />"The Green Party is on course to make a historic electoral breakthrough by winning the Labour-held seat of Brighton Pavilion at the forthcoming general election. A poll of voting intentions carried out by ICM Research shows that the Greens, who had their best-ever result in the constituency in 2005, hold an eight-point lead over their nearest rivals, the Conservatives, with the Greens on 35 per cent, the Tories on 27, Labour on 25 and the Liberal Democrats on 11 per cent."<br /><br />Having worked hard to get the Green Party electable for 3 decades, I will be overjoyed to see Geen MP's in Westminster! Go for it Brighton!Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-57179511937715387312010-01-05T07:51:00.000-08:002010-01-05T08:03:17.518-08:00Snow people against Climate Change!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeJemwTOsyVAdbLlwYvJPXYyfEK33Qm0a9NBZDc9QQjEmTpUAfFunkPOtqk0iAssyikBRSS-R6iRpsboSmo65PvX3PU-JQTqF942FDltKqQng-zxF4DDekkCWJtAtao52wwuKKLMG1vw/s1600-h/snowpeopleagainstclimatechange.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeJemwTOsyVAdbLlwYvJPXYyfEK33Qm0a9NBZDc9QQjEmTpUAfFunkPOtqk0iAssyikBRSS-R6iRpsboSmo65PvX3PU-JQTqF942FDltKqQng-zxF4DDekkCWJtAtao52wwuKKLMG1vw/s400/snowpeopleagainstclimatechange.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423285492970058082" border="0" /></a>How do I stop the pesky squirrel stealing the birds nuts?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTWSxtF8dP91yYUOvuINhp-11yYL9FiSqmmfwT9hZaR1OhQFN1u1uLv4rjGgbjn30SgAJQx0WjzmRodVm2JtMtZ3i5nMofBnCqdlKLj43XNlX9my6TAh5j8YFdd7coialpLDAIIPpM5s/s1600-h/squirrel.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTWSxtF8dP91yYUOvuINhp-11yYL9FiSqmmfwT9hZaR1OhQFN1u1uLv4rjGgbjn30SgAJQx0WjzmRodVm2JtMtZ3i5nMofBnCqdlKLj43XNlX9my6TAh5j8YFdd7coialpLDAIIPpM5s/s400/squirrel.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423285325660936754" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfjm8BLgKPh0YM3EZ3tSBp3tDB7rKzRWOfeidxWwtzCltG4VXo4XynDYG-uMp-qXmlZQ9yQFpS9r8M-3rRgaFJN22YNUcp65OnqPs5apyWwIpHUOBLBtllDzEsZA0-D36o7oIYC4WfFo/s1600-h/DSC00280.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfjm8BLgKPh0YM3EZ3tSBp3tDB7rKzRWOfeidxWwtzCltG4VXo4XynDYG-uMp-qXmlZQ9yQFpS9r8M-3rRgaFJN22YNUcp65OnqPs5apyWwIpHUOBLBtllDzEsZA0-D36o7oIYC4WfFo/s400/DSC00280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286675072008706" border="0" /></a></div>Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-427161728116374932010-01-03T13:09:00.000-08:002010-01-05T03:30:32.209-08:00Gaza and VeoliaI have just sent the following letter to Paul Scriven, leader of Sheffield City Council. It will be interesting to see the response...I will keep you informed.<br /><br />Dear Mr Scriven,<br /><br /><span>Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip killed 1,300 people (<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=82769&sectionid=351020202">http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=82769&sectionid=351020202</a>). Israel has admitted that it illegally used white phosphorous during its assault and Professor Richard Falk said the Israeli Defence Force's actions 'warrant the characterisation of a crime against humanity’ (Guardian, 3.1.09, p.28). I am very pleased that the Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg, has said that the Prime Minister 'must condemn unambiguously Israel's tactics' and 'halt Britain's arms exports to Israel'.</span><br /><br />At a local level, I understand that the council has set up a cross-party working group to look into the conflict in Gaza and the broader issue of illegal occupation in Gaza and the West Bank. I encourage you to adopt a robust stance in condemnation of Israel's actions.<br /><br /><span>Veolia have a stake in the Jerusalem Light Rail Project (JLRT) which will link the city to illegal Israeli settlements 'such as Pisgat Ze'ev, French Hill, Neve Ya'akov and Gilo in occupied east Jerusalem. Once built, the rail system will help to cement Israel's hold on occupied east Jerusalem and tie the settlements even more firmly into the State of Israel.’ (From <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.bigcampaign.org/index.php?page=veolia">http://www.bigcampaign.org/index.php?page=veolia</a>). Veolia state that ‘legal assessment has proved that this will involve no abusive expropriation’ and that a Veolia-commissioned opinion poll 'demonstrates that a large majority of the local Palestinian population support the project' (Jean-Dominique Mallet, CEO, Veolia Environmental Services UK). It therefore seems strange that the Palestinian Authority has taken Veolia to court in France, that Mahmoud Abbas asked the former French President to intervene in the matter and that Dutch bank ASN disinvested from Veolia over its part in the JLRT.</span><br /><br />I am sure Sheffield's ratepayers would be horrified to learn that their taxes support a firm involved in contravening human rights and international law (Mr Mallet concedes that areas served by the JLRT 'are considered by the international community as "illegal settlements"'). I therefore urge you to insist Veolia disinvest from the project or face losing their contract in Sheffield.<br /><br />Thank you very much for your time, I look forward to your reply,<br /><br />Yours Sincerely<br /><br />Graham Wroe<br /><div> </div>Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-80679655063647527362009-12-15T13:38:00.000-08:002009-12-15T14:05:34.862-08:00Seasons Greetings from the Border Agency<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA4_5nOSXrtBhBTOyCoMbFllb_3k7OkMh4ReHkJ75IPavJMAhxKGDmf3is_g3orDDr_L_MWTbICJaGymi7BFrkmjapT2ao2DNmsVzGWy8CNPvOmlTGqIe3XTUsCZ5MHLTTJ2f26_TAaE/s1600-h/borderagencycard.htm"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA4_5nOSXrtBhBTOyCoMbFllb_3k7OkMh4ReHkJ75IPavJMAhxKGDmf3is_g3orDDr_L_MWTbICJaGymi7BFrkmjapT2ao2DNmsVzGWy8CNPvOmlTGqIe3XTUsCZ5MHLTTJ2f26_TAaE/s400/borderagencycard.