Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : £32.9 million to create a national network of walking and cycling experts [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 2 January 2023.
- millions are being encouraged to walk and cycle more this year to get fit and save money, with an additional £32.9 million of government funding to accelerate walking and cycling schemes across the country
- with many people looking to improve their health or reduce their carbon footprint this month, the government is helping councils improve how they design and create active travel schemes by training staff
- innovations could see better designed school safety zones to encourage active travel, improved walking and cycling infrastructure on local high streets as well as new cycle and wheelchair paths
Millions of families, commuters and school children are being encouraged to take up healthy habits this year. Local councils will benefit from skills training and a boost to green jobs thanks to a £32.9 million scheme launched today (2 January 2023) which will enable them to develop thousands of well thought-through local walking and cycling schemes, co-created by the communities that will use them.

As people across the country are looking to kickstart the year with healthy resolutions, the government expects to see millions shake up the way they travel.

The investment will help local councils in England design, develop and consult on high-quality active travel schemes that work for residents and consider the local road network. These could include new school safety zones to encourage active travel, improved walking and cycling infrastructure on local high streets as well as new cycle and wheelchair paths.

The measures aim to get more people of all groups walking and cycling and help to address the barriers that exist. Surveys show the number one issue putting women off cycling is how safe they feel on the roads with 79% of women supporting more protected cycle lanes being built. Safety will therefore be the major focus for the new designs and routes.

This funding will support local authorities to maximise active travel investment by enhancing their technical skills. Local councils will be investing in resources dedicated to co-creating schemes communities want. Activities being funded include network planning, public engagement exercises and bespoke training for councillors and staff. The fund could see hundreds of new green jobs created across England.

Making active travel part of everyday journeys can improve health, cut costs and protect the environment. Cycling UK has estimated that if people cycled short journeys, they would save an average of £126 per year in fuel costs alone and would burn hundreds of extra calories each week.

Active Travel Minister Jesse Norman said:

Leaving the car and walking and cycling instead is an easy way to get fit, save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

Better designed schemes, which take into account the views of local people will help deliver improvements that have widespread local support.

Skills training and local community engagement will help local authorities to make active travel an attractive choice for getting around.

Developing teams that lead active travel programmes will create more cost-effective and well-targeted projects. Local authorities will learn how to enhance their engagement with residents, businesses and other road users to ensure schemes are delivered with local support.

National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman, said:

If we want to enable hundreds of thousands more people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday trips then we need to deliver high-quality schemes that make it feel easy, fun and safe.

Of course, ensuring the right technical skills are in place at a local level is vital but so is engagement. Survey after survey has shown strong community support for making space for active travel but it’s vital that people get strong input into helping to decide what is the right solution for their area.

The funding will also be used to engage under-represented groups and enable more children to walk, wheel and cycle to school. Community engagement programmes will give individuals the confidence to walk and cycle safely through cycle training, school walking groups and bike rental schemes.

Xavier Brice, Chief Executive Officer of Sustrans, the charity that makes it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle, said:

Sustrans is pleased to see this investment in training and community engagement which will ultimately lead to high-quality infrastructure developments across England that help people choose to use their cars less.

This funding is crucial in ensuring that travelling actively is a safe and accessible option for all, particularly as we work towards the government’s goal of 50% of all journeys in towns and cities being walked or cycled by 2030.

We’re looking forward to seeing ambitious plans being brought to life and continuing our work to support our local authorities in doing so.

People will benefit from better access to jobs and education through initiatives such as outreach to schools and employment centres.

The ‘capability fund’ will support local councils across the country to train and retain local engineers and planners, creating a skilled active travel workforce able to collaborate effectively with local communities and conduct high-quality engagement and consultation sessions.

As well as enabling local councils to hire and retain skilled professionals, this multi-million-pound investment will deliver specialised training, driving up skills and ensuring consistent, high-quality schemes are set up across England to give people truly attractive active travel choices.
02/01/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ministers bolster UK nuclear fuel capacity to squeeze out Russian influence  [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 2 January 2023.
- UK government moves to fulfil G7 commitment to diversify uranium and nuclear fuel production capacity away from Russia
- Energy Minister announces £75 million Nuclear Fuel Fund to provide greater options for UK nuclear operators to use UK-produced fuel
- investment to support development and commercialisation of home-grown nuclear fuel production and advanced fuel technologies
Nuclear fuel production in the UK is set to be bolstered by up to £75 million in UK government funding in a bid to support development of alternatives to Russian fuel supply and strengthen UK energy security, the Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart has announced today (2 January).

