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7th April - Update on Cancellation
Today, as we predicted and following a monumental effort from residents, the GRA and Councillor Murray, the planning application for utilities at Sturton Grange Farm was rejected. This is great news. The landowner may appeal but we are edging ever closer down the road towards the permanent‚ removal of the caravans from the site. If the appeal is, as I suspect, unsuccessful the council must , however belatedly, commence enforcement.
It was sad politically motivated individuals blocked our deputation, but it appears we had the right result after all. mark Dobson
1st April - GRA Deputation Cancelled by Council
STOP PRESS............Today Leeds City Council's Legal and Democratic Services Department have told me that the GRA deputation, previously agreed and booked, will now not be allowed to go ahead. I have my suspicions as to why but am not prepared to comment further until I speak to the Chief Executive's Dept on Monday. I feel a deja vu moment coming on, remember the attempts by certain parties to block our deputation on the prison? As we are now in the Webmasters 'no political' phase I cannot comment further. I simply thought the many residents who intended to come and observe needed to be aware. I intend to challenge the decision on Monday. Can't you always tell when there's an election looming, ho hum! Mark Dobson
31st March Planners Reach a Few Decisions on Caravans
I am expecting some very positive news next week on the caravan issue but I do not want to tempt providence too much. It would appear that the Planning Dept are set to recommend rejection of the planning permission for the utilities and also recommend that permitted development for the caravans has now been breached. (Isn't it great when the experts, however belatedly, agree with you). Remember this is the same planning body who recommended to the Planning Panel that the utilities were passed before Councillor Murray's intervention in July last year. Watch this space......................
Now, wearing a different hat, in an attempt to beat the Webmasters deadline for political comment it is worth remembering that the Council would have allowed these utilities to have been passed at planning stage last year but for Tom Murray. As a resident of Garforth I will tell you this, we can't afford to lose Tom in the election this year, do we really want or need another Mark Phillips? The thought of it makes my blood run cold!!!!! The above outlines just one of many, many reasons why Tom must be returned as our Councillor on May the 4th. The counts actually on the 5th but you know what I mean. Anyway, that ends all political comment until after the election. I will, of course, let you know of any developments with a certain farmer or anything else of interest to you. Mark Dobson
22nd March - Walking in Tom Murray’s Shoes
As always I read my fellow contributor Alan Lamb's comments with interest. It is almost reassuring that his earlier calls to end mud slinging in local politics have now stopped as he catalogues Labour's various 'crimes and misdemeanours' as he sees them. Hey, if he expects me as an ordinary man (and Labour activist) in the street to somehow condemn what ANY party gets up to in the bubble that is the Westminster village he is pushing against an open door!
I do know this however. Today I shadowed Cllr Tom Murray in our ward, never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes. I am about 14 years younger than Tom, sorry mate, and frankly I was still worn out! From visiting pensioners in Swillington regarding dropped kerbs for disabled access, to shopkeepers in Garforth wanting wall repairs, to dropping in on a tea dance for older (but very fit and active) residents, to chairing an evening meeting - the man was everywhere! It was a privilege to see such public service in action at first hand.
It is also interesting Alan wants Cllr Murray to engage in a debate at the local school. Tom is a Governor there, and as such I am sure his interest in the well-being of the students will go on long after election time.
From the first of next month all political comment must cease on these pages, as per the Webmaster, until after the election. What will Alan do? I, on the other hand, will keep bringing you items of importance and interest. You see that's the real difference, public service does not ebb and flow on the tide of an election, a lesson some among us may wish to learn. Mark Dobson
18th March - Planners Response Expected Soon
Councillor Tom Murray has today informed me that a response on the enforcement issues relating to the caravans at Sturton Grange Farm is expected early next week and will be put forward for discussion with the Head of Planning and the Planning Team. Who knows, they may just tell the residents at some stage! I will, of course, keep you posted on all developments I hear of via Cllr Murray. In the meantime I see no reason to change our plans regarding the deputation to the council on the 5th of April. Mark Dobson.
16/3 Wearing My Various Hats..
I thought I'd write this week wearing several different hats, firstly an update as GRA Chair:
As always, the GRA have been very busy recently on residents’ behalf. The response to the letters we produced for residents to submit to the council RE; Sturton Grange Farm has been phenomenal. I have this week, W/C 13/3/06, submitted all the letters to Cllr Carter, Head of Development in Leeds, and Jean Dent, Director of Development, for their attention. I have requested each individual complaint is addressed, if you have complained and do not get a response contact me via the GRA link on the site.Readers may be aware that I intend to lead a deputation to the full council on the 5th of April to register our grievances with the planners regarding the whole sorry episode, if you are free that afternoon why not come and watch from the gallery?, be there for 1.30. Lots of other projects are starting to come together. As you are all aware Cllr Murray and the GRA have campaigned long and hard for traffic lights at the Lidgett Lane and Selby Road junction, this work will now commence in the 2006/07 spending round. The GRA campaign for the partial resurfacing of the worst sections of Ninelands Lane has now been completed bringing to an end a 3 year round of lobbying. Anyway that's enough GRA stuff for now.
Next a few words on Cllr Murray's election campaign, (I accepted Tom's invitation to act as his agent recently):
I will be devoting all my energies to getting Cllr Murray re-elected on the 4th of May. Why? Well, he has been a dedicated Cllr in this ward over the last 14 years, he is well known and respected in the ward, works tremendously hard and is by far and away the superior candidate. Does this mean he will win? Yes, but only if he is voted for in sufficient numbers. That seems a very obvious thing to say but we cannot assume because it's Tom it is a forgone conclusion, far from it. Your votes are essential if we are to avoid a travesty that would be another lame Tory Councillor in our Ward. I won't catalogue Cllr Phillips disastrous tenure as Cllr to date, it is already well documented and well known in the ward.
Next, The work of Garforth and District Crime Prevention Panel:
The crime panel has been up and running for nearly two years, I am currently treasurer. Our latest project is the provision of hand held security devices for the elderly who want to remain active in the community but want the security of a device that will, frankly, make a hell of a racket if you are attacked. We are distributing them now. If you want one, or know someone who would benefit from one, contact me on 07974 963280 and l make sure it is sorted out.
Last but not least:
Still no answer from Cllr Phillips on letting down Great Preston parents on the school rebuilding programme, the silence is deafening................who's feeling a little sick now I wonder? Mark Dobson
13th March How to Complain about the Planners
The question raised by the webmaster of this site on the homepage regarding who is actually running the show at Leeds City Council's Planning Dept, officers or elected representatives, is an interesting one, and one I intend to seek answers to. Over and above the actual planning issue there does seem to be a clear lack of leadership, unwillingness to engage with residents and, most importantly, the total lack of any actual decision making. I know Councillor Tom Murray shares my view, indeed he has been to the Council's Chief Executive Paul Rogerson to make his views known.
This was the reason I suggested residents write, via the GRA, to Jean Dent, the highest placed officer in Development and Councillor Andrew Carter in his role as member with responsibility for planning. The letters ask what the webmaster stated so eloquently-who indeed is pulling the strings?
