Sunday, December 6, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Christmas Crime Prevention and Safety Event Belfast District Policing Partnership
Belfast District Policing Partnership has organised a Christmas Crime Prevention and Safety event on Wednesday, 2nd December from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. in the Great Hall, City Hall.
The Belfast District Policing Partnership Chairman, Councillor David Browne explained, “the event has been designed to provide members of the public with practical advice, information and support on a range of crime prevention and safety issues, particularly related to this Christmas season. There will be a formal welcome at 10.00 a.m. and the rest of the morning will follow a marketplace format with a number of organisations providing information exhibits”.
“A number of the exhibitors, including the Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Belfast City Council and voluntary organisations, will have stands with specific crime prevention and safety messages and advice on car crime, domestic burglaries, bogus callers, fire prevention, food and consumer safety, the ‘Get Home Safe’ Campaign and drugs and alcohol advice.
Councillor D. Browne continued, “I would encourage members of the public to attend this event. Due to the events format the public will be able to attend City Hall and view the exhibitions from 10.00 a.m. onwards”.
There is no admittance fee and further information can be obtained by contacting the District Policing Partnership Office on telephone: 9027 0556 or email: dpp@belfastcity.gov.uk
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Here's a summary of Bristol's progress on 20s Plenty
Here's a summary of Bristol's progress to date. I hope this will
encourage efforts around the country.
It's November 2009 and Bristol has taken another step towards being a
20mph City. Earlier this year the City Council proposed two pilot
20mph areas comprising about 8% of the urban area. The initial proposals
excluded roads where the speed limit would really make a difference and
mainly included narrow residential streets where speeds are already low.
Campaigners made strong objections and now the plans that will go
forward to the formal consultation stage of traffic regulation orders
include most of the streets in the two areas, including most of the
streets that exceed 24mph average speed at present.
While arterial roads are still left at 30mph or higher, the proposals
represent a major success for campaigners and set an important precedent
for going beyond the DfT guideline of limiting the change to 20mph to
streets that already have recorded average speeds of 24mph or less.
Political circumstances have brought this about. The initial proposals
were the initiative of the then ruling Labour controlled council. Local
elections brought a change to Lib Dem control and a new executive with
another energetic executive councillor Dr Jon Rogers became the
executive member responsible for transport. Dr Rogers pushed the 20mph
agenda to new limits by supporting and pursuading highway officers to be
less tentative. The 20's Plenty campaign has had a vital role in
demonstrating public support for the move and making it clear we wanted
"Total Twenty".
Campaigning in Bristol does not stop here. The City Council has
expressed its willingness to look at other areas in Bristol for the
20mph treatment. Even before the first 20mph signs go up Campaigners
will have picked up the baton and be pressing for more of Bristol to be
20mph.
Steve Kinsella
20's Plenty for Bristol
AbilityNet News
AbilityNet Podcast no 9 now released
The latest Podcast from AbilityNet is released and ready for free download.
- Mike Williams discusses AbilityNet's AAC project
- Jo Greenwell's usual tips - this month DSpeech and adjusting the mouse double-click
- Greg Mumford discusses the best of the AbilityNet Youtube channel
- Joe Chidzik's regular web accessibility news roundup
- David Banes explains AbilityNet's involvement in the Telecentres Europe project
- Alex Barker's usual dates for our diaries
Available from http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast/ and iTunes
New Web Access Courses Launched
AbilityNet up-coming winter courses – all in central London:
Understanding and Testing with WCAG2.0 - 11 Dec
Creating Accessible PDFs - 20 Jan
Accessible Flash - 17 Feb
For more information and to book your place today please go to
www.abilitynet.org.uk/webopencourses.
Access IT website updated with winners and best practice nominees
www.access-it-events.org has been fully updated with all the details from septembers awards and the best practice guide of 40+ initiatives on digital inclusion. The website will of course be the place to spot all the latest news in preparation for th 2010 awards.
Access News
IT Can Help are there to help disabled users
IT Can Help is a network of volunteers who are able to offer free local computer assistance to disabled people. We can diagnose and fix most computer related problems; Install and set up hardware, software, internet, email and accessibility settings;
You can contact us by ringing the AbilityNet freephone number (& textphone) – 0800 269545 or email us - enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk
Self-checkout now more accessible with IBM
Some people shop for pleasure and some for necessity only. But everyone shops. For individuals with disabilities shopping can be challenging, and retailers want to provide them with an easy, accessible shopping experience. IBM have been developing a more accessible self checkout system for retail
http://www-01.ibm.com/software/ucd/gallery/selfcheckout_systems.html
RJ Cooper launches accessible Guitar Hero !
With the popularity of Rock Band and Guitar Hero at an all-time high, RJ decided to allow persons with significant physical challenges to play also!
http://rjcooper.com/guitar-hero/
Best of YouTube
Automatic Captions in YouTube Videos
Not a YouTube Video buit the announcement from Google of automatic captioning for 13 You Tube Channels using Automated Speech recognition is wortha look
Announcement at
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/automatic-captions-in-youtube.html
Communicator PC10 - Overview
Communicator PC10 - Windows based speech aid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xgc87TprPc
Mind Control Device Demonstration - Tan Le
Tan Le, co-founder and president of Emotiv Systems, gives a live demo of a mind control device that uses a person's thoughts to input computer commands
http://www.youtube.com/user/abilitynet#p/f/17/40L3SGmcPDQ
Tech Closeup: Google TV Raman, Ken Harrenstien
Google engineers work to make technology accessible to all. TV Raman is developing cell phone software on Google's Android operating system and Ken Harrenstien is developing closed captioning for online videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3V64JarvXs
All of these, and all of our new playlists can be found on the AbilityNet YouTube channel www.youtube.com/abilitynet.
What’s Hot on Twitter @AbilityNet #Accessibility #a11y
A smart CAPTCHA. "What is ten minus eight minus two?" "nothing". OK for http://rebuildingtheweb.com...
A screen users guide. All PDF creators should read this - http://is.gd/4WP5t
Mobile Accessibility -- tweets and links http://bit.ly/3m9O3R
Great accessibility awareness video; tech & people with hearing & visual impairments http://tr.im/Fmk2
Special Offers
E-learning
1 year access to AbilityNet elearning – only £35 per user + VAT
New Courses on AAC added this week
Go to www.abilitynettraining.org for details
Stimulate your Team with ICT Innovation Days
Get your team to look ahead and think about how access technology is going to change during the next 5 years – how will access be happening and what will be the impact. These interactive and hands on days are extremely popular in helping with planning and diversity. Contact David Banes at david.banes@abilitynet.org.uk for further details
Request a free HiSoftware Compliance Sheriff™ accessibility scan
HiSoftware Compliance Sheriff™ is an enterprise accessibility validation solution that scans your Web site for over 172 separate issues and delivers the results in a powerful online report.
Request your free HiSoftware Compliance Sheriff™ accessibility check today.
