31^st December Happy New Year

Well folks that's it, another year over, a new one just begun. (Could be a song!) 2007 will be a massive year for me personally and I think a massive one for the future of our community. What I will promise you all is work, work and more work if elected. There is much to do and three years of neglect to put right to start with, but I hope readers know I will put my back into it and continue to give my all to serving our community.

On a lighter note I was delighted the late Colin Cramphorn got his posthumous CBE and even more pleased he knew of this before his untimely death. His family have every reason to be very proud. Our Police, PCSO's and Specials get a lot of stick but they are second to none, we should never forget that. All that is left is for me to wish you all the very happiest of 2007's, and think of me in May! Mark Dobson

27th December - More About Litter

I was looking at the comments on the homepage about litter and just thought I would make the following (further) observation. The plain, indisputable, undeniable fact is since the Tories came into power three years ago services in Garforth, Swillington, Great and Little Preston have been reduced dramatically year on year on year-fact! The same can be said of all East Leeds Outer Area-fact! The area committee, Labour dominated with the exception of the Tory, passed a move for a warden in Garforth. The feedback from the Tory-led council was no, not in East Leeds Outer. Wardens were however appointed in Tory strongholds throughout the city-fact!

The truth is I want, if elected, to fight the Tories for a fair slice of the pie for this ward, nothing more and nothing less. Our roads are unswept, litter lines our streets (did anyone have the misfortune to be at the top end of Main Street on the 27th?-disgusting) and services are being eroded! It is simply not fair.

This is why I am sceptical about the 'regeneration'. Sure, give the civic buildings a tidy up, but the rest of it? Sorry, give me clean streets with adequate CCTV and a Main Street where people feel free to roam after hours. That's what I want and, if elected, I will do my very best to ensure we get it. Any work to Main Street must be done on the back of solid foundations, we must get the basics right first.

Forgive me for stating the obvious but Councillor Steve Smith can't have it both ways. In Thursdays YEP he is quick to announce the fact that Leeds people increased recycling by 25% this year, and at the same time he is the driving force behind the giant incinerator planned by the Tory/Liberal alliance.Leeds Friends of the Earth quite rightly point out that incineration and recycling simply do not go together, where are people incentives to recycle when many recyclable items will be going up in smoke?

Councillor Smith, Leeds own Mr Incinerator, is taking the wrong message from the new figures. Surely the 25% increase shows Leeds people are ready, willing and able to recycle at a much greater capacity than we are currently allowed by this administration? The alliance's Waste Management Strategy is flawed, incineration is not the best answer and it is certainly not the environmental answer. I urge the alliance to use these figures as a springboard for some creative thinking. Speak to Leeds Friends of the Earth, consult with local people and say no to the incinerator.

Mark Dobson

24^th December - Local Sports Facilities

Congratulations to Labour Leader in Leeds Keith Wakefield and Colin Burgon MP for highlighting the scandalous lack of sports facilities in Garforth, YEP Saturday the 23rd. However let's be bold. Why not use some PFI funding for a new purpose built sports facility incorporating a pool? Either rebuild the existing centre on Ninelands and use the land that will soon be available, (I believe Stocks wish to relinquish some of their holdings), or use part of the North Newhold site or even land at the top of Garforth cliff. I have written to the Conservative Council with these proposals and I will keep you all informed of the response I get.

if you support my ideas please contact me via www.votemarkdobson.co.uk..

Mark Dobson

21^st December - Litter on Our Streets

Do you ever get one of those 'if you didn't laugh you would cry' moments? I did when I read the 'Council gets tough in bid to clean up city' article in the YEP, 19th December. Evidently the council have successfully prosecuted fourteen people for littering, dog fouling offences, fly tipping and highway offences. Well, we'd better get the flags out! A whole fourteen! How did the council find the time?

Seriously, in Garforth I have the misfortune to drive my daughter to a local dance class first thing on a Saturday morning, only a short hop of a mile or so. However I hate the journey. Why? Litter, and lots of it! Beer cans and bottles (and we do have a drinking ban in public places), fag packets, plastic bottles, polystyrene food cartons, pizza boxes and god knows what else cover our highways and byways. I suggest if a council litter warden ventured into this ward on a Friday night he could have fourteen prosecutions an hour.

There is a serious point here. In the last three years or so our community is looking shabby and litter is becoming a blight on our community. You never see a litter warden and less so someone actually picking the litter up ( many of us have taken to doing this ourselves before we drown in the stuff). Despite this you still get the Tory/ Liberal spin machine telling us black is white and that they are making every effort to make Leeds 'cleaner for all of us'. Pull the other one.

I am sure the situation in Garforth and Swillington can be replicated city wide. Fourteen prosecutions indeed. That's a statistic to bury, not brag about!

My new website www.votemarkdobson.co.uk is now 'live'. Please feel free to browse.

Regards, Mark Dobson

19^th December - new Ruling on Temporary Caravans

Over the last few years many readers will have followed the situation regarding 'seasonal agricultural' workers occupying 'temporary' caravans at Sturton Grange Farm in Garforth, and the many problems these dwellings have caused local residents. Central to this problem has been Leeds City Council's Planning Dept who initially allowed the caravans onto the farm and now seem unwilling or unable to deal with the problems this has caused. Let me help them.

A local authority in Surrey, much smaller than the mighty Leeds and with much less in the way resources, has taken Tuesley Farm in Godalming Surrey to the High Court. Mr Justice Sullivan has ruled that poly tunnels on Green belt do need planning permission and caravans for seasonal agricultural workers also need such permissions.

This has massive implications for the people of East Garforth. The poly tunnels at Sturton Grange Farm do not have such a permission and neither do the caravans sited virtually on top of residents houses. I would hope and suggest Leeds City Council do not grant such permissions. The provocative siting of the caravans has been a blight on local peoples lives for three years and more. Leeds City Council must act now and act effectively to draw this matter to a satisfactory conclusion for residents. No more hiding behind red tape, unrealistic time scales and bureaucracy. I will be pushing the Planning Dept to resolve this as a matter of urgency.

To update residents here is Mr Justice Sullivans findings on polytunnels and caravans both needing planning permission here is a newspaper report you may find interesting…

The rural blight of plastic 'polytunnels' that allow farmers to grow strawberries year-round is unlawful, a High Court judge has ruled.

To the delight of countryside campaigners, Mr Justice Sullivan said the miles of tunnels erected over Britain's fruit fields needed to have planning permission.

For good measure, he added that caravans parked in fields for migrant workers needed planning permission too. Growers warned of dire consequences for British farmers and said imported produce would appear on the shelves to appease consumers' demand for soft fruit whatever the season.

Residents have waged a long campaign against the 'pastures of plastic' created by the ugly tunnels blotting vast swathes of land. MP Bill Wiggin, a rising star of David Cameron's frontbench, warned recently that eating strawberries out of season was ruining the British countryside. The polythene tunnels allow farmers to extend their growing season well beyond the traditional six-week season, resulting in a booming industry worth £200million.

Until now, farmers have avoided planning rules because they have argued the tunnels are classed as temporary structures. But a test case was brought to the High Court by the Hall Hunter Partnership, which owns Tuesley Farm, which is on green belt land near Godalming, Surrey, and last year had 60 hectares of land covered by tunnels.

The farm owners had lost a planning inquiry in December last year and wanted the High Court to overturn the decision of the planning inspector, who ruled that erecting polytunnels amounted to 'development' under the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act and therefore required planning permission.

Timothy Straker, for the farm, argued the plastic tunnels were 'an agricultural use of land' and a 'permitted development' which meant planning permission was not required. He claimed the tunnels could not be described as 'buildings' under the planning rules as they did not have a sufficient degree of permanence. They were a 'moving feast', he said, as they were erected on a rotational basis according to where a crop was growing, and did not alter the land.

In contrast, a 'building' needing planning permission was 'something that has a fixed place in time and space', argued Mr Straker. But the judge rejected all the grounds of challenge, saying the inspector had made no error of law.

And he upheld the inspector's decision that stationing some 45 caravans on the farm for hundreds of seasonal workers was also not a permitted development.

From January 1, 2007, all growers will be required to comply with the new rules.

Tim Harrold, chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (Surrey), said: 'We are absolutely delighted, and we will be celebrating the ruling with local residents and the wider community. 'I personally think it is a wonderful result because people have stood up and been counted defending some of the most important countryside we have. 'It is not unreasonable to expect landowners to obtain planning consent.'