Letters have gone to both parties today, the 13th, and in two weeks time, if no satisfactory reply is received, we will take our protest to the Local Government Ombudsman. The days when Garforth people are resigned to being ignored by this administration are coming to an end!
On an unrelated issue I would still like a reply from Councillor Phillips on the issue of the school funding in Great Preston. Perhaps he would like to explain why he said one thing in the YEP and did another thing by voting against the funding in council? This is not 'spin' as he would have you believe. I am simply trying to get a straight answer from a politician, I won't hold my breath! Mark Dobson.
9th March Great Preston School, What Actually Happened in Council
I decided in the interests of fair play to follow up Councillor Phillips comments and get to the actual facts of the matter. Being a lay man and having no access to the Council documents that Councillor Phillips benefits from, this proved rather difficult, however, here is the definitive version of events.
As Cllr Phillips says Tom Murray did speak on the issue in full Council, and he did ensure the Labour group’s proposals for the 2006/7 budget included a proposal for the funding for the school. However the Labour Groups budget was put forward by Cllr Keith Wakefield, in his role as Labour Group Leader. Councillor Phillips has clearly picked up on an error in council procedure on my part to rubbish my version of events. Let's be clear however, and I say again, Councillor Phillips (despite making a big noise in the press and on this website) voted against the Labour groups proposals that would have ensured the work could be funded in 2006/7. As I say, I am merely a member of the public with a limited knowledge of council procedure, I accept that. However for Cllr Phillips to hide behind procedure and then say 'not me guv' on a technicality is simply not on.
So, the question is this. Did or did not Cllr Phillips vote down proposals that would have ensured the funding? A simple yes or no will do Councillor! He claims in his article that my 'spinning ' as he calls it will leave me 'nauseous'. I don't know about that but I readily agree with him that dealing with him does indeed often make me sick. Mark Dobson
8th March - Ginnels and Anti Social Behaviour
Councillor Phillips’ comments in his column are typical of every 'say one thing, do another thing' politician I have ever had the misfortune to encounter. If he seriously doubts my version of events I am more than happy to debate the issue, and my factual version of events, on any public platform of his choosing. The offer is there Councillor. I seriously doubt our clueless and hapless Councillor has the slightest idea on what he has and hasn't voted for. The only losers in this sorry enterprise are parents at the school who thought they could put their trust in the man!
Tonight I attended the 'East Garforth Tenants and Residents Association' meeting called to discuss anti- social behaviour. It was great to attend another groups meeting, I hope to make this a regular event and have invited representatives to attend GRA meetings. Top of the agenda was the residents/GRA campaign to close ginnels on or around Meadow Road which, over recent months have become problematic for residents due to certain youths using the ginnels for drinking, vandalism and god only knows what else! We presented to Councillor Murray, a supporter of the campaign, 70 objection letters from local residents. All seemed well and a sensible solution looked likely......enter Councillor Phillips! Before tonight he has failed for two years to attend a single meeting (another fact he may wriggle against but factual none the less). Tonight he attended to back up the 'Countryside and Access' Officers view that to close the ginnels would be illegal. So much for helping the people who elected you! Councillor Murray and I remain convinced that to push for closure of the ginnels is the only sensible solution. Councillor Phillips seems to think maintaining the status quo seems to be the preferred option.
With a heavy heart we will continue to campaign for residents knowing we have effectively one hand tied behind our back by a city Councillor who is only wheeled out to toe the party line. Mark Dobson.
7th March - Packed Hall Makes Plans to Tackle Caravans
Can I thank the residents who packed Firthfields yesterday evening( the 6th) for the public meeting held to discuss the caravans at Sturton Grange Farm. Certain strategies are now in place to take the matter forward with Leeds City Council. Can I suggest any interested parties who could not attend contact me for an update via www.garforthra.co.uk. As you may know, the Planning Department reneged on an earlier promise to attend. The reason, I suspect, was an e-mail that came into my possession last week from the Planning Dept. to Mr Makin stating he could leave the caravans on site as long as he re-occupied them. This was sent a full twenty six days before enforcement was due to commence, of course they failed to tell residents. Indeed they even sent an officer out to the site after the 20th of February to confirm the caravans had/had not been removed, when all the time they knew this was not the case! As I say, please get in touch for an update of how we intend to tackle not only the issues surrounding the caravans, but also the ineptitude and duplicity of Council Planners.
Mark Dobson.
4th March - Setback for Great Preston School
Just a quick reminder that Monday the 6th is the date of the public meeting RE; the caravans. 19.30hrs at Firthfields. Please attend, I think it will be an informative meeting, at least that is our aim.
On a completely unrelated issue. It takes a lot to leave me lost for words, (I know, I know, you'd guessed that), but I heard some news this week that did just that.
You may have read on this site Councillor Phillips’ and Mr Lamb's pontifications on the fate of Great Preston school. Indeed only in the YEP last week Councillor Phillips urged, and I quote, 'all parties to allow the council to push ahead quickly and ‘deliver the funding'. Therefore Councillor Murray put down an amendment to the Tory/Lib Dem/Green budget for 2006/7 this week to enable the money to be found in the forthcoming financial year and get on with the rebuilding in line with Councillor Phillips comments. Guess what, Councillor Phillips voted AGAINST the amendment, thus putting the work back even further, at least another 12 months. I am sure the people of Great and Little Preston will remember this in May when Mr Lamb stands for the council, I certainly hope so. It is quite simply, a disgrace! Mark Dobson
25th February - The Council Chickens Out
Many of you will have seen last nights YEP. I really do struggle with LCC planners, it's Stocks all over again, if they don't like residents conclusions simply change the goal posts! LCC now seem to be claiming that Makin has somehow found a loophole in the law by re-occupying the caravans, I disagree. Let us not forget these are 'seasonal' caravans for 'seasonal' workers. In my opinion they ceased to be that when they were not removed at the end of the last season. Also February is hardly the fruit picking season now is it?
Let's think this through. Makin leaves his caravans on the site, LCC obtain a toothless order to be enforced months later (Monday the 20th of Feb). LCC then scurry away with their tail between their legs because he has reoccupied them. What is to stop this happening in a case of ever decreasing circles year on year on year on year? Nothing!
LCC planners it seems, cannot or will not grasp the concept of 'seasonal' caravans, and Makin is simply exploiting their weakness. They are actually more culpable than him in some respects. The enforcement was made because the caravans were not shifted last September, nothing to do with what he may or may not do the following February. Why do council planners struggle with this concept?
The good news is the guest list is coming together. Councillor Murray is still pressurising the Planning Dept to attend but we are confident they will. I have ensured a Police presence, thanks Insp. Belton at Garforth nick for changing Police shift to accommodate us, and even Cllr Phillips has agreed to put in an appearance. I hope Mr Makin or one of his representatives will take the opportunity to attend and listen to residents problems, we shall see. Mark Dobson
23rd February Makin’s Caravans Update
Just a quick update on Mr Makin and Sturton Grange Farm. Councillor Murray has secured the presence of at least one Senior Planner at the meeting, I was beginning to feel most unloved as, being a mere member of the public, they have spent the last 3 days ignoring me and not returning my calls or e-mails! I understand that a Planning Officer from Enforcement (surely a contradiction in terms) went to the farm to ensure the removal of the caravans had taken place, looked, saw they hadn't and errrr, went home!