This will encourage investment in new and robust fuel production capabilities in the UK, backing the government’s ambition to secure up to 24GW of nuclear power by 2050.

G7 leaders agreed in June to begin concerted action to reduce reliance on civil nuclear and related goods from Russia, including working to diversify their supplies of uranium and nuclear fuel production capability. Russia currently owns around 20% of global uranium conversion capacity and 40% of enrichment capacity.

The UK’s £75 million Nuclear Fuel Fund will strengthen energy security by encouraging investment into the development and commercialisation of domestic nuclear fuel production including advanced fuel technologies.

This includes the development of new conversion capacity in the UK for both freshly mined and reprocessed uranium. These will help power existing as well as future advanced nuclear reactors – and support international diversification from Russian fuel supply.

Minister of State for Energy and Climate Graham Stuart, said:

Record high global gas prices, caused by Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, have highlighted the need for more home-grown renewable energy, but also UK generated nuclear power – building more plants, and developing domestic fuel capability.

This investment package will strengthen the UK’s energy security, by ensuring access to a safe and secure supply of UK produced fuel to power the UK nuclear fleet of today and tomorrow – squeezing out Russian influence, while creating more UK jobs and export opportunities.

Up to £13 million of the fund has already been awarded in Preston, which has strategic importance to fabricating fuel for the current UK advanced gas cooled reactor fleet. The funding will help the company develop primary conversion capability for both reprocessed uranium and freshly mined uranium.

The support will provide for significant investment at the Springfields site in Lancashire, safeguarding hundreds of highly skilled jobs in the North West.

Uranium conversion is an important stage in the nuclear fuel cycle. The funding will create expert nuclear fuel capability to convert recycled uranium in the UK that is not currently available outside Russia. As well as bolstering UK energy security, ministers hope it will also deliver export opportunities for the sector and position the UK as a key international supplier of nuclear fuel and fuel cycle services.

The government aims for the remaining £50 million fund, which opens for bids today, to stimulate a diverse and resilient nuclear fuel market, supporting specialist skills, levelling up opportunities through new job creation across the country and opening up new export opportunities.

It will support projects establishing new domestic fuel capabilities, which could include fuel supply options for Light Water Reactors, including future Small Modular Reactors, that could support much of our current nuclear energy needs. It will also look to support projects producing new fuel types which will be needed to supply Advanced Modular Reactors, likely to be in operation from the 2030s, such as High Assay Low Enriched Uranium.

Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association Tom Greatrex, said:

Having the sovereign capability to manufacture next generation nuclear fuels for advanced reactors of the future is vital for energy security and net zero.

It will also open up export opportunities for the UK, helping us reclaim our place as world leaders in the fuels sector.

The news comes just over a month after ministers announced the further revitalisation of the UK nuclear industry, by confirming the first state backing of a nuclear project in over 30 years, with an historic £700 million stake in Sizewell C in Suffolk. The power station will produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 6 million homes for over 50 years. The nuclear acceleration requires pushing ahead to deliver new reactors, including advanced modular reactors, which will need new fuel streams.
02/01/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Millions of runs completed using NHS Couch to 5k app [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 2 January 2023.
- People encouraged to make the new year a healthy one by downloading the app and enjoying the health benefits of running
- Free app downloaded 6.5million times since it launched in 2016 and is an alternative for people unable to afford gym or sports membership
More than six million runs were completed using the Couch to 5k app across the UK in 2022, helping people to get fit for free.

The app – a free running plan for beginners provided by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) in partnership with the BBC – helped people to complete 6.46 million runs between 1 January and 29 December 2022.

More people were active over Christmas in 2022 than in 2021 with 8,600 people using the app to run on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in 2022, up from 8,000 (7.5%) in 2021.

As we move into the new year, people are being encouraged to download the app and join the hundreds of thousands of people who got last year off to a healthy start. 937,724 runs were completed in January 2022, with 12,500 people using the app to run on New Year’s Day itself.

Regular running has been shown to reduce the risk of long-term illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, as well as helping to maintain a healthier weight and improve your mood.

A recent YouGov poll found that 10 per cent of adults in Great Britain have either cancelled or are considering cancelling a gym or other sports or exercise membership due to the rising cost of living, with the Couch to 5k app a great alternative for people struggling to pay for gym or sports memberships.