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415587162583676818" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This card gets my vote for the most inappropriate of the season- unless you dear readers, can show me something worse! I wonder if anyone at the Borders Agency realises that the baby Jesus was a refugee, fleeing from the murdering dictator Herod. The line that really gets me is "We have a tougher enforcement regime within the UK deporting a record number of foreign National prisoners". If Mary, Joseph and Jesus came to seek sanctuary today they would most likely be locked up in Yarlswood for several months and then booted back to Palestine. Talking of Yarlswood, last week Santa tried to deliver presents to the many children that are currently locked up there. Instead of going down the chimney he rang in advance and knocked on the front door. Unfortunately they would not let him in, and called the police instead as they thought Santa was a security risk! <a href="http://www.medicaljustice.org.uk/content/view/978/69/">Read the full story here.</a> So here's wishing everybody at the Border Agency a very happy Christmas, and hoping that some of this "peace and goodwill to all" may be catching.<br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Graham/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Graham/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" />Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-53834968666684459432009-12-04T13:27:00.000-08:002009-12-04T13:30:16.944-08:00Does the Penalty Fares Scheme mean we can't use the Footbridge?..........NO!<span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#000000;" ><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;" lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;" lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;" lang="EN-GB">The next RASC meeting is this Monday 7.12.09 at 7pm at Victoria Methodist Church, Stafford Road. Please see below for a round up of the press coverage and interesting article on the new Penalty Fares Scheme.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></span></p><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;"><strong>Does the Penalty Fares Scheme mean we can't use the Footbridge?..........NO!<br /><span style="font-size:6;"><br /></span></strong></span></div> <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-family:Arial;font-size:6;" > <div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">The Penalty Fares Scheme which will come into effect at Sheffield Station on 7th December will allow Ticket Inspectors to charge a penalty fare to passengers travelling on or alighting from trains operated by East Midlands Trains. The other Operators at the station, Northern Rail, Cross Country Trains and First Trans Pennine Group, are <strong>not</strong> involved in this scheme. </span></div> <div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"></span> </div> <div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Ticket Inspectors are able to check tickets of passengers travelling on trains operated by other companies but they cannot charge them a penalty fare.</span></div> <div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"></span> </div> <div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">EMT<strong> cannot</strong> use this scheme to block access to the footbridge for people passing through the station as, in the Department for Transport Regulations (4.10) on Penalty Fare Schemes , people are only required to have a ticket if they are in a Compulsory Ticket Area. (CTA) There are no CTAs at Sheffield Station and in an email response to a recent enquiry, East Midlands Trains <span> </span>confirmed " No stations within the East Midlands scheme will be designated a CTA" </span></div></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:130%;">RASC members will be monitoring what happens at the station during rush hours when this new scheme is introduced. Do continue to inform us if EMT make your passage across the bridge difficult.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:6;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:black;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Star Poll</span>.</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:black;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">77% thought the "Councillors were right to throw out the ticket barrier plans". 23% thought they were wrong.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;">In case you missed the Press coverage</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We have had lots of publicity and I have even been interviewed about it for a documentary on Japanese TV! Here is some of the coverage. We will treasure the Star front page, Victory for Democracy!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Victory-for-democracy.5850813.jp">http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Victory-for-democracy.5850813.jp</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news2/Station-barriers-plans-demo.5824685.jp">http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news2/Station-barriers-plans-demo.5824685.jp</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Station-barriers-plans-demo.5824685.jp">http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Station-barriers-plans-demo.5824685.jp</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.sheffieldlibdems.org.uk/news/000347/sheffield_scores_victory_in_station_barrier_battle.html">http://www.sheffieldlibdems.org.uk/news/000347/sheffield_scores_victory_in_station_barrier_battle.html</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.labourmatters.com/sheffield-central-labour/station-barrier-blow-a-victory-for-the-people-of-sheffield/">http://www.labourmatters.com/sheffield-central-labour/station-barrier-blow-a-victory-for-the-people-of-sheffield/</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;" lang="EN-GB"></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;" lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;" lang="EN-GB"><span><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/sheffield/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8370000/8370370.