Latest news with #councillors
The Guardian
2 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Forceful bike campaigners can undermine UK cycle lane planning, report finds
Few things rouse the ire of disgruntled road users more than cycle lanes. But a report has unveiled a surprising obstacle for local councils when planning bike infrastructure: cyclists. The study, based on interviews with dozens of councillors and local officials who lead on transport projects across the UK, found that opponents of bikes lanes and similar projects were the most uniformly hostile, but sceptical cycle campaigners were some of the harshest critics. The research, published in the journal Local Government Studies, found that slightly less than one-third of interactions about new projects with pro-cycling voices were seen as negative. One respondent to the research wrote: 'Cycling campaigners are mostly counterproductive due to their rudeness.' Another said they felt that councils 'find it harder to advocate for more cycle infrastructure, not because people don't like it, but because people feel that (from their impression from social media) nothing we ever do will make cyclists happy'. As another put it, while social media posts from cyclists might be aimed at pushing for more action, they 'can massively undermine [cycling's] case, particularly with sceptical councillors'. In a wider lesson for campaigners of all stripes, the nearly 50 councillors and officials who responded to the study said that while people on social media were often opinionated and noisy, they tended to be listened to less then those who chose other ways to communicate. Asked to list the forms of engagement most influential on eventual decisions, the councillors and officials almost all cited emails and face-to-face chats, with posts on Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites seen as much more peripheral. The study, by Dr Alexander Nurse, a reader in urban planning at the University of Liverpool, found multiple concerns about a 'very toxic' and 'often abusive' debate about cycling, although this was primarily down to opponents, and often those posting anonymously on social media. This occasionally went beyond virtual targeting, with one councillor describing having details of their address and family published as a threat, while another respondent said they were followed in the street and their family was abused. Such extreme opposition, the report concluded, generally seemed to be less a reflection of actual local sentiment than, as one person called it, 'misinformation … from the libertarian fringe or organisations'. Nurse said: 'This study reveals the shocking extent of abuse directed at public officials, some of which spills into real-world intimidation. One respondent even feared for their children's safety. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion 'While social media is a powerful tool, it doesn't replace traditional methods when it comes to meaningful community engagement. 'Interestingly, we also found that well-meaning but overly forceful advocacy –particularly from pro-cycling campaigners – can sometimes undermine the very schemes they are trying to support. 'Although focused on cycling infrastructure, the study has broader implications for local democracies worldwide, especially those grappling with complex issues, such as climate action, urban planning, housing and public space.'
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Highland council backs cruise ship levy plans
A proposal to give local authorities powers to charge a cruise ship levy has won support from Highland Scottish government has been consulting on the plan, but the fine detail - such as how much would be charged and who would pay - has still to be a report, Highland Council officers said tourism had seen "incredible growth" in the region but this had also created a wide range of on the economy and infrastructure committee agreed a cruise ship levy could provide additional funds to mitigate some of these impacts. Existing rates across European ports range from about €3 to €14 per passenger, which is about £2.50 to £12.A recent survey by the council suggested almost 70% of respondents believed that cruise ship passengers should have to pay a visitor Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon - which is one of Scotland's busiest cruise ship ports - has warned that a new tax could lead to some operators seeking alternative destinations. Highland Council said it would carry out further "extensive" analysis and public engagement if the Scottish government grants the proposed new powers.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
West Northamptonshire Council backs next stage of Norwood Farm
A plan to build 278 new homes has been approved by councillors as part of a larger housing homes, approved by West Northamptonshire Council, will be built on land between Harpole and Duston in Northampton, as part of the second phase of the Norwood Farm project. In total, the wider project will deliver 1,900 homes, along with shops, a school, and public green decision was made during the first planning meeting since Reform UK took control of the local authority at the recent local elections. The latest plans include a mix of one to four-bedroom properties and of the 278 homes, 139 will be officers said this was 92 more affordable homes than the developers were required to to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) each home will have its own parking space, and extra visitor spaces will be added along the roads. Green areas are also planned around the edges of the area covered in the upcoming phase is in the north-west part of the Norwood Farm site and is divided by New Sandy Lane. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
News24
5 days ago
- General
- News24
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis survives first motion of no confidence
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has survived his first motion of no confidence. The motion was tabled by the National Coloured Congress (NCC) during a full council sitting on Wednesday. The party accused Hill-Lewis of 'abuse of power, lack of professionalism, and failure to fulfil the responsibilities expected of the City's highest office'. The vote was conducted via open ballot. The motion was defeated, with 138 councillors voting against it, 46 in favour, and one abstention.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Consultation expected on Medway draft local development plan
The latest draft of a document outlining how Medway will develop in the coming years could soon be Council's cabinet is expected to approve the required six-week consultation period for the published plan - a major document designating what land will be used for and assessing infrastructure needs - on 3 plans typically last 15 years, but the last time the council approved one was 2003, according to the Local Democracy Reporting attempts to approve a local plan failed and the current council administration says it is a priority to put a new one in place before 2027. The latest version of the document follows feedback from Medway residents and businesses in a previous councillors vote to proceed with the process, the plan will be published on 26 June and six-week consultation will commence before it is submitted to the government for approved by the secretary of state on schedule, the local plan will be in place until a local plan, councillors have less power to reject planning voted down a motion in April about the future of Chatham Docks, which is covered by the plan, after suggestions it could collapse Medway Council's local plan over proposals for the docks have caused issued for previous attempts to get a local plan approved.
