Hi
Happy New Year!
The impact of our webinar on the discovery of a supercolony of bats in the Wensum Valley continues!
- An article by one of our new members who came on board because of the webinar was published in the EDP.
- The meeting to sign off on sending the business case to the Department of Transport has been put off yet another month to March 8th! Each delay gives us more time to build the growing opposition.
- The Norwich City Labour Group voted to withdraw their support for the NWL. This will hopefully mean that the City Council will withdraw their support, and start opposing the road. The County Council is the decision maker, but the position of the City Council is influential. As David Pett, of
our steering committee put it "This is very significant - the political tectonic plates are shifting in Norfolk on this doomed proposal."
- If you live in Norwich see below for how you can help the city council change its position (action before 15th January!).
FACING UP TO THE FINANCIAL SITUATION
Sadly, Norfolk County Council are in a difficult financial position. This is not just due to COVID, and funding issues that all councils are facing. They have also had to repay costs of adult social care after a
recent court case, adding millions of pounds to their financial burden.
The colourful, but obscure, table above shows Norfolk CC's assessment of risk in their various budgets. The red means lack of sustainable budget/funding. Note the numbers in the red box: 23 is adult social care. 31 is childrens' services.
So, as you can see, infrastructure is green=lowest risk of financial problems. Social care is Red = highest risk. We wonder about NCC's priorities in these tough times.
Budgets are set in advance, but obviously NCC have the freedom to reallocate where money goes, especially in an emergency situation. Overspend in one area will inevitably impact on spending in other areas, and the history with all road building projects generally, and the NDR in particular, is that they go over budget.
We think this is yet another reason to Pause and Review the NWL.
We just can't afford it.
The Stop the Wensum Link Team
Events
General Actions Meeting January 29th 4.30pm online
Link will be published
here nearer the time.
Lots is being planned including more webinars after the last one was so successful. Also a striking in-person (but very COVID safe) event coming soon. More help needed to make these events happen!
BTW If you are keen to attend meetings but days/times are unsuitable for you please let us know. If you can offer ANY time or skills, do get in touch: stopthewensumlink@protonmail.com,
Walks in the Wensum
Future events have had to be cancelled due to lockdown. We hope to restart them as soon as COVID restrictions allow.
TRACKS AND TRAILS MARCH 27/28 2021
Celebrating nature in Norwich and the Wensum Valley, amazing, rare wildlife on our doorstep!
heavenwells@mac.com or Phone 07803608274 to register
In person or online depending on current restrictions.
Sat March 27 10-3 Drop in creative workshop Anteros Arts, Fye Bridge St Norwich NR3 1LJ Learn more about the nature on your doorstep, make masks and shields to celebrate.
Sunday March 28 11-2 Bring your masks and shields to the Wensum Valley and walk with your creatures, birds, plants, trees, bees and bats. (also see attached flyer)
Take Action by 15th January!
We urgently need Norwich City Council to formally change their current position of de-facto support for the road. Can you ask a question to the City Council Cabinet meeting that is to be held on Wednesday January 20th?
Your question is best brief and in your own words but there are some examples below to help. This should only take 5 minutes!
How to send in your question:
Send it to : alexhand@norwich.gov.uk CC: jackierodger@norwich.gov.uk & stopwensumlink@fastmail.co.uk (this last address just sends a copy to the campaign)
Send it by the deadline for public question: 1000 Friday January 15th THIS FRIDAY!
You can only submit a question if you live in the Norwich City area.
Put you address and telephone contact in the email
Possible questions:
"Norwich Labour members support the principle of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and that the Norwich Western link has no place in meeting this objective. Please will the Cabinet take the steer from your party members, and formally oppose the road for Norwich City Council?"
"A large colony of rare and protected Barbastelle bats has been found on the route of the Norwich Western link, and the area is rich in other woodland, vital insects and wildlife. Please will Norwich City Council cease its support for the road, and join Norwich Labour party members in opposing it?"
"Funding for infrastructure should be prioritised on building a sustainable and comprehensive public transport system. As a step in working towards that for Norwich, will the Cabinet cease support for the Norwich Western link, and work to stop the Wensum link, and funding for a 21st century city public transport system?"
Live outside Norwich?
If you haven't yet written to your MP or councillor, you now have until the 8th March to lobby (or support) them.
We have a guide to help you here
Thanks to all those who have written so far, let us know what replies you get, if any! (and make sure you add your address to your email).