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/sheffield/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8370000/8370370.stm</a> </span><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/localnews/Controversial-plan-for-station-ticket.5838035.jp">http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/localnews/Controversial-plan-for-station-ticket.5838035.jp</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/archives/news/2009/1123stationgatesspeechcreasy.htm">http://www.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/archives/news/2009/1123stationgatesspeechcreasy.htm</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/archives/news/2009/1122stationgates.htm">http://www.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/archives/news/2009/1122stationgates.htm</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;" lang="EN-GB"></span></p>.</span></span>Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-77401088988566075882009-11-23T13:57:00.000-08:002009-11-23T14:02:28.152-08:00Victory!In case you haven't yet heard the news, the Planning Board today unanimously rejected East Midlands Trains proposal to install barriers at the station. Further more , EMT were advised that they shouldn't bother appealing against this decision. I think a celebratory drink is in order! Thank you everyone who has played a part in this campaign.Together we have won a victory for common sense and ordinary Sheffielders over the money grabbing corporate interests of EMT who want to privatise our public space.<br /><br />We have won this battle, but the war may not be over. EMT are threatening to continue with the "human barriers". RASC will not stop campaigning until EMT stop preventing people from crossing the bridge. The next meeting of RASC will be at Victoria Methodist Church, Stafford Road, on Monday December 7th at 7pm. Hope to see you there.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/8374527.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/8374527.stm</a>Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-38989016299869228722009-11-14T15:01:00.000-08:002009-11-14T15:14:06.591-08:00Planning Board MeetingThe Planning Board will be meeting on Monday November 23rd at 2pm to discuss East Midlands Trains plans to install barriers at the station and prevent pedestrians walking through.Residents Against Station Closure will be meeting outside at 1.15pm. Please bring banners and anything that will make a loud noise.There will be speeches from many of the key objectors to the plans, and you can then attend the meeting and support our speakers. The Council officers have recommended rejecting EMT's proposals- you can see the documents regarding this here.<br /><a href="http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/your-city-council/council-meetings/planningboards/citycentresouthandeast/agendas-2009/agenda-23rd-november-2009">http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/your-city-council/council-meetings/planningboards/citycentresouthandeast/agendas-2009/agenda-23rd-november-2009</a><br /><br />However, this means we have won a battle, not the war! We have to keep the pressure on to ensure we keep our safe accessible route to the city centre.Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-68417944300493523082009-11-14T14:58:00.000-08:002009-11-14T15:01:43.038-08:00Support the Survival PactPresident Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives recently said that a weak deal at the climate change talks in Copenhagen next month could mean the end of his country. Literal extinction for an entire nation.<br /><br />Climate change is causing the seas to rise and cover his islands -- in Africa, Southeast Asia and elsewhere in the world, it's threatening the survival of whole nations, cities, and villages. Please support President Nasheed and people in the most vulnerable countries around the world by signing the Survival Pact.<br /><br />I signed -- will you?<br /><br />Click here: <a href="http://350.org/survival-pact">http://350.org/survival-pact</a>Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-25413066036483134952009-10-29T14:49:00.000-07:002009-10-29T14:50:01.030-07:00Copenhagen Kids<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5FVYUTr61rc&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5FVYUTr61rc&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />This video speaks for itself! Thank you Not Stupid!Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-46616859272887766052009-10-21T14:51:00.000-07:002009-10-21T14:57:30.121-07:00UKIP and BNP deny climate changeCredit where credit is due- am very pleased to see my MEP Linda McAvan standing up to the absolute nonsense preached by Geoffrey Bloom of UKIP and Nick Griffin of the BNP in the Euro Parliament.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2lLbAeDEdo&NR=1">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2lLbAeDEdo&NR=1</a><br />See what Jim Jay said about it here<br /><a href="http://jimjay.blogspot.com/">http://jimjay.blogspot.com/</a>Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-68091036800240687372009-10-20T12:09:00.000-07:002009-10-20T12:20:27.488-07:00Rasc ObjectionHere is the objection to the barriers sent on behalf of Residents against station closure. Although the deadline has now been reached you can still send your own objection. We still await the date of the Planning Board, when we want as many people as possible to come and demonstrate outside and then attend the meeting. There have been some great objections, and if you've got several days to spare you can read them all on the Council website- there are well over 1000. Noteable ones are from SYPTE, Sheffield College, Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind, Sheffield Pensioners Action Group, Civic Trust, Howells Solicitors, Equal Rights, Manor and Castle Development Trust, Friends of Sheaf Valley Park, Victoria Methodist Church, all the Sheffield MP's and leaders of political parties on the Council. With this sort of opposition I don't see how the application can be passed. Bring on the Planning Board!<br /><br />Residents Against Station Closure (RASC)/ Objection to Application 09/02887/LBC . <br />East Midlands Trains Application to erect barriers and associated equipment at Sheffield Station 18.10.09.