Need an accessibility speaker for event or workshop ?
Let us know if you would like us to try to speak at your events – we can deliver onsite or remotely across video conferencing email david.banes@abilitynet.org.uk for further details
Courses
The Autumn Course programme is released
Accessibility in Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007
Investigating accessibility within the Operating system and Office Applications
More information and booking for Accessibility in Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 course
Effective Assessment of Problems at Computer Workstations
Helping those involved in workstation assessments respond effectively
More information and booking for Effective Assessment of Problems at Computer Workstations course
Mobile Access Solutions
Exploring the key issues in selecting portable technology
More information and booking for Mobile Access Solutions course
Using ICT to Support People with Dyslexia
Use technology to help those who have reading and writing difficulties
More information and booking for Using ICT to Support People with Dyslexia course
Web 2.0
Demonstrating how to make the most of web 2.0 technologies
More information and booking for Web 2.0 course
Windows 7
Looking at the new accessibility features available in Windows 7
More information and booking for Windows 7 course
And there’s MORE
Stay in Touch with AbilityNet
Come find us at a number of events in the next few weeks...
Access IT 2009
Technology World 09
23rd and 24th Nov, 2009
Venue: Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK
AbilityNet will be on stand 56 come and find us
Across the Web
Join our daily Twitter channel @abilitynet
Join our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/abilitynet
Read our regular Blog www.abilitynet.org.uk/blog
Join GATE The Global Assistive Technology Encyclopedia
Aavailable for free from www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast or via iTunes
Same link will take you to the archive of our regular podcasts
Newsletter tested for mobile browsing
Dont wait for your AbilityNet newsletter - view it on your mobile - every week we test the Newsletter for mobile access - what more could you ask for ?
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Event in Dixon Playing Fields as part of National Tree Week.
From: Sean
Dear colleague
As part of our ongoing volunteering programme we have arranged with our partners in Belfast City Council and Conservation Volunteers NI to hold a tree planting event in Dixon Playing Fields as part of National Tree Week. The event will take place on 28 November 2009, from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm and follows on from last weekend’s bulb planting in Victoria Park which was both hugely successful and enjoyable with over 2,500 bluebell and snowdrop bulbs planted.
The event in Dixon Playing Fields will hopefully be as much fun and we would like to see as many people there as possible. It is suitable for all ages and abilities and CVNI will be there to provide expert guidance and assistance with planting a range of native trees. I have attached a poster advertising the event and would appreciate it if you could ensure that this poster reaches as wide an audience as possible.
Sean Brannigan
Sean Brannigan
Community Engagement Officer
Connswater Community Greenway Project
274 Newtownards Road
Belfast
Telephone 90467930
Monday, November 16, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
AbilityNet Newsletter 09 28 "You Cant always get what you want"
"You Cant always get what you want" wailed Mick and the Boys, unless what you want is a regular zingy newsletter of all the latest news and information from the world of accessibility and assistive technology. In which case he should have sung "You can get exactly what you want just by subscribing to the weekly AbilityNet Newsletter ooooooh Yeah" Testify MIck, just testify
Newsletter tested for mobile browsing
Dont wait for your AbilityNet newsletter - view it on your mobile - every week we test the Newsletter for mobile access - what more could you ask for ?
Contents
AbilityNet News
AAC Resouces launched online
AbilityNet’s “Exploring AAC” Website Launched
Please take a look at our web resource and tell us what you think. Feel free to tell your colleagues and clients.
AbilityNet at Technology World 09
AbilityNet will be attending Technology World 09 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK. Technology world 09 is the UK's larest "Speed dating" event for companies with an interest in technology. If you are attending and would like to meet to discuss any aspect of accessible computing email us asap. Contact kareem.monem@abilitynet.org.uk to organise an appointment
YouTube Playlists Updated
Thanks for feedback on the YouTube playlists and how we could make them more useful
New playlists are being compiled as we speak on specific assistive technologies such as Screenreaders and Magnifiers - Find out more at www.youtube.com/abilitynet
History of AT Presentation on Slideshare
David Banes' take on the "History of AT" presentation from BCS InclusivITy day can be found uploaded at Slideshare at www.slideshare.net/abilitynet
Access News
Visually impaired gamer sues Sony
Hot off the presses of many major gaming and technical news outlets is a story about a visually impaired gamer who is suing Sony online entertainment for game ... accessibility as demanded by the Americans with disabilities act (ADA).
Interesting look at the beginnings of the HTML img tag
Why do we have the img element? An interesting glimpse from 1993 when it was first being discussed
Free browsers for vision impairment
Links to 8 browsers designed with vision impaired users in mind, following on from an article on Disaboom
Using NVDA to evaluate web accessibility
Testing web content with a screenreader is essential for highlighting issues that may not be uncovered as part of a standard WCAG2 review. This guide will help you use the open source screenreader, NVDA, to test your website
W3C Cheat sheet
Useful quick access to W3C accessibility tips
Best of YouTube
Google Wave Made Simple
Google has developed a new open source program called "Google Wave." http://wave.google.com Put simply, Google Wave is just like Google Docs for e-mail
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS9AbePnE08
Using Dragon NaturallySpeaking as an assistive technology
Don Oliver has had multiple sclerosis for 40 years and is wheel chair bound. Dragon is a critical part of his every day life. What does he use Dragon for? "I use it for everything."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsZo1p_5-o4
Android Accessibility
This is just a quick video on where we are with accessibility for Android
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaLQt35H_10
All of these, and all of our new playlists can be found on the AbilityNet YouTube channel www.youtube.com/abilitynet.
What’s Hot on Twitter @AbilityNet #Accessibility #a11y
Microsoft says speech is the next touch: http://ow.ly/yY6o
Second Life and #Disability: Interview with University of South Australia's Denise Wood: http://ow.ly/yYaq
Living with Asperger's syndrome: http://bit.ly/1dP4L6
How to be a leader with assistive technology http://bit.ly/3kvMK4
Special Offers
E-learning
1 year access to AbilityNet elearning – only £35 per user + VAT
Go to www.abilitynettraining.org for details
Stimulate your Team with ICT Innovation Days
Get your team to look ahead and think about how access technology is going to change during the next 5 years – how will access be happening and what will be the impact. These interactive and hands on days are extremely popular in helping with planning and diversity. Contact David Banes at david.banes@abilitynet.org.uk for further details
Request a free HiSoftware Compliance Sheriff™ accessibility scan
HiSoftware Compliance Sheriff™ is an enterprise accessibility validation solution that scans your Web site for over 172 separate issues and delivers the results in a powerful online report.
Request your free HiSoftware Compliance Sheriff™ accessibility check today.
Need an accessibility speaker for event or workshop ?
