I love this video!
http://www.youtube.com/user/legoactivist
If you're looking for an interesting website, do you know where you are on the political compass? I am proud of my position on the Libertarian Left, in the same quadrant as Mahatma Ghandi and Nelson Mandela! The political compass adds a new dimension to the traditional left -right political spectrum. The second dimension is Libertarian-Authoritarian. It is no real surprise to find both the Conservatives and Labour in the Authoritarian Right quadrant, and the Lib Dems quite near the middle but just in the Libertarian Right quadrant, along with Adam Smith and Milton Friedman. The BNP come out slightly left wing on the Left-Right access, but of course their racist policies put them as extreme authoritarians, in a similar position to Robert Mugabe and Nickolai Caucescu. The Greens are in the Libertarian Left quadrant. To find out where you are on the compass you just have to spend a few minutes answering some interesting questions. It's well worth a few minutes, and may make you rethink who you should be voting for!
Monday, 11 August 2008
Monday, 4 August 2008
Residents furious at continued proposals to "gate" the railway station.
East Midlands Trains complain trains are too overcrowded for ticket collectors!
I joined a group of local people who represent a wide range of interests, such as access for people with disabilities, the City Council, SYPTE and local residents last week at the station. We met with 4 reps from East Midlands Trains (EMT)on Thursday 31st July. The group presented a united front and gave EMT a hard time about their proposal to install ticket barriers.
EMT claim that this will tackle fare “dodging” although they have no information on the current level. It was established early in the 2 hour meeting that EMT had no alternative suggestions to discuss other than the installation of gates. EMT insisted that this was consultation and they wanted to listen to local views but despite the total rejection of ticket barriers they had nothing else to offer. They managed to get the group to discuss other ways of solving their, unquantified, problem of fare evasion, but went on to reject all suggestions as unworkable. For instance the suggestion that they should put more staff on trains to collect fares was ruled out as impractical as trains were already "over- crowded, sometimes eight deep!"
The group was shown around the proposed sites for locating gates. The current plan is approximately thirteen barriers in the front hall consisting of 10 standard size and 3 wide aisle to be located between the arches and probably 5 at the back entrance, two standard size going in, and two standard size going out with one wide gate off to the side where the lift is. These ideas are subject to change as a result of a computer modelling exercise to check safety. One look at this layout makes it clear that if gating is introduced all free movement through the station would be at an end. Even people meeting passengers from trains or help them with their departure would only be able to do so at the discretion of staff on the barriers. It is also likely that wheel chair users who find the system of lifts in the station the most convenient way of getting to the city centre from the communities on the hill above the station would be blocked.
There are no arrangements in place for tram users getting off at the back of the station to go into the city centre, or walking from the bus station to the tram stop at the back of the station to be able to use the footbridge.
There was some talk of enabling local residents to be able to walk through and EMT suggested the possibility of developing a token or pass system for Residents. When informed that there are 70,000 residents in the Central Constituency alone there was no response. EMT were unable to define the meaning of "local resident".
There are a number of large organisations and proposed developments on either side of the station. Staff and Students at Castle centre of the Sheffield College; Sheffield Hallam University; a number of secondary and primary schools in the immediate vicinity and the residents of the huge Park Hill development, in addition to people who already live here, would all be prevented from using this award winning listed building which the city has spent millions of pounds to refurbish.
If readers have concerns about EMT's proposal that can email them to getintouch@eastmidlandstrains.co.uk
or write to Tim Shoveller, East Midlands Trains, FREEPOST DY940, Derby, DE1 9BR
For further information contact Residents against Station Closure at RASC2008@live.com
I joined a group of local people who represent a wide range of interests, such as access for people with disabilities, the City Council, SYPTE and local residents last week at the station. We met with 4 reps from East Midlands Trains (EMT)on Thursday 31st July. The group presented a united front and gave EMT a hard time about their proposal to install ticket barriers.
EMT claim that this will tackle fare “dodging” although they have no information on the current level. It was established early in the 2 hour meeting that EMT had no alternative suggestions to discuss other than the installation of gates. EMT insisted that this was consultation and they wanted to listen to local views but despite the total rejection of ticket barriers they had nothing else to offer. They managed to get the group to discuss other ways of solving their, unquantified, problem of fare evasion, but went on to reject all suggestions as unworkable. For instance the suggestion that they should put more staff on trains to collect fares was ruled out as impractical as trains were already "over- crowded, sometimes eight deep!"
