Waveney Valley Constituency Labour Party
News and policies
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, visited Norfolk to announce £46 million of government spending to improve bus transport in Norfolk. This is the county’s share of a £3bn national fund. The money will support additional bus services and new electric vehicles including 24 zero-emission buses.
The PM insisted “reliable bus travel shouldn’t cost the earth” and confirmed a £3 single fare cap, first introduced by the previous Conservative government, will continue until March 2027. He said “Buses are crucial to our communities – for many it’s how we commute to work, take the kids to school or even help us get home safely after a Christmas tipple. Reliable bus travel shouldn’t cost the earth – and without it, the threads that hold urban and rural communities together around Norfolk would unravel.”
Thanks to Labour keeping the fare cap, there was an increase of two million bus passengers last year. Labour’s funding package is part of a wider cost-of-living crackdown that also focuses on cutting energy bills and increasing the minimum wage.
Labour's Mayoral candidate, Cllr Carli Harper, met with Party campaigners in the Waveney Valley on Saturday, 8 November. Discussed big local issues a Mayor can address such as our local economy, public transport, skills and housing
"These are daunting if you have luggage, disabilities, buggies and children or are feeling tired, but need to return to the other side of the station. We need a lift" Pam Reekie
LABOUR WANTS LIFTS AT DISS STATION NOW!
Sign our petition for lifts at Diss Railway Station here
Waveney Valley Labour Party is campaigning for better access to platforms at Diss Railway Station. Lifts are needed to help people use the station and make travel easy for everyone. A lift is especially needed by young families with toddlers and buggies, by the elderly, by people with disabilities and by travellers with heavy luggage – in fact, by anyone who needs to cross between platforms. Although there is step-free access to each platform, that does not help if you have parked on one side and return to the other and cannot cross the bridge
Please support our campaign so we can make the case ahead of the next round of Access for All funding for railway stations
Given how well used our station is, we believe that there is an urgent need for lifts at Diss Railway Station; this is the case we are making:
The Need for Lifts at Diss Railway Station in Norfolk
Diss, a charming market town in Norfolk, is known for its picturesque landscapes and historical significance. However, its railway station, a vital link for commuters and traveLlers, faces a significant challenge: the lack of lifts to connect platforms. This article explores the pressing need for installing lifts at Diss Railway Station and the benefits it would bring to the community.
Accessibility for All
One of the primary reasons for installing lifts at Diss Railway Station is to ensure accessibility for all passengers. Currently, individuals with mobility issues, parents with prams, and travelers with heavy luggage face considerable difficulties navigating the station. The absence of lifts means that these passengers must rely on stairs, which can be both physically demanding and time-consuming. By installing lifts, the station would become more inclusive, allowing everyone to travel with ease and dignity.
Enhancing Safety
Safety is another critical concern. The current setup, which requires passengers to use stairs to move between platforms, poses a risk, especially during peak hours when the station is crowded. Elderly passengers and those with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to accidents. Lifts would provide a safer alternative, reducing the likelihood of falls and other mishaps.
Encouraging Public Transport Use
Improving the accessibility and safety of Diss Railway Station could encourage more people to use public transport. Many potential passengers may currently avoid using the station due to the inconvenience and risks associated with the lack of lifts. By addressing this issue, the station could attract a broader range of users, contributing to increased public transport usage and reduced road congestion.
Supporting Economic Growth
Diss is a growing town, and its railway station plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses and tourism. Improved accessibility at the station would make it easier for visitors to explore the town and for residents to commute to work. This, in turn, could boost the local economy by attracting more tourists and supporting local businesses.
Future-Proofing the Station
As the population grows and the demand for public transport increases, it is essential to future-proof the station. Installing lifts is a forward-thinking solution that would ensure the station remains functional and accessible for years to come. It would also align with broader initiatives to improve public transport infrastructure across the country.
Conclusion
The installation of lifts at Diss Railway Station is not just a matter of convenience; it is a necessity. It would enhance accessibility, improve safety, encourage public transport use, support economic growth, and future-proof the station. For the benefit of all passengers and the community at large, it is time to prioritize this essential upgrade.
Please spread the word!
Milestones launched by the Government
The Prime Minister announced six priorities against which the Government’s record should be judged in five years time. Keir Starmer pledged better living standards, shorter NHS waiting lists, 13,000 more neighbourhood police, building 1.5 million homes, giving children the best start in life and securing green energy
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6751af4719e0c816d18d1df3/Plan_for_Change.pdf
Dentistry Rescue Plan
Getting an NHS dentist is increasingly a lottery and the consequences are dire. The most common reason children aged five to nine are admitted to hospital is to have rotting teeth removed. Labour will tackle the immediate crisis with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry for the long term, Labour will reform the dental contract, with a shift to focusing on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists. We will also introduce a supervised tooth-brushing scheme for 3- to 5-year-olds, targeting the areas of highest need.
Labour’s five missions to rebuild Britain
1) Kickstart economic growth
to secure the highest sustained growth in the G7 – with good jobs and productivity growth in every part of the country making everyone, not just a few, better off.
2) Make Britain a clean energy superpower
to cut bills, create jobs and deliver security with cheaper, zero-carbon electricity by 2030, accelerating to net zero.
3) Take back our streets
by halving serious violent crime and raising confidence in the police and criminal justice system to its highest levels.
4) Break down barriers to opportunity
by reforming our childcare and education systems, to make sure there is no class ceiling on the ambitions of young people in Britain.
5) Build an NHS fit for the future
that is there when people need it; with fewer lives lost to the biggest killers; in a fairer Britain, where everyone lives well for longer.