This section resonated with me: "the political journalist and comedian Matt Chorley took me to prime minister's questions. I had never attended before and I left feeling dispirited."

That's often how other campaigners react when they come to a council meeting. They're horrified by the rudeness and point-scoring overshadowing any substantial or serious debate or even discussion.

For all democratic activists try to reject the widespread narratives that politicians are dirty or corrupt, often spread by other politicians who seem even more dodgy in the "gifts" they accept, sometimes council members really don't help! One of the worst I remember was a cabinet councillor insulting the asker of a public question, but stuff like not paying attention and asking what was being voted on doesn't help make councils look worthwhile.

Will restructuring help, with the remaining councillors having to devote more time to handle all the topics that used to be split between County Hall and King's Court? I don't know. It probably won't be worse than what's happened in the last 15 years. Maybe the new leaders can learn from Philippa Perry's advice to Andy Burnham?

Philippa Perry: Prime ministers change, but the problems stay the same. Here's my advice for Andy Burnham

thenerve.news/p/philippa-perry…

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July Bulletin


SAVE HARDINGS WAY EVENT 4 JULY Thank you to everyone who answered the Masterplan consultation despite the awkward website. As you know, one of few bad ideas in there was a car park on the edge of South Lynn that would be accessed by driving in the south end of Hardings Way cycleway/busway and turning right across outbound traffic, basically resurrecting part of an old plan which was abandoned due to opposition from the community including BUG. The Community is staging a United for Nature […]

SAVE HARDINGS WAY EVENT 4 JULY

Thank you to everyone who answered the Masterplan consultation despite the awkward website. As you know, one of few bad ideas in there was a car park on the edge of South Lynn that would be accessed by driving in the south end of Hardings Way cycleway/busway and turning right across outbound traffic, basically resurrecting part of an old plan which was abandoned due to opposition from the community including BUG.

The Community is staging a United for Nature Event for No Car Parks or Development on Hardings Way on Saturday 4 July 10.30 - 11 am at Hardings Way Bus Gate, near Wisbech Road, South Lynn, and we have been invited to attend by County Councillor Alex Kemp, Borough Councillor Charles Joyce and Kevin Waddington.

This will be a family-inclusive event, so please share the invitation with your family, friends, councillors and anyone who cares about nature, cyclist or not. Guest Speakers will be Wise Owl and other Animals.

The Community of South Lynn needs more, not less green space, for its health and wellbeing and in the recent consultation residents said they want more green space and safer cycle lanes. Putting motor traffic on Hardings Way would make the cycleway less safe, with drivers turning across cycle traffic to access the car park. Transforming the two brownfield sites into a Space for Nature, not a car park, would create more Greenspace.

Please go along and support the event on Saturday morning. We've stopped similar stupid ideas before and we can stop it again.

DayRide Sunday 5th July 10.00amLynnsport A ride to Snettisham Beach. There is a café, also fish and chips, or bring a packed lunch for picnic on the beach. About 32 miles.

Chat and Plan Social meeting Thursday 9th July 7.45 for 8pm at Ferry Lane www.KWLNBUG.co.ukfor details of current campaigns and comments on development places.

DayRide Sunday 12th July 10.00amLynnsport A ride to Fork Handles café, Stow Hall. About 34 miles.

DayRide Sunday 19th July 10.00amLynnsport A ride to West Raynham for their annual open day. There will be a hog roast, BBQ and café. About 40 miles.

Day Ride Sunday 26th July 10.00am Lynnsport A ride to North Creake Abbey café. About 48 miles.

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Less power for county councillors as RUK cancel a "localism" measure of the previous Conservative leadership and divert nearly £1m into their control.

Reform accused of 'pettiness' after axeing £11k councillor cash for road schemes

edp24.co.uk/news/26226405.refo…

!KLWNBUG General Chat #KLWNBUG #norfolkcountycouncil #norfolkuk #transport #highways

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in reply to Alex@rtnVFRmedia Suffolk UK

The £11k cap was already too low for it to be useful for 20mph speed limits. Even using it for a 3.5T weight limit (which is cheaper to advertise and less vulnerable to objections burning through the money) to discourage port traffic through a residential area during congestion required two councillors to pool their funds for the same year.