Public Health Minister Neil O’Brien said:

“The start of a new year is a great time to make healthy lifestyle changes and the free NHS Couch to 5K app is a brilliant way to get fit and healthy for free, as people look to exercise for less due to the rising cost of living.

“Keeping fit can have a positive impact on our health, preventing risks of developing serious illness such as heart disease and diabetes – helping to reduce pressure on the NHS.

“I hope people will be inspired by the progress of hundreds of thousands of others and will give the app a try – it costs nothing and could be the best resolution you make this year.”

860,000 people used the app to do at least one run between 1 January and 29 December 2022. Designed for people who have done little or no running, the app provides guided commentary from a celebrity coach of their choosing and helps users to easily track their progress by doing three runs per week.

Runners are spurred on by one of many celebrity coaches including Reece Parkinson, Yasmin Evans, Jo Whiley, Denise Lewis, Sanjeev Kohli and Sarah Millican, as well as Mum Laura – the original programme trainer – who returned to the app by popular demand.

As each running challenge is completed, users receive celebration videos and summaries of their progress. ‘Discover’ and ‘Support’ sections help people to overcome setbacks with helpful articles and videos. Buddy Runs are also available where users can invite others on the app to run together – either in person or virtually.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer and joint lead for OHID Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy said:

“It’s brilliant to see so many people have kept active through using the NHS Couch to 5K app in 2022 and I hope the trend continues into 2023.

“With over 6 million runs completed this year, every run represents someone taking a small step towards improving their health, getting a bit of me-time and progressing to that 5-kilometre goal. If you do one thing this New Year, get moving and download the Couch to 5K app.

OHID (formerly Public Health England) teamed up with BBC to create the Couch to 5K mobile app in 2016, and since then they have been working together to help more people access the app.

Director of Sport at the BBC Barbara Slater said:

“Since our partnership began, the Couch to 5k app has helped millions of people across the UK to get fitter and more active. We’re proud it’s helping people to take positive steps to improve their health.”

The app has been downloaded 6.5 million times since it launched in May 2016, with 2.36 million downloads during the height of the pandemic (March 2020 to July 2021) by people seeking to get more active during lockdown.
02/01/2023
HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : ´From the classroom to the boardroom´, Davies Review of enterprise and the economy in education [February 2002]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 14 February 2002.

Proposals to train Britain’s next generation of entrepreneurs were welcomed by business leaders at a Downing Street press conference today.

“Enterprise and the Economy in Education”, an independent review into enterprise and education conducted by Howard Davies, chairman of the Financial Services Authority, found that, although links between schools and industry are good in areas, fewer than 30 per cent of young people gain any experience of enterprise.

The review recommends that every pupil spends five days gaining experience of enterprise, has the chance to set up and run their own mini-company and carries out specific projects in local companies with real experience of designing, marketing, pricing and selling products.

The report also recommends that the two-weeks work experience fifteen and sixteen year-olds currently undertake, provides more enterprise and business experience, and proposes that every school links up with local businesses, with business people spending time encouraging pupils to pursue careers in business.

Howard Davies’ recommendations include:
- An £56 million contribution from Government and £30 million contribution from business, with Government piloting a range of different approaches;
- Special emphasis should be given to young people in economically deprived areas where existing links with business may be less well developed; and
- New teaching materials should be developed for enterprise learning and personal finance education.
Chancellor Gordon Brown said:

“Budget 2002 will send a message to entrepreneurs in every part of the country that this Government wants to open up the opportunities of enterprise to all. If we are to have a deeper and wider entrepreneurial culture we must start in our schools and colleges.

“I want every young person to hear about business and enterprise in school; every college student to be made aware of the opportunities in business, even to start a business; and every teacher to be able to communicate the virtues of business and enterprise.

“Providing this opportunity for young people, and especially for those in disadvantaged areas, is critical if we are to build a Britain where every community celebrates and rewards enterprise and where the chance to start and succeed in business is genuinely open to all.

“I welcome the Davies report as an important step in making this happen and spreading the spirit of enterprise from the classroom to the boardroom.”

Howard Davies said:

“The time is right for a step change both in enterprise activities, and in the promotion of economic and financial literacy. The reorganisation of the 14-19 curriculum offers an opening to revisit the place of enterprise learning in schools.”