I also intend to invite a senior Police Officer to tell residents how and when they should complain about the loutish behaviour residents had to endure last summer should it happen again, (although this is a last resort as we will be pushing flat out for the Council get get 'em shifted)!
I will be offering residents several strategies to progress the matter, but for obvious reasons will not divulge them just yet on a public website.
Still no word from Councillor Phillips, how odd! I have more chance of getting a postcard from Lord Lucan but I will keep trying. I will keep readers posted of any/all developments, Mark Dobson
20th February - Local Farmer Defies Council
As many of you are aware for several months now Garforth Residents Association, working with Councillors Murray and Harrison, have been attempting to stop the caravans at Sturton Grange Farm from becoming permanent fixtures. Councillor Murray successfully stopped (at the time in any case) Leeds City Council planners allowing, as they wished to, fixed utilities to serve the caravans. Our argument was a simple one. If the caravans are 'temporary' and serve a 'temporary' work force why add 'permanent' utilities?
Also under provision in the 'Town and Country Planning Act' the caravans should have been removed from the site at the end of the picking season in September - they were not, despite our Tory councillor trying to tell us otherwise for reasons that continue to baffle me.
We sought, and won, an enforcement notice that told the landowner he must remove the caravans out of season and he was given until today to comply. He has not. He was told by the East Leeds Planning Panel that unless he re-sites his caravans away from dwelling houses he will not be granted retrospective planning for his utilities. He will not, and intends to appeal.
To add insult to injury he intends to add TWENTY more caravans to the same site by the spring. Let me be quite clear about this. This is completely and utterly unacceptable to the residents. I believe the planners to have been negligent in allowing this situation to come about. There is case law where other authorities have stopped 'Berry Barons' as they are called dead in their tracks. Leeds City Council planners have hummed and ahhed for MONTHS, and now we are in this mess.
GRA are calling a public meeting, at Firthfields Community Centre 19.30 hrs, Monday 6/3/06 to let residents know in detail how this situation has come to pass, and to ask the planners, who we have invited, and local politicians, who we have also invited, to tell us how they intend to rectify the matter.
Let me be clear without scaremongering. If we allow the landowner to get away with this we will have the following - a permanent caravan park with a permanent workforce right on the top of residents for good, and most likely expanding year on year on year.
At the meeting we will inform residents of strategies to tackle this head on but we need your support. Please attend and let your voice be heard. Mark Dobson, GRA Chair
10th February - I Endorse Tom
I write this piece in no other capacity than a resident of this town.
On Friday the 10th of February 19.30 hrs at Garforth Town FC I will be attending the campaign launch for Councillor Tom Murray. Councillor Murray has served our ward with great distinction for the last 14 years and hopefully he will be returned again on May 4th, the day of the local election.
Tom is one of the hardest working people I know. He sits on several governing bodies, chairs forums and is always active and at the hub of most events that happen in the ward. Indeed many of you will know Tom well as he is always out and about.
Recently he has led the campaign for traffic lights at the A63/Lidgett Lane junction, forced a council u-turn on the granting of the caravans utilities at Sturton Grange Farm, worked for the scouts and guides to find them a new home, campaigned against the East Garforth mast as well as many other projects. The list goes on and on.
As many of you know I chair the local Residents Association. We are a very broad church of all political types and none at all. It would be wrong to endorse Tom in any other capacity other than a resident of this town of 20 years (continuous) standing who has seen and appreciated the tireless work he does first hand.
If Tom has one fault he is far too modest. Much of his work goes unreported but rest assured it is done all the same. His surgery record and meeting attendance record, all available to the public, are absolutely exemplary. Hard work is all I look for, indeed demand, in a person. I am therefore delighted to offer Tom my personal endorsement. Mark Dobson
8th February Success for the GRA Bulletin
I have just read Councillor Phillips latest musings on plastic bags hmmmmmm..............
Meanwhile back on planet Earth (or Garforth to be more precise) the GRA continue to be pretty busy.
Critics of the GRA often pour scorn on our bulletin. Why bother?, etc etc. I think the bulletin is working and, if I may, would like to offer readers some proof. Following our January bulletin four seperate householders from the Meadow Road area contacted the GRA. Each was having problems with youths in the ginnel behind their premises. Each wanted help with the matter and, interestingly, did not realize they were not alone in their concerns. Councillor Murray invited them to the Garforth and Swillington forum and the Police forum the week after. They have now formed an effective unit. Last night Councillor Murray and I attended a house meeting where residents put their concerns to Insp Belton from Garforths NPT. We formulated ideas on the Policing of the ginnel, what Tom can do as Ward Councillor working with Councillor Harrison and what the residents can do for themselves.
This is the kind of positive engagement with the Police and the City Councillors (the ones that will get involved anyway) the GRA is keen to promote. I hope to have something positive to tell you very soon.
Regards Mark Dobson.
3rd February - Neighbour Police Team Make an Impact
I continue to be impressed with Inspector Belton and her team who form Garforth’s new 'Neighbourhood Police Team'. I attended last nights Police Forum and I think the Police are on the right lines in Garforth. Inspector Belton is keen to work with residents and, as I have said many times over, that is the key. We cannot expect the Police to be able to tackle crime unless we, the public, are prepared to work with them. For example the DPPO that stops alcohol consumption in public places was a Police initiative supported and promoted by the GRA. That's real 'neighbourhood' policing!
Inspector Belton has kindly agreed to meet local residents at a house meeting with both myself and Councillor Murray next week to gather information from residents currently being terrorized by youths in a certain part of town. The idea is to give her the intelligence required to put a strategy in place to deal with the problem. This is exactly what I mean-the Police, the community and certain like-minded Councillors working side by side. I also want to invite a representation of local Police to attend our regular GRA meeting, perhaps once a quarter. I will let you know how that develops.
Of course not all Councillors see the benefit in these kind of projects. Councillor Phillips actually attended last night’s forum (miracles never cease). Of course, he made no contribution whatsoever (normal service was therefore resumed). At the end of the meeting however I was berated by one of his supporters for putting the residents I have mentioned in contact with the Police for the house meeting.
I think I am supposed to know my place and not 'interfere'. Let's put it this way. If Councillor Phillips did anything like the job he was elected to do, people like me would have no role in the community. Therefore Councillor Phillips and his cronies wouldn't need to get so steamed up when I do his job for him. Until that day dawns (some hope) they had better get used to it! Mark Dobson.
1st February - GRA Supports Skate Park
I have just finished reading the column of my fellow contributor Dave Richards. I chaired the Garforth Residents Association meeting to which he refers when we met the deputation of half a dozen young people who have been actively involved in the skateboard park saga. I am aware the project has run into delays but it now seems that the work will commence in the spring. The plans we viewed were impressive and will make the park one of the best, if not the best, in West Yorkshire. What was more impressive was the attitude of the young people themselves. As you are aware if you are a regular GRA watcher we expressed concerns about the scheme initially. This was only right and proper. Residents had queries that were not, at that stage, being addressed. However, for the record, we were not, as some would have you believe, against the scheme itself.