The group was shown around the proposed sites for locating gates. The current plan is approximately thirteen barriers in the front hall consisting of 10 standard size and 3 wide aisle to be located between the arches and probably 5 at the back entrance, two standard size going in, and two standard size going out with one wide gate off to the side where the lift is. These ideas are subject to change as a result of a computer modelling exercise to check safety. One look at this layout makes it clear that if gating is introduced all free movement through the station would be at an end. Even people meeting passengers from trains or help them with their departure would only be able to do so at the discretion of staff on the barriers. It is also likely that wheel chair users who find the system of lifts in the station the most convenient way of getting to the city centre from the communities on the hill above the station would be blocked.
There are no arrangements in place for tram users getting off at the back of the station to go into the city centre, or walking from the bus station to the tram stop at the back of the station to be able to use the footbridge.
There was some talk of enabling local residents to be able to walk through and EMT suggested the possibility of developing a token or pass system for Residents. When informed that there are 70,000 residents in the Central Constituency alone there was no response. EMT were unable to define the meaning of "local resident".
There are a number of large organisations and proposed developments on either side of the station. Staff and Students at Castle centre of the Sheffield College; Sheffield Hallam University; a number of secondary and primary schools in the immediate vicinity and the residents of the huge Park Hill development, in addition to people who already live here, would all be prevented from using this award winning listed building which the city has spent millions of pounds to refurbish.
If readers have concerns about EMT's proposal that can email them to getintouch@eastmidlandstrains.co.uk
or write to Tim Shoveller, East Midlands Trains, FREEPOST DY940, Derby, DE1 9BR
For further information contact Residents against Station Closure at RASC2008@live.com
Saturday, 2 August 2008
Vote for Caroline!
As someone who supported the Green Empowerment campaign, I was opposed to the recent changes the Green Party has made to its constitution to enable us to elect a leader. However, now the candidates for the post have been announced I have no hesitation in recommending that people vote for Caroline Lucas. Her excellent record speaks for itself. She is a formidable speaker and she has always managed to combine her politics with direct action, showing those with power that there are alternatives to the unjust system we have at present. Her excellent book, Green Alternatives to Globalisation, is a must read for all Green activists. Do have a look at her website, http://www.carolinelucas.org.uk/biography.php and support her campaign. When the General Election finally comes along, I believe Caroline will become the first Green MP in the House of Commons.
Friday, 25 July 2008
Station access/ Sheaf Valley Park
Earlier this week I attended the Manor Castle and Woodthorpe Area Panel. Two representatives attended from East Midlands trains, who are still going ahead with plans to "gate" the station despite opposition from all the local political parties and many organisations and individuals.I will be attending a meeting at the station next Thursday, 31st July, to discuss the plans.If you would like me to convey a message to the train company (that I can repeat!) please get in touch.
There are also developments with the plans for Sheaf Valley Park. The council has released plans for the section of the park that they will be responsible for- Urban Splash will be developing the section in front of Park Hill flats. There will be various consultation opportunities in the near future, so you can let the planners know what you think. I remain to be convinced about the "event space" and grass terraces, and would prefer money to be spent on disabled friendly paths (the paths all seem to have steps on the plan) and lighting, to encourage people to walk this way to town. There is no funding at present for the Park Cafe, which would be at the top of the hill opposite Claywood Road. What do you think?
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Assist coverage in the Guardian
Many congratulations to Assist for the excellent coverage they got in G2 this week.
See http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/jun/13/immigration.immigrationpolicy
The bits about Sheffield are at the end of the video and article.
See http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/jun/13/immigration.immigrationpolicy
The bits about Sheffield are at the end of the video and article.
Monday, 12 May 2008
We're all Green now, aren't we?
At the count I got chatting with some Conservative ladies. Much as I am opposed to Conservative policies, I did feel sorry for them- they had seen their poll rise to 20% of the vote, but their reward was to have the last Tory Councillor ceremoniously booted out of the Town Hall. I have a lot of respect for Anne Smith as she has been a hard working councillor and has always been open to discussions and debate.Our ridiculously unfair electoral system has now thrown her out of office. However the conversation soon became much more heated when one of the Tory ladies said, "but of course, we're all Green now!" How I wish that was true, then I wouldn't have to bother with politics! But the truth is all the 3 main political parties, at local and national level, still haven't grasped the serious situation we are in. I believe the next decade will determine whether or not we save the planet from catastrophic climate change. We are not just talking about looking after our parks and keeping the streets clean (important though these issues are) we are talking about changing our economic system so that life can continue on this planet. I am currently reading Mark Lynas's new book, 6 degrees. See http://www.marklynas.org/ In it he catalogues what climate scientists predict will happen to the planet as it warms by each degree. It should be required reading for all politicians and business people. It shows how we are already very close to various "tipping" points, which when we reach them will further speed up climate change- for instance as the artic melts, the ice cap, which acts like a massive mirror that currently reflects the suns energy away from the north pole will disappear. This means that the energy will be absorbed by the dark sea, further warming the planet and speeding climate change.