Let us know if you would like us to try to speak at your events – we can deliver onsite or remotely across video conferencing email david.banes@abilitynet.org.uk for further details
Courses
The Autumn Course programme is released
Accessibility in Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007
Investigating accessibility within the Operating system and Office Applications
More information and booking for Accessibility in Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 course
Effective Assessment of Problems at Computer Workstations
Helping those involved in workstation assessments respond effectively
More information and booking for Effective Assessment of Problems at Computer Workstations course
Mobile Access Solutions
Exploring the key issues in selecting portable technology
More information and booking for Mobile Access Solutions course
Using ICT to Support People with Dyslexia
Use technology to help those who have reading and writing difficulties
More information and booking for Using ICT to Support People with Dyslexia course
Web 2.0
Demonstrating how to make the most of web 2.0 technologies
More information and booking for Web 2.0 course
Windows 7
Looking at the new accessibility features available in Windows 7
More information and booking for Windows 7 course
And there’s MORE
Stay in Touch with AbilityNet
Come find us at a number of events in the next few weeks...
Access IT 2009
Technology World 09
23rd and 24th Nov, 2009
Venue: Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK
AbilityNet will be on stand 56 come and find us
Across the Web
Join our daily Twitter channel @abilitynet
Join our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/abilitynet
Read our regular Blog www.abilitynet.org.uk/blog
Join GATE The Global Assistive Technology Encyclopedia
It will soon be available for free from www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast or via iTunes
AbilityNet Newsletter 09 28 "You Cant always get what you want"
"You Cant always get what you want" wailed Mick and the Boys, unless what you want is a regular zingy newsletter of all the latest news and information from the world of accessibility and assistive technology. In which case he should have sung "You can get exactly what you want just by subscribing to the weekly AbilityNet Newsletter ooooooh Yeah" Testify MIck, just testify
Newsletter tested for mobile browsing
Dont wait for your AbilityNet newsletter - view it on your mobile - every week we test the Newsletter for mobile access - what more could you ask for ?
Contents
AbilityNet News
AAC Resouces launched online
AbilityNet’s “Exploring AAC” Website Launched
Please take a look at our web resource and tell us what you think. Feel free to tell your colleagues and clients.
AbilityNet at Technology World 09
AbilityNet will be attending Technology World 09 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK. Technology world 09 is the UK's larest "Speed dating" event for companies with an interest in technology. If you are attending and would like to meet to discuss any aspect of accessible computing email us asap. Contact kareem.monem@abilitynet.org.uk to organise an appointment
YouTube Playlists Updated
Thanks for feedback on the YouTube playlists and how we could make them more useful
New playlists are being compiled as we speak on specific assistive technologies such as Screenreaders and Magnifiers - Find out more at www.youtube.com/abilitynet
History of AT Presentation on Slideshare
David Banes' take on the "History of AT" presentation from BCS InclusivITy day can be found uploaded at Slideshare at www.slideshare.net/abilitynet
Access News
Visually impaired gamer sues Sony
Hot off the presses of many major gaming and technical news outlets is a story about a visually impaired gamer who is suing Sony online entertainment for game ... accessibility as demanded by the Americans with disabilities act (ADA).
Interesting look at the beginnings of the HTML img tag
Why do we have the img element? An interesting glimpse from 1993 when it was first being discussed
Free browsers for vision impairment
Links to 8 browsers designed with vision impaired users in mind, following on from an article on Disaboom
Using NVDA to evaluate web accessibility
Testing web content with a screenreader is essential for highlighting issues that may not be uncovered as part of a standard WCAG2 review. This guide will help you use the open source screenreader, NVDA, to test your website
W3C Cheat sheet
Useful quick access to W3C accessibility tips
Best of YouTube
Google Wave Made Simple
Google has developed a new open source program called "Google Wave." http://wave.google.com Put simply, Google Wave is just like Google Docs for e-mail
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS9AbePnE08
Using Dragon NaturallySpeaking as an assistive technology
Don Oliver has had multiple sclerosis for 40 years and is wheel chair bound. Dragon is a critical part of his every day life. What does he use Dragon for? "I use it for everything."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsZo1p_5-o4
Android Accessibility
This is just a quick video on where we are with accessibility for Android
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaLQt35H_10
All of these, and all of our new playlists can be found on the AbilityNet YouTube channel www.youtube.com/abilitynet.
What’s Hot on Twitter @AbilityNet #Accessibility #a11y
Microsoft says speech is the next touch: http://ow.ly/yY6o
Second Life and #Disability: Interview with University of South Australia's Denise Wood: http://ow.ly/yYaq
Living with Asperger's syndrome: http://bit.ly/1dP4L6
How to be a leader with assistive technology http://bit.ly/3kvMK4
Special Offers
E-learning
1 year access to AbilityNet elearning – only £35 per user + VAT
Go to www.abilitynettraining.org for details
Stimulate your Team with ICT Innovation Days
Get your team to look ahead and think about how access technology is going to change during the next 5 years – how will access be happening and what will be the impact. These interactive and hands on days are extremely popular in helping with planning and diversity. Contact David Banes at david.banes@abilitynet.org.uk for further details
Request a free HiSoftware Compliance Sheriff™ accessibility scan
HiSoftware Compliance Sheriff™ is an enterprise accessibility validation solution that scans your Web site for over 172 separate issues and delivers the results in a powerful online report.
Request your free HiSoftware Compliance Sheriff™ accessibility check today.
Need an accessibility speaker for event or workshop ?
Let us know if you would like us to try to speak at your events – we can deliver onsite or remotely across video conferencing email david.banes@abilitynet.org.uk for further details
Courses
The Autumn Course programme is released
Accessibility in Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007
Investigating accessibility within the Operating system and Office Applications
More information and booking for Accessibility in Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 course
Effective Assessment of Problems at Computer Workstations
Helping those involved in workstation assessments respond effectively
More information and booking for Effective Assessment of Problems at Computer Workstations course
Mobile Access Solutions
Exploring the key issues in selecting portable technology
More information and booking for Mobile Access Solutions course
Using ICT to Support People with Dyslexia
Use technology to help those who have reading and writing difficulties
More information and booking for Using ICT to Support People with Dyslexia course
Web 2.0
Demonstrating how to make the most of web 2.0 technologies
More information and booking for Web 2.0 course
Windows 7
Looking at the new accessibility features available in Windows 7
More information and booking for Windows 7 course
And there’s MORE
Stay in Touch with AbilityNet
Come find us at a number of events in the next few weeks...
Access IT 2009
Technology World 09
23rd and 24th Nov, 2009
Venue: Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK
AbilityNet will be on stand 56 come and find us
Across the Web
Join our daily Twitter channel @abilitynet
Join our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/abilitynet
Read our regular Blog www.abilitynet.org.uk/blog
Join GATE The Global Assistive Technology Encyclopedia
It will soon be available for free from www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast or via iTunes
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The bare facts – the top to bottom of walking statistics Living Streets
The bare facts – the top to bottom of walking statistics
Walking, and high quality street environments, links to so many different policy areas it can be quite hard to separate out the information you’re looking for.
