Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con)
Mrs Hale, from Higham Ferrers, is a doughty lady, and she is campaigning to keep the Higham Hopper bus service.
The petition states:
The Humble Petition of residents of Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire and surrounding areas,
Sheweth that there is a considerable and ongoing need for the Higham Hopper bus service; that this is a vital mode of transport for the elderly and people with mobility problems; and that it is of the greatest importance that this bus service continues to provide transport for residents in Higham Ferrers and the surrounding areas.
Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House urges the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to request that Northamptonshire county council, in conjunction with East Northamptonshire District Council and Higham Ferrers parish council, explores ways in which the Higham Hopper bus service can continue to operate.
And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
[P000893]
Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD)
I should like to present a petition on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy campaign. It has been signed by nearly 1,200 people who are opposed to the proposed changes to disability living allowance.
The petition states:
The Petition of supporters of Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and others,
Declares that the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) helps to meet the higher costs of accessible public transport (where available), or makes an individual eligible for an adapted vehicle through the Motability scheme; that without DLA mobility component, thousands of adults of all ages with severe disabilities who are supported by the state to live in residential care will be unable to retain voluntary employment or simply to visit family and friends; that many families with children attending residential schools will not be able to fund their own adapted vehicle, and as residential schools only provide transport for the start and end of term, with no extra provision for weekends or holidays, disabled children may end up stuck as prisoners in their own home during school holidays, unable to take part in leisure activities, or even attend essential hospital appointments; and that the decision to cut this vital benefit for children in residential schools and adults in residential care will deny thousands of disabled people the chance to live full and independent lives.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government not to cut the Disability Living Allowance Mobility Component for people living in residential care—including children attending residential schools.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.
[P000894]
Mr Robert Syms (Poole) (Con)
I should like to thank Poole borough council, and Councillors Judy Butt, John Rampton and Les Burden, for taking up this petition.
The petition states:
The Petition of residents of the Borough of Poole,
Declares that Hillbourne School in Creekmoor Ward is in urgent need of refurbishment.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons asks the Department for Education to make the school the highest priority for resources as they become available.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.
[P000895]
Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD)
I would like to present a petition on behalf of the residents of Leeds and supporters of the Fairer Fares campaign convened by Leeds campaigner Stuart Long, and the Leeds student bus campaign organised by Leeds university union.
The petition states:
The Petition of residents of Leeds and supporters of the Fairer Fares Campaign,
Declares that the Petitioners believe that there is a need for Leeds to have a regulated bus service that provides a regular service for the community, with an honest fare that is not just for profit; and notes that such a bus service must provide an improved customer service that helps the people of Leeds in their day to day lives.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take steps to regulate the bus service in Leeds and to ensure that the service is honest and reliable.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.
[P000896]