Politicians that say they are green, while proposing new airports, new roads, encouraging wasteful consumption, opposing sustainable energy solutions and encouraging massive hypermarkets while local shops and post offices are shut down should be voted out of office as soon as possible!
Politicians that say they are green, while proposing new airports, new roads, encouraging wasteful consumption, opposing sustainable energy solutions and encouraging massive hypermarkets while local shops and post offices are shut down should be voted out of office as soon as possible!
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Station access
Whilst all the sitting and hopeful candidates were busy at Ponds Forge watching the count another very important meeting was taking place in Sheffield. Here is a brief report of what went on. If you are concerned about the issue of gating the station please put June 3rd in your diary and come along to the Area Panel meeting at Victoria Methodist Church, Stafford Road, 6.30pm where it will be discussed, and you will have an opportunity to question a representative of East Midlands trains.
Report of a meeting at Sheffield Station
about access through the station: Held at 11.00 am 2 May 2008
Who?
The meeting was called by Jake Kelly, Customer Services Director of East Midlands Trains (EMT). Jake appears to have responsibility for implementing the plan to make Sheffield a “gated” station.
About 20 people were present, including:
1. Richard Caborn, MP
2. Representatives of a range of Disability Access groups
3. Chair of Transport of All
4. Chair of Friends of Sheaf Valley Park
5. Chair of Sheffield Civic Trust
6. Secretary and Convenor of Victoria Environment Group
7. Member of the petition group
8. Rep of British Transport Police responsible for the policing of the station
9. Sheffield City Council Officers responsible for Highways, Planning and Regeneration
10. Several station employees with a range of responsibilities
Why?
Jake Kelly explained the rationale for considering restricting access. It is to reduce fare dodging but also to reduce crime within the station and on trains.
MP Richard Caborn pointed out that the huge financial investments involved in Park Hill and the e-campus, are reliant on good access through the station. He requires the Director to provide detailed figures on how much would be saved in fare dodging if the station were closed. When available, a cost benefit analysis would need to be carried out and considered in the wider context of
·the huge sums already committed and
·the possibility of future income to be generated by communities which could be cut out.
The MP also required the police representative to give figures on crimes and arrests over the last 6months, 12 months, 18 months and two years, so that a similar analysis could be carried out. This was agreed.
Towards the end of the meeting another train employee said that the Dept for Transport included a requirement to gate 5 stations on their network, was a condition of awarding the franchise to East Midlands Trains. Other stations such as Chesterfield could be considered. Jake confirmed that the reason that Sheffield is being considered at the moment, is that it is the station with the highest income.
It is clear that the main motivation for this proposal is financial and currently EMT does not perceive that the wider issues of the city and the communities around the station are it’s concern.
How?
A Design Consultancy has been commissioned to draw up plans for gating the station.
The needs of train users with disabilities will be one of the design criteria but there is no commitment to include the needs of people “in transit” through the station, rather than catching trains. The impression is that EMT plans to divert “none-travelling “ public via other bridges and routes. A couple of routes suggested were a “goods” bridge which is used by station staff and could be upgraded for use by the public, or the old south bridge. The view of the meeting was that the latter is an unacceptable alternative - it has no lifts and it lands on a back street. This will merely displace any of the alleged theft, begging and mugging that the British Transport Police spokesperson was concerned about. There was some discussion about allowing none travelling people with disabilities to have access through the station, but the representatives felt that separate arrangements for them would be divisive.
When?
The Director anticipates that any gating would take place around May 2009.
Jake plans some consultation and said that the views of today’s meeting would be passed through to the consultants.
Outcomes
· EMT will be in no doubt that there is strong and vocal opposition to gating the station and that it is a coalition of national politicians, local councillors and officers, representative disability groups, city wide groups concerned with access and local residents.
· As Director of Customer Services Jake Kelly is looking for a solution to “mitigate the effects of the gates in the interim” period before a public bridge makes the connection across the valley - however there is no current , proposal for a bridge, with identified funding .
We Want:
· A copy of the brief given to the design consultants
· Opportunities to meet the consultants at a convenient place and time, before they start serious work on the plans.
· a further consultation meeting at a convenient date and time. (Mid morning on a week day excluded many.)