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'Off-grid' holiday cabins planned for fishing lakes at nursery

Three Lakes Nursery has applied to install six converted shipping containers near its coarse fishing ponds off Meadowgate Lane at Emneth, near Wisbech

edp24.co.uk/news/26223779.new-…

#cycleparking #PlanningApplication #WestNorfolk #Emneth #KLWNBUG !KLWNBUG General Chat

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And now some good news.

25/00974/F Removal of Conditions 10, 11 and 12 of Planning Permisison 20/01739/F
Variation of conditions 9, 10 and 11 of planning permission 18/01533/OM
Land At Freebridge Farm - Cyclescape

klwnbug.cyclescape.org/threads…

Result! Something like the original direct crossing seems to be coming at last! Only took 8 years...

#KLWNBUG #PlanningApplication #WestNorfolk #Freebridge #2500974F #cycling !KLWNBUG General Chat

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Ministers want 60% of pupils in England actively travelling to school by 2035

including "The new cycling and walking investment strategy, being formally unveiled on Friday, also includes a target for at least 55% of shorter urban trips to include some active travel, also by 2035"

theguardian.com/politics/2026/…

#cycling #biketooter #KLWNBUG @KLWNBUG General Chat !KLWNBUG General Chat

Holiday lets could be built near the middle of nowhere as plans lodged

edp24.co.uk/news/26179515.four…

reference: PL/2026/0489/FMIN

#PL20260489FMIN #KLWNBUG #PlanningApplication #Sparham #Breckland #norfolkuk @KLWNBUG General Chat !KLWNBUG General Chat

Another nowhere, not the one on the edge of King's Lynn

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I hope this person is OK and it wasn't a hit-and-run.

The B1108 Watton Road is one of those B roads that looks good for cycling in some ways, but there's a lot of reckless driving on it and not enough policing. Let's see what they find out about this incident, but I wonder.

There are back roads that avoid it, that Google Maps & friends don't send bad drivers onto as readily.

Police closed road after incident involving cyclist

edp24.co.uk/news/26170011.part…

#cycling #biketooter #norfolkuk #norfolk #roadTrafficIncident

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June Rides


Day RideSunday 7th JuneA ride to Hunstanton Lighthouse café. About 40 miles.10.00am LynnsportBandstand music in the Walks 2 to 4 pm.Chat and Plan Social meetingThursday 11th June7.45 for 8pm at Ferry Lanewww.KWLNBUG.co.uk for details of current campaigns and comments on development places.Day RideSunday 14th JuneA picnic ride to Denver, close by to The Jenyns. About 37 miles.Day RideSunday 21st JuneA ride to Apple café, West Acre Gardens. About 30 miles.Day RideSaturday 27th JuneA ride to […]
Day Ride
Sunday 7th June
A ride to Hunstanton Lighthouse café. About 40 miles.
10.00am Lynnsport
Bandstand music in the Walks 2 to 4 pm.
Chat and Plan Social meeting
Thursday 11th June
7.45 for 8pm at Ferry Lane
KWLNBUG.co.uk for details of current campaigns and comments on development places.
Day Ride
Sunday 14th June
A picnic ride to Denver, close by to The Jenyns. About 37 miles.
Day Ride
Sunday 21st June
A ride to Apple café, West Acre Gardens. About 30 miles.
Day Ride
Saturday 27th June
A ride to The Wisbech Rose Fair. About 40 miles.
10.00am Lynnsport
10.00am Lynnsport
10.00am Lynnsport
If you have any queries or ride suggestions, please get in touch with Pete on 07525181784,email:
peteayton@gmail.com
Trev
07453303379
email:
cobblerriches37@gmail.com
Sarah:bownray@tutamail.com Don’t forget our website: klwnbug.co.uk If you would like to add
something, please let Trev or MJ know. Facebook: facebook.com/klwnbug or
facebook.com/groups/klwnbugste… Twitter: twitter.com/KLWNBikeUsers