<br /><br />Introduction<br />Residents Against Station Closure (RASC), is a Sheffield residents and citizens campaign with wide representation and involvement of individuals and organisations across our city.<br />It was set up in May 2008 to fight East Midlands Trains plan to close the footbridge by installing barriers at the front and rear of Sheffield station. <br />Since then there has been a popular and unanimous objection to the loss of access and more than 4000 people have signed petitions voicing their opposition.<br />We emphasise that we are in favour of people paying for travelling on the railways and are against fare evasion. But we argue in the case of Sheffield there are more appropriate ways of achieving this objective. <br />One standard solution does not fit all situations, especially when in our case barriers would be at either end of a bridge that is not only used by rail passengers but by large numbers of the general public , moving between the city centre, the Super Tram and the communities around the station. <br /><br />Our grounds for objection are: <br />1“Improvements”<br />· East Midlands Trains argue in their application that, 3.0 “The main thrust behind the project is the T.O.C.s desire to improve the existing booking hall and ticketing facilities”. They also say, “The works…… have been design(ed) to …..reflect the historic character of the existing building”. <br />· We would argue that far from improving the booking hall and the character of the building, their proposals would have a significant negative impact by introducing barriers, screens, video and other materials that would detract from the fabric and nature of the building.<br />· Their proposals would also have a serious adverse impact on space and circulation within the building, especially the main concourse area. These affects would detract from the everyday use and appreciation of the building by large numbers of people. This is particularly important given that the sympathetic reshaping at Sheffield by The City Council, Network rail and SYPTE, has been on the basis of it being an open station, in the spirit of many major station hubs in Europe.<br /><br /> 2.An inaccurate and misleading application<br />· The application is factually incorrect and misleading. Their description of the “Existing Situation” covered under section 2 of their application stops at 1956. It therefore disregards the major environmental improvements which were implemented at massive public expense and with the full cooperation of Midland Mainline, the previous operators at the station. (See Note 1)<br />· In section 3.0 in their application, they state’ “E.M.T. also have an obligation to install ATGs, at Sheffield Station under their franchise agreement” This is not the case. The Franchise document allows them the option to meet their obligation to revenue protection at Derby, St Pancras and Sheffield stations, if they<br /> a) Operate staffed ticket barriers at those locations during the Peak, or<br />b) provide reasonable additional revenue protection measures on trains serving those stations *(note 2)<br />They were asked by the Working Group in November 2008, given the hugely detrimental affect of their proposal on the City, to assess alternative approaches to revenue protection. They refused to do so.<br /><br />· Also in section 3 - page 7, Pedestrian Access, they state, “ Lift access is available via a subway further down the platforms” No such subway exists at Sheffield Station.<br />· Fig. 4 page 4 and Fig.5 page 5 both say they are, “View taken from stairwell to platforms”. They are not. They are views from the stair well to the main concourse.<br />We believe much of this application has been created by individuals who have had little or no contact with Sheffield. It lacks any sense of ‘local knowledge”. The resulting scheme is insensitive to Sheffield’s station and unique situation, and consequently lacks credibility.<br />In our view such errors underline the lack of seriousness with which this application has been made, such that it calls into question their whole case and if for no other reason, justifies rejection of their application on the basis of it being incorrect.<br /><br />3. “Consultation”<br />East Midlands Trains claim to have consulted a range of groups and organisations about their intentions and plans. <br />The Oxford Dictionary definition of Consultation is "seek information or advice from someone, seek permission or approval" <br />All groups listed in the application as “consultees”, with the exception of Supertram, which is a sister company to EMT, as it is part of STAGECOACH group, have rejected the proposal. <br />· Sheffield City Council has had 3 unanimous votes in Full Council opposing the plan<br />· SYPTE, Transport 4 All, and the Access Liaison Group have all lodged objections on the website <br />· The Chief Executive of Passenger Focus, the national consultative body said in Rail Pro magazine January 2009. “Clearly it is not going to work in Sheffield and they should just drop it, get it out of the franchise. It was daft” <br />· Passenger Focus also wrote to EMT in December 2008 commenting....<br /> “ In the specific case of Sheffield, we remain concerned that the installation of <br /> ticket gates on the overbridge will impede the flow of passengers between the <br /> tram stop and the bus interchange and City Centre.” Paul Fullwood Passenger <br /> Link Manager<br /><br />· RASC has repeatedly rejected the EMT plan and when the Customer Services Director of EMT attended an Area Panel meeting on 3rd June 2008 he was faced with 100 angry residents, the minutes confirm he was left in no doubt that residents do not want the footbridge to close but none the less, resident groups are still quoted as consultees. <br />In our view EMT did not enter into consultation with Sheffield in any listening or constructive spirit. Their view appears to be that consultation consists of telling people what you plan to do and ignoring their objections.