We’ve tried to make it as easy as possible by putting our key facts and stats into different categories, linked to below. If you have any other queries, please contact Anna Powell, Press Officer
Statistics for the new Living Streets Website
- General walking
- Walking and health
- Walking and the environment
- Road safety (including 20mph)
- Walk to school
General walking
Nearly a quarter of people (24%) walk for 20 minutes less than once a year, or never Department for Transport, National Travel Survey, 2005
Twice as many women (15%) walk to work as men (7.3%) Department for Transport, National Travel Survey, 2005
69% of commuting trips are made by car and only 11% are made on foot. Department for Transport, National Travel Survey, 2005
On average, commuting trips by car take 24 minutes, by bus 40 minutes, rail 66 minutes and on foot 17 minutes. Department for Transport, National Travel Survey, 2005
Over 1/5 of trips less than a mile are made by car Department for Transport, National Travel Survey, 2005
A quarter of all shopping trips are made on foot Department for Transport, National Travel Survey, 2005
On average, females make 15% more walking trips than males, making 261 trips a year compared with 228 for males. Department for Transport, National Travel Survey, 2005
Walking and health
A third (33%) of adults say walking for more than 10 minutes is their only form of exercise in a typical month Department for Transport, National Travel Survey, 2005
Walking for just 30 minutes a day during the working week means reaching the Government’s recommended level of daily activity needed to transform your health.
An estimated 70% of adults do not do enough exercise to benefit their health Institute of Sport and Recreation Management, 2006
Only 37% of men and 24% of women in the UK are sufficiently active to gain any health benefits Health Survey for Session 2003–04, Department of Health, 2004
Nearly a quarter of all adults in the UK are obese Department of Health, Health Profile of England, 2007
Walking one mile in 15 minutes burns about the same number of calories as running a mile in eight and a half minutes NHS, Walk your way to health, 207
Walking one mile (1.6km) can burn up at least 100kcal (420kJ) of energy and walking two miles (3.2km) a day, three times a week, can help reduce weight by one pound (0.5kg) every three weeks Department for Transport, National Travel Survey, 2005
By 2050 almost 60% of the UK population could be obese with the economic cost reaching £49.9 billion at today’s prices Government Office of Science, Foresight Tackling Obesities: Future Choices, 2007,
95% of adults agree that walking is a good way to stay healthy Department for Transport, National Travel Survey, 2005
82% of adults agree that walking is a good way to loose weight Department of Health
Regular physical activity improves mood, helps relieve depression, and increases feelings of well-being. A survey carried out by the charity Mind found that 83% of people with mental health problems looked to physical activity to help lift their mood
Walking and the environment
The school run accounts for 18% of car trips by residents of urban areas during term time at 0845am Department for Transport National Travel Survey 2006
Cars consume most fuel and pollute more at the start of their journey when the engine is cold, therefore, walking for short journeys will reduce the amount of CO2 emissions by a disproportionate amount Institute for European and Environmental Policy 2007
The average commuter driving an average car, covering the average commute distance will produce almost one tonne of CO2 per person per year. With 25 million people in the UK commuting, that is the equivalent CO2 emissions that would fill almost 50 billion one litre water bottles every day, or enough to fill 89,000 typical three-bedroom homes, which is a city of some 200,000 inhabitants Workwise UK, 2007
If all commuters left the car at home one day a week this would save enough miles in a year to drive to the moon and back 35,000 times. This is the equivalent emissions reduction of taking over 1.7 million cars off the road and would reduce the UK's total CO2 emissions by almost 1 per cent. Energy Saving Trust
Road safety (including 20mph)
Britain has one of the worst road safety records in Europe for child pedestrians and almost 20% of casualties occur on the way to or from school Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, ‘School Assembly Plans Using Road Safety Themes’
People living in the 10% most deprived areas of England are almost one-and-a-half times as likely to be killed or injured on the roads as people living in the 10% least deprived areas. Department for Transport Road Casualties Great Britain: 2007
A pedestrian hit by a car at 40mph has only a 15% chance of surviving. At 30mph this chance increases to 55%. But at 20mph the chance of survival increases to 95%.
In 2008, 572 pedestrians were killed and 28,481 injured on our streets Department for Transport, Road Casualties Great Britain, 2007
20mph schemes in Europe and the UK have cut the number of adult pedestrians killed or seriously injured by 50% and child pedestrians by 61% Transport Research Laboratory, 2003, Review of 20mph zones in London Boroughs
The equivalent of 60 classrooms full of children were seriously injured or killed on our roads last year. There were 1784 child pedestrians killed or seriously injured in Great Britain last year. Based on the average of 30 children per classroom, the number of classrooms of children killed or seriously injured is 60.
In 2005, the National Centre for Social Research found that 74% of people wanted 20mph in residential areas, including 72% of drivers.
Driving at 20mph rather than 30mph reduces stopping distance by 134% and therefore reduces the risk of collision considerably. DfT, 2001, Calculation based on thinking and braking distances taken from Think! leaflet
In the UK, 20 mph zones have been found to drastically cut the number of pedestrians killed and seriously injured (KSI) on our streets. Pedestrian KSIs as a whole are reduced by 50%, and child pedestrian KSIs are reduced by 61%. Transport Research Laboratory, 2003, ‘Review of 20 mph zones in London Boroughs
Road deaths and injuries cost the NHS £470 million and the UK economy £18 billion every year. DfT, 2005, Highways Economics, Valuation of the Benefits of Prevention of Road Accidents and Casualties
The Commission for Integrated Transport’s 2001 study found that where cities have 20mph speed limits covering between 65% and 85% of the urban network, they are transformed “from being noisy, polluted places into vibrant, people-centred environments”. Commission for Integrated Transport, 2001, Study of European Best Practise in the delivery of integrated transport
Child pedestrians from our lowest socio-economic groups are currently a staggering 21 times more likely to die on our roads than those at the top.6 Department for Transport, Trends in Fatal Car-occupant Accidents: 2007
Walk to school
Among primary school children, 54% of girls travel to school on foot, compared with 49% of boys Department for Transport, National Travel Survey 2006
A higher percentage of boys go to school by car, with 44% travelling by this method compared with 38% of girls Department for Transport, National Travel Survey 2006
An 11-year-old starting secondary school is almost twice as likely as a 10-year-old at primary school to be killed or seriously injured in road collisions Department for Transport, Road Casualties, 2006
In 1971, 80% of seven and eight-year-olds travelled to school without an adult, in 2006 it was down to 12% of seven to 10-year-olds Department for Transport, 2006
Nearly 30% of children aged two to 15 were classed as overweight or obese in 2006 Department of Health, Obesity General Information
The average cost of the school run by car per primary school child is £367, which equates to £612 million for transporting all primary school children to school per year. Centre for Economics and Business Research (cebr), 2008, based on ONS, DfT, and AA figures
Living Streets Recent tragedies highlight need for 20mh
Two recent tragedies where pedestrians have been killed by car drivers mounting the pavement, have highlighted the need to take action to make our streets safer for all road users.