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June Bulletin


Vicky’s Pedal and Chat rides every Tuesday evening Lynnsport 6.30pm. Short sociable rides in and around town. See below: Chat and plan meeting on second Thursday of the month Ferry Lane 7.45 for 8pm. See:www.KLWNBUG.co.uk for details of current campaigns and comments on development places. PEDAL & CHAT TURNS TEN! This June marks 10 years since Pedal & Chat was formed! Since June 2016, there have been 439 rides. That's a lot of pedalling & chatting- potentially up to 4000 miles worth! […]

Vicky’s Pedal and Chat rides every Tuesday evening Lynnsport 6.30pm. Short sociable rides in and around town. See below:

Chat and plan meeting on second Thursday of the month Ferry Lane 7.45 for 8pm. See:
KLWNBUG.co.uk for details of current campaigns and comments on development places.

PEDAL & CHAT TURNS TEN!

This June marks 10 years since Pedal & Chat was formed! Since June 2016, there have been 439 rides. That's a lot of pedalling & chatting- potentially up to 4000 miles worth! Thank you to all of you who have been along for the ride.
P&C is going to be celebrating this month by doing some favourite rides again. Meet at Lynnsport on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm.
Here's looking forward to making a great month of celebrations! 🚲🎉🎂

PLEASE SUPPORT CYCLING IN THE MASTERPLAN

There's a consultation now open on the King's Lynn Masterplan. Pete and MJ have been to stakeholder workshops on BUG's invitation and some key things to support are completing the town centre end of the Orange cycling/walking route along South Quay and King Street, completing the town end of the Green route by widening and reallocating pavements from Loke Road to Railway Road, creating better links to and around the SouthGate, and moving some car parking out of the historic centre to the edge of the docks, but we also need more cycle parking as planned in the Local Cycling and Walking Implementation Plan. On the consultation boards, most cycling things are on boards 2, 4 and 5. In the consultation or the strategy book, Strategies 5 and 6 are key for cycling. You can find the consultation at VisionKingsLynn.co.uk/have-your-say/ until Friday 12 June.

Please continue to the end of the interactive consultation and click the link to "ArcGIS Survey123" near the bottom of the page despite its description. That will take you to the page where you can give your views. It being a bit difficult and non-obvious to find might mean your voice carries more weight. I'd be very happy if people supported the Riverfront, Common Staithe, Port Area and Timber Yard and Southgates area plans. I don't agree with Land North of Wisbech Road as shown because it would mean a lot more cars driving on the south end of Hardings Way and an extra junction turning across cycle traffic, which is a safety problem when about three-quarters of all injuries to people cycling happen near junctions.

Maybe in extra comments, you might like to explain any votes, mention the need for more cycle parking and completing the orange (West Lynn / Freebridge / South Quay) and green (North Lynn / John Kennedy Road / Railway Road / New Library) routes, and maybe suggest there should finally be some sort of "rail to river link" for cycling and not only walking (there are multiple possibilities and any could work, but so far none are in the plan) because that really limits the benefits from cycle touring like the Rebellion Way and North Sea Coast Cycleway, as well as making everyday shopping more difficult for local residents.

The local news has reported the move of some car parking out of the centre as if it's a big reduction (it's not - it's just that some moves out of the official "town centre" planning zone to places like the docks or Southgates areas) and some social media people have lost their minds about it, so supporting what's good in this plan might be really helpful. The consultation was to end on Monday 8 June, but has been extended to Friday 12 June.

COUNTY ELECTIONS MYSTERY

The Norfolk County Council elections resulted in 40 Reform UK councillors, 13 Liberal Democrat (mostly in North Norfolk, but also Rob Colwell in Gaywood North and Central), 12 Green (mostly in Norwich), 9 Great Yarmouth First (all in Yarmouth), 8 Conservative, 1 Labour and 1 Independent (Alex Kemp in Clenchwarton and King's Lynn South).

We don't yet know what this means for cycling, walking or transport in general. Reform UK seem likely to run a minority cabinet, but they didn't publish a manifesto for Norfolk or announce any transport policies. Of the opposition groups, we know Rob Colwell and Alex Kemp both have fairly good track records, the returning Conservatives basically had run NCC for the last few years, and the Greens seem likely to be positive in line with their manifesto. Learn more about this as it develops, on our website and socials

This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)

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friendica (DFRN) - Link to source

Planning application to check later


This doesn't appear on #Cyclescape yet, but there's also no consultation deadline date yet, so maybe I should check back in a week.