But the National Farmers' Union expressed 'extreme disappointment' at the landmark judgment. The union's horticulture board chairman Richard Hirst said: 'The use of Spanish polytunnels by the British soft fruit industry is absolutely vital in allowing growers to provide consumers with the quality product they have come to expect.

'We are very concerned. The industry has shown it is sensitive to concerns raised by members of the public by developing a national code of practice for the use of all types of polytunnels in the soft fruit industry.'

British Summer Fruits, the organisation representing growers who supply 92 per cent of UK soft and stone fruit, also expressed concern. Chairman Laurence Olins said: 'Polytunnels, which are used for protecting berries from our inclement weather, cover a mere 0.01 per cent of UK agricultural land. 'If UK growers are unable to meet the increasing consumer demand for berries then imported fruit will appear on supermarket shelves during our summer season.'

Growers claim the tunnels reduce the use of herbicides and pesticides by 50 per cent and banning them would allow Spanish strawberries to flood the £96million UK market..

I will lobby the Planning Dept at LCC to ensure if Mr Makin wants to site caravans on the field in question next year he must FIRST apply for planning, and whilst the vans occupy the current location we will insist such an application is refused.

Mark Dobson, Labour Election Candidate Garforth and Swillington Ward and Campaigner against seasonal caravans for the last three years.

PS- Have we all had our annual Cllr Phillips Christmas card yet? Of course I don't get one, I am only a council tax paying constituent but ho hum, I will not be losing any sleep. Let's think this through. What has our Councillor done all year on the many issues that face us all. Nowt, that's what! To spend hours delivering Christmas cards is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic and, frankly, this naff exploitation of the festive season leaves me (and everyone else I have spoken to) stone cold.

18^th December - Mr Garforth

I was dumbfounded this morning to read a posting from Alan Lamb on the Leeds 25, I repeat Leeds 25, website. Alan, as you know, is next years local election candidate in Wetherby, surely he needs to find himself a vehicle for his musings in the affluent area he, undoubtedly, will represent from next May?

Remember Alan? He was last years 'Mr Garforth', the born and bred man of the people, self-styled 'only local candidate' who banged on and on and on about the importance of representing the ward you live in. All seems a little hollow now does it not?

If he wants to write about Post Offices, the weather, Leeds chances of avoiding relegation-fine. That is his prerogative, just not here eh? Mark Dobson

15th December - The True Meaning of Christmas

Now our kids are getting older and you get to that stage where, in answer to your 'what do you want for Christmas?' question the inevitable response seems to be, 'clothes or money', or the holiday season becomes an excuse to eat and drink too much, it is very easy to get a little jaundiced and cynical in ones outlook at this time of year. However, if you look hard enough the true meaning of Christmas is still out there, alive and well.

This week it has been my great honour to attend several of the luncheon clubs laid on in our area by Pat Mitchell and her wonderful team of volunteers who provide, week in week out, a quality cooked meal for elder residents in the outer East Leeds area. The Christmas dinner/s I sampled were superb and I was truly taken aback by the dedication of Pat and her team.

Then of course we have the Neighbourhood Elders Team who organise events and community activities all year round including, another fabulous, Christmas lunch in Garforth that I was lucky enough to attend. Well done NET.

For our younger residents look no further than Garforth and District Lions Club who, for generations now, have towed Santa round the highways and byways of our area in all weathers, never missing and always with good humour. While this is going on they still find time to run a Christmas party for 120 of our older residents with added help from parents of the local community college. Again, a magnificent effort by local volunteers.

I am sure similar stories of other such unsung heroes can be replicated all over the city but I think it is important that, especially at this time of year, they are thanked for their efforts on behalf of our communities. Mark Dobson

14^th December - No Leeds Incinerator

Can I suggest all concerned residents worried that Councillor Phillips and his Tory cronies intend to force an incinerator on us visit www.noleedsincinerator.org. This site gives a compelling argument as to why incineration should NOT be at the centre of the Tories waste disposal strategy.

Meanwhile I have printed a copy of the petition for anyone who wants one. Ring me on 07974 963280 and I will make sure they get into your possession. How on earth can Phillips vote for an incinerator in Leeds without the slightest idea where his party intend to site it? This is a city wide campaign, but I have to be honest, my priority is this ward. Until Phillips is prepared to tell us where it is going to be we cannot relax our vigilance. Visit the site, it makes interesting reading.

I am having a brilliant week. At the request of Pat Mitchell, the organizer, I have been attending the Christmas luncheon clubs in our area, meeting our elder residents and generally having a very good time. The standard of food Pat and the team, all local volunteers, provide is top draw and this is a vital and brilliant resource for many residents who do not get out a great deal. It is especially pleasing that most of the people I have met know me through my community work and many have pledged a vote for me which is really gratifying. I had an early Christmas lunch today and it has really got me in the festive mood, (all I ever need is feeding). Again well done to Pat and a marvellous group of volunteers. Mark Dobson.

12th December - Watching the Travellers Site

The GRA's new Chair, Dave Richards undertook his first bit of business on our behalf on Friday. He contacted the Tory group office at the Civic Hall and requested a copy of COUNCILLOR Phillips letter of assurance that the Tory/Lib Dem council have had a change of heart about dropping a Travellers Site on us. They said they will pass on our request. If we do not hear anything Dave will ring tomorrow, the day after that and the day after that until we see this fabled document. Only once we do have sight of it, and have had chance to scrutinise the exact wording, will we offer any opinion as to whether this is good news or not, so come on COUNCILLOR, hand it over! Mark Dobson.

9th December - the Late Colin Cramphorn

Don't ask me why but I felt compelled to write a few words about the late Colin Cramphorn, former Chief Constable in West Yorkshire. I have many friends both in the Police and retired and, without fail, they all speak of his genuineness, friendliness and what a great servant to our force he was. My retired friends tell me their exit interview with the Chief was always lengthy, informal and with great emphasis on them and their achievements. I get the feeling we have lost a great man. As I say I never met Colin Cramphorn, but I sincerely wish I had. Mark Dobson

5^th December - Parking Issues

I think we should thank Councillor Tom Murray, Labour-Garforth and Swillington for highlighting the very real parking issues in Garforth, specifically the fact we seem to be used as a free park and ride scheme for commuters into Leeds, as reported in Mondays YEP.

This is not a new problem. Nearly two years ago Councillor Murray, working with the residents association, conducted our own survey that highlighted these very issues. When we passed our findings onto the Tory/ Lib Dem administration we were told there were no parking issues of any significance in our town. I am therefore delighted Councillor Murray has stuck to his guns despite having no support from our Tory Councillor Mark Phillips who very publicly promised tough action on this issue over two years ago but has failed to deliver (again).

What both Councillor Murray and the residents association are particularly concerned about however is the fact the 'official' council survey to establish what we already know will cost 1,400 pounds, and also the fact this will not take place until the next financial year. We feel action is needed now, this administration has sat on the fence long enough. While Garforth is allowed to remain an unofficial 'park and ride' site shoppers will stay off the Main Street and business will inevitably suffer. This state of affairs must not be allowed to continue.

I have just read the comments of COUNCILLOR Phillips with interest, and as so very often when politicians speak, even not very good ones, it is what they leave out, not what they say, that gives the game away. As always the devil is in the detail. So, the travellers site is merely 'malicious, idle gossip' is it. If so why did he feel the very real need to seek the clarification he claims he has now got? I will tell you why, because this is a very real threat to our community and he knows it. Here is a quote from his Tory colleague Councillor Les Carter from the YEP in Feb 2006 on this very subject................It is clear that any land within the Leeds boundary, for example Shadwell, Garforth or Temple Newsam, may be deemed suitable for a travellers site....................he went on to say that this was a case of the Government forcing the councils hand on this matter, but that is simply untrue. No Government figure has ever, and contradict me if I am wrong COUNCILLOR Phillips, mentioned any of the three areas specified by Councillor Carter. Therefore one must ask who (exactly) has highlighted the wards in question? Also I would be interested to see his 'written assurance' on the issue. Is a site 'never' coming or merely the dreaded ' not in the foreseeable future'? I wish to see said document at your earliest convenience COUNCILLOR Phillips!

What has really caught my eye in his little rant was the fact he totally omitted to assure us we were not the site for his parties incinerator, as I say with politicians it is what they leave out you have to look for. How about a 'written assurance' on that eh COUNCILLOR?

Onto his rather precious assertion I should call him and his cronies by their proper title, fine by me, he can call himself the Queen Mother for all I care! However I did raise a smile when he insists on being called 'Mister' rather than 'Councillor', still I suppose he needs to start getting used to that as, after the 3rd of May next year, I intend to ensure that is his correct title!