In Ashford, Kent, on Sunday 27th September, two pedestrians were killed and several injured. On Friday 25th September a group of schoolchildren in Worlingham, Suffolk, were knocked down by a car as they walked on the pavement: nine required hospital treatment, including a broken leg and pelvis. These incidents highlight the human cost of lack of respect on our roads, and Living Streets calls upon the police and CPS to do everything to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice.
While incidents like these are fortunately rare, they are symptomatic of a more general imbalance in the protection afforded to pedestrians, as the most vulnerable road users. This is why Living Streets champions 20 mph speed limits in all areas where people live, work and play. A default 20mph limit would have an immediate impact on the community, drastically cutting road casualties and helping to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets for all.
A pedestrian hit at 20 mph has a 97% chance of survival. As speeds increase that chance falls steeply, and by 35 mph half of all pedestrians hit will lose their lives.
Now is the time for government to take action to improve road safety in England and Wales, and you can help by taking part in our 20 mph campaign. You can download our free campaigning pack from our Resources section today, and get 20mph made a reality where you live.
Published on: 29/09/2009
Rob Cann
Minister rewards coastal clean up volunteers
Volunteers dedicated to cleaning up Northern Ireland’s coastline were honoured at Stormont when they were presented with prestigious Clean Coast Awards by Environment Minister Edwin Poots. The inaugural Coca-Cola Clean Coast Awards, managed by TIDY Northern Ireland, are part of the Clean Coast Programme and are designed to recognise the outstanding contribution of individuals and groups involved in cleaning and protecting our rural beaches, from Benone on the North Coast to Cranfield Beach in the shadow of the Mournes.
Since the beginning of 2009, 875 volunteers have registered on the programme, spending almost 1,700 hours removing 540 bags of rubbish from our beaches. In addition to the commonly encountered plastic bags, confectionary wrappers and marine debris, items removed have included trousers, cutlery, fridges, a bed and even a boxing glove.
See the winners and read more at www.communityni.org/news/minister-rewards-coastal-clean-volunteers.
Action for children launches appeal on behalf of neglected children
Neglect is the biggest reason for a child to need protection ahead of both physical and sexual abuse. While no-one knows exactly how many children in the UK are neglected, studies suggest that it is up to 10% or almost 1.5 million.
The vast majority of us are unaware of neglect, and that it’s happening on our doorstep. Action for Children surveyed almost 2,000 primary school, pre-school, nursery and health professionals who come into regular contact with children and young people, to gauge their understanding of child neglect and its causes. The results reveal some key clear signals for frontline professionals working in schools, nurseries and hospitals throughout the country.
In Northern Ireland Action for Children is calling for a debate in the Assembly on the neglect of children and a shift to services that intervene early.
Read more and join the call for action at www.communityni.org/news/uk-wide-campaign-focusing-child-neglect.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Building Walkability into Local Transport Plan 3
Living Streets is hosting a one day workshop to enable transport planners, designers and engineers to develop successful Local Transport Plan 3 policies and projects which create walkable communities. These will be taking place in Sheffield on 6 Nov and in London on 20 Nov. Find out more information on Living Streets' website.
Free Autumn-themed posters
The latest in our series of seasonal A3 posters is now available to help you promote walking this autumn. You can also order packs of A7 pledge cards which help your employees get in the walking habit. To see the new materials, or to place an order, visit our resource page.
ACT TravelWise conference, 23/24 Nov
The 2009 ACT TravelWise Autumn Conference provides an opportunity to find out just what shape travel planning is in. Delegates will be encouraged to discuss how much strength and vigour Travel Planning has; and examine what it can do for your health, the health of children, customers and employees ... and the health of your wallet. Download the conference programme for more information or visit their website.
Walk to Work Week dates announced!
Mark your diaries, the next Walk to Work Week will be held from 26-30 April 2010. We will be providing you with all the necessary information in the coming months through this e-bulletin and on our website. Stay tuned! Meanwhile, you can read about last year's events on our website.
Monday, October 19, 2009
AbilityNet News
Telecentres Europe Summit – Istanbul October 2009
AbilityNet handed over resources and materials to support the growth of accessible telecentres across Europe at the TE Summit in Istanbul. Recognising the critical relationship between accessibility and employability and citizenship for people with a disability, AbilityNet look forward to working closely with centres throughout the coming months
Further details about Telecentres Europe can be found at http://telecentreeurope.ning.com/
SEN London 2009 – 16/17 October
AbilityNet had a stand at SEN London in Islington on Friday and Saturday. There were a wide mix of exhibitors including ICT, 3D projection teaching systems, immersive environments and much more. Attendees included teachers, specialist teachers, speech and language therapists, parents and oversees SEN specialists. These last were very interested in looking at UK models of SEN support and delivery and we made several useful contacts with colleagues across the world.
Schools and parents enjoyed playing with the EEE Top (the Asus all in one touch screen for under £420) and some vibrating switches using the software on the Access Fun and Access AT pendrives. AbilityNet and Accessible Futures gave a joint talk on BSF (Building Schools for the Future) to a mixed audience of UK and foreign educationalists who were interested in the possibilities BSF could offer their SEN pupils such as symbol supported virtual learning environments, alternatives to keyboard logging on and ICT in the outdoors at school.
Free AT and AAC Assessments
30 free AT and AAC Assessments for children as part of the Innovative Projects grant from Becta we will be delivering 30 free AT and AAC (Assistive and Augmentative Communication) assessments for children. We will aim to work with local Speech and Language therapists, teachers, parents and Occupational Therapists where appropriate to provide the assessment. Please circulate this information to the Speech and Language teams, special schools and other relevant people within the LEA. Each request will be evaluated to ascertain that we can meet the needs of the child. To request an assessment jo.greenwell@abilitynet.org.uk
Access News
Integrating Accessibility Throughout Design
Free e-book for developers and designers on creating accessible services and products.
Interview with Victor Tsaran
Accessibility Manager at Yahoo
Webaim review of Google Wave
Verdict: Not good
W3 launches new site
And it looks good
Keyboard accessibility
Slides from Patrick H Lauke's talk at FOWD 2009
Password unmasking
Jeremy Keith takes a look
Best of YouTube
Do You See Me?
The Early Development Network (EDN) provides services for children birth through age three who are not developing typically or who have been diagnosed with a health condition that will affect their development
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu6YPYZxmD8
VoiceOver Challenge
Experience a screenreader on your iPhone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKhDuhrhp1c
Impulse EMG switch with Bluetooth In Use
Watch as an individual with ALS uses the Impulse EMG switch from AbleNet, Inc. to control his computer for communication and mobility
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yg999cscV0
All of these and many more can be found on the AbilityNet YouTube channel www.youtube.com/abilitynet.