The young people we met certainly seem dedicated to the park and to ensuring that it is used correctly. They accept there may be initial teething trouble and are quite prepared to work with Youth Services, the Police and others to protect what is, after all, going to be their facility ( I can't see me on skateboard to be honest-I'd break my neck). Actually I shouldn't say that. I can just see one or two of my fellow contributors rushing out now to buy me one for Christmas! However, policing this facility is not actually the users job, they are not unpaid marshals, nor would we want them to be. Therefore we have asked them back to future GRA meetings to keep us posted on any problems once the structure is in place. We are dedicated to working with them to ensure the skateboard park is a success for the vast majority who will want to enjoy this facility in a responsible way. We wish them well.
A small piece of news, it now appears that following GRA pressure over several months, Mr Makin has finally agreed to meet with planners to negotiate the permanent re-location of his caravans away from residents’ houses. More on this when I have it,
Regards Mark Dobson.
21st January - Addressing Traffic Problems
The GRA were today notified that, following pressure on Highway Services for some months, the Council have now agreed to erect a further Vehicle Activated Sign on Ninelands Lane on the southern approach to the school. Work will commence in the new financial year. Whilst this is only part of what we asked for, it is a start and a step in the right direction.
Today we extend our canvas on Garforth’s traffic parking issue to the Woodlands end of Green Lane. As you are aware this is part of our ongoing campaign to make Leeds City Council address the ever-growing problem of parking in the town. If we are to achieve any movement on this issue the support of local residents is essential. As many of you may have seen in this weeks 'Leeds Weekly News' Leeds City Council are still of the opinion there is no problem with parking in the town. If this decision is to be overturned strong evidence from local residents will be required. Please contact either myself or Cllr Murray following the usual links. Mark Dobson
20th January - The Strange Case of the Disappearing Councillor
Last night was the Garforth and Swillington forum. This is a quarterly event where community activists such as me meet with our local Councillors and members of the Area Management Team to discuss and progress issues of importance to Garforth. Really this is the only opportunity 'laymen' such as I have to make our voice heard. (The Conservative/Lib Dem alliance no longer allows humble functionaries such as me to attend the East Leeds Outer Area Committee). The meetings are always vibrant, informative and certainly worth attending. As I said the event is only once every three months so attending should not really be an issue. Councillor Phillips yesterday achieved a unique anniversary. He has managed to now go a whole year without attending! What was disappointing was the fact local residents had taken the time and trouble to attend the meeting to discuss various problems they were experiencing locally.At the end of a long meeting a few of us decided on a quick drink on the way home. We called in at the Gaping Goose only to see Councillor Phillips and fellow contributor to this site Alan Lamb both there large as life enjoying a drink without a care in the world!!!!! That's right lads, you get your priorities right!
You may have noticed the Leeds City Council website have now removed all Councillor Phillips surgery details. I attended one the other week and he didn't show up. When I queried this his response was to ask that his details be taken off the website. All this might seem highly amusing but there is a very serious point here. Let's be clear-we're paying for this, both in monetary terms and the fact we are effectively running on two city Councillors. Have you ever wondered why our other two Ward Councillors do not contribute to this site? Simple-too busy running meetings such as last night, surgeries and handling a full case load. As I have said before and will no doubt say again, Councillor Phillips was the joke that simply is not funny anymore.
Just a quick update on 'The Strange Case Of The Disappearing Councillor'- I have been informed by Leeds City Council today that Cllr Phillips has now re-instated his surgeries. Amazing what a bit of pressure can do isn't it? Let's hope he keep them up. Time, as always, will tell. I, as always, will be watching! Mark
16th January - Parking Problems in Garforth
I think we would all agree that in certain areas of the town poorly parked cars, although legal, are making the lives of certain residents a misery. In July last year Colin Burgon wrote to the Conservative/Lib Dem run council regarding the ever increasing parking issue in Garforth. Eventually in DECEMBER of last year the council finally wrote back to Colin claiming there was no problem with parking in the town. We disagree. On Saturday last Colin, Councillors Murray and Harrison and I decided to go out on foot, meet residents and get their opinion as a follow-up to our recent traffic/parking survey. Residents tell a very different story.
We decided to concentrate on the estate to the rear of Tesco, as well as housing around Garforth station, although we do intend to broaden the survey to the East Garforth station area very soon. We gathered evidence in the form of our completed surveys which we intend to put, via Councillor Murray, to Leeds City Council and demand the Conservative/Lib Dem administration tackle this, ever growing, problem ASAP.
In the meantime if you are experiencing problems with parking in your area, contact me via the website or contact ">Cllr Murray at the Civic Hall. Last the summer in the Leeds Weekly News Cllr Phillips claimed to be "keeping an eye on things" regarding parking. That's all well and good but I suggest now is the time for action before the situation is out of control. Mark Dobson
14th January - Thoughts on Childish Political Squabbles
I have just read the latest posting of my fellow contributor Alan Lamb. I know Alan fairly well and actually don't dislike the lad .He clearly has unlimited personal ambition and is a great deal sharper than his Tory colleague Councilor Mark Phillips.
Firstly, let me say from the off, I totally and utterly uphold his comments that, in a town like ours, there is a genuine need to all pull in the same direction for the good of Garforth. He is also correct when he says every incident in Garforth seems to degenerate into 'childish political squabbles', I'm with him all the way so far. After that when you consider the facts of the matter, and who is making the appeal, it all falls apart. Regular readers of this column will know where my political loyalties lie, and why. They will also know I am no fan of our Tory Councillor Mark Phillips, and again they will know why. Therefore when I make my next comments I would be grateful if readers could detach themselves from what I usually say, or what Cllr Phillips usually says, or indeed what Alan Lamb says. I ask people to simply consider the facts of the matter.
If Alan is dedicated, as he says, to a new found political understanding between parties for the good of the community, he really must start to 'walk the walk' and not simply 'talk the talk'. Let me elaborate. Back In 2004 when I visited the Prisons Minister (on my own time and expense) Alan damned me in the pages of the YEP. In January 2005 Alan addressed a meeting of City Councillors and told them basically to ignore my request for help against the building of a prison in Garforth because, and I quote, I "Intend to stand for a political party in 2006".That was simply not true. However, interestingly, Alan's name WILL be appearing on the ballot paper later this year for the Tories! Alan and his family shouted me down at the prison meeting arranged (in response to the one held with such success by the GRA) by Tory Cllr Millard of Wetherby. The meeting was staged, as was the attack on me, and therefore water off a duck’s back, but it hardly bears relation to Alan’s comments today does it? Can Alan explain why Tory Leader Andrew Carter is still claiming (on this very web site) that Garforth Prison will go ahead, and that he has this information from two, and I quote, 'reliable sources'. Can he also explain why the website 'elmettories' claims the Home Secretary has given the, and again I quote, 'green light to the prison' a week after the general election? It's utter nonsense and hardly in keeping with Alan’s claims for an end to childish politics is it?