Estelle Morris said:

“This is an interesting, independent review which makes some valuable observations about the development of enterprise, knowledge and understanding of the economy in our education system. But we need to consider the recommendations within the broader outcomes of the current Spending Review, and our other priorities in the education system. The review reflects our approach, published this week in our 14-19 Green Paper, of delivering good quality vocational learning and supporting work-based learning for all our young people.”

Patricia Hewitt said:

“Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of a rich, thriving economy and it is vital that we nurture the talent and business flair of all our students by getting enterprise on the education agenda. Britain already leads the way in Europe in supporting budding entrepreneurs. A recent Commission report singled Britain out for our low business start-up costs and speedy registration.

“Today’s proposals will instil in our students the self-belief and confidence to achieve their ambitions of becoming entrepreneurs of the future.”

Business leaders today gave the proposals strong support. Details of their comments can be found in the attached paper.

The Chancellor, Estelle Morris and Howard Davies this morning visited IBM offices in London, and met pupils from the Aylwin School, Southwark, who have been involved in an enterprise project organised by businessdynamics and IBM.
01/01/2023
PRESS RELEASE : BCT’s Position Statement on the Proposed Norwich Distributor Road Western Link [March 2021]
The press release issued by the Bat Conservation Trust on 4 March 2021.

Background

This position statement sets out the Bat Conservation Trust’s (BCT’s) position on the proposed Norwich Distributor Road (NDR) Western Link. This is a proposed extension to the NDR, construction of which was completed in 2018.

Wild Wings Ecology have reported that survey work carried out by them in 2019 and 2020 has resulted in the discovery of a large, nationally significant population of bats of the species barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) along the proposed road route. Within this is the largest known UK roost for barbastelle, supporting 105 individuals within one tree, and it is reported that the whole population consists of 270 individuals with maternity roosts spread through several woodlands in the area (Packman, 2020). The nationally important status of the colony and the threat to this is the reason for BCT producing this position statement.

Legal protection for bats

All of the UK’s bat species are legally protected from killing / harm, disturbance, and obstruction / destruction of their roosting habitat by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This legal protection was put in place as a result of historic declines and some bat species are showing early signs of recovery.

Status of barbastelle

However, the barbastelle is particularly rare and thought to still be declining throughout its range across Europe. Barbastelle is listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the Global IUCN Red List and ‘Vulnerable’ on the UK Red List, which also describes it as ‘at imminent risk of extinction’ and estimates a population of 4500 individuals in England. It is offered special protection through its listing on Annex II of the Habitats Directive, requiring for member states to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) to protect the species and its habitats.

Potential impacts of major road schemes

The potential impacts of road schemes on bats include destruction, degradation and fragmentation of roosting, foraging and commuting habitat; mortality of bats through collision with vehicles and disturbance from noise and lighting associated with the road.

The impact of roads on bats was studied by Berthinussen and Altringham (2012a), who reported that bat activity and diversity reduced with increasing proximity to a major UK road, probably due to habitat degradation (through noise, light and chemical pollution), the barrier effect and/or road mortality. Finch et al. (2020) report that both bat activity and feeding behaviour are negatively affected by traffic noise playback.

Mitigation and compensation methods available

Attempts to mitigate and compensate for the impacts of road schemes on bats generally include the provision of alternative roosting habitat (for example, using bat boxes or veteranisation of trees), planting of new commuting and foraging habitat, the provision of crossing points for bats to cross the road safely and sensitive lighting schemes.

Limitations of these methods

It is clear that new planting cannot replace mature woodland and the roosting and foraging opportunities it offers to mature woodland specialists such as the barbastelle. Indeed, it will take many years for any such new planting to provide those needs. Too long to support current colonies of bats impacted by the scheme.

Berthinussen and Altringham (2012b) reported on the efficacy of road crossing points for bats, concluding that bat gantries are ineffective but underpasses do have potential (if they are of sufficient size and placed along pre-construction commuting routes) and green bridges warrant further research into their efficacy.

Fensome and Mathews (2016) analysed evidence on road mortality for bats from across Europe and found that juveniles are more prone to collision (making maternity colonies close to roads particularly vulnerable) and that rare species such as barbastelle have been discovered as casualties on the roads studied.

Impacts from light pollution are often addressed by sensitive lighting schemes but this does not reduce the negative impact of vehicle headlights. Impacts from noise and chemical pollution are often not addressed and we are not familiar with any mitigation measures that have been both proposed and tested for their efficacy.