What’s Hot on Twitter @AbilityNet #Accessibility
Google launches new Accessibility web site: http://www.google.com/accessibility/
Understanding the habits of your Website visitors just a little bit more - http://bit.ly/4b9T7T
AAC Institute self study now available again http://bit.ly/21NeC6
The successful IT company that only employs people with Autism: http://bit.ly/2s9wHM
Special Offers
E-learning
1 year access to AbilityNet elearning – only £35 per user + VAT
Go to www.abilitynettraining.org for details
Stimulate your Team with ICT Innovation Days
Get your team to look ahead and think about how access technology is going to change during the next 5 years – how will access be happening and what will be the impact. These interactive and hands on days are extremely popular in helping with planning and diversity. Contact David Banes at david.banes@abilitynet.org.uk for further details
Request a free HiSoftware Compliance Sheriff™ accessibility scan
HiSoftware Compliance Sheriff™ is an enterprise accessibility validation solution that scans your Web site for over 172 separate issues and delivers the results in a powerful online report.
Request your free HiSoftware Compliance Sheriff™ accessibility check today.
Need an accessibility speaker for event or workshop ?
Let us know if you would like us to try to speak at your events – we can deliver onsite or remotely across video conferencing email david.banes@abilitynet.org.uk for further details
Courses
The Autumn Course programme is released
Accessibility in Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007
Investigating accessibility within the Operating system and Office Applications
More information and booking for Accessibility in Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 course
Effective Assessment of Problems at Computer Workstations
Helping those involved in workstation assessments respond effectively
More information and booking for Effective Assessment of Problems at Computer Workstations course
Using ICT to Support People with Dyslexia
Use technology to help those who have reading and writing difficulties
More information and booking for Using ICT to Support People with Dyslexia course
And there’s MORE
Stay in Touch with AbilityNet
Come find us at a number of events in the next few weeks...
ATVET Dissemination event
Brussels Oct 21 2009
David Banes will be attending the event and looks forward to meeting anyone in the networks
Access IT 2009
Technology World 09
23rd and 24th Nov, 2009
Venue: Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK
AbilityNet will be on stand 56 come and find us
Across the Web
Join our daily Twitter channel @abilitynet
Join our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/abilitynet
Read our regular Blog www.abilitynet.org.uk/blog
Join GATE The Global Assistive Technology Encyclopedia
Podcast No 8 Released
Our latest podcast is now available – contents include
• AbilityNet’s recent Accessibility2.0 ‘A Million Flowers Bloom’ conference
• Review of www.bubbl.us free mind-mapping tool and the capture screen facility in Windows
• Item on the recent Access–IT Awards event
• Web accessibility news roundup
• An introductory item to Twitter
• Events for your diary
It's available for free from www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast or via iTunes
AbilityNet is a registered charity, you can donate here now
Information on how to deal with unknown callers
Northern Ireland Office
www.communitysafetyni.gov.uk
Remember, most callers to your
home will be genuine
In your home
If an unknown caller tries to enter your home,
telephone the police.
Or, if you have any information about a
suspicious person, telephone Crimestoppers on
0800 555 111
• Your call is free
• You are not asked for your name
QUICK CHECK is a FREE telephone service,
available 24 hours a day all year to residents
throughout Northern Ireland.
They will check with the company on your
behalf, that the person at your door is
genuine. If they are not or they think there
is something suspicious, they will contact the
police immediately.
Remember if in doubt check your caller out
with QUICK CHECK on 0800 013 22 90
The stickers below may be used to attach to
your telephone or convenient location.
Incident reporting
QUICK CHECK
FREEPHONE
0800 013 22 90
QUICK CHECK
FREEPHONE
0800 013 22 90
Most people who call to your home will be genuine.
But sometimes, people turn up unannounced, with
the intention of tricking their way into your home to
steal your money and valuables.
You should always be aware when someone you don’t
know calls at your door. By using the advice in this
leaflet, you can protect yourself and your family.
Unknown callers may be smartly dressed, young
or old, male or female and may claim to be from
the council, the police, gas, water or electricity
companies. Sometimes they may want to use the
phone or ask for a drink of water.
When answering the door always remember to:
Use a security bar/chain
before opening the door
Ask for and carefully check
the callers identification
If in doubt, close the door
while you check out the
caller with Quick Check
FREEPHONE 0800 013 33 90
Do not let anyone into
your home unless you are
satisfied as to who they are
Dealing with an unknown caller Further advice
Working together to help you
Remember, most callers to your
home will be genuine
Some companies operate a password scheme - you
can arrange to use one with them.
Do not keep large amounts of cash at home.
Only let callers in when you are absolutely sure that
they are genuine.
The advice in this leaflet will help you, your family
and friends to stop this crime so you can live safely
and securely in your home.
If you want further advice about home security,
contact your local police station and ask for the crime
prevention officer
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Community Drug Awareness
Community Drug Awareness Training (CDAT) These training programmes are aimed at building capacity in the Voluntary and Community Sector and the general public around substance misuse related issues. All courses are free to those who work or live in the Belfast or South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust areas.
These training courses are delivered by the ASCERT, FASA and the Falls Community Council as part of the Eastern Board Drug and Alcohol Consortium, and are funded by the Eastern Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team
If you require any information on the attached course please contact me
James E Scott
Community Support Worker (S&E Belfast) EDACT
Forum for Action on Substance Abuse
Forum for Action on Suicide Awareness
178-180 Shankill Road
Belfast
BT13 2BH
Tel: 028 9080 3040
Email: james@fasaonline.org
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Community Access Grants Scheme
Disability Action is currently offering grants to a maximum of £2,000 towards the cost of improving access to community buildings in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Project Supports Employment Equality in Israel
9 September 2009
Press Release issued by NI-CO
Northern Ireland’s leading international development consultancy, NI-CO, has secured a €1 million contract from the European Commission to deliver a ground breaking equality project in Israel. The Belfast based organisation is being tasked with strengthening the capacity of the recently established Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) in Israel, a body set up in 2008 to challenge discrimination in the workplace.
Commenting on the award of the contract, NI-CO’s Chief Executive, Graeme McCammon, said: “NI-CO is delighted by the award of this flagship project in Israel. Over the last 5 years the company has developed a strong profile in the Eastern Mediterranean region using the unique reservoir of expertise which exists in Northern Ireland to support good governance programmes in Lebanon, Jordan and the Palestinian Territories. The award of this latest contract makes an important contribution to raising the positive profile of Northern Ireland throughout Europe and beyond and is testimony to the strength of our skills base in delivering efficient, effective and accountable public services for all sections of the community.’’
NICO will be supported by the Equality Commission of Northern Ireland and will be providing expertise and guidance to the EEOC throughout the 18 month project.
Evelyn Collins, Chief Executive of the Equality Commission of Northern Ireland, comments, “The Equality Commission is pleased to support the work of NI-CO and we look forward to the opportunity to work with the recently established Equal Employment Opportunities Commission in Israel. We will be sharing with them the expertise and experience we have developed locally and helping to strengthen their capacity to promote equality and challenge discrimination in the workplace. “
The NI-CO expert team will be working in partnership with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labour in Israel to help the EEOC develop sustainable employment opportunities for all sections of the Israeli population with a particular focus on vulnerable population groups such as women, the Arab community and Orthodox Jews.