In 2004 when the MP and the GRA were fighting like mad to save our fire station from closure at 6pm what did Tory Councillor Mark Phillips do? He promised to organize a public meeting for residents to formulate a campaign. Instead he organized a meeting for the Fire Authority Chair and Deputy Fire Chief to sell us the proposals, boycotting our 'genuine' public meeting in the process. Shrewd Garforth people will not forget that. Our meeting then resulted in the 3,000 letters I presented to the Chief Fire Officer days before plans for Garforth were withdrawn. Cllr Phillips non-attendance was hardly a problem, but again it highlights how these people operate. The only other telling contribution to Garforth life the Tories have engaged in is trying, in a most unconvincing way, to take credit for the achievements of others. For three years they have done this to the GRA on every issue we have had a success on. Many of you will have seen the pre-Christmas Tory blurb in which they claim to have removed the caravans at Sturton Grange Farm. The reality is Tom Murray and the GRA are still working, with some success I might add, to that very end, but they are still there for now. How is making claims to the contrary grown up politics?
Alan is now doing it in his column. The money to regenerate out of town areas is the result of Labour policies inherited by the new administration. The money that has gone into the Miners Welfare Hall has been due to the efforts of Councillor Murray over several years, these things do not happen overnight. I notice Alan does not thank Cllr Murray (his opponent this coming May). So much for working together! With his election looming Alan has a new found interest in community work, indeed he has begun to attend the Garforth and District Crime Prevention Panel of which I am a founder member and Treasurer. I understand he has recently become a school Governor. Does anyone else feel, as I do, this is all a little opportunistic? No doubt you, the voters will decide.
So when Alan 'does a Cameron' and talks in grown up terms about political 'childishness' and 'squabbling' look at the facts, nothing else. You, dear reader, will at least know the truth behind the spin.
Mark Dobson, Garforth and Swillington Branch Labour Party member
13th January - Traffic Lights on the Cards
Today I attended a meeting with Cllr Tom Murray and concerned residents regarding the junction of Lidgett Lane and the A63. It looks very likely that the Highways Dept are to fund traffic lights,with the possibility of a central island,at this junction in the next financial year(commencing April 2006).
We looked at the preliminary proposals and they certainly get our support. Many of you will know Cllr Murray and the GRA have been campaigning on this issue for many months. There now appears to be light at the end of the tunnel, let's hope so.
Speaking of Tom, he really does represent all that is good in a local Councillor. He is hard working and he does not attempt to grab the limelight, he simply gets on with his work in a very down to earth manner. Many will say, being a Labour supporter, that I am biased. Maybe so, but it does not hide the fact he has always been there on any issue we have faced in Garforth in recent years. Credit where credit’s due I say. Mark
10th January - A Big Welcome to the Co-op
I was delighted to attend the official opening of Garforth Co-op on Main Street today along with Colin Burgon MP and Councillors Murray and Harrison. We met with Chief Executive Alan Gill and his team, who had begun trading earlier in the day. As you are aware the GRA have long campaigned to see a quality food retailer returned to Main Street and the Residents Association wish the Co-op every success.
I know Councillor Tom Murray is working hard at the moment to obtain funding to regenerate Main Street and this sort of quality outlet is just what is required to help move the process along. Mark
7th January - Success and Continuing Vigilance at the Farm
A Happy New Year to you all. Over the next month you should, fingers crossed, receive our 6th GRA bulletin. We are trying to get this out to as many households as is possible in the town. However if you do not get a copy please contact me via the GRA website ( follow the links) and I will make sure you get one.
Garforth Residents Association members in East Garforth yesterday received news we have been waiting for, and working towards, for many months. Namely that the land owners at Sturton Grange Farm have agreed to comply with the enforcement notice issued by Leeds City Council Planning Dept. and remove the 'seasonal' caravans, currently sited near residents homes, by the 20th of next month at the latest.
This is great news and a real victory for the dedicated work of GRA members in that area who have worked so hard to bring this about. However this is not the end of the matter. Next season the landowners intend to use the caravans again. The problem now facing the landowner is this. Leeds City Council have already stated that if the caravans are not re-sited away from residential dwelling planning permission for utilities (already laid) will not be granted. Again if the landowners do not comply rest assured the GRA will be straight back to the Council Enforcement Unit, it should be very interesting!
At this point it may be prudent to question Councillor Phillips role in this issue. Why did he claim in November 2005 in a leaflet distributed throughout the town the he had, in some way, been responsible for the caravans already being removed? This was not, and is not, the case. Why did said Councillor attempt to sell residents the idea this problem was resolved? Until we get a satisfactory answer, this issue will remain a mystery. Bye for now, Mark
26th December - Who Banned Carols at the Primary School?
Hello, I hope you all had a happy Christmas. As we leave Christmas behind for another year I have had more than one phone call recently regarding the events at StrawberryFieldsSchool and the stopping of carols being played for fear of upsetting two Mormon pupils. I have read the editorial on this site, and followed the story in the media and, frankly, I am baffled. Firstly the relevant questions appear to be going unanswered. Who ordered the cessation of the carols and why? Was it the Governing body, Education Leeds, the Head teacher?-reports are vague. Secondly, who lodged a complaint, if indeed there was one, and if there was one, what motivated it? The whole episode appears shrouded in mystery. Several things are very clear. The decision was incorrect. Yes, we are a multi-cultural, multi-faith society and I feel we are all the better for it. Do these sorts of decisions promote harmony amongst one another or drive wedges between us? I suspect the latter. Is this an example of political correctness going off the radar?-a most definite yes! In the world we live in intolerance is always bubbling under the surface. This decision gives unscrupulous people a platform with which to point the finger and say minorities have all their own way and all the other, untrue, inferences that go along with it. That is why the decision was the wrong one. It is important to find out who issued the actual directive. It smacks of the 'Liberal' thinking of the Lib Dems who sadly, along with the Tories, run this city at the moment. However 'Liberal' right-on trendy attitudes are often detached from reality. Judging by the phone calls I have received this decision has left a bad taste in peoples mouths!
Respecting one another and tolerating each others beliefs are not things that can be dictated by the faceless few who run this city. I call upon Cllr Phillips who is part of the administration that claims to run the city to provide residents with a detailed explanation of how this affair came to pass as soon as possible. .Mark Dobson
16th December - Update on Road Resurfacing
Just a quick note to let everyone know the Ninelands Lane resurfacing work has been put back to February half term.Evidently the Council forgot to inform local business people the road would be closed! Anyway,may I take
this opportunity to wish readers a merry christmas and and happy new year, all the best
MarkDobson
11th December Alcohol Ban Starts Soon
Just a reminder that as of the 15th of December Garforth will have a Designated Area Order in place. This means that the consumption of alcohol will be banned in public places. The order gives the Police the power to confiscate alcohol from people consuming it in public places or to impose fines on people who refuse to comply.
