Wireless charging to fight air population
Transport for London is pioneering several measures to make our buses cleaner and greener – and many will say “About time too” given the levels of pollution in parts of our city.
One initiative that caught my eye is a trial of wireless charging technology that allows the batteries of electric-diesel hybrid buses to be re-charged while they pass by a charging unit or are at a bus stop.
This will not only extend the range of the electric motor but lead to less use of the bus’s diesel back-up engine.
While there will be debates over whether the cost of this cutting-edge technology makes it an economical option just yet, we can be sure that further developments are likely to reduce the costs. In time, new technological solutions such as this will make our public transport less-polluting and lead to cleaner air in our city.
Syed Kamall, MEP for London Leader of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group
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Camberwell carrot
As our mayor cares so much about air pollution, is he going to do something about the sickly stench of weed around here?
The notorious “Camberwell carrot”) that increasingly pervades London streets has me increasingly thinking of moving to the country.
Andrew Schofield, Walworth
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First-aid heroes
St John Ambulance is searching for inspiring stories of first aid heroism, and the deadline to enter the charity’s Everyday Heroes awards has been extended to Sunday April 23.
The star-studded annual event, supported by Laerdal, celebrates the nation’s life savers, with finalists invited to the awards ceremony at London’s Hilton Bankside Hotel on September 28.
Last year saw a record number of nominations and, with nominations open a fortnight longer due to popular demand, the charity hopes that this year will yield even more incredible stories.
To find out about the award categories and to nominate your own everyday hero visit www.sja.org.uk/everydayheroes Entries now close at midnight on April 23, 2017.
For more info on St John Ambulance, including how to make a donation, volunteering opportunities, and details of training for the public, schools and businesses, visit www.sja.org.uk or call 08700 10 49 50.
Name and address supplied
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We need three tube stations, not two
Many will be aware that TfL are consulting on an extension of the Bakerloo line along the Old Kent Road.
They are asking residents where the two planned stations should be located. We believe there should be three stations – the first being at Bricklayer’s Arms.
The present suggestion is a first stop at Tesco Old Kent Road. But this is a distance of some 3km from the Elephant, some three times longer than the average on the line. It would require a ventilation shaft at either Bricklayer’s or Faraday Gardens (depending on which route they use). If they need a shaft at Bricklayer’s then build the station as well.
The junction is a natural intersection for residents of East Walworth and Bermondsey. Thousands would use it every day meaning that we could reduce the number of bus services and improve air quality.
Southwark Labour have not grasped the importance of winning this campaign. They seem more worried about the ventilation shaft not going on Faraday Gardens (not bothered about it affecting residents around the Bricklayer’s though). The shaft will cause much building disruption and give nothing to residents. We need this tube stop.
Please show your support by signing our petition at www.southwark-libdems.org.uk/bricklayers_arms_station. Or sign a paper copy when we meet you on the doorstep.
Cllr Damian O’Brien, Southwark Liberal Democrats Opp. Spokesperson for Transports
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Motor Neurone Disease group thanks
On behalf of all the volunteers with the South London MND Group (SLG) we thank the family and friends for the kind donations totalling £1,952.60 to our group in memory of Yos Arif, it is most gratefully accepted.
The SLG is committed to supporting people in South London with MND, their carers and families. To raise awareness of MND thus ensuring that people living with this disease receive the very best professional care and support. We assist with MND Association campaigns to influence policy-makers in South London. We hold Bi-monthly meetings for people with MND, carers and friends to attend to meet others in a similar situation who can share their experiences and knowledge. We also offer financial help particularly when let down by Social Services.
Just to give you an idea of hour our funds are used we recently received a request from the co-ordinator of the specialised MND Care Centre clinic in Kings College hospital to find a new wheelchair as their current one being passed its sell by date. We were astounded that the NHS didn’t provide this and therefore more than happy to agree to their request. We have also assisted with moving costs, providing electronic equipment, various aids, various types of lifts and wet rooms, to name just a few.
So thank you once again you have our sincere gratitude and please know that money raised/donated is used to help MND locally.
Evelyn Hayward, Chair Association Visit and Finance Officer for the South London MND Group