The design and access statement claims compliance with Chapter 9 but I don't think it does really. It maybe does the bare minimum to avoid the highway safety reason for refusal in that chapter, but I'm not even sure about that because the access is shared with a warehouse.

Outline application with some matters reserved for proposed residential development of upto 15 dwellings - W J Brighty & Son Ltd St Peters Road #Upwell Wisbech Norfolk PE14 9EN online.west-norfolk.gov.uk/onl…

Ref. No: #2600580OM | Received date: Tue 31 Mar 2026 | Status: Pending Consideration | Case Type: #PlanningApplication #WestNorfolk #KLWNBUG

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NEW: The Highway Lobby spend MILLIONS buying car dependency to make sure all of us have to spend BILLIONS. #UrbanTruth

They’ve “been shaping transportation policy conversations for decades in its interests.”

Via the Union of Concerned Scientists. Poster by our Urban Truth Collective.
blog.ucs.org/kshen/the-highway…

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Have your say to finalise masterplan for King’s Lynn


!KLWNBUG General Chat west-norfolk.gov.uk/news/artic…

second public consultation from Monday 11 May to Monday 8 June 2026 on the Vision King's Lynn website. People are also invited to speak with the project team at drop-in events.

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@KLWNBUG General Chat should ask for cycling crossings, not only pedestrian.

"Work to start this month on new traffic lights at busy town junction

Norfolk County Council’s Highways department plans to start work at Lynn’s Blackfriars Road/Coburg Street junction on Sunday, May 24 after 6pm."

lynnnews.co.uk/news/work-to-st…

#cycling

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Fakenham Sports Centre


!KLWNBUG General Chat need to check cycle access. Cycle parking should be OK as it's even shown on the artists image and looks compliant at first glance.


New 3G pitch plans for town sports centre take massive step forward

The planning application for the facility at Fakenham Sports and Fitness Centre has been submitted.

It forms part of an £11m revamp of the site, with construction of a new swimming pool currently under way.

The proposals also include perimeter fencing, hardstanding areas, a storage container, floodlights and an access footpath.

edp24.co.uk/news/25949622.3g-p…


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Obesity is not just personal decisions


for !KLWNBUG General Chat


Olivia Palmer argues 'obesity' is a word that gets in the way of public health policy:

'The real barriers [to good health] are a food system engineered for overconsumption, a built environment designed for sedentary living, a commercial ecosystem that profits from both the problem & the proposed solution, and a political economy that makes structural reform expensive and individual blame cheap'.

Rather 'obesity' policy still focusses on blaming individuals!

#health
oliviapalmerhealth.substack.co…


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Olivia Palmer argues 'obesity' is a word that gets in the way of public health policy:

'The real barriers [to good health] are a food system engineered for overconsumption, a built environment designed for sedentary living, a commercial ecosystem that profits from both the problem & the proposed solution, and a political economy that makes structural reform expensive and individual blame cheap'.

Rather 'obesity' policy still focusses on blaming individuals!

#health
oliviapalmerhealth.substack.co…

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New 3G pitch plans for town sports centre take massive step forward

The planning application for the facility at Fakenham Sports and Fitness Centre has been submitted.

It forms part of an £11m revamp of the site, with construction of a new swimming pool currently under way.

The proposals also include perimeter fencing, hardstanding areas, a storage container, floodlights and an access footpath.

edp24.co.uk/news/25949622.3g-p…

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'Can we see the cows?' - dad and daughter bike ride videos melt hearts online
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8dl8r1rv7qo?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into Top Stories @top-stories-BBCNews

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Our season of social rides got off to a fine start today as we headed out to Ketteringham and Hethersett.

On the way there we took in the massive roadworks at the A47 Thickthorn junction from the top of the old footbridge.