<br /><br />4. “Justification”<br />East Midlands Trains have sought to justify their application on the grounds of <br />Revenue protection, safety and security. In so doing they have accepted that their proposed changes are major ones. However we would argue that in none of these areas have they substantiated their case. <br />· Revenue Protection<br />E.M.T. argue that the erection of barriers and associated equipment reduce fare evasion and increase their income. Nowhere in their application do they provide evidence to justify their case. Over the last 12 months R.A.S.C. has asked E.M.T. to provide this evidence. They have failed to do so and have turned down our reasonable requests for the facts, on the basis that they didn’t have the capacity to respond.<br />Elsewhere EMT has claimed an up to 10% increase in revenue where barriers are installed. But documented research has not been presented. Railway industry experts in a variety of articles / papers, ( for example see – “An Open and Shut Case” – Richard Mallins in the Rail Professional May 2008) have disputed such claims. They draw a distinction between Greater London rail operations and the rest of the country. They argue that Train Operating Companies have no way of knowing what the real difference over time maybe and whilst there maybe some increase in the short term this would not be the case over the long term.<br />From their own statements E.M.T. do not consider revenue loss is a problem on their Sheffield-London route, where on board inspection is effective. They have said their problem is on the Liverpool to Norwich route where inspectors were having difficulty checking tickets due to crowded conditions. There has been recent confirmation that additional rolling stock has been approved for this route which will address this issue<br /><br />Such is the ineffectiveness of barriers that elsewhere Virgin who operate the West Coast line have removed barriers from stations such as Coventry.<br />· Safety.<br />Analysis of British Transport Police data indicates, Sheffield station is both safe and secure, with low instances of crime and trouble. A recent book by Anna Minton, “Ground Control”, argues that far from increasing safety and security such measures as those proposed by EMT lead to greater public anxiety, not less. It is the open nature of Sheffield station that makes it safer and more secure, with platform access only being prevented during the night when there are no trains.<br />Many objectors have confirmed that the open nature of the station and the fact that it is busy, contribute to feelings of personal safety at the station. <br />From their application EMT are more concerned about their own security than about safety of travellers. In section 1.0, Introduction, the only reference to safety is in the context of enabling the “ATG’s to operate safely”. They are creating a problem, the operation of barriers, which they then have to deal with by also installing, “localised CCTV and lighting in these areas.” This is emphasised at 3.0 on P.6. Here they say they wish to “install new CCTV cameras to provide safer coverage of passengers”, not – for passengers.<br />Where the management of special events is concerned, “EMT can open the gates to allow passengers to disperse.” Thus they recognise that barriers do not make things safer for the public but worse, otherwise they wouldn’t need to open them to deal with such movements. Therefore the present situation is by definition safer.<br /><br />If barriers were to be installed then there is a further situation in which safety would be worse. If a fare avoiding traveller left a train at Sheffield then short of vaulting the barriers they would have to ‘escape’ at either end of the platforms. This would take them onto the tracks and to one or other of the tunnels, creating a potentially dangerous situation for them as well as other train users. <br />In their Conclusion they assert that “new automatic ticket gates will improve the safety of passengers”. This would not be the case.<br />· Security<br />As with safety, security is not an issue at Sheffield station. Vandalism and anti social behaviour are clearly a problem on the poorly lit public right of way footbridge, at the south end of Sheffield station, which many more people would be forced to use if barriers were erected at either end of the main bridge.<br />But the main station, platforms, concourse and public spaces are a vindication of the regeneration work. The environment is open, non threatening and without graffiti. And this is complemented by the new open spaces immediately in front of the main façade, with both the inner and outer stations benefiting from a background police presence. This also includes the entrance space between the tram stop and the station. The EMT application, P.6, describes this as an “otherwise isolated area”. Yet The S.Y.P.T.E. pedestrian survey found over 1800 people a day using the bridge as a link between the city centre, Park Hill, Sheffield College, the tram stop and a range of schools, and businesses in the area. Nowhere in their application does EMT provide evidence of pedestrian or passenger movement in the station. It is the easy movement of such a volume that underwrites both security and safety, not barriers, CCTV and videos.<br />Passenger Focus carry out quarterly reviews collecting passengers’ views on a wide range of travel related issues. On the issues of Safety Security and overall satisfaction with the station, the responses collected in Sheffield have consistently out- performed public responses for similar Stations. **( Note 3)<br /> * Disability<br />In addition to the negative impact on the building itself, the measures proposed by EMT would also make conditions for disabled people worse. The creation of screens and barriers in the main concourse area would reduce the circulation space for people in wheel chairs or otherwise physically disabled, especially the passageway near the lift. The design would also generate congestion where the route from the wide gates crosses that from the left hand gates to the bottom of the stairs, potentially generating safety risks.