The GRA and Inspector Belton’s Neighbourhood Police Team have championed this cause and are now delighted it is in place. However your help is now needed. If you know of any trouble areas where alcohol consumption is taking place where it shouldn't be-tell the Police and let them act upon it. The order will only be maximized in its effectiveness if we, as a community, work with the Police on this issue. Mark
7th December - Road Resurfacing Success
Another piece of good news today. The campaign the GRA has fought with the Highways Dept for the last two years has finally started to bear fruit with the welcome news of a major resurfacing programme for Ninelands Lane between Long Meadows and Long Meadowgate. The GRA met with Paul Markham nearly two years ago and we are grateful the work promised to us will now take place. The work starts 14/12/05 for 8 days, please be patient everyone, it will be a significant improvement once finished, Mark
6th December - Progress on the Farm and Goodwill to Most Men
I am sure many of you will have read Richard Edwards article in the YEP last Saturday regarding the ongoing saga at Sturton Grange Farm of the 'seasonal' caravans that, despite the GRA campaign to remove them at the end of the picking season, remain in situ.
The good news is that an order has now been sought to enforce the removal of said caravans away from residential dwellings. If this does not take place the landowner can face a fine of up to 20,000 pounds The even better news is that it appears increasingly unlikely that the landowner will be given the planning permission he seeks for permanent utilities to these caravans (utilities he has already laid without planning permission) unless the caravans are permanently relocated next season.
I congratulate the dedicated work of GRA members based on 'The Chase' for their months of hard work. (Incidentally these are the self same caravans Cllr Phillips claims have already been removed in his political literature). GRA owe a vote of thanks to Cllrs Tom Murray and Andrea Harrison for both arranging and attending the site visit that persuaded the East Leeds Planning Panel against the granting of the application. A special mention also to Cllr Mick Lyons (TempleNewsam) who really stood up for residents at the hearing. I do not know this Cllr but I admired his straight no-nonsense talking on the day, I suspect TempleNewsam have a 'good un' there! I will, of course, keep you all posted of any developments.
I hope you all enjoyed Cllr Phillips' Christmas card? I mysteriously appear to have been omitted, how very odd. It seems in Conservative circles the concepts of peace and goodwill do not quite extend to all men! Never mind, I suspect most folk want policies, ideas and action from their politicians, not a card once a year, I know I do. Rest assured Cllr, I will not be crying into my mulled wine! Mark
2nd December - The GRA and the East Garforth Station Mast Fight
On Monday a fascinating letter was passed to me by a concerned Garforth resident, frankly on reading the letter I could not believe my eyes. As you are aware I have been disappointed with claims made by Cllr Mark Phillips that he supported Garforth residents against the proposed Vodafone mast at East Garforth Station, which was not the case. He now is attempting to sell himself to local residents in his literature as the peoples champion on this issue. The letter I was given tells a very different story.
Written in September 2004 to a local resident who was concerned about the prospect of the mast Cllr Phillips wrote the following.............'It is my personal view that this particular installation has been planned with a great deal of consideration for the possible impact on local residents in terms of both safety and visual impact'. He goes on to say...................'The site is already protected by deciduous trees and the mast will only be slightly higher than existing structures and therefore will not be a dominant feature'.
I am also aware that when Vodafone made their application to Leeds City Council they stated that Cllr Phillips had no objections. He certainly did not object on behalf of residents. Luckily the GRA campaign paid dividends and the mast was eventually rejected. Members of the GRA had to leaflet the estate in question three times on this issue to tackle the two applications made by Vodafone and their subsequent appeal. That, Cllr Phillips, is real work by real people to achieve real objectives. I suggest you remember that next time you try to sell us the idea you are somehow on our side or, heaven help us, actually done something constructive! Mark Dobson
26th November Let me put the record straight.................
Last weekend I am sure many of you will have received Cllr Phillips' 'Community News' letter. I really enjoyed the leaflet, fiction being my preferred choice of reading material. Indeed for Cllr. Phillips and Alan Lamb (who’s he?), co-authors of the leaflet, the Booker Prize for 'Best Original Work of Fiction' must be a realistic possibility. Take for instance the section headed, 'Report on action from your local Councillor'. Let's dissect some of the Councillors claims....................
1) CLAIM: Campaigned against the downgrading of Garforth Fire Station.
FACT: Organized a meeting for the Deputy Chief Fire Officer to attempt to sell the proposal (to shut our station at 6pm) to the public. Failed to attend the GRA public meeting that resulted in the 3,000 letters Colin Burgon MP and I presented to the Chief Fire Officer. He took no part whatsoever in the residents campaign. This year he has publicly supported proposals to remove staff from the station against the wishes of the fire crews.
2) CLAIM: Ensured funding was in place for the proposed skateboard park.
FACT: The funding was secured by former Cllr Karen Marshall, and was in place for months before Cllr Phillips become a Councillor in this Ward.
3) CLAIM: Campaigned against a proposed prison in Garforth.
FACT: Actively undermined the GRA campaign. Attempted, along with Alan Lamb, to sabotage the GRA deputation to the City Council last January. Also when the GRA went to Westminster to lobby the Prison Minister I do not remember either Cllr Phillips or Alan Lamb being present. What I do recall were a series of letters to the YEP pouring cold water on the GRA's campaign.
4) CLAIM: Supported residents in the continuing fight against Stocks.
FACT: Cllr Phillips was asked to represent the GRA at the public enquiry into Stocks being used as a 'Vehicle Operating Centre'. The request did not even receive a response!
5) CLAIM: Campaigned against siting of caravans that resulted in their removal at the end of the season.
FACT: I hate to disappoint Cllr Phillips, they are still there!! The real campaign, spearheaded by the GRA, Cllr Tom Murray and residents, is to stop the Council granting permanent utilities to said caravans, we persuaded the Planning Panel to reject this application and are currently speaking to the Council RE: the removal of the caravans Cllr Phillips reckons have already gone! I will report to readers when this has been done and not before.
6)CLAIM: Supported residents opposed to East Garforth Phone Mast.
FACT: Cllr Phillips supported Vodafone’s application and said so in writing to a local resident. He never offered any objection to the scheme and indeed told Vodafone he saw nothing wrong with the proposals
7) CLAIM: Campaigned on Law and Order.
FACT: How exactly? He has played no part in the GRA's dealing with the Neighbourhood Policed Team, indeed if he had he would have a better grasp of Police/PCSO numbers than the one published in his leaflet.
The rest of their claims are equally dubious - Cllr Phillips and Mr Lamb's claims regarding the A63 traffic lights are a crass attempt to take credit for months of work by his two Council colleagues in this Ward, and indeed the three Councillors in the Kippax and Methley Ward next door.
Mr Lamb may want to explain why he and Cllr Phillips have not publicly thanked the GRA for securing the road repairs on the Long Meadow estate he alludes to in his column?
Let’s face it, if we get a white Christmas or Leeds United win promotion to the Premiership I have no doubt this pair of political chancers will take credit for that too! Cllr Phillips is a joke that simply isn't funny anymore. I have a serious suggestion, I will debate publicly on any of the claims he has made in his literature, anytime, anywhere. It would be interesting to see if he could defend the spurious claims he makes, I suspect not. Mark Dobson.