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in reply to MJ Ray

It's just like the connector to Wordpress, to Tumblr or Twitter. Without a WordPress account, a Tumblr account or Twitter account these connectors don't work, because they connect a third party system with Friendica.

BTW: You don't need Bluesky to be active in the so called "Atmosphere". You can also have got an account from Eurosky or Blacksky. or possibly you have installed your own PDS.

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World Public #Transport Day on 17 April marks inaugural global campaign with more than 200 organisations taking part. Activities range from special transport services, wrapped buses, station advertising and social media campaigns #infrastructure launches such as bridges or bus routes.

A campaign website and toolkit provide logos, visuals, a manifesto film and guidance on participation, enabling organisations to run anything from online posts to public events.

Participants are invited to share plans and submit impact data, images and videos to help measure global reach, with selected content featured in a global wrap-up video.

UITP will support the day with a members’ webinar on 23 April, online training, a regional Asia-Pacific livestream, an updated toolkit, a Spotify playlist and 24-hour social media monitoring using #WorldPublicTransportDay.

The initiative highlights importance of public transport worldwide and encourages global participation on 17 April.
uitp.org/news/celebrate-world-…

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Active travel and health campaigners are underrated heroes, says a London transport commissioner. A nice reminder and encouragement of what we do, even though it feels ineffective so much of the time. It has an effect. It's just not always immediately visible.

Streets Ahead: The Road to Vision Zero in London, with Will Norman

Episode webpage: shows.acast.com/streets-ahead/…

Media file: sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/5e8e…

@KLWNBUG General Chat

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April Bulletin


Space for Cycling, 2026 County Council Elections: Every child should be able to cycle safely to school. Every family should be able to cycle safely to the park or pool. Everyone should be able to cycle safely to the high street. This is what you get when there is a safe, connected cycle network. It will mean everyone – women, children, elderly people – will feel comfortable to ride from A to B. With local elections coming on 7th May, we want every candidate to commit to enabling just […]

Space for Cycling, 2026 County Council Elections:

Every child should be able to cycle safely to school. Every family should be able to cycle safely

to the park or pool. Everyone should be able to cycle safely to the high street. This is what you

get when there is a safe, connected cycle network. It will mean everyone – women, children, elderly people – will feel comfortable to ride from A to B.

With local elections coming on 7th May, we want every candidate to commit to enabling just that.

The request is simple. Ask any candidate who contacts you: what will you do to get the primary

cycle network in the Local Cycling and Walking Implementation Plans completed by 2030?

Then please let us know their reply by emailing bug@klwnbug.co.uk

Also, if you can, please send in copies of their leaflets to the community interest website at electionleaflets.org/

To find out more about this campaign and which candidates have answered already, go to www.klwnbug.co.uk/space4cycling/

Vicky’s Pedal and Chat rides every Tuesday evening Lynnsport 6.30pm. Short sociable rides in and around town. Lights essential.

Chat and plan meeting on second Thursday of the month Ferry Lane 7.45 for 8pm. See: www.KWLNBUG.co.ukfor details of current campaigns and comments on development places.

DayRide Sunday 5th April 10.00amLynnsport A ride to Wisbech in search of a café. About 40 miles.

Chat and Plan Social meeting Thursday 9th April 7.45 for 8pm at Ferry Lane www.KWLNBUG.co.ukfor details of current campaigns and comments on development places.

DayRide Sunday 12th April 10.00amLynnsport A ride to The Lifeboat Café, Old Hunstanton. About 40 miles.

DayRide Sunday 19th April 10.00amLynnsport A ride to The Apple Café at West Acre Gardens. About 33 miles.

Day Ride Sunday 26th April 10.00am Lynnsport A ride to Fork Handles café, Stow Hall, Stow Bardolph. About 30 miles.

If you have any queries or ride suggestions, please get in touch with Pete on 07525181784,email: peteayton@gmail.com Trev 07453303379 email: cobblerriches37@gmail.com Sarah:bownray@tutamail.com Don’t forget our website: www.klwnbug.co.uk If you would like to add something, please let Trev or MJ know. Facebook: www.facebook.com/klwnbug or www.facebook.com/groups/klwnbugsters Twitter: twitter.com/KLWNBikeUsers

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