<br />This will also be the case at the rear entrance to the station where circulation space will be reduced. Here, EMT propose to “install one video help point to improve the communication between staff and customers”. Video will not improve the situation for disabled people where clearly a lower staffing level is intended. It will leave them more vulnerable.<br />EMT claim on p.7 that, “Anyone with a disability will be able to apply for a pass if they wish to do so but we will not deny access to anyone who is clearly vulnerable.” On the basis of peoples direct experience of ‘human barriers’ in Sheffield and of machine barriers elsewhere we would dispute both the capacity of barriers to effectively and speedily accommodate disabled people and the ability and sensitivity of EMT barrier staff to recognise disabled and vulnerable people outside the self evident cases of people in wheel chairs.<br />Barriers will create serious disadvantages for wheelchair users but it will probably create even greater problems for those with hearing, sight /speech impairments, learning disabilities, dyslexia, autism and mental health difficulties. Nowhere in the application are these elements of disability or the problems of multiple disability mentioned.<br /><br /><br />5. Transfer of a Public Facility to Private control<br /><br />Our final objection is in many ways the one most deeply felt by many of the individuals and groups, which oppose this application, which would result in the closure of the footbridge, The lifts, footbridge and other improvements were constructed with a great deal of public money after great thought and detailed planning, to be a key transport interchange and thus to serve the needs of a wide range of users. **(Note 1)<br />The idea, embodied in this application is that the narrow un quantified and unsubstantiated commercial interests of a single business, should be considered more important than the clearly demonstrated benefits enjoyed by the whole City of Sheffield.<br /><br />In conclusion.<br />We strongly urge the Board to reject this application because: <br />The documentation has many inaccuracies and does not reflect the actual situation at the station.<br />Far from introducing improvements it involves a serious degradation of the facilities we currently enjoy.<br />The proposals would have a significant negative impact both on the listed building itself but also on public space and circulation, equally important elements of the building.<br />The proposed changes allied with the demonstrated culture of EMT would make things worse for disabled people.<br />The “consultation” has been badly carried out and the huge level of opposition has been ignored<br />The justifications referred in terms of revenue protection, security and safety are either not evidenced or factually wrong.<br />The station footbridge is a highly valued and well used public resource which should not be sacrificed to a narrow commercial interest.<br /><br /><br />Keith Hayman (Chair) on behalf of Residents Against Station Closure (RASC) <br />and the RASC Committee. – Geraldine Roberts (Vice Chair), Graham Wroe(Press and Media Officer), Douglas Bell (Secretary), Vivien Ratcliffe and Roz Glencoe (Events Organisers) and Jeanne Belmont(Treasurer)<br /><br />Note 1 <br />See attached- Data on funding of major improvements at Sheffield station- Sheffield City Council Presentation to Joint City/EMT Working Group 12 September 2008<br />Note 2<br />See East Midlands Franchise Agreement, dated 21 June 2007 Section 11.8<br />Note 3 <br />Passenger Focus Survey Quarterly Data 2003-2008Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-11002304722020445332009-10-14T09:59:00.000-07:002009-10-14T10:01:26.751-07:00Massive response to station barriers applicationI sent this to the press today.<br /> <br />Campaign Group Residents against Station Closure today reported a massive response to their appeal for people to object to East Midlands Trains proposal to install barriers at the station, thus cutting the city in half. All 6 of the cities MP's have objected and important organisations including South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind, Central Community Assembly, and Huddersfield, Penistone and Sheffield Rail Users Association have all objected. More than 500 members of the public have taken the time to write to object to the proposals, along with many Councillors including the leaders of all 3 political parties on the Council.<br /> <br />The objection from SYPTE states "Our concerns relate to the risk of pedestrian congestion, particularly at peak hours, and the difficulties of having to accommodate potential passengers and those seeking information in a smaller remaining concourse space. Those with mobility, sight or other difficulties would be placed at particular disadvantage. "<br /> <br />Nick Clegg, Hallam MP and leader of the Liberal Democrats is concerned about the safety aspects of the proposal. "At present there is a quick and safe passage through the different zones of the building for its many users. The proposed ticket and side barriers would would significantly impede movement and cause crowding...I worry that the contraction of this space is potentially hazardous."<br /> <br />Councillor Jan Wilson, Leader of the Labour Party on the Council, comments about the adverse visual impact on an attracted listed building and states that the barriers are unnecssary- she says there are other options for revenue protection.<br /> <br />Council Leader Paul Scriven states that the barriers will damage Sheffield City Councils ambition for an integrated local transport network.<br /> <br />Leader of the Greens, Jillian Creasy, writes about the connectivity problems. "The whole of the public realm works leading down from Millenium Square, through Howard Street, to the station and the proposed development of Park Hill flats and the associated new park has been about making connections across the Sheaf Valley. This works at a visual and practical level. People can enjoy the views across the station in either direction and they can easily get from one side to the other...the gates will be an ugly addition to the restored station forecourt, but they also damage the concept of a station which connects two vibrant areas of the city".