SCC Leeds Newssheet
SUCCESS! Council says NO to airport expansion and new coal
We did it! Both the Leeds Bradford Airport expansion plans and the Ledston open cast coal mine plans are on hold thanks to the efforts of Yorkshire activists.
The first victory was won in April as the Plans Panel West unanimously agreed to defer the decision over Leeds Bradford Airport. The plans have been shelved until major concerns over the traffic and environmental impacts of the development have been addressed. Meanwhile earlier this month campaigning by Yorkshire Against New Coal (YANC) against the proposed Ledston open cast coal mine was rewarded when the Plans Panel East rejected the application. These are both tremendous victories - there is much still to be done, but for now we can celebrate these successes by Leeds campaigners. A huge well done and thank you to everyone who took action!
For the full lowdown on these successes, check out the No Leeds Bradford Airport Expansion and YANC websites.
IN OTHER NEWS...
Join the Kingsnorth Mili-band
A summer picnic and protest against Kingsnorth power station
On Saturday 4th July 2009, hundreds of people will gather in Kent at Kingsnorth coal power station to send a spectacular message to Ed Miliband. It should be a fun, family-friendly day out with a fete atmosphere - visit the Oxfam or Greenpeace websites to find out more.
There are coaches leaving from Birmingham to the event, but if there is enough demand we'll put on a minibus from Leeds. It would leave the city centre at 7AM, get back around 10PM, and will cost around £12. If you would like to come, please get in touch with Chris at info@leedstidal.org to book your place by the end of Wednesday. If you'd contacted the previous email advertised, please get in contact with Chris again, as there have been major porblems with that email and your message will not have gotten through. Also, we really need drivers to drive the minibus - if you have a drivers license and are free, please let us know!
Parents against climate change
New grassroots group 'Borrowed Planet' wants you...
A new grassroots group has formed for parents concerned about climate change. Borrowed Planet aims to help parents inform themselves about climate change, support efforts to reduce carbon emissions and act to affect change through elected representatives. To find out more visit their website, www.borrowedplanet.org.uk, check out their facebook page, or contact info@borrowedplanet.org.uk. Plus, see below for details of their launch event...
LUU People & Planet win a Green Gown Award
Bottled water campaign wins 'Best Student Initiative' gong
Leeds University Union's People & Planet society won national recognition last week at EUAC's Green Gown Awards. The group picked up the 'Best Student Initiative' award for their successful campaign to stop the students union from stocking bottled water, and to install water fountains. Congratulations P&P!
Work for the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition
The coalition are looking for an outreach officer - could you fit the bill?
An experienced Outreach Officer is being sought for the UK's largest and broadest coalition campaigning for action on climate change. Take a look at the job description at Stop Climate Chaos Coalition's website.
TAKE ACTION...
#1 | New Generation Transport
Leeds City Council and Metro are formulating plans for a massive new project to improve public transport in Leeds. They are asking for input from the public, which is a prime opportunity to ensure the public transport in Leeds is as green as possible.
ACTION: Fill out their questionnaire, or attend a consultation exhibition and maybe raise a few questions about fuel efficiency, the chances of NGT replacing car use in Leeds, and other green issues?
#2 | Last chance to support Hook Moor Wind Farm
The proposed wind farm at Hook Moor, Micklefield goes before its Council planning committee early in July. The more letters of support the Council recieve, the more likely it is the project will go ahead - please write your email of support for the scheme.
ACTION: Go to the planning application online, click 'Submit Comments...', and give your reasons for supporting the wind farm. Also, you can join the facebook group for the lastest developments.
#3 | Volunteer chefs for Drax 29
The 29 protesters that stopped a coal train destined for Kingsnorth have their trial begin in Leeds at the end of June. Supporters of the Drax 29 are looking for chefs to prepare sandwiches for the 29 each day of the trial and weekly meals on Thursday evenings for the Drax 29 and their supporters.
ACTION: If you're able to lend a hand, please get in touch with Hannah at yayforhons@msn.com
#4 | Join the Christian Aid 'Tax Awards'!
On Wednesday 1 July at 12:30 campaigners in Leeds will be donning their glad rags for a very special awards ceremony in Leeds city centre. They will be presenting special tax awards for the firms which have the 'Greatest Potential for Tax Reform', and the winners are the BIG 4 accountancy firms: PriceWaterhouseCooper, Ernst and Young, KPMG, and Deloitte.
ACTION: Contact Ruth Kidd at ruthkidd@yahoo.co.uk to find out more...
EVENTS...
Leeds Oxfam Group | 19:30, Wed 1st July
With a talk by Sue Balcomb (England Programme Manager, Oxfam UK Poverty Programme) on the topic, 'Changing the way that poverty is understood and challenged in the UK'. Find out more...
Design Activism Festival | Thurs 2nd July - Sat 4th July
The Leeds Festival of Design Activism kicks off on Thursday, with exhibitions, workshops and actions aplenty. Find out more...
Borrowed Planet Launch, inc. 'The Age of Stupid' | 14:00, Sun 5th July
Launch of the new parent's group against climate change. With short film 'A change for the better?', a screening of 'The Age of Stupid', a creche and activites for kids. Find out more...
Speak Out! | 18:00, Wed 8th July
Brand new group for campaigners who want to hone their public speaking skills. Find out more...
Climate Justice - Creation Care Rally | 11:15, Sat 11th July
Operation Noah have organised a climate rally in Doncaster, with Ed Miliband in attendance. Find out more...
TINWOLF Eco-Café | 19:30, Mon 20th July
Niels Corfield presents "Edible Cities" - an introduction to permaculture ideas. Find out more...
For the full calendar of Leeds + national events, check out the TIDAL events page.
TIDAL (Trade Injustice and Debt Action Leeds)
Company No. 5574693
20 New Market Street | Leeds | LS1 6DG
T: 0113 391 7917 M: 0791 203 4920
info@leedstidal.org | www.leedstidal.org
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