23rd November Alcohol Consumption Order versus Longer Opening Hours
Many of you will have seen the YEP of the 22nd informing us that Garforth’s ‘Alcohol Consumption in Designated Public Places Order' comes into effect of the 15th of next month-this gives the Police powers to ask members of the public to surrender alcoholic drinks they are consuming in public places, in this case Garforth. If the alcohol is not surrendered a fine of up to Ł500 could result.
As reported last night in the YEP the GRA have led the campaign against extended licensing in the town, although Colin Burgon MP and Cllr's Murray and Harrison deserve mentions too-(all of whom have attended licensing hearings on residents’ behalf).The new licensing laws come into effect on Thursday the 24th, therefore this latest initiative could not be more timely.
The GRA have also worked closely with Insp. Belton and the Neighbourhood Policing Team in giving the Council the feedback they required to get this ban in place. However the work does not stop there. We need residents to inform the Police of trouble spots where drinking in public places is taking place. Without this kind of intelligence being passed to them the orders effectiveness will not be maximized.
I attend Police Forums and I am of the opinion this is a watershed moment for the town. It is no longer acceptable to bang on about 'Law and Order' and point the finger at the Police without actually supporting them in their work. I have spoken with Insp. Belton and her team at length. I am confident that, once given the legal powers which I have highlighted above, and residents working with them, we can make significant progress on the law and order issues that concern us all. Kind Regards Mark Dobson, GRA Chair
15th November 2005 Garforth Residents Association Supports VAMA
Steve Parker from the Garforth Residents Association attended the first meeting of the 'Villages Against Masts Association' in Kippax yesterday evening. It has been the long held view of the GRA that, by joining together as an extended community, we can pool our various strengths and expertise to campaign against the unethical siting of masts more effectively.
I use the term 'unethical siting' quite deliberately. Many people said to me, when we were campaigning against the Vodafone application at East Garfoth Station, "I bet you carry a mobile". Well, yes I do, let's face it, in Britain 2005 the vast majority of us do! What the GRA are campaigning for is the siting of masts where they do not have an adverse effect on the local residential amenity.
The new association can be assured that they have our full support.We are only too pleased to share information, campaign on joint projects (if and when the need arises) and offer them space on our web site or literature. Steve tells me they are holding a second meeting in January. I am sure they will be a success and the GRA wish them well. Mark, GRA Chair
Click here for Steve’s report
10/11 Bonfire Contributions plus Santa Claus is Coming
I have read Cllr Phillips comments this evening with interest. I write this piece not in any official capacity, certainly not as a Lion, that would be unfair and not my place. This is simply my own personal take on events. However I trust regular column readers will trust my assessment of Cllr Phillips column as a true, accurate and fair one.
Firstly I stand by my comments. If however Cllr Phillips has made a belated contribution to the fireworks in Garforth –all the better. I think readers would agree with me that the scrutiny I place on said Cllr to do the right thing now and again might at last be paying dividends. If Cllr Phillips finds my comments 'hurtful', I regret that, it was not my intention. Hurting someone’s feelings, however much their behaviour warrants a harsh assessment is never a good thing. It is just I happen to believe passionately that public servants, and by becoming a City Cllr that is what Mark Phillips is, should be subject to more scrutiny than the man in the street. He really cannot have it both ways.
Of course the bonfire was a public event, and as a member of the public of course he was entitled to attend. That is why myself and many others have put in endless hours work, to provide this event free of charge to all. However, Cllr Phillips, as I say, is not simply a member of the public, he is one of our elected representatives. As is well documented his lack of a role in the bonfire could have lead to cancellation of the event. Let's ensure this situation does not arise again.
To conclude I am glad Cllr Phillips reads this column. He will see what kind of work I think is important to the community, and if this serves as a catalyst for said Cllr all the better. I hope the improvements in his performance he has indicated soon bear fruit. I, as always, will be watching
Finally ....'Santa Clause is Coming To Town' Here are the dates when Santa will be visiting your area. We will be setting off at 6pm weeknights and 4pm Sundays, look out for us and please make a donation, Regards Mark
7th November - Bonfire Success
A big thank you to the 3,000 plus Garforth residents who braved the mud and attended last nights Community Bonfire in Garforth, the Lions were delighted, as always, to provide this event free of charge, as a thank you to residents who give so generously through the year.
As mentioned earlier in this column, a special thank you to Cllr Tom Murray who ensured the fire took place by sorting out the Conservative/Lib Dem councils ridiculous attempt to stop the bonfire taking place, and (along with Cllr Harrison) donated Ł500 pounds to the event costs.
Despite his party’s attempts to ruin this years event, and not offering a penny piece towards the cost, it was nice to see Cllr Mark Phillips enjoying the event. You couldn't make it up! All the best and thanks again, Mark Dobson
27th October – Garforth Lions Bonfire is Coming
Garforth and District Lions club will be holding our annual community bonfire on the 6th of November 18.30hrs on Glebelands Field, Ninelands Lane Garforth. Please come along. The event is free to the public and includes a massive firework display.The Lions provide this event for the community free of charge and cover the majority of the firework costs. I will be there with my Lions colleagues rattling buckets for a donation, please give generously and support the Lions. If you read this column please stop and say hello!
As many readers are aware this event will only take place this year following a last minute intervention from Councillor Tom Murray who has also contributed Ł500 towards the firework costs-thanks Tom! Regards Mark Dobson
25th October - Police Reveal New Structure at GRA Meeting
Yesterday evening at our monthly GRA meeting we were pleased to have as our guests Inspector Elizabeth Belton and Sgt Richard Sullivan from Garforth Police station.They spoke to us about the new structure of Policing operating from Garforth under the 'Neighbourhood Policing Team'. Also present were several non-GRA members of the public who had previously expressed an interest in Policing in our area. In a very informative meeting it was decided that Insp. Belton and her team will be regular attendees at our monthly meetings. We also intend to open up our monthly meeting to non-GRA residents on a regular basis if you have a police-related query or problem and do not want to wait until the next forum. GRA feel that opening these lines of communication can only lead to better and more effective policing. We intend to use these sessions to swop information and hear what initiatives the Police have for tackling crime in our area. This is the kind of positive agenda the GRA hope to promote in the community, residents working in partnership with organizations like the Police to, hopefully, improve all our lives. In our literature we will be publishing easy access telephone numbers to enable you, the public, to access your Police service quicker and more efficiently. All members and non-members present were left with the impression Insp. Belton and her new team really mean business and we should, I feel, be prepared to support them to the maximum in their work.I will also get the Webmaster to publish the revised Police contact details on this site in due course-watch this space! Mark
23rd October - Time for Traffic Wardens to Leave the Car Parks
Garforth Residents Association have long been advocates of an increased Traffic Warden presence in our town, particularly around the Main Street area. Due to illegal parking there are days when the street is virtually gridlocked, so as you can imagine we welcomed the Council’s initiative to increase the number of Wardens who now patrol the town. However what has become very clear very quickly is that this is yet another money making operation for the Council that has little or nothing to do with traffic congestion. Let me elaborate. The parking area to the rear of Barclays bank on Main Street seems to be the area of most interest to the wardens. Every time you enter the car park you will notice a liberal number of yellow tickets stuck to drivers’ windscreens for not parking in the bays. If these are the rules so be it, I have no problem with that. However on Friday last saw a Warden heading towards the car park clutching his note pad and passing seven illegally parked cars on Main Street in the process! I actually confronted the Warden in question as to why he had ignored the cars on Main Street, he said he was 'getting round to them'. I made a point of monitoring his activities, he did no such thing! The cars parked illegally on Main Street never got a ticket, guess what, the cars improperly parked in the car park did!