I must admit to being a little surprised by his final paragraph. After his criticism he then praises me and others for the Christmas lights evening. Not that I need his thanks or praise, it's called community work COUNCILLOR, I do it year in year out, it's known as serving the community if you are struggling with these concepts Christmas is nearly upon us, get one of your Tory cronies to buy you a thesaurus! I will say no more on the issue as I have agreed I will not, unlike COUNCILLOR Phillips, name-check service organisations of which I am a member for political advantage, it is really tawdry and not how I want to run a campaign.

Finally on a happy note may I offer my sincere congratulations to my fellow contributor Alan Lamb who has been selected to stand for council in 2007 in Wetherby for the Tories. Alan did well last year and came a reasonable second to Tom Murray. He was head and shoulders above his Tory colleague COUNCILLOR or MISTER Phillips. I will miss his contributions to the Leeds 25 community website and hope he finds a similar vehicle for his comments in his new post code. Mark Dobson

1st December - Off to Fight New Battles

May I take this opportunity to thank the webmaster for his kind words regarding my departure as GRA chair, it is very gratifying to be so appreciated. He is right when he says I am off to fight new battles, the council election is a mere 5 months away and already things are gathering pace.

I do not intend to use big issues to fight a crass phony war as the Tories have done in the past, but I am deeply concerned about what the Tory council have up their sleeves for our ward next. I still have received no concrete verification that the ward will not be the site of the Tories new super incinerator that will import rubbish from all over the county from domestic and (worryingly) commercial sources. Neither have I had verification that our home will not be site to one of the mooted new traveller sites. Councillor Phillips silence on these two issues has, frankly, been deafening. A simple 'no' would suffice. His reluctance to offer such an assurance fills me with dread.

What I can tell you is this. The Labour group in Leeds oppose large scale incineration and voted against such a move in council. Sadly the Tories and the Libs won the day with their combined vote. At least the Greens who usually support, and actually form part of ,the administration did the decent thing and voted with Labour, but this is what happens when parties with no mandate to govern join together for the sake of political expediency. It is all the more important that we remove Phillips in May, we need ecologically sound long-term solutions to waste disposal, not quick fix-make a few quid off the back of it disasters like an incinerator. I urge you all to contact Phillips and ask him how he voted on this issue. Mark Dobson.

29th November - Standing Down at GRA

Well, after three turbulent years, that's it for me, no more residents chair! The time was right, the group needs a new direction and, frankly, I need a break! The new chair will be my good friend and regular commentator on these pages Mr Dave Richards. I wish him all the best. Who knows, if we manage to see off the last Tory in May next year he may not have to go through the hell they have subjected me to. I sincerely hope so. Three years ago I must admit I was very very naive. I genuinely believed that there was a place amongst all local politicians for people like me, laymen who simply wanted to improve their community. Wrong wrong wrong! Yes, Colin Burgon MP and the Labour team have always accommodated me, hence my belated decision aged 40 to join the party, and my subsequent chance to fight the seat of Garforth and Swillington next year.

Seriously, hand on my heart, none of this was planned. If you had told me aged 40 that I would be standing for political office within a few short years I would have either laughed in your face or ran a mile, or possibly both!!!! The simple fact is dealing with the Labour team and then comparing them to the Tory lot, there was really is no comparison for me. Add that to the fact I genuinely have a passion and a desire to serve this ward I find myself Labour's candidate in 2007!

I hope my tenure as GRA chair will be remembered as a period where Garforth people used their voice and changed the old attitude amongst the powers that be that we are Leeds dumping ground, but the challenge goes on. Rest assured the Tories have yet to rule out we will be the venue for either their incinerator or their travellers park, also rest assured that if you elect me in 2007 I will give them one hell of a fight and, as you have probably gathered over the last three years, I am not a good loser, and I don't intend to be beaten on either of these issues! Mark Dobson.

26^th November - Extended Licencing Hours, 12 Months On

How predictable of Councillor Les Carter to rubbish the new licensing laws on the first anniversary of the act, YEP Friday 24th. As sure as night follows day here we have a city councillor trotting out the argument that it has cost the council 800,000 pounds to administer the act with no return stating 'Britain's booze culture is as bad as ever'.

Well, I don't know about Britain but let's concentrate on Leeds shall we? In the same article the Police revealed a 22% drop in city centre violent crime since the introduction of the act.Indeed his comments are full of confusing statements.

As residents chair in Garforth during 2005 I attended many licensing hearings representing Garforth residents to make the case against extended licensing in our town. You see I happen to think, and the statistics tend to agree, that the act does work in city centres where the steady dispersal of drinkers into non-residential areas is much better over a prolonged period of time. I think it is less effective, and argued the point with various licensing panel's, when drinkers are hitting residential streets in the small hours of the morning, it's common sense.

Now, the act gives local authorities the power to differentiate between these two sets of circumstances, but with the exception of one public house in Garforth refused an extended license on the advice of the Police, all the other pubs in our town were granted extensions. The panels I attended included many members of the Tory/Liberal coalition who, twelve months on, are crying foul! Sorry, but it won't wash!

Councillor Carter and Co had the opportunity to make a series of sensible decisions, grant extensions where appropriate and refuse where it was not. They and they alone failed to take that opportunity. If it did indeed cost the 800,000 pounds mentioned to administer the scheme in Leeds maybe a few wiser decisions would not have come amiss? At least that would have been money well spent?

A big well done must go to the Garforth Amateur Dramatic Society for their excellent production of 'Cash on Delivery', a farce based on someone attempting to defraud the DSS. As a former employee of the DHSS (as was) many many moons ago it was not a million miles away from the truth (some of the stories I could tell you)!

Also nice to see our very own webmaster Chris at the event (thought he only existed in cyberspace). Again, many congratulations and I wish you many more years of success. Mark Dobson

23^rd November - Cemetery, Knightsway and Survey Findings

May I thank Councillor Pauleen Grahame for highlighting the dreadful conditions regarding drainage at the extension to Garforth cemetery, YEP Tuesday the 21st. When I visited the cemetery in October this year the graves were completely waterlogged with several inches water, and when I returned earlier this month with Councillor Grahame the rain had soaked away but the area around the graves remained a quagmire.

Visiting departed loved ones is a difficult enough process without having to contend with the dreadful circumstances I have outlined. The remedial work undertaken by the council in the summer, including a new soak away, has proved totally insufficient in solving the problem. The obvious question is why was the extension put into use without a proper drainage facility being in place? It is not as if the council did not know the area consists mainly of solid clay, what did they think was going to happen?

The residents association will continue to press the council to find the necessary funds, irrespective of cost, to rectify this problem. This state of affairs cannot and must not be allowed to continue.

The reporting of the Knightsway episode in the YEP was sensationalised, but the question must be, as the forum administrator suggests, not only who rang the press, but who offered the quotes that proved so provocative? This is how it works-if you are speaking 'on the record' you say so. If you are speaking 'off the record' again you say so. I suspect the lady involved did not realise this and I think she was quite badly let down by an unsympathetic reporter who did not explain to her the accepted 'rules of engagement', it happens. Sadly it has not done the cause any good. I hope the statement released by the GRA, and reproduced on these pages, clarifies the position. These are good people with genuine worries. I am working with Colin Burgon to assure these projects are limited in number, but sadly I will be very surprised indeed if Councillor Phillips can get this particular project stopped as he claims. We will all have to wait and see.

And finally, the following is an extract from Alan Lamb's Tory 'survey' findings from October 2005, please read his comments and his proposed solutions

Many people raised specific individual concerns which I have passed to Cllr Phillips who is actively following them up. The objective of the survey was twofold, to give people an opportunity to air their views and grievances and then to use the results as a powerful tool to lobby those who have the power to make positive changes to our community. The results were very clear, people want;

a proper police presence

roads repaired

decent facilities for young people

an end to the counter productive and sometimes outright dangerous traffic calming measures

proper parking facilities at our train stations and shops

action to ensure local businesses behave responsibly

guarantees that developments will be in keeping with the character of the area.

Great sentiments I am sure you will agree but why, one year on and three years into a Tory run council, have none of these issued been addressed. I suspect the problem was Alan's solution, passing peoples concerns onto Councillor Phillips. As the third anniversary of this persons time in office looms the obvious question must now be, when is he going to do ANYTHING on ANY issue? Judging by the YEP report recently the only thing he has actively developed in his three wasted years in office is his ability to fill in expense claims! If success were measured in what this person has extracted in expenses this would be the best looked after ward in the city! Mark Dobson.