<br /> <br />RASC chairperson Keith Hayman commented, "We are delighted that the people of Sheffield are taking the opportunity to tell East Midlands Trains exactly what the they feel about these destructive proposals. We would like to remind everybody that they have until Monday October 19th to make their voices heard. Write to Sheffield City Council, Howard Baxter quoting reference 09/02887/LBC or alternatively check details of how to do this at http://rasc- sheffield. com/ ."Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-29963998352882370002009-10-06T12:11:00.000-07:002009-10-06T12:19:29.204-07:00Privatisation to blame for station barriersThis press release is on the <a href="http://www.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/archives/news/2009/1001privatisationbarriers.htm">Sheffield Green Party</a> website, but the Star has managed to miss out the bit about privatisation! <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Privatisation blamed for Station bridge row</span><br /><br />1st October 2009<br /><br /><br />Sheffield Green Party have blamed the privatisation of the rail network for the controversial proposal to prevent free access across the bridge at Sheffield Station. East Midlands Trains has applied to Sheffield City Council for Listed Building Consent to install ticket barriers there.<br /><br />Coun Jillian Creasy, who represents Central ward, commented, "After all these years of Labour Government we still have a privatised rail network which is more concerned about shareholders profits than providing an integrated transport system.<br /><br />"The Transport Minister Lord Adonis has failed to intervene in this dispute. He has the power to resolve this situation if he chose to listen to the elected representatives in Sheffield, all of whom remain opposed to East Midlands Trains' plans. The Green Party would nationalise the railways and ensure that public transport was a more attractive option than the car."<br /><br />Residents Against Station Closure and local Green Party campaigner Graham Wroe added, "There is massive public support for the campaign to stop the barriers. These people should now write to Howard Baxter, Sheffield City Council Planning Division Howden House 1 Union Street Sheffield S1 2SH,quoting the reference 09/02887/LBC.<br /><br />"This can also be done on-line and you will find links and advice on how to do this at www.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk and www.rasc-sheffield.com<br /><br />ENDSGraham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-89521704094334414102009-09-28T16:13:00.000-07:002009-09-28T16:30:54.493-07:00Send your objection today!East Midlands Trains has now applied to Sheffield City Council for Listed Building Consent to install ticket barriers, which would prevent free access across the bridge.<br /> <br /> <br />Please now object by:<br /> <br />Step 1 going to the Council web site by copying and pasting this link<br /> <br />http://planning.sheffield.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/app<br />lication_detailview.aspx?caseno=KQ5ZZUNY0H000<br /><br />Step 2 <br />Select whether you are 'local resident' or 'live outside area'<br /> <br />Step 3 <br />Click 'submit comments' button and follow the instructions from there. <br /> <br />The deadline is 13 October.<br /><br />Here is some sample text that you are welcome to use. If you have time to write your own personal letter this may be more effective. <br /> <br /> <br />---------<br /> <br />I object to the planning application to install ticket barriers at Sheffield station for the following reasons:<br /> <br /><br /> <br />1. Public access. <br />Sheffield station is an important historic listed building, which deserves to remain open to the public. the proposals would fundamentally alter its character, the barriers, screens and cctv would not be in keeping with the architecture of the building. They would break up spaces and floorscape of the public areas and restrict peoples movement, all important to the appreciation and enjoyment of the station. All these things would significantly reduce public use. <br /> <br />2. Safety and security. The station footbridge is a safe secure and accessible route from the tram stop into the city centre for local people and residents. East Midlands Trains would be forcing people to use a badly lit, inaccessible and unsafe footbridge that would risk public safety.<br /> <br />3.Breaking up Sheffield's integrated transport. <br />Ticket barriers would remove the direct link between the tram and the train station, creating inconvenience for passengers. Train users would have to arrive at the station much earlier to buy their tickets before travelling. This would add to the existing queues and congestion.<br /> <br />4. Barriers put the interests of a private company, ahead of the public interest. East Midlands Trains' profits should not be put before the public interest. EMT should protect their revenue by putting more ticket inspectors on trains, not by punishing Sheffield residents.<br /> <br /><br /> <br /> <br />You can view the application on the Council website at:<br /> <a href="http://tinyurl.com/yb9ttd4">http://tinyurl.com/yb9ttd4</a><br /> <br /> <br />RASC feels that the submission disregards the huge level of public concern and anger which has been expressed since the beginning of this process. It is also misleading and of poor quality, with various factual errors. All the organisations it claims to have consulted have in fact objected to the barriers.<br /> <br /> <br />If you prefer to write, quote the reference 09/02887/LBC to Howard Baxter, Sheffield City Council Planning Division Howden House 1 Union Street Sheffield S1 2SH.<br /> <br />There is more at <a href="http://www.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/archives/news/2009/0928barriersobjection.htm">www.sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk</a><br /><br />Please also join the Facebook group, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33509930749">Keep Sheffield Station open to the public.