Liverpool's 2nd Pop-Up Cycle Lane Route Starts Operating

WORK has begun on installing Liverpool's 2nd pop up cycle lane, connecting a historic park to the City's main Hospital. The temporary 4 and ½ mile route; 1 of 7 across the City which will create a 65 mile long network; will run from Sefton Park Road in South Liverpool via Kingsley Road, Crown Street and Hall Lane before ending at the University Hospital. Liverpool City Council's Highways team has already installed a three mile long branch from West Derby Road; along the eastern corridor into the City Centre; and this new route to and from the popular 148 year old park should be completed by the end of the week.

The City Council's cabinet recently approved a ₤4m fund to create the segregated pop up cycle lanes, which will be phased in over the coming weeks and months as a response to the Covid-19 impact on people's travel plans. A key aim of Liverpool's new pop up routes is to connect people to the City's permanent cycle network. Funding for the pop up cycle lanes is to be sourced from the Council's highways investment programme and via the Active Travel Grant established by the Department of Transport.

A further ₤100,000 has been identified to invest in upgrading infrastructure for Liverpool's existing CityBike hire scheme. The proposed ₤4m pop up cycling fund is part of a wider ₤15.5m investment in a new phase of Liverpool's ₤500m Better Roads programme. In addition, the Council is currently overseeing a ₤45m upgrade to City Centre connectivity and is introducing 11km of new permanent cycle lanes. It is also about to look at expanding its 20mph zones to further improve safety and air pollution.

Councillor Sharon Connor, Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Highways, added:- "The Council is determined to make a real difference to how people travel around Liverpool. Even with the easing of the Coronavirus lockdown there will be severe limitations on how public transport is used so there has never been a better time to encourage people to get on their bike. These pop up lanes are a temporary solution, but as a Council we will continue to invest in the permanent cycling network and promote the benefits of being on a bike because it simply is an enjoyable and affordable way to travel; and a great way to improve your body, your mind and the environment."

► Route 1 - West Derby Road - Kensington - City South.

► Route 2 - Sefton Park to City Centre - Sefton Park perimeter - Sefton Park Roa.

► Route 3 - Liverpool Loop North: Bootle New Strand - Bank Hall - Vauxhall - City Centre.

► Route 4 - East Lancs - Townsend - Breck Road - City Centre.

► Route 5 - East Prescot Road - University Hospital - London Road - City Centr.

► Route 6 - (University Route): Gateacre - Woolton Road - Wavertree - Lawrence Road - Crown Street - Myrtle Street - City Centr.

► Route 7 - Liverpool Loop South: Hale - Speke Boulevard - Garston Village - Aigburth Road - City Centre.

Simon O'Brien, Liverpool's Cycling Commissioner, added:- "These pop up cycle lanes are going to allow everyone to have a real choice of how to get around Liverpool. It's also an amazing opportunity to test out the permanent network of cycle lanes that the Mayor has asked me to help create in the next few years."

To promote cycling in the City, the public are being asked to come forward with ideas on how to improve access for cyclists and pedestrians. People are encouraged to post their views online. They can also ask questions via email at:- CyclingWalking@Liverpool.Gov.UK.

45% more Brits concerns for homeless over the COVID-19 crises

COVID-19 has had a major impact on the attitudes and concerns towards those who are homeless, new research from Nationwide Building Society shows. 45% of people in the UK are more worried today, as a result of being forced to stay indoors, according to survey of more than 6,500 people across the UK. The research comes as Nationwide opens applications for its Community Grants Scheme, where charitable organisations can apply for grants of between ₤10,000 and ₤50,000 to make an difference in their communities. The Society is calling on charities, community land trusts and housing co-operatives who need funding to apply.

Close to ½ (45%) of people have become more concerned about those who are homeless in lockdown, with 61% more concerned about those who may be living in an unsafe environment, for example those who are at risk of domestic abuse. Some 46% think that when the pandemic ends, raising money for charities that support vulnerable groups will become more important than it was previously, an issue that is felt particularly strongly by those aged 18 to 24 (52%).

There is also a personal feeling that homes are under threat; as a result of Covid-19, more than 1 in 10 (11%) are concerned about losing their property, a figure which jumps to 20% for those who are unemployed. 3% are 'very worried' about losing their home. The research shows that more than 78% of GB adults agree that homelessness and a lack of suitable housing is a major issue in the UK, with millennials 25 to 34, students (85%) and those who are unemployed, with 81% feeling particularly strongly. It's an issue that the majority believe has got considerably worse in recent memory too, with 60% of the population agreeing, it's more prevalent than it was 2 years ago, and 71% agreeing it's a bigger issue than a decade ago.

Despite the fact that the issue of a lack of suitable housing is compounding in the public eye, 56% agree that, if enough resources were provided, homelessness in the UK could be eradicated within the next 10 years. Younger generations are more likely to believe this, with 65% of those aged 18 to 24 agreeing, compared with 49% of those over the age of 55.

Interestingly, 31% people asked believe their Local Authority has done a bad job at tackling housing and homelessness issues over the past 5 years. Those in younger age groups are more likely to believe their Local Authority had done a bad job tackling housing issues, with 34% of those aged 18 to 24 believing this, compared 28% of those over the age of 55.

Over the past 2 years, around ¾ of the projects supported through Nationwide's Community Grants initiative have included:- recruiting tenancy workers, project workers and support workers; roles that are traditionally filled by those working for Local Authorities but may have been cut back on due to funding issues.

Kerrie Colford, Social Investment Manager at Nationwide commented:- "Our Community Grants scheme offers financial support to those seeking to make a difference, those on the front lines of tackling housing issues that impact so many across the UK. We believe everyone should have a place fit to call home and helping people into homes has been at our foundation for more than 140 years. Particularly in recent times, the issue of homelessness and a lack of suitable housing has become increasingly important and with a shortage of new properties, outdated rental stock and a lack of support for the most vulnerable in our society, we feel it's our responsibility to continue to help."

Nationwide's Community Grants initiative is now open for applications of between ₤10,000 and ₤50,000 from charities, community land trusts and housing co-operatives wanting to make a difference in their local area. Applications are shortlisted and then Nationwide's Regional Community Boards, made up of Nationwide members and colleagues, come together to award the grants. Successful applicants will receive their grant to provide housing services to people in need to support the most vulnerable.

Anyone wishing to apply for a grant to make improvements to their community should go to:- NationwideCommunityGrants.Co.UK.

Over the past 2 years Nationwide members and colleagues have come together to award ₤10 million to 251 housing projects across the UK. Applications for both Community Grants and for members wanting to join their local Community Board are open until 31 July 2020.