Local Planning Authority duty

This barbastelle population is of national significance because of the number of bats it supports. Whilst the site is not yet designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) it does qualify and should not need to be designated to be protected.

A SAC site threatened by impacts from development would be subject to a Habitats Regulations Assessment. Where an adverse impact on the integrity of a SAC is predicted and no alternatives are available permission can only be granted if there are imperative reasons of over-riding public interest and if appropriate compensatory measures are available and applied.

Regardless of SAC status, the National Planning Policy Framework (2019) states that:
- Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: a) protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan); and
- · When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles: a) if significant harm to biodiversity resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for, then planning permission should be refused.
The available evidence suggests that the impacts of the proposed NDR Western Link on this nationally significant barbastelle population cannot be adequately mitigated or compensated for and we have significant concerns about this scheme if taken forwards as proposed.

References

Berthinussen, A. & Altringham, J. (2012a) The effect of a major road on bat activity and diversity. Journal of Applied Ecology, 49, 82-89. Found here: The effect of a major road on bat activity and diversity on JSTOR

Berthinussen, A. & Altringham, J. (2012b) Do Bat Gantries and Underpasses Help Bats Cross Roads Safely? PLoS ONE 7(6): e38775. Found here: Do Bat Gantries and Underpasses Help Bats Cross Roads Safely? (plos.org)

Fensome, A. and Mathews, F. (2016) Roads and bats: A meta-analysis and review of the evidence on vehicle collisions and barrier effects. Mammal Review 46(4). Found here: Roads and bats: a meta‐analysis and review of the evidence on vehicle collisions and barrier effects – Fensome – 2016 – Mammal Review – Wiley Online Library

Finch, D., Schofield, H. & Mathews, F. (2020) Traffic noise playback reduces the activity and feeding behaviour of free-living bats.

Environmental Pollution,Volume 263, Part B. Found here: Traffic noise playback reduces the activity and feeding behaviour of free-living bats – ScienceDirect

Packman, C. (2020) Norfolk’s Nature Discovery of the Year webinar 08.12.20. Found here: Norfolk’s Nature Discovery of the Year webinar 08.12.20 – Dr Charlotte Packman’s talk – YouTube
01/01/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Road Link Across Wensum Valley Would Cause Irreversible Harm [January 2019]

The press release issued by the Norwich Green Party on 15 January 2019.

Green councillors want Norfolk County Council to abandon its outdated plans for a Norwich Western Link and they recommend that Norwich City Council’s cabinet does not support a new road at its meeting on Wednesday 16th January.

Councillor Denise Carlo, Leader of the Green Group on Norwich City Council, said:

“The irreversible harm to the Wensum and Tud valleys, higher greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate breakdown and extra new traffic are a high price for people and the environment to pay. “

Green councillors are concerned that the county council has inflated the traffic case for a Western Link by including in the traffic model a new industrial park for up to 8,000 jobs and a settlement of 4,000 homes in open countryside which would generate substantial car and lorry traffic.

Denise Carlo added:

“I doubt whether the public is aware that the Council is proposing major traffic-generating development in open countryside to support a traffic case for a Western Link. We are also concerned that road construction costs are under-estimated. For example, Greens calculate the real cost of Option D, close to Ringland and priced at £161 million, could be up to £300 milliondue to its complex engineering.

“The extra £2 million that the County wants to spend on further road design work should be invested on working up a ‘fit for the future’ package of public transport, walking, cycling and travel planning measures which would benefit everyone. Thirty-seven per centof car journeys in the study area are under six miles and some drivers could switch if green travel modes were improved.”

01/01/2023
PRESS RELEASE : National Highways announce new environmental sustainability division as it targets net zero [January 2022]
The press release issued by National Highways on 7 January 2022.

National Highways has created a new division for Environmental Sustainability as it underlines its commitment to the environment and achieving net zero carbon.

The new division, headed by Stephen Elderkin, will work with National Highways’ executive directors and board to deliver the ambitious plan to cut carbon emissions to net zero across England’s motorways and major A-roads by 2050.

Bringing together National Highways’ environmental teams and a new carbon team into one central division, it will raise the profile of environment within the organisation and create additional capacity and capability on this vital subject.

As well as driving towards net zero, the division of 50 people will also develop National Highways’ new environmental strategy – a key theme that will be central to any future road investment strategies.

Stephen brings to the position extensive experience from both major project delivery and economic and chief analyst roles. He’s moving into the new post having led the £1bn A12 upgrade scheme for the last 3 years.