<br /> </a>Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-88040647719209155842009-09-19T13:17:00.000-07:002009-09-19T13:32:23.519-07:00East Midlands Trains apply for consent to barrier the stationPlease act quickly- we have very little time to respond to this.We must show the Planning Office the strength of feeling about this planning application. We can't let East Midlands Trains steal our bridge! <br /><br />Consultation on Listed Building Consent Application<br /><br /><br />East Midlands Trains have submitted a proposal for:<br />Provision of Automatic Ticket Gates, CCTV cameras and improved lighting in station booking hall and Supertram lobby, erection of glazed barriers adjacent to footbridge stairs, provision of ticket vending machines and video help point in Supertram lobby, erection of boundary fencing and walling to the west side of platform one<br />Location: Sheffield Midland Station, Sheaf Street, Sheffield, S1 2BP, <br />Applicant: Mr S Dakin - Stagecoach South Western<br /><br /><br /><br />Please make comments on the application at Planning Applications Online (www.sheffield.gov.uk and follow the Quick Link to Planning and City Development) or at First Point, Howden House, between 8:30am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday. <br /><br />If you decide to write a letter, please send it to Les Sturch, Principal Planning Officer Development Management Section,Howden House, 1 Union Street Sheffield S1 2SH , quoting 09/02887/LBC. Please comment before the 2 October 2009, so that your views can be considered. You should note that any comments you make will be placed on the Council website, together with other application details, and placed on the public file.<br /><br />Most of these applications are decided by officers, but occasionally they are reported to an Area Planning Board. If so, you may attend and, if you wish, ask to speak. I will try to inform you when the board meeting is.Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-22084110870204390242009-09-16T13:55:00.000-07:002009-09-16T14:08:21.320-07:00Elm Street Police Station to re open.Good news in the Star tonight- the little police station on City Road is planned to re-open.<br /><a href="http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Council-plan-to-reopen-abandoned.5650223.jp">Elm Tree police station, at Manor Top, Sheffield, was closed down years ago after it was set on fire. The neglected station became a magnet for youths and addicts.</a> But the whole story rather begs the question why was the station allowed to fall into such misuse in the first place? Surely it is obvious that one of the most deprived estates in the country needs its police stations?<br />To create safer neighbourhoods we need police patrolling our streets and engaging in crime prevention.<br /><br />Here are some of the other things on the Greens wish list concerning crime.<br /><br /><br />• Look to establish restorative justice as a key feature of the UK criminal justice system. The primary aim will be to restore and, if necessary, improve the position of the victim and the community; the offender will be required to make amends.<br />• Improve the design of our cities to provide safer streets and public spaces.<br />• Ensure universal access to high quality youth centres to provide an outlet for young people outside of school hours.<br />• Bring in a Civil Law Injunction Programme (CLIP) to more effectively deal with anti-social behaviour.<br />• Oppose any further privatisation of the prison system, as it is vital that where custody is used it is effective in preventing offenders from re-offending.Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447972572965796656.post-21596173326626279852009-09-14T13:21:00.000-07:002009-09-14T14:00:00.821-07:00Sheffield Park AcademyWorrying news today about one of our local schools, Sheffield Park Academy, formerly Waltheof, where I have some experience of teaching.<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/sep/13/sheffield-park-academies-ofsted-failure">http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/sep/13/sheffield-park-academies-ofsted-failure</a>The school has been labelled "inadequate" by OFSTED. It comes as no surprise that the United Learning Trust has not succeeded in turning round this school. The Green Party believes that schools should be governed in the interests of pupils and parents, not un-elected trusts, businesses or religions. Building a new school has done nothing to remove some of the deep seated problems in the area- poverty and unemployment, many generations of educational underachievement, anti social behaviour and a culture that does not value education. One of the things I said at conference was that the major division in our society is class. Sheffield secondary schools are extremely class dominated. Comprehensive schools that take from the local area sound like a good idea in theory, but in Sheffield it means that the kids fortunate enough to live in the posh areas go to successful schools, and the kids from the housing estates end up in schools that are always going to struggle. If the system was truly comprehensive we would find a way of mixing pupils from different areas. One of the few schools that does this in Sheffield is All Saints RC, where my own children went- because it is a Catholic school its intake is from all over the city, so is very socially mixed. But many of my friends in the Green Party argue that this is divisive too as it splits religious groups. Maybe the answers to some of these problems don't lie in educational policy at all- the root of the problem is the poverty. When the Greens eventually come to power we will tackle that head on, with policies like the Citizen's Income Scheme, the Living Wage and higher taxes for the rich. When our society is fairer the schools in the inner cities and housing estates will at last have a chance to thrive. But the Academies will be returned to the local education authority, not controlled by businesses or religious trusts with no political accountability.Graham Wroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17709557021296516556noreply@blogger.com0