Tziona Koenig- Yair, E.E.O.C. National Commissioner, heralded the project as a unique opportunity for Israel to learn from the Northern Ireland experience on equality in the past decades.‘’ We look forward to this cooperation and have high hopes for the impact this project will have in terms of strengthening our capacity and mainstreaming equality into the workplace in Israel. “
Ends
For further information please contact :
Melanie Maxwell
Marketing Director
NI-CO
Tel : 02890347769
E mail : mmaxwell@nico.org.uk
Notes for Editors
1) NI-CO is a not for profit, public body dedicated to the pursuit of building efficient, accountable and sustainable public sector institutions capable of managing donor aid effectively and implementing positive change through promoting the skills and experience of the Northern Ireland public service abroad. Over the last 17 years, NI-CO has delivered over 400 contracts across 66 countries in a diverse range of areas from policing and accessible justice, to healthcare and economic development.
2)The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland was set up in 1999 as an independent public body established under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Its mission is to advance equality, promote equality of opportunity, encourage good relations and challenge discrimination through promotion, advice and enforcement.
3)Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (E.E.O.C.) The E.E.O.C. in Israel was established by law in January 2008 due to the inadequate enforcement of equal employment opportunities legislation. The Commission’s main objective is to battle discrimination in the workplace and promote equality on the basis of age, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic origin, reserve duty in the army, gender, parental status.
4)The Northern Ireland based bid was submitted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on behalf of the United Kingdom, in competition with bids from France and Spain. The EC funded institutional twinning project is one of the first equality programmes to be supported by the international donor community in the Middle East.
The next PACT Public Meeting will be held on: Tuesday 24th November at 7pm in the Heyn Hall - St Marks Holywood Road
- PACT Public Meeting - 29th September 2009
Please find attached the Panel Priorities for Action following the PACT Public Meeting held last evening.
The next PACT Public Meeting will be held on:
Tuesday 24th November at 7pm in the Heyn Hall - St Marks Holywood Road
The theme of our meeting will be Domestic Burglaries. As we will be 4 weeks away from Christmas this will be timely.
In times of economic challenge and budgetary constraints we don't want to see families loosing gifts from under the tree!
Our brief community focus will the Connswater Greenway Project.
Please note the date and plan to attend.
Your support in this partnership makes a difference
Peter S Quigley
Chairman - PACT
Police Partners and Community Together
Victoria Ward - East Belfast
( 07818062370
Monday, September 7, 2009
How Can We Let This Happen Take Away Green Spaces And Replace Them With Car Parks Are They Mad They Have To Be
The Photo on the right hand side shows what we will be looking at if the Car park at the New Stadium gets the go ahead on the Holywood Road Belfast . The scenery in the middle shot will be destroyed and replaced with a car park twice the size of the car park pictured on the far left, the picture on the right was taken from Tesco Knocknagoney it shows the site at the fork on the Holywood Road and the Sydenham bypass city bound and the approach to George Best City Airport. we must ask our Belfast City Council to think again and to stop this happening.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Inverary Community Centre AGM
Inverary Community Centre Committee
AGM
Monday 3rd August 2009
6.30pm in Inverary Community Centre
This is a great event and you should go along and see how the Community Centre is Managed it is a worth while visit and you will be able to see just how much Inverary Community Centre and its Manager Mrs Sandra Workman works so hard for the whole community in the Sydenham Area
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE ALL WELCOME
Friday, July 3, 2009
Palmerston Residents Association Once More Turned Down For A Grant To Help The Community From The Splash Funding From Belfast Community Safety Unit
Palmerston Residents Association Once More Turned Down For A Grant To Help The Community From The Splash Funding From Belfast Community Safety Unit
Monday, June 22, 2009
Palmerston Residents Association say thank you to Wesley Housing Association
The Chairman of the Palmerston Residents Association Terry Hoey would like to thank Beverley Surgenor of the Wesley Housing Association for the meeting at the site of their new development and the tour of the site, Terry would like to say how well it fitted into the surroundings and how sympathetic the new development is with the new trees and the surrounding gardens that have been made to complement the new development. The private garden to the rear of the development is an added touch and works well with the overall development,Terry was also very impressed with the interior of the new development the high finish and standards that has been reached for the residents of the home. They have taken care to insure that it has been finished to a very high standard and we thank them for that.
The Palmerston Residents Association would also like to thank Wesley Housing Associations Beverley Surgenor for agreeing to let the residents association place a plaque depicting the Smiles Family the history of the family in the local community and connections to Gustav Wolff, and their links to the Belfast Rope Works. This will give the community of Sydenham much pride, the plaque will be placed outside the development with a small garden to enable the community and its visitors to know the Smiles Family once lived on the site that is now the new development, this is a great achievement showing just how local communities and private enterprise can work together in building better community relations. We hope to work with Wesley Housing Association on other projects within the area.
We look forward to the official opening of their new development ,and we wish them every success for the future, they have done a great job in improving the area and making sure that the surroundings complemented the area.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Palmerston Residents Association Forge Links with the Lower Holywood Road Belfast Community Group
Terry Hoey Chairman of the Palmerston Residents Association is pleased to say we have formed links with a new community group that has been set up in the lower Holywood Road in East Belfast.
We will work together on the proposed new Stadium planned for the Holywood Road in East Belfast, both groups have fears the site will destroy one of Northern Irelands prestigious routes along the Holywood Road and may wipe out a number of the green spaces.
The proposal is to replace the green spaces with 4000 car park spaces, the community groups involved feel this just cannot be allowed to happen, to destroy green spaces to accommodate a car park is unbelievable. We say to the the Belfast City Council to name any other City in Europe that would destroy a park,trees and wildlife habitat to replace with a car park.
The Planned Stadium will cause so many restrictions to the residents of the Lower Holywood Road, also two of our major schools in the area Ashfield Boys High School And Ashfield Girls High School, it begs the question has any thought gone into this plan, we already have a bottle neck at the Knocknagoney Roundabout on the Holywood Road and the Parkway entrances to the Belfast Side of the Sydenham By Pass at early morning and throughout the day.
Our greatest fear would be on a match day, we have a lot of young mothers and senior citizens who travel along the Holywood Road to Tesco and the Holywood Exchange, what would the effect be on them if the Stadium was to hold a rock concert how would they get out to shops. We must remember that our planning services have not taken into account the need for local shops in the communities that will live around the proposed Stadium.
We also fear the volume of new vehicles that will travel along the Sydenham By Pass to the Stadium and new traffic that will also travel along to and from the Stadium along Parkway and the Holywood Road. This will make it almost impossible for local residents to carry on their normal daily lives .