18th November - Is it April Fools Day

Did anyone see a letter in last nights YEP from Cllr Andrew Carter? I had to do a double take and look at my calender convinced as I was that I had somehow been transported through time to April fools day 2007. Why? Well, according to the good Councillor his Tory colleague Mark Phillips has, and I quote, 'supported a series of local objections' on Makin's, oh yeah? Does he know something we don't? Also, get this, Phillips does 'an invaluable job standing up for the community', seriously you couldn't make it up!

He also wax's lyrical about how it is the Labour Government who has passed Makin's appeal. Well lets analyse that statement. Firstly the Planning Inspectorate have complete autonomy from the Government, and while I think their decision was wrong, I have to say they were using the Town and Country Planning Act as a guide, legislation brought in by the Tories.

Seriously does Carter think we are all thick? Phillips supported Makin and has only jumped ship for political expediency. We all know that, this attempt to salvage Phillips shattered reputation at the 11th hour is too little too late. I suggest Carter sticks to Pudsey issues and let us get on with the job east of the city. Mark Dobson

17th November - Knightsway

Whilst the GRA are grateful to the YEP for raising the issue of the bungalow in Garforth currently under conversion and the problems this has caused local residents, we think it is important to clarify the underlying nature of residents objections and to stress that no one from the residents to the builder wants the kind of 'turf war' described in the article that appeared in Wednesday's paper.

The problem facing residents is this. We have been assured by Leeds City Council planners that the builder in question is within his rights to progress this development and, having spoken to local residents, we believe their issue is not with the particular person involved. However, the street involved consists of bungalows and the majority of the residents are people who have down-scaled to such properties in retirement. Residents are genuinely concerned that if the type of scheme undertaken on the street becomes popular and takes off with local contractors, bearing in mind that no planning permission is needed, over time the bungalows will disappear and the whole character of the street will inevitably alter. This also has a knock on effect for older residents seeking retirement housing in the town. This cannot be a good thing.

The residents association have approached the Planning Dept who tell us that as this type of scheme is not restricted in number this fear may well become a reality over the next decade or so. To that end we have raised the matter with Colin Burgon MP who intends to speak with the relevant Minister to seek a review of planning policy to establish if restrictions on schemes of this nature can be applied locally.

The residents association feel residents of Knightsway have genuine fears that need to be addressed and we will continue to work with local people to that end. However we also sympathise with the builder who has been told he can legitimately carry out this type of work without planning. It is important to stress again that we feel that both sides of this dispute appear to want a harmonious outcome, but we also believe the nature of such building schemes must be restricted to maintain the character of our streets and the nature of the communities who occupy them. Mark Dobson, GRA Chair.

14th November - Survey of Parking Problems Imminent

I attended the ward forum yesterday evening, Jim Wiggington from Planning Enforcement also attended to discuss and progress the Makin issue, so to reassure residents the GRA and Councillor Murray are not prepared to walk away from this issue.

Also in attendance was Mark Phillips. As usual he did not utter a single word during the entire proceedings, really, what is the point? One interesting tit-bit that did come my way however was the administrations final acceptance that there are parking issues on the Main Street. Their solution, you'll love this, is to commission a survey to tell them what we already know. It gets better, the cost of this 12 HOUR operation Will be 1,400 pounds. I will say it slowly in case you didn't hear me, ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS for TWELVE hours work! No wonder Phillips keeps quiet! Personally I would start making him earn his brass. Give him a clipboard and let him do it, after three years on easy street I for one think he owes us twelve hours work! Mark Dobson

12th November - Dining With 34 Year Old Lions

I would like to take a moment if I may to make an observation about Garforth and District Lions. Yesterday evening I attended the clubs 34th birthday celebration, the charter dinner, at the Holiday Inn at Garforth. Clubs from all over the district joined Lion President Dave Richards and his guests to celebrate this event.

I raise this because in those 34 years the Lions has become an integral part of the very fabric of life in our town and beyond. From the bonfire, santa, gala to raising (and spending) vast sums of money on local good causes the club are true servants of our community and I realised last night how deeply honoured I am to be one of their number. Seriously, what would we do without them?

We are an extended family, and like all families we sometimes disagree, but I will tell you this. I could not have 40 more loyal friends. Sometimes it is easy to forget that. Now, you may not know this but I am a man of strong opinion! I suspect sometimes they could kill me but the great thing is this, any disagreement only ever stems from the drive by all members to improve the service we offer you, year in year out, without fear, favour or bias. The club always transcends opinion, agenda and any external pressure to serve everyone to the best of their ability. The club is the thing, members may come and go but the ethos and ethic remains the same. A neat trick to pull off over 34 years I am sure you will agree?

So congratulations Garforth and District Lions, well Done Lion Dave for hosting a wonderful evening. I raise a glass to you all my friends and colleagues, happy birthday!

Mark Dobson

11th November - Care for the Elderley

I was both interested and intrigued to hear the report today from the Local Government Association claiming that, by 2009/10, 370,000 older people currently receiving free low level care would have this service completely withdrawn. The claim being the saving would be needed to fund EU landfill directives. This is despite a 40% increase in Local Government spending over the last nine years from the Labour Government.

I have no reason to dispute what the association claim on the numbers of elder people involved, the timescale quoted or indeed the reasoning behind the cuts. However it does leave me to raise this question. Why have the Tory/ Lib Dem council in Leeds already imposed such cuts on home care provision in Leeds in 2006, leaving many elder residents in Garforth and Swillington and Leeds in general without proper care provision? What's your excuse Councillor Phillips? Mark Dobson.

10th November - Remarkable Levels of Achievement

I was thrilled yesterday to have been one of the Prize givers at Garforth Community college's annual awards evening. The level of achievement attained by the award recipients, in all areas, was quite remarkable. Also it was great to be entertained by 'Skaforth' the student ska band who entertained us so brilliantly with some songs from my youth-it was a real blast from the past. It was a super evening at which I was honoured to attend.

I was also interested to listen to the speech delivered by Sir Bruce Liddington, Commissioner for schools who was guest of honour. His talk on his responsibilities as commissioner was most enlightening and I was particularly heartened when he spoke of the massive improvements in our education system during in the last 9 years.

I make this point because, like with much of the BBC's output these days, every year when the media comments on the state of our schools at result time I always let out a massive groan. Results are going up and up, standards are rising, but if you listen to the media that is because the courses are easier, I don't buy it. I happen to think, and the college is a prime example of this, something at school is very right!

Now, don't get me wrong. As you know I believe indiscipline amongst some of our young people is one of our greatest social ills, not that the students I met last night were anything but the models of good behaviour, but we do have a problem with some of our youngsters. Problems many regular readers know I am keen to address if elected, but the actual education being offered in 2006? On that one, and I think the Schools Commissioner would agree, it is a case of crisis, what crisis? On last nights evidence when visiting a fine local school there seemed a lot to be very optimistic about. Mark Dobson

9th November - Gerrymandering in the Glencoes

One thing that has become glaringly obvious to me over the last few years is the real need not to adopt an insular view of all things Garforth. The ward is called Garforth and Swillington after all, and included under that particular umbrella are the two communities named (obviously) but also Great and Little Preston and a pocket of properties on the edge of Great Preston called the Glencoe's.

Now the Glencoe's are very interesting. Basically there is a good turn out to their little polling station, and ( usually) they support Labour. Many of the residents are elderly, indeed some are quite severely disabled, but being clued up citizens they turn out and vote. Sadly their political persuasion has led the Tories and the Liberals to suggest there is no real need for a polling station in this community, indeed they should walk up the steep and long road to Great Preston and vote there. I believe the old fashioned term for this is 'gerrymandering', forgive me if I have mis-spelt that, I thought this was all but stamped out. I have objected to the elections office, but personally if I win in May and I thought I had done so by denying certain members of a community a chance to cast a vote I would hang my head in shame. Interestingly city-wide it is only Labour supportive polling areas that are subject to any proposed changes, odd that isn't it!

On the subject of including our friends from outside the Garforth boundaries I have decided, with the support of senior colleagues, that the first Crime Prevention Panel in the new year (12th Feb 22007) will be held in Great Preston church hall. I feel we should always be aware we are Garforth and DISTRICT and I hope to then extend this initiative into Swillington in April. The time for the meeting will be 19.30hrs, but rest assured members of the CPP will be leafleting your area before these events takes place. Mark Dobson

8th November Here are my Definitive Thoughts on a Town Council

I feel my comments on this site were slightly, and I am sure not purposefully, misreprented on the latest homepage editorial so to clear up any confusion here are my definitive thoughts on the matter of a town council. Make of them what you will.