His career prior to joining National Highways focussed on environmental sustainability, including working for the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Defra. His roles included leading the Government analysis for the Climate Change Act, carbon budgets and energy efficiency policies.

Stephen said:

It’s a privilege to take on this role at such a critical time. We’ve seen how COP26 has brought heightened public recognition of the need for action on climate change.

National Highways connects the country, playing a vital role in national prosperity. But we must do that sustainably, making our contribution to achieving a net zero economy and showing ambition and leadership to leave a positive legacy through our approach to the environment.

The challenge to us and the industry is to demonstrate how we are delivering improved environment outcomes; rapidly decarbonising transport and supporting biodiversity to create the cleaner, greener network a zero carbon Britain needs.

The environmental challenges we face can only be achieved by working together – I look forward to working with our supply chain partners and stakeholders to achieve our ambitious goals.

Moving forward, the division will have several key objectives, including:
- implementing the net zero plan; achieving net zero for corporate emissions by 2030, net zero for construction and maintenance emissions by 2040 and net zero for road user emissions by 2050
- developing the long-term vision for an environmentally sustainable National Highways and a strategy to get there
- enhancing biodiversity
- reducing local environmental impacts from our network
Mike Wilson, Executive Director, Safety Engineering and Standards, said:

We’re committed to our ambitious vision of net zero by 2050 but recognise the scale of the challenge that faces us.

Being able to call on someone with Stephen’s experience will make a real difference in our capability to deliver that promise.

Our net zero carbon plan and the new division will put roads at the heart of the low carbon economy, while preserving the convenience and economic benefit of an efficient road network.

The Government-owned company has already started sustained action towards decarbonising England’s motorways and A-roads so they can continue to bring significant benefits to motorists, communities and businesses in a net-zero future.

The plan will put roads at the heart of Britain’s net zero future through three key commitments; achieving net zero for its own operations by 2030; delivering net zero road maintenance and construction by 2040; and supporting net zero carbon travel on our roads by 2050.

Read the full net zero plan.
01/01/2023
PRESS RELEASE : The Wensum Link – What About Cycling? [August 2021]

The press release issued by the Norwich Cycling Campaign on 22 August 2021.

The proposed Wensum link, officially called the Norwich Western Link (NWL), is a plan to connect the A1270 Northern Distributer Road (NDR) from the point where it joins the A1067 Fakenham Road, across the Wensum valley on a viaduct, to join a newly-dualled A47 at Honingham. This is a very controversial road proposal. The Wensum valley is a Special Area of Conservation, a place of great natural beauty with wildlife-rich ancient woodlands and a beautiful chalk river, the Wensum. If built, the road will cause a huge – and frankly unforgivable – amount of damage to this delicate environment.

The position of Norwich Cycling Campaign (NCyC) is to oppose the project. Road building of this type is always detrimental to cycling, especially when fast dual carriageways sever existing roads radiating out from the city to the surrounding countryside. Also, because this road will enable development of suburban sprawl around the north-west of Norwich, it will inevitably increase car dependency creating a poorer environment for people wishing to get around by bike.

However, we recognise that huge commercial pressure will probably force its construction through. If this is to happen, it’s important that the proper cycling provision which appears to be guaranteed by government policy is actually honoured. Sadly, in this respect, it seems Norfolk County Council (NCC) are intent on doing all they can to cut corners by not providing a parallel cycle track at all.

The dual carriageway road will cross the valley on a huge viaduct and NCC are insisting no cycle track be incorporated into its construction. This is unacceptable as it means there will be no accommodation for cycle traffic along the new road. The viaduct cycle track is therefore the biggest issue facing NCyC because if it’s not included in the construction of the bridge it would be very difficult and expensive to add later.

01/01/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ferrovial Construction Awarded Norwich Western Link Project [June 2021]
The press release issued by Ferrovial Construction on 25 June 2021.
- Project award in line with new UK corporate strategy to deliver schemes as sole entity, for sustainable growth and people opportunities
- Design and Construction contract £107m with a duration of 4.5 years + 3 years landscape maintenance
- Contract to be delivered by Ferrovial Construction and involves design and build of 6.1km of dual carriageway and 7 structures including 670m viaduct over River Wensum
Ferrovial Construction has been awarded the contract to design and build the Norwich Western Link by Norfolk County Council.