Our community will lose out by the removal of our Children's Park, Football Pitches,and the local site that is used for lighting the seasonal bonfire, also clubs that use the park for model airplane flying it has taken very hard work on behalf of community workers in the area to build a community for our young people, to see the possibility of them losing more resources in an area is beyond belief, the community has already been robbed of one asset to the area that being the Sydenham Youth Hall.
Our groups would like to see a full public inquiry into this proposed site, and to see impact studies on Traffic,Green Spaces,Wildlife and what effect it will have to local residents who live on the lower Holywood Road in their day to day existence. This is a major development planned for the area, we feel that our residents must have a say in this matter before the first sod is cut.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Palmerston Residents Association Press Release Gustav Wilhelm Wolff Cottages
I am the Chairman of Palmerston Residents Association (the ‘Association’), an organisation which endeavours to represent the interests of and work for the good of the people living in the area in and around Sydenham in East Belfast. The Association is involved in many projects which it hopes will improve the Sydenham area and benefit it in the long-term. The Association is not a legal entity.
I first notified the Department of the Environment / Northern Ireland Environment Agency (the ‘Challenged Party’ or ‘CP’), of our interest in having properties at 2 & 4 Station Road, Sydenham, Belfast, BT4 1RE, (the ‘subject properties’), listed in and around October 2007; I mentioned in e-mail correspondence at this time my knowledge of the connection between the subject properties and Mr Gustav Wilhelm Wolff, co-founder of Harland & Wolff shipyards and former MP for the East Belfast constituency.
Around 3 months passed and I had heard nothing further from the CP and therefore was becoming anxious that any action was not being taken expeditiously as the properties were in my belief in risk of demolition. I sent a further e-mail in January 2008 to Mr Kirby at the CP, again enquiring of their position in relation to the subject properties and raising my concerns that the properties may be subjected to demolition and therefore requesting that ‘spot-listing’ be considered by them. In response to this e-mail of same date, Mr Kirby advised that the Senior Conservation Architect would be viewing the subject properties the following day. Copies of the e-mail correspondence referred to in this statement are attached hereto.
I also sent a letter to the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister, dated 27th January 2008, in which I canvassed for the support of the Senior Ministers in protecting the subject properties, not least because of the perceived risk of demolition. I made clear therein my belief that the properties were worthy of protection because of their historic links to Mr Gustav Wilhelm Wolff. A response to this letter from the Office of First and Deputy First Minister was received, dated 31st January 2008, stating that the previously mentioned letter had been passed to the CP.
A substantial response from the CP in relation to my letter dated 27th January 2008 was received, dated 20th February 2008. The response noted the issues raised by me in respect of the subject properties, in particular it references my plea that the buildings be “saved from destruction” “because of their historical connection with Gustav Wilhelm Wolff and because holding onto this part of our history would sit very well with the Titanic Quarter’”. The letter explained that the matter would be considered in due course by Mr Manus Deery, Principal Architect, who would decide whether the properties were worthy of being ‘spot listed’.
The next item of correspondence which I received was a letter from Mr Manus Deery, dated 28th March 2008, advising that the CP was in the process of inspecting and gathering information on the subject properties to determine if same would meet the legislative test for listing. I am aware the subject properties were indeed ‘spot listed’ in and around the 17th July 2008.
After hearing that the subject properties had been demolished in and around January 2009, but in advance of hearing of the CP’s decision, I contacted my local MLA, Councillor Naomi Long regarding the matter. I am aware that Cllr Long wrote to Councillor Sammy Wilson MP MLA, Minister of the Environment. In Cllr Long’s letter to Cllr Wilson, Cllr Long posed a number of questions:
1. Cllr Long pointed out that it appeared “bizarre” that “at a time when the Northern Ireland Executive and Belfast City Council are investing in a new Titanic Signature project to promote the City’s links with that famous vessel...that authentic heritage directly linked to the shipyard is permitted to be demolished.”
2. Whether a formal decision not to list the subject properties was taken and if so, the rationale for this.
3. Conversely to 2, whether the BPNs were allowed to lapse, permitting the subject properties to be demolished.
A fellow-member of the Association then received a letter from the CP dated 12th February 2009. This letter advised that a Building Preservation Notice (BPN) was issued by the CP on each of the subject properties on 17th July 2008, affording both properties protection for a period of 6 months. (up to and including 16th January 2009). The letter advised that the CP:
“considered all of the available evidence, consultations and representations and concluded that the buildings did not meet the test of Article 42 of the Planning Order 1991 [as amended] i.e. that they did not meet the test of “special architectural or historic interest” required for permanent protection as listed buildings.”
The CP then explained its decision in view of the fact that a BPN was initially served upon the owners of the subject properties:
“The substantive difference between the initial and final decision by the Department was the establishment that the buildings were not as unusual and rare as initially thought.....in our view an argument that they were of special architectural interest could not be sustained”.
I understand that this view was based on the fact that one of the subject properties had had its Victorian-style interior added in the late Twentieth century whilst the other property’s interior had been completely modernised. ‘External changes’ to the property were also mentioned and in the CP’s view this contributed to the decision reached by them.
The letter also addressed my arguments that the buildings should have been protected by reason of their historical association with Gustav Wilhelm Wolff. The CP acknowledges that their own research confirmed the information which had been provided by me and the Association:
“The structures were indeed part of his now gone estate known as ‘the Den’. However....though of interest, this was not sufficient grounds upon which to protect the buildings. It did not make the buildings objects of special historical interest”.
To explain this decision, the CP made reference to Annex C of Planning Policy Statement 6 (PPS6) which states that:
“in the case of historical associations, there will generally need to be some additional quality or interest in the fabric of the building itself to justify listing. Either the building will have architectural merit in itself or it should be well preserved in a form which directly reveals its historical associations....[for example] because of the survival of
certain particular features.....”.
In addition, Cllr Wilson responded to Cllr Long’s letter above, and in response thereto made the following points:
1. A decision not to list the subject properties was taken in advance of the expiration of the BPNs.
2. As per the reasons outlined above in the correspondence from the CP to the Querist dated 12th February 2009, the CP concluded that the subject properties were not of special architectural interest.
3. The Minister acknowledged the historic interest in the subject properties by reason of their association with Gustav Wilhelm Wolff, however he comments that the association though of interest was not of sufficient ‘weight’ to justify listing. The Minister refers as his Department did to PPS6, Annex C, which is as stated above. The Minister concludes that as the subject properties had been altered since Wolff’s time, historic associations were not directly revealed and therefore the subject properties were not eligible for listing.
Both myself and the Association and many of the local residents in our area are deeply aggrieved by the decision taken by the CP in respect of the subject properties. Having sought legal advice, I am not satisfied that their decision was correct. I wish to seek redress, by way of Judicial Review, to challenge their decision and have same publicly declared erroneous by a Court of law. Hopefully if we are successful this would ensure the future of other historic properties which will not suffer the same fate as a result of poor decision making by the public body in question.
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