Firstly I must say I am not actually opposed in principle to local people taking control of their lives, after three years chairing the GRA that would be a bit rich wouldn't it? The difference is, of course, we do not cost the tax payer a single penny. I remain to be convinced that we need extra local taxation or it will have popular support

The committee talk about taking control of local buildings, to what does they refer? Would a Town Council want to assume control of the Welfare Hall, Firthfields etc? Also where is all this land that we can convert to play areas? We have attempted to progress the release of land for sport for over three years, trust me, it is hellishly difficult, especially because of the Tory/Lib Dem council, not to mention expensive. Whilst we are on the subject of money, let's assume the committees figures are correct and we can raise 250,000 per anum. When you consider the skateboard park alone has cost 171,000 you see that the figure quoted is a drop in the ocean. Also how much will go on admin and how much will go to front line services?

I hate to say this, but it needs saying all the same. What kind of people would be attracted to this body, and why now? I am concerned a town council all of a sudden seems attractive because of the increased powers currently proposed by the Government. Garforth has basically run on community groups and others successfully for years and years, where would they fit into the new arrangements? I feel at the very least the committee should arrange to attend the ward forum and open themselves to scrutiny before they progress with any form of petition, do they have a mandate to proceed? Maybe so, maybe not, but surely they must find out?

To reiterate let me say this. If the people want a town council so be it, but it must be developed properly, proper consultation must be observed and the public must be aware of all aspect of the petition they will be expected to sign. For example would the petition carry a disclaimer on the potential precept, I feel it must. I suggest we all take a deep breath and step back from this. The committee needs to think who they need to consult with first before they progress this matter further. There is no rush. If, after the end of your fact finding, you still want to press on fair enough. However you must think this through first.

Now, here's the tricky bit. Both of the motivators of this scheme are friends of mine, indeed one is amongst my very best and closet friends. Both are people of great integrity and with a passion for our community. That does not means friends always agree. They also know me and they know if they do their homework and bring this back to the table my view may change. Indeed one of the reasons I have written this piece was because one of the committee deemed it appropriate and I do hold their views in high regard. Both are men of energy, drive and vision-could those talents be better utilized? That is only a question guys, but I can think of half a dozen issues right now where I would want you by my side before the formation of a town council even appears on the horizon.

Of course my own election is looming and I can give any reader this guarantee. Yes, clearly over the last three years litter has increased, the roads have worsened, we have a bugeoning anti-social behaviour problem, parking is a nightmare and the committee are right when they say the planners ignore us. On that point they are pushing against an open door. No one knows that to be true more than I. The point is, if elected, I will dedicate myself to addressing these issues. Anyone who knows me, friend or foe, knows I will put my back into that task, with or without a town council. Mark Dobson

8th November - You Know it Makes Sense

I was heartened to read a letter in last nights YEP from Nigel Holmes and the residents of The Chase in Garforth. Their analysis of Councillor Phillips was spot on-after three years he still has no concept of the problem facing residents at Sturton Grange Farm. To suggest, as he did in the YEP, that he will ensure the utilities are only used between May and October is a nonsense! The whole point is we do not believe the occupiers of the caravans are 'seasonal agricultural workers' and as such we do not feel they should be in occupation of the caravans at all! What's the old expression? A little knowledge is a dangerous thing!

I was also pleased he agrees with me on this town council business. I have noticed a pattern is forming here. First he praises the GRA for getting him out of a self-inflicted hole on the street lighting debacle and now this. I only have one message for any potential Phillips support in May. When your own candidate begins to agree with me on most every issue surely it's time to switch your allegiance, vote for me and be done with it? What do you say Councillor Phillips? C'mon, you know it makes sense! Mark Dobson

6th November - We Need to Think About a Town Council in Garforth

I have spent the weekend seeking various opinions on the proposed Garforth Town Council and would like to offer readers the following observations. Whilst I am not against the proposals in principle I would suggest before these plans are developed and a lot more thought and consideration needs to be given to the idea.

Firstly, yes, I am sure you will get many people actively signing your petition. However, how many will be as happy when they receive a precept of up to £45 per an um? Any petition must let people know the extra cost involved. I am not convinced residents who are aware of this would be happy to sign up to another layer of local taxation.

Secondly the committee needs, as a matter of urgency, to meet with the ward forum and seek a consensus before they proceed. The next meeting is 6pm on Monday next at the Community College. A small group of people cannot simply think this is a good idea and proceed with it without consulting the very people who have been involved in all aspects of community life for many years.

Who would form any town council? Bear in mind Government legislation will greatly increase the powers any Town Councillors have, do we really need yet another layer of bureaucracy?

Where does that leave many community groups and who would assume control of the Welfare Hall, Firthfields etc? Supporters of a Town Council may say 'not us'. All well and good, but how long will it be before residents paying the precept want them to do just that? Currently the Lions pay for the bonfire. Would there be an argument that this should be paid for via the precept? Where does it end and has anyone actually considered any of the above?

Let me reiterate my opening point. I am not against the idea but I am always of the opinion consult first. This is an absolute must, if for no other reason than a courtesy to all involved. There are dozens of points that require an answer before I would be happy to see any petition in any local shop. Please think long and hard before you proceed, come to next weeks forum and raise the matter, if you have the support all well and good, but no man is an island. Find out if you are on solid ground first. Mark Dobson.

4th November British Sausage Week

This morning I joined Colin Burgon MP at Firth's butchers on Main Street to celebrate 'British Sausage Week' and partake of a sausage to raise funds for the Daniel Yorath Centre in Garforth. Well done to Duncan from Firth's and to Val Clough from the centre for such an enterprising initiative.

Next it was on to the Welfare Hall to support the McMillan Supporters at their fund raiser. Anyone who has had a family member suffering with a long term illness will know, as I do, of the wonderful work McMillan staff do, so it was a pleasure to join the supporters for a lovely mornings fund raising. Well done to you all.

Well done yet again to my fellow Lions for last night’s bonfire. 3,000+ local people joined us on the field for a great bonfire and a superb firework display. The weather was perfect and I certainly enjoyed the event. Thanks to Cllr Tom Murray for the honorary lighting of the fire, and thank you to the public for joining us! See you all soon with Santa!

Mark Dobson

3^rd November I’m in a State of Shocked Incredulity

I have just read the latest comments of Councillor Phillips regarding the planning decision at Sturton Grange Farm and I must say I am in a state of shocked incredulity at the sheer nerve of the man. In three years, except for supporting the initial application and suggesting residents leave poor Mr Makin alone, he has done nothing whatsoever to assist residents, even suggesting in his literature the situation was resolved and the caravans had all gone away!

Whilst we agree the decision of the Inspectorate was wrong, to somehow link them to the national Labour government is simply beyond the pale. The inspectorate has total autonomy from any political interference. He has also forgot to mention that it was his own LEEDS CITY COUNCIL that allowed Makin to site the caravans on top of peoples houses in the first place. This Councillor should carry the following health warning 'Caution-this man will say and do anything to get himself re-elected'.

Does he honestly believe a few soothing words now will get him off the hook for three years of complete inactivity? Who is he trying to kid! How dare he pontificate about people not wanting to get involved in local issues when he and his brigade have spent THREE YEARS undermining me at every turn. Frankly I am sickened. He should hang his head in shame. I may sound angry, and do you know what?- I am!

Mark Dobson

3rd November - Standing Down at GRA

The GRA meeting on Monday the 27th of November will be my last as chair. My tenure in office was due to expire in April but I have decided to bring the date forward. The last three years have been extremely fulfilling and I hope Garforth, Swillington and Great Preston residents know I have always done my very best to serve them along with my GRA colleagues, but enough is enough.

When I look at Stocks, the prison, phone masts, street lights, Makin's and of course our finest hour-retaining the fire station against hour reduction, I leave the chair with a sense of pride. I have always tried my best without fear or favour, sometimes against very difficult circumstances.

I have made so many friends in these three years I cannot list them all for fear of missing any-they know who they are. I have also made a good few enemies, self-centred individuals interested only in protecting their position in life through deceit, dishonesty and bullying. They too know who they are!

