Survey work in Wensum 'an eyesore'

Published: Mon, 10/18/21

Survey Work in Ringland gives a tiny taste of what life could be like in the Wensum should the NWL go ahead.

Contractors are drilling to assess ground for supporting the planned viaduct over the Wensum. Access is planked up along the public footpath.

For those that see this first step in the inevitable - remember NCC don't have central Government funding or planning permission yet- there are a lot of hoops they need to jump through.
There was this message of support on twitter:

'This survey work happened on the route of the #Hereford "bypass". Keep strong & keep getting your message out. The #Hereford road was finally cancelled.'

The NWL will come under scrutiny this Wednesday

Transport policy in NCC is being considered. As the 2 biggest potential costs, Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the NWL will be debated. This is unlikely to result in any change in position, but more questions are starting to be asked about road building and the assumption that EVs will be the solution for traffic problems...
A leak yesterday of the government's targets on CO2 suggest they will be looking for about a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions from the transport sector. This will put pressure on decisions to continue with large road projects such as the NWL or the proposed A47 dualling.

To achieve 47% - 50% reduction, Norfolk would have to reduce transport emissions of 930.00 - 989.36ktCO2. This is 58 - 61 each year to 2035 assuming over 16 years.
They would ADD 140,000 tCO2e in 2023-2025 just from construction of the 3*A47 schemes.

They would also add a significant amount if they built the NWL. There has been some interesting use of the figures over carbon for the NWL, with the NCC claiming carbon emission reductions in their local transport plan without including the new road schemes.

Don't forget the Crowdfunder!

As we get closer to a public consultation, having funds available becomes more important.

Please continue to share and promote the crowdfunder. Now over £10,000 - next target £20,000!

Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/stop-the-wensum-link

Posters/leaflets

Our fabulous posters are now available to go up in your windows, in shops, cafes, by roadsides...., and leaflets to leave in cafes, pubs, community spaces. There are still lots of people that are not aware that this road is so destructive and expensive, so help us spread the word!

They are available to pick up (free) at Ernie's Zero Waste Shop in Norwich. We will also have some at in person events (see below)

The Stop the Wensum Link Team

Events

River Rights meetings

20th October 7pm online

We are planning a major event for April 2022. We want it to be big, impressive and involve a big range of community and interest groups around the River Wensum. The Wensum, as a rare chalk stream, is threatened by more than just the NWL. Can you help us make this an impactful event? Come and join us!

Zoom link for meeting

Common Ground: Storytelling, poetry and discussion - from John Clare’s Helpston to Twyford Down

October 23rd 7pm, Weston Longville Village Hall

You are invited to an evening of poems and stories, tales of environmental protest and discussion, composed around the life and times of English countryman and poet John Clare and the first hand account of an environmental protest against a road project in Hampshire.

Local acclaimed storyteller Hugh Lupton, and ecologist Helen Beynon, lead us on a journey celebrating the beauty of our countryside, the threat of its disruption and destruction and the importance to us all of its preservation.

All proceeds to the Stop The Wensum Link Campaign

To book tickets

Can you help on the 23th/24th October with leafleting at Norwich Science Fair at the Forum, Norwich?

There are several events on this weekend and not enough people to cover - can you help? Please just reply to this email.

Climate Conference 26th October 13.00-17.00

Please share with anyone you know under 25!

SWL will be doing a youth-led workshop on the NWL. The theme is 'lobbying' - so how to influence those in power, in this case NCC.

Action on Climate Change COP26 Rally

November 6th 1pm Norwich City Hall

As a small local part of the big climate change picture we will be at this march with banner and leaflets. This should be big! Come and join us!

Look out for further events/meeting here and on the SWL website. Including What's the Alternative? meetings.