· to see any plans as they emerge
· genuine consultation, which is structured rather than ad hoc and as part of this Jake Kelly was informed that the station issue will be a key item on the next Area Panel meeting at 6.30 pm on Tuesday 3rd June…( venue to be confirmed) After the meeting he confirmed that although he personally cannot be there a senior member of EMT will attend the Area Panel.
Jake Kelly appeared to agree on further consultation and was prepared to look at ways of enabling us to meet the designers when they come to look at the station.
This report was compiled from notes made at the meeting by
Doug Bell, Terry Gallagher, Simon Gedye and Geraldine Roberts
5th May 2008
Report of a meeting at Sheffield Station
about access through the station: Held at 11.00 am 2 May 2008
Who?
The meeting was called by Jake Kelly, Customer Services Director of East Midlands Trains (EMT). Jake appears to have responsibility for implementing the plan to make Sheffield a “gated” station.
About 20 people were present, including:
1. Richard Caborn, MP
2. Representatives of a range of Disability Access groups
3. Chair of Transport of All
4. Chair of Friends of Sheaf Valley Park
5. Chair of Sheffield Civic Trust
6. Secretary and Convenor of Victoria Environment Group
7. Member of the petition group
8. Rep of British Transport Police responsible for the policing of the station
9. Sheffield City Council Officers responsible for Highways, Planning and Regeneration
10. Several station employees with a range of responsibilities
Why?
Jake Kelly explained the rationale for considering restricting access. It is to reduce fare dodging but also to reduce crime within the station and on trains.
MP Richard Caborn pointed out that the huge financial investments involved in Park Hill and the e-campus, are reliant on good access through the station. He requires the Director to provide detailed figures on how much would be saved in fare dodging if the station were closed. When available, a cost benefit analysis would need to be carried out and considered in the wider context of
·the huge sums already committed and
·the possibility of future income to be generated by communities which could be cut out.
The MP also required the police representative to give figures on crimes and arrests over the last 6months, 12 months, 18 months and two years, so that a similar analysis could be carried out. This was agreed.
Towards the end of the meeting another train employee said that the Dept for Transport included a requirement to gate 5 stations on their network, was a condition of awarding the franchise to East Midlands Trains. Other stations such as Chesterfield could be considered. Jake confirmed that the reason that Sheffield is being considered at the moment, is that it is the station with the highest income.
It is clear that the main motivation for this proposal is financial and currently EMT does not perceive that the wider issues of the city and the communities around the station are it’s concern.
How?
A Design Consultancy has been commissioned to draw up plans for gating the station.
The needs of train users with disabilities will be one of the design criteria but there is no commitment to include the needs of people “in transit” through the station, rather than catching trains. The impression is that EMT plans to divert “none-travelling “ public via other bridges and routes. A couple of routes suggested were a “goods” bridge which is used by station staff and could be upgraded for use by the public, or the old south bridge. The view of the meeting was that the latter is an unacceptable alternative - it has no lifts and it lands on a back street. This will merely displace any of the alleged theft, begging and mugging that the British Transport Police spokesperson was concerned about. There was some discussion about allowing none travelling people with disabilities to have access through the station, but the representatives felt that separate arrangements for them would be divisive.
When?
The Director anticipates that any gating would take place around May 2009.
Jake plans some consultation and said that the views of today’s meeting would be passed through to the consultants.
Outcomes
· EMT will be in no doubt that there is strong and vocal opposition to gating the station and that it is a coalition of national politicians, local councillors and officers, representative disability groups, city wide groups concerned with access and local residents.
· As Director of Customer Services Jake Kelly is looking for a solution to “mitigate the effects of the gates in the interim” period before a public bridge makes the connection across the valley - however there is no current , proposal for a bridge, with identified funding .
We Want:
· A copy of the brief given to the design consultants
· Opportunities to meet the consultants at a convenient place and time, before they start serious work on the plans.
· a further consultation meeting at a convenient date and time. (Mid morning on a week day excluded many.)
· to see any plans as they emerge
· genuine consultation, which is structured rather than ad hoc and as part of this Jake Kelly was informed that the station issue will be a key item on the next Area Panel meeting at 6.30 pm on Tuesday 3rd June…( venue to be confirmed) After the meeting he confirmed that although he personally cannot be there a senior member of EMT will attend the Area Panel.
Jake Kelly appeared to agree on further consultation and was prepared to look at ways of enabling us to meet the designers when they come to look at the station.
This report was compiled from notes made at the meeting by
Doug Bell, Terry Gallagher, Simon Gedye and Geraldine Roberts
5th May 2008
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