We have proved in three short years ordinary men and women can change their own lives and those of their fellow residents. I thank most humbly all the people who have rung me, signed petitions, completed letters, attended meetings or simply stopped me in the street to offer thanks. That was never needed, however, I want to thank them for their (continued support).

So what next? I want to put the skills I have developed over the years into serving you as your next city councillor for Garforth and Swillington, and I ask you all to consider this. Next years election, more than any other before or since, is nothing to do with your usual party politics. I want to appeal personally to you all to put your many political views (or none) to one side and vote for the person you feel is best equipped to represent YOUR INTERESTS on the council.

My telephone number is 07974 963280 or 0113 2874610, ring them and you get me. Not an office in Wetherby or Warwickshire, just me. Any issue, query or comment will be addressed by me personally. The relationship I want to forge between myself and the electorate will be based on trust, hard work and a sense that we are all in this together. Look at my track record. Compare it to my opponents. Then make your choice. You know I will always give you my very best.

Regards, Mark Dobson.

1st November - Why address the issues now?

I'm confused. No change there then! I refer to Alan Lamb's letter on the letters page. He calls for improvements to hedges, roads, parking , facilities for young people etc, and goes on to say he will put pressure on the powers that be to bring about the changes we all want to see. How odd? Forgive me, but I am sure his party have run this city for the last 3 years. Why address the issues now? One would be cynical to suggest that this new found interest in community life has anything to do with trying to get Phillips re-elected in May, but you have to wonder?

Also why is Mr Lamb calling himself the Conservative spokesman for Garforth and Swillington? Phillips is the Councillor after all. Clearly a case of the tail wagging the dog, or is he merely the more eloquent of the two? Mark Dobson

31st October - Waterlogged Cemetry

Garforth Residents Association have received numerous complaints from concerned  residents regarding the extension to Garforth cemetery, specifically the  flooding that occurs following heavy rain. Today I met with residents and Cllr  Pauline Grahame to assess the situation with a council officer from the  cemeteries Dept. The flooding at the cemetery is intolerable for residents  wishing to visit their loved ones. It makes maintenance of the plots an impossibility at this time of year.. Clearly the drainage issue should have been  addressed before the extension came into use. The residents association will continue to lobby the council to ensure that the problem is addressed as a  matter of urgency. I will keep you all informed of developments. Mark Dobson GRA  Chair

29th October    Garforth Arts and Crafts Exhibition

May I offer my congratulations to all the exhibitors at the Garforth Arts and  Crafts exhibition that has been running at the Welfare Hall this week. The  standard of product was first rate. From pictures to photographs, needlework and  woodwork and everything in between it was a most enjoyable and worthwhile visit. I also think thanks are due to the Garforth Community Association for hosting the  event and working so hard behind the scenes to bring the whole thing together  and make it such a success, well done!     Mark Dobson

26th October – Recycling is the Answer

Under the Tories we are heading for a meltdown in terms of waste collection-fact! Why? Well consider this. We are putting, as a city, way too much rubbish in to the ground, tons of the stuff, and the city will be virtually bankrupt because of this in fines. These will total at least 217 millions pounds by 2020. Let's assume, for arguments sake, planning is granted for the incinerator by 2016 at a cost of around 120 millions we (that's you and me as taxpayers) will be in a financial black hole to the tune 337 million pounds for, let's face it, a scheme of dubious merit.

The answer is a simple one. We must invest, right now, on improved recycling from the home. Separate containers for glass, garden and food waste, plastic, paper and cardboard waste. The minimum amount possible should be put into the ground to get us out of the financial fix the fines would leave us in, but we need to act now! The Tories want an incinerator because they think it will kill two birds with one stone. It will burn all the rubbish and we can import other authorities rubbish (and industries) to bail us out of the mess they have got us into in the first place! Surely to act now would be wiser? As I have said before nice pictures of trees as their logo will not convince people the Tories have any green credentials whatsoever. If elected in 2007 I give readers my pledge here and now. I oppose an incinerator in our city.. I oppose an incinerator in our town. If elected I will argue the green case in council and outside and will do all within my power to stop it. You have my word. In the meantime write to Phillips to seek his opinion  on the incinerator and why he and his Tory cronies sat back and allowed a group of men and women in a room to allow this without even putting it before the full council. Be it on the Tories proposed Travellers site (earmarked for Garforth and Swillington or TempleNewsam) or this scheme, a vote for Phillips in May is a vote to put our home in jeopardy.

As I said before, use their information gathering tool (sorry, survey) to write to Phillips and register your concerns. Do it now, no to an incinerator, no to a Travellers camp and no to Phillips! Mark Dobson 

24th October -  On Posting Website Entries

On reading my fellow contrbutor Councillor Mark Phillips page an interesting entry on street lighting from back in January caught my eye, it reads as follows...............

your views on these will be sought by the council via on-street questionnaires and other methods and notices advertising the placement of these trial columns will be posted soon. I understand that there are three planned for Main Street. Remember this is only a trial which will determine whether the project goes ahead so your views are vital. Keep an eye out for the advertisements; you can either take part in one of the on-street questionnaires or write to me at 39 Acaster Drive, GarforthLS25 2BH. I'd welcome your comments and will make sure that your views are fed back to council.

Was this exercise ever undertaken I wonder or was it like the imaginary consultation and did Councillor Phillips ever follow any of it up? If our views were so 'vital' as he put it why were we ignored? Did he ever 'feed our views back to the council' as he puts it? I doubt it! There is a difference between posting items on this site, although very welcome, and actually undertaking the everyday nuts and bolts of ward work.

 As you are aware, I have now taken on the role of sorting out the mess Councillor Phillips’ administration have left us in and I am working hard to resolve all the outstanding problems with both residents and SEC management. It is still not too late to contact me if you too have an issue with street lighting. After all, there is more to public service than posting website entries....................................................Mark Dobson

24th October  - Lions Bonfire

Garforth and District Lions Club hold our annual community bonfire on the 3rd of  November. It is held on Glebelands Field, Ninelands Lane, Garforth. We light the fire at 6.30 with fireworks at 7pm. The event is free but the Lions will be  making a collection on the gates. All monies go to supporting local good causes.  We look forward to seeing you all there. Lion Mark Dobson

23rd October   Thanks Dave

May I thank my fellow contributor Dave Richards for two weeks pressing Leeds  City Council for the re-instating of the Leeds Learning Forum. He went to the  Chief Executive Paul Rogerson no less and lo and behold, the forum is now back  on-line! The official tag is that it was down for repair, but Dave was told it  was in danger of never returning. Hmmm, wonder why? Anyway, well done again  mate, nice to see abit of democracy in action!

As advertised on the home page, why not give the Garforth Amateur Dramatics  Societies latest offering 'Cash On Delivery' a try? It runs between the 22nd and  the 25th of November at the Miners Welfare Hall, £4.50 and £3 concessions. Also follow our website www.garforthra.co.uk and you will find a  link to their website. It makes quite a fascinating read, with details of all past productions going back decades. I wish them every success in their latest  venture. Mark Dobson

21st October  - Makin - GRA  Statement-

We have today received confirmation that the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol has granted Makins permission for permanent utilities on the green belt caravan field. Let us be clear about this, this decision is  a massive blow for those of us who have campaigned on this issue over the last two years. We feel this decision is clearly wrong but, as it was the decision of  the Inspectorate, it will stand and we have no recourse against it.

For the last two years the GRA have been guided by  residents and now is the time to take stock of where we go from here. We still  believe there is an argument to be made with Leeds City Council Planners that  the permitted development for seasonal caravans should now be re-examined as a  matter of urgency before the 2007 season. There is a good case to be made that, due in part to the permanent utilities being granted, these caravans do not  constitute seasonal agricultural dwellings under the terms of the ‘Town and Country Planning Act’. The GRA also believe that the workforce using the  dwellings is not exclusively engaged in seasonal agricultural work.

Our thoughts are that we should lobby the Council to  suspend any previously agreed permitted development pending a re-investigation  as to the merits of granting such a permission for the next season. Early next week we intend, via Councillor Murray, to arrange a meeting with Jim Wiggington  (Leeds City Council Enforcement Dept) to explore every avenue left open to us.  The GRA and residents still believe the terms under which permitted development  were granted were not properly looked into by the council and we will be asking  them to support us in a much more pro-active way from now  on.

Residents continued support and willingness to work as a community has taken us a long way  in this issue and whilst this is a major setback there are still other avenues  we will explore on your behalf. We will let you know the outcome of any meeting  as soon as possible. Mark Dobson, GRA Chair.