Work will start on the contract immediately alongside the council’s existing project team to further develop the design of the Norwich Western Link, including the new 6.1 km dual carriageway road between the A47 and Broadland Northway and many of its associated measures.

This work will feed into the pre-planning application public consultation, which is scheduled for the autumn, which in turn will inform the planning application for the project, due to be submitted in early 2022.

Works will include 6.1 km of dual carriageway from A1270 to A47 including a new viaduct over the River Wensum, 6 structures for minor roads and environmental crossings. Construction is expected to complete in 2025 with a further three years of landscape maintenance.

Cllr Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, said: “Ferrovial Construction have a great track record in designing and building large-scale infrastructure projects and will bring specialist expertise to the project, including in relation to the design of the viaduct across the River Wensum.

“Creating the Norwich Western Link is a priority for this council and it’s vital to ensuring we have the right infrastructure in place to not only tackle existing congestion and delays but to accommodate future population and job growth. We’re looking forward to working with Ferrovial Construction to deliver such an important project for Norfolk.”

Karl Goose, UK & Ireland Managing Director, Ferrovial Construction: “We are delighted to have been selected to deliver the Norwich Western Link, a key project which forms part of the new sustainable growth strategy for the UK business. We will be bringing our expertise and experience at delivering highways projects in the UK, Ireland and around the world to provide Norfolk County Council and the region with a world-class piece of infrastructure.

We will be self-delivering this project with local teams, opening new opportunities for people in Norfolk and offering a gateway to STEM careers in the industry and sustainable career development paths for new and existing employees.”

Ferrovial Construction were the highest scoring bidder from a competitive procurement process for the project which began in summer 2020 and during which they began developing their proposals for the project. Their appointment today followed a decision by the county council’s cabinet earlier this month to award the contract.

At the same meeting cabinet members also agreed to approve the outline business case for the Norwich Western Link, and this has now been submitted to the Department for Transport. The business case demonstrated that the project would provide high value for money, significantly reduce many journey times to the west of Norwich, improve road safety and reduce carbon emissions from vehicles. If the outline business case is approved, this would provide a funding commitment from government which is expected to cover 85% of the £198 million total project costs.
01/01/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Extinction Rebellion Quit Tactics of Public Disruption [January 2023]

The press release issued by Extinction Rebellion on 1 January 2023.

When XR burst onto the scene four years ago, few could have imagined the seismic shift it would bring about in the climate movement, the climate conversation, and the world at large.

But despite the blaring alarm on the climate and ecological emergency ringing loud and clear, very little has changed. Emissions continue to rise and our planet is dying at an accelerated rate.

The root causes? A financial system prioritising profits over life, a media failing to inform the public and hold power to account, and a reckless government entrenched in corruption and suppressing the right to protest injustice.

As we ring in the new year, we make a controversial resolution to temporarily shift away from public disruption as a primary tactic. We recognise and celebrate the power of disruption to raise the alarm and believe that constantly evolving tactics is a necessary approach. What’s needed now most is to disrupt the abuse of power and imbalance, to bring about a transition to a fair society that works together to end the fossil fuel era. Our politicians, addicted to greed and bloated on profits won’t do it without pressure.

We must be radical in our response to this crisis and determined in our efforts to address the climate and ecological emergency, even if it means taking a different approach than before. In a time when speaking out and taking action are criminalised, building collective power, strengthening in number and thriving through bridge-building is a radical act.

XR is committed to including everyone in this work and leaving no one behind, because everyone has a role to play. This year, we prioritise attendance over arrest and relationships over roadblocks, as we stand together and become impossible to ignore.

The conditions for change in the UK have never been more favourable – it’s time to seize the moment. The confluence of multiple crises presents us with a unique opportunity to mobilise and move beyond traditional divides. No one can do this alone, and it’s the responsibility of all of us, not just one group. It may be uncomfortable or difficult, but the strength of all social, environmental, and justice movements lies in working together. As our rights are stripped away and those speaking out and most at risk are silenced, we must find common ground and unite to survive.

It’s no secret that those in power are hoarding wealth and power at the expense of ordinary people, while ignoring the consequences of their greed. Emissions continue to rise, but they couldn’t care less. But people do care, and changes to democracy that free and empower the voices of the people through Citizens Assemblies could balance the tables and bring about the positive societal tipping point we all need.

Choose Your Future – 21st April and beyond – The Big One – Houses of Parliament – 100,000 people.

01/01/2023