Again it would appear the Council only want easy targets and not to address the real issues of illegal parking that threaten to bring the town to a standstill. Colin Burgon MP has been pressing the Highways Dept. of Leeds City Council to set up a meeting to discuss this issue since last July. I think the time has come now for the Council to address this situation seriously and not just pay lip service to a difficult issue.
Talking of paying lip service to difficult issues I had to raise a smile when I read Mr Alan Lamb's 'Survey results' on this website. A few very obvious questions spring to mind. Mr Lamb calls himself 'Conservative spokesman for Garforth and Swillington'. Forgive me if I am mistaken but the only Conservative elected in this Ward is Cllr Phillips, surely he should be the Conservatives spokesman, assuming he has anything to say that relates to Garforth and Swillington? Secondly Mr Lamb states his survey is 'an important tool to lobby those who have the power to make positive changes to our community'. He seems to have completely forgot that it is his party, in alliance with the Liberals, who run Leeds and have done so since June 2004! Finally the 'survey results' are exactly the same set of issues that Cllr Phillips campaigned on in 2004. Instead of yet another survey might I suggest that, having already identified the issues, you lobby Cllr Phillips to actually get on with the tasks he campaigned on, and indeed was elected on the back of, nearly two years ago? You may wish to start by asking Cllr Phillips why he failed to support the Garforth Residents Association in our fight to stop a mast at East Garforth if masts are such an important issue-as identified in your survey?
It may be worth pointing out Mr Lamb is the Conservatives candidate for the Council in 2006, could this explain his new-found appetite for community work? I sincerely hope this community website is not about to become hijacked by political wannabes. I suggest that is something we must resist at all cost. Mark Dobson
16th October Less Talk and More Action Required on Local Crime
I have just read the column of my fellow contributor to this web site, Cllr Mark Phillips, talk about double standards! It is all well and good berating the role of the Government in their attempts to handle low level crime and anti-social behaviour. The obvious points that spring to mind are these. As has already been reported in my column previously- following the 'Extra-Ordinary Police Forum' on youth crime and anti-social behaviour held in Garforth last week, residents, myself included, will be working closely with the Neighbourhood Police team in Garforth. We will be attempting to identify, and tackle, the problems in our town regarding anti-social behaviour and low level crime that are of such concern to us all. These are the type of initiatives we as a community must engage in, not simply bang on about how bad things are becoming but not actually doing anything about it- which neatly leads me on to Cllr Phillips. Ironically Cllr Phillips didn't attend the 'Extra-Ordinary Police Forum' but, hey, what's new! It is much easier, is it not, to pontificate on a web site than actually do something for the people who elected you!
Moving onto the plea from said Cllr to attend an organized bonfire. As previously reported, until Cllr Murray saved the day and persuaded the Councils legal Dept to remove a clause in their contract that would have left Garforth and District Lions liable for any eventuality that may have occurred on Council land as a result of running the Community Bonfire, Garforth would not be having a fire or firework display this year. Initially we approached Cllr Phillips with this problem, after all it is his party that, in alliance with others, actually run the city. No practical help was forthcoming whatsoever. It is also of note to mention that the party Cllr Phillips represents have also cancelled Middleton’s bonfire this year, so much for encouraging people to attend community bonfires! If Cllr Phillips had been relied upon to sort out the mess caused in Garforth by his administration our town wouldn't have a bonfire to attend.
Sorry to have a rant folks, but I am sick and tired, as I am sure many of you are also, of 'say one thing' and 'do another thing' politicians! They really must think we are all idiots. Bye for now, Mark
8th October Takeaway Result, Stocks Blocks and Anti Social Behaviour
On Wednesday last Garforth residents living in the Fairburn Drive area received the news they have been waiting for this past year. Namely that the proposed takeaway on Fairburn Drive will not be going ahead. This is the culmination of a years worth of GRA/residents work along with Cllr Murray who assisted GRA through the process. We went through two rejected applications to Planning and finally a rejected application to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol. I have said it before and I will say it again, quality sustained objecting works. I thank every resident who objected, many three times over. When I think back to standing in the freezing cold carrying out sound testing last November in an attempt to disprove the applicants claims on noise it all seems worthwhile now,(at the time I questioned my own sanity).
Friday the 30th of September was the Public Inquiry into the use of Stocks Blocks as a Vehicle Operating Centre for some new applications. The very fact residents secured a Public Inquiry is a massive breakthrough in itself. However the Traffic Commissioner found in favour of the applicants because the applications were made to replace existing licenses and not extend the fleet. However in his summing up he stated he would look at any applications to increase the fleet very seriously indeed and expressed concerns about the school and it's location in relation the the plant. I suggest Stocks will have taken little comfort from the conclusions he reached, and next time there is an application to extend the fleet the outcome may be very different. On the down side to the day (as suspected) the Traffic Commissioner asked for someone to put forward residents evidence, a task that ultimately fell to me. I had asked Cllr Phillips if he would attend and represent residents. Sadly there was no response whatsoever to this request. An explanation or apology would have been nice. After all this is a massive issue and one he claims to support residents on.
I attended the extra-ordinary meeting of the Police Forum on Wednesday last, specifically to discuss anti-social behaviour by youths in the area. My point was this: quarterly meeting are all well and good. However residents and Police need to work together on a permanent basis month in-month out, swopping intelligence in a pro-active way to make Garforth a safer environment for us all. To this end a new parents/residents sub-group is being formed to fulfil this need. I will be on that body and will keep you all posted as to our progress. I also took the opportunity to put a few myths surrounding me and the GRA to bed. We are not anti the proposed Skateboard Park. However we feel the Police/ residents/youth services and the young people themselves must address now the issues of security that surround the proposal. It will be pointless in 12 months to realize there is a problem and have no strategy in place to deal with it. Sadly Cllr Phillips did not attend the forum. It was also noted by others present that there was no representation from the Youth Service despite being invited to attend by the Police Service. This is an issue Colin Burgon intends to raise with them in writing.
I raise Cllr Phillips non-attendance at events of importance to the community as recently in the YEP letters page, the Leeds Communities Online Forum (and in writing to me personally) I have been subjected to personal attacks by Cllr Phillips supporters, questioning my role in the Community. Anyone who regularly reads this column will know of the work the GRA do so I will not intend to bore you with a list of our many activities. I will only say this. Rather than attack me and the GRA for what we do, concentrate on what you do in the community and, more importantly, what the Councillor you support is doing. Maybe if he was a little busier on our behalf I could wind down a little and then they would have no problem with my continued 'interference'? Bye for now, Mark
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