20th October  -  Contact Me on Any Issue

An interesting add on to the incinerator story. Evidently the Integrated Waste Strategy, that includes plans for an incinerator, were not even heard by full council. Rather it was the Executive Board who made the decision to forge ahead. I ask why are massive decisions for our city being decided behind closed doors? Surely an issue of this magnitude is worthy of a debate in full council? I have still not heard back from Councillor Phillips. Maybe my letter is in his 'things to do' tray, under the letter I sent him in July about the prison?

Has anyone had the Tories survey? Of course I did not, but can I suggest the following. Write on it, NO TO A LEEDS INCINERATOR, and demand Councillor Phillips lobbies his own administration against this scheme. By the way, be careful not to give these people your details on their survey. They go on a massive data base that is then used to ring you from down south somewhere, it has nothing whatsoever to do with raising local issues. Please beware!

I am still trying to mop up the mess made by Councillor Phillips and his Tory cronies on the street lighting issue. I have handled over 100 complaints this week alone and put many residents together with the company. However if you want to speak to SEC please feel free to ring me anytime on 07974 963280.

 Please remember that number. That is my personal number. If you ring it you will not get an office, an answer machine or a third party. Just me. Feel free to contact me at any time on any issue. You all know I will always do my very best for you.

Mark Dobson

18th October  - Incinerator Plant for Garforth?

Well it takes more than a nice logo of a tree for the Tories to change their spots does it not? Today is a massively important day for Leeds, I wonder  how many of you actually know what is going on? Well, if the Rainbow Alliance have their way, including The Greens ironically, Leeds is set for a waste  incinerator. With the minimum consultation this administration plan to build one  (where one asks?) in Leeds. Is waste incineration the answer to our waste disposal needs? Well, the Tories and the Libs are on the verge of bankrupting  the city anyway as they have failed to meet landfill targets year on year and  huge financial penalties are soon to kick in, but is an all eggs in one basket incinerator the answer?

Ask yourself this. If you think all your waste is burned will you be more or less inclined to re-cycle? Less I suspect, the incentives are removed. I feel  a mixed approach is better, controlled landfill, bio-degradable pellets, a massive increase in highly sorted recycling using the continental model, but  incineration?-no ta!

Consider this. An incinerator needs more than our rubbish to be viable.  Leeds will now have rubbish coming into town from other authorities, and  industry, to make the thing viable. Maybe that is why the Tories want it?-they  will earn a few quid! Even if you buy into the clean burn argument, what about  the bottom ash and fly ash these things generate. Massively difficult to  disperse cleanly and cram packed full of micro sized particles of god knows  what!

Today is a unique opportunity for Cllr Mark Phillips to do the right thing  for once. I have written to him, without reply, to urge his party to avoid this  action, and to vote against it. To date he has not replied to me. As residents  chair I think this is utterly outrageous but not entirely surprising. Who was he elected to represent, us or his cronies in the Civic Hall!

This is not a political rant. I have done my homework and met with Friends  of the Earth. This effects us all and I will close by telling you this. If he  tries to stick the thing in Garforth and Swillington and I promise Cllr Phillips  the mother of all fights to stop it! Mark Dobson

17th October  - Walkabout with the NPT

May I thank Inspector Elizabeth Belton of Garforth's Neighbourhood Policing Team for joining me on a walkabout in the Garforth on Monday last. The residents association and the NPT are keen to forge better community links and address the issues of concern to residents. What better way than for a senior officer to go out and ask the actual people concerned? The NPT are keen to improve the public's accessibility to the service and on Monday, by meeting local residents, we picked up on many of the local Policing issues that concern Garforth people.

 This is the kind of work the residents association have been keen to progress over the last two years. Working on community projects with the Police, such as obtaining the Designated Public Place Order banning the consumption of alcohol on our streets, we are beginning, just beginning, to make inroads into the issues that concern us all. Monday's exercise highlighted the fact that low level, drink-fuelled crime is still a problem that must be addressed, indeed the NPT have changed their shift patterns to be more visible on the specific evenings when such problems tend to occur. Of course things are far from perfect but it is only through working with the Police as a community that things will improve so again I thank Inspector Belton for Monday's initiative. Mark Dobson, GRA Chair

14th October  -  Bye Bye Leeds Communities Online

Council Web page: Only this week I was informed that any criticism of Councillor Mark Phillips, despite being accurate in nature, will now no longer be accepted on the council run 'Leeds Communities On line' website. Then, since Wednesday last the site has been down entirely, with word from the Forum Administrator that it might not be coming back. Daft or what? Did anyone see 'Garforth Views'? It had more threads and hits than every other ward in the city put together. However, because many residents used it to express their dissatisfaction with Mark Phillips it disappears. Who runs Leeds again, the Rainbow Alliance (yuk) or the KGB? 

 How sad, remember during the height of the Makin dispute when I was banned from leading a deputation to the Civic Hall? Gagging as a tactic never works. When will these people ever learn that we live in a democracy and my right to be heard, like it or not, is one of the few fundamental privileges afforded to every citizen irrespective of rank in society.  What is sadder is that the Tories have now denied Garforth and Swillington people access to an important information outlet for local activists, shame on them, deep, deep shame on them! Mark Dobson

 14th October  -  Miners Arms

Like many Garforth residents I share Councillor Mark Phillips thoughts that the refusal of an extended license in respect of the Miners Arms public house was 'the right decision for Garforth'. However I feel I must point out to readers a story that YEP reporter Richard Edwards produced last year where it was revealed Councillor Phillips had a very different view when it came to the extended licensing of other local public houses in the town, including The Gaping Goose.

During 2005 I attended many licensing hearings relating to several Garforth public houses in my role as residents chair. Around this time we asked Councillor Phillips to object on our behalf regarding the licensing application for Gaping Goose, and he gave the residents association written confirmation he had done that. This proved not to be the case and as a result he was reported to the Standards Board for England.

I cannot help but wonder if, using Councillor Phillips rule of thumb and his picking and choosing on the issue, he feels all the other licensing applications he failed to object to were the right decisions for Garforth? I would suggest the dozens of residents who objected to these applications, including the Gaping Goose, would disagree? 

It is clear that Councillor Phillips new found interest in this issue has far more to do with self promotion as his election looms than anything to do with the control of public house licensing. Jumping on yet another bandwagon late in the day really is becoming the hallmark of this character. Mark Dobson

13th October  -  Meet Mike Williams

Further to last nights meeting, Mike Williams, SEC's Regional Director, has  agreed to meet personally any residents unhappy with the street  lighting work done to date. He has agreed that your queries are to be passed to  him via the GRA and myself. Please follow the links from this site to contact  me. May I thank Cllr Tom Murray for his chairing of the meeting. I hope  residents are satisfied with the efforts I have made on their behalf. As I  always say, I make no guarantees, but I think you all know I always give you my  very best. Mark Dobson.

11th October 2006 - Street Light Fiasco Rolls On

The Garforth and Swillington street light fiasco rolls on. Without any prior consultation and seemingly on the whim of the current Tory/Lib Dem administration our ward has been subjected to new street lights being erected left, right and centre with no regard to the needs or concerns of local people. Councillor Phillips, who represents the administration in our ward, offers no answer other than to blame someone else (the sub-contractors in this case) for work his administration has authorised. He has publicly promised 'strong action' against the company concerned, but the feedback I am getting from residents is very different. His idea of 'strong action' is for the company to start putting cards through our doors before work starts from now on, basically what they should have been doing in the first place. Sorry, but that is simply not good enough!

  He claims nothing can be done to rectify the huge number of street lights incorrectly erected or removed to date. Why not? If Southern Electric were contractually obliged to consult with residents and failed to do so the work undertaken in error should be null and void. Councillor Phillips should instigate the 'strong action' he promises and get the contractor back to put things right, at cost to them in the form of deduction from the very lucrative contract handed to them by this administration, assuming the Tories had the gumption to add penalty clauses for shabby work?

This whole sorry mess could have been avoided. How sad that, because of the lack of common sense from this administration and the people they employ, an important public works scheme has been tarnished. Mark Dobson

28th September  Come to the Ward Forum

The GRA note that as a result of our campaign against the shambolic street light work in Garforth, Councillor Mark Phillips has had one of the sub-contractors dismissed. Is this not shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted? It certainly does nothing to address the concerns dozens and dozens of residents who have genuine complaints about the work already undertaken.

Also we feel it is this administration, that Councillor Phillips represents, that is responsible for the handing out of contracts and making sure that the consultation exercise was undertaken in advance of the work. Bearing this in mind maybe the wrong person was dismissed and it is Councillor Phillips who should be considering his position. Clearly the token sacking has more than a ring of 'scapegoat' about it! Hopefully he will address all these matters at the ward forum on the 12th of October, 6pm, GarforthCommunity College. Mark Dobson, GRA Chair.

22nd September -  Come to the Ward Forum

Councillor Phillips statements are, as usual, somewhat disingenuous! Let's be very, very clear about this. We all want effective street lighting, that is a given. However, and I think I am right on this issue Councillor, Southern Electric are DUTY BOUND under a contractual obligation to consult with residents BEFORE the work was undertaken. This has not happened and your statement, a masterpiece of smoke and mirrors fails to address this in any way, shape or form. The cards they have now conceded to put through doors will not help the dozens and dozens of unhappy residents who have already had the work botched now will they? Also they were a pre-requisite anyway, it is hardly a success on your part to get them to do what they were contractually obliged to do in the first place now is it? Also where was the rush? Why did they proceed without consultation, who allowed it and, most importantly, who benefits? After three years wasting his own, and more importantly, our time, this administration is DESPERATE to make it look like Phillips has done something, ANYTHING, for this community! This is a very, very shabby business. I suggest if you are so confident residents are happy, come to the ward forum on the 12th of next month, you know, the one you usually attend at election time, and tell it to our faces! A very angry Garforth resident. Mark Dobson

20th September -  Meeting With Southern Electric Arranged

I have secured the presence of Southern Electric at the next ward forum meeting to be held at the Community College 6pm, 12th  October. This is a meeting that is open to the public, can I suggest all interested parties come along and put forward your views. Mark Dobson

18th September - Street Lighting Update

Just a very quick update to let readers know I am STILL chasing Southern Electric to set up the meeting they agreed with me two weeks ago to discuss the  mountain of complaints I have had about the rushed-through street lighting  scheme. My questions to them will be regarding the consultation process they are contractually obliged to undertake, and why this was not carried out in our  long-suffering ward! As usual this administration have managed to snatch a defeat from the jaws of victory. Anyone cynical would think this whole botched  process has far more to do with Phillips attempts to get re-elected than residents security and safety...........................Mark Dobson

17th September – A Great Day Out

What a great day I have had! Allerton Bywater Community Partnership held their 2nd gala that is going to become a regular fixture on the local calendar. The organising committee attended the Lions Garforth gala in July and asked us to get involved. With 6 Lions colleagues we gave the gala committee use of our gazebos and ran their bar for them. For mid September the weather was kind and we hope we helped them raise lots of money for the good work they do in the area. Well done to all the team and thank you for making our visit to your village such a pleasure. Mark Dobson

13th September -  New Light Policy

Dear Councillor Phillips,

My how frustrating for you. There you were doing your bit for the environment only to be thwarted in your endeavours! Anyway, seeing as you are obviously free and have time to spare, any news on the shambolic new light policy? The complaints are racking up!

Oh, by the way, seeing as you have a free moment, have you sorted out a reply to my letter to you seeking an explanation on your stance on the prison? You've only had it since July. Finally, on the topic of waste disposal, when is your election?

Mark Dobson.

10th September - Robbie in the Park

I would like to break a self-imposed rule and comment on an event outside my own sphere of influence if I may. As a person who is passionate about the promotion of Leeds and about live music, I thought the marriage of the Robbie Williams concert and the RoundhayPark venue was a very good one. Indeed over the years I have enjoyed many concerts there myself, starting with The Rolling Stones way, way back in 1982 but, as usual, we seem to have grabbed a defeat from the jaws of victory.

 Who on earth sanctioned, two days before the event I believe, the closure of eleven schools for either all or part of the day? Was it the individual governing bodies or Education Leeds, and why did the administration sanction such a move? Whoever did float this idea should have been told, in no uncertain terms, that yet another day off was completely unacceptable just a week after the summer holidays.

Fine, I am sure that licensing the event in question brought revenue into the city, but how much revenue was lost by parents being forced into taking unwanted days off or having to pay for extra child minding provision?

 My parents were both in full time education between 1939 and 1945 when a world war was raging, I seem to recall my father telling me apart from one day when a bomb dropped on York Road he never missed a day, but that was only the threat of the Luftwaffe. Robbie Williams?- that's another matter, the danger to children was simply too great!

All joking aside, as a school Governor myself I would have been opposed to this had it been at my school and the governing body would have made sure parents had been given ample time to make other arrangements to get their kids to school, it's called forward planning. Can I suggest concerned parents contact Council Leader Mark Harris and establish who was behind this madness and send the applicable person or persons the bill to cover your loses?

One good thing though, at least this administration managed to get the city on the national news, shame it was as a laughing stock! Mark Dobson.

5th September  Traffic Issues Around Garforth

It was nice to see Alan Lamb emerge from his four month sabbatical to lecture parents on the horrors of driving ones children to school. Being considerably older than Alan I too walked to school during the 1960's and 70's. Also I could buy a comic for tuppence (old money) and get a bag of sweets for a shilling. Alan, the world has moved on, and any attempt to raise Phillips' profile as he has his election looming will be seen by the electorate for what it is, too little too late! He's been in three years, is he really asking us to accept he has only just realised there are traffic issues in Garforth? Many parents use their car as they drop their children off on the way to work, as Garforth expands many have longer and longer journeys to get to school, I am not saying it is ideal, far from it, but I also understand why it happens.

As usual the Tories target the wrong people, picking on parents just won't wash! For over a year Cllr Murray and I have been telling Leeds City Council there are traffic parking issues in the town, and the dogs dinner laughably called the regeneration of Main Street won't help either! The problem is people using Garforth as a park and ride scheme into Leeds, but when we approached Phillips' lot who run the city we are constantly told there are no problems.

One solution of course would be a yellow bus scheme, something the GRA have advocated for some time, and a project we are developing at present. I will keep you all informed of future developments. Mark Dobson

1st September  -  Seeing the Light and Vegetables

On Saturday I attended the annual Flower and Vegetable show at the Miners Welfare Hall. I must say I was quite taken aback by the quality of the entries in all categories including the home made foods. A town like ours is full of such little treasures if you are prepared to go out, join in and look for them. Well done to all involved from the organisers to the exhibitors and prize winners. I look forward to next years event!

How ironic. The 'Rainbow Alliance', the nice phrase for the Tories,the Libs and the Greens sanction the much needed street light project that has begun in Garforth and Swillington ward but, as usual, woefully neglect the consultation process. This has resulted in the GRA being deluged with concerned residents, one plunged into darkness as her light has been removed, others who came home to find a light slap bang outside their house.

What does Phillips do? In some kind of strange attempt to detach himself from the process he writes to residents retrospectively, requesting they write to him with their concerns! Isn't this a bit like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted? Sure we all want effective street lighting, but I have said it before and I will no doubt say it again, consult with residents. We and we alone know what our community requires, and where! Mark Dobson, GRA Chair

30th August  Swillington Art Exhibition

I spent a very pleasant morning at Swillington Art Groups' exhibition on  Wednesday. The standard of the work was superb, and I even invested in a piece. I appreciate art but I am to painting what King Herod was to child minding! The  group meet on Wednesday's at the Community Centre on Church Lane.Sadly the exhibition finishes today, but there's always next year. Go along next time, you  Will be pleasantly surprised. Mark Dobson.

29th August  - Farmer Makin Appeals to Secretary of State

As suspected Mr Makin at Sturton Grange Farm has now appealed to the Secretary of State for the Environment against an enforcement notice, issued by  Leeds City Council Planning Dept on the 9th of June, ordering him to remove the  utilities servicing the caravans on his land without permission.

These comprise of a foul drainage system, water and electric supply, septic  tanks and a detached electricity sub-station, all used to serve 'temporary  caravans'.

The GRA believe there is no justification for this appeal, permission was  refused by the City Council, and caravans to serve as temporary housing for  'seasonal agricultural workers' should not be enhanced to become, what we see  as, a permanent caravan site by default.

We urge concerned residents to contact the Planning Inspectorate at Room  3/26,Hawk Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN  by October the 4th. For more details go to www.garforthra.co.uk, Mark Dobson, GRA  Chair

28th August - No Joy at the Standards Board

I received the disappointing news on Friday that the Standards Board for England will not be taking any action against Councillor Phillips for spreading false statements on the so-called Garforth prison. They seem to claim that despite him issuing a series of misleading statements, and I use my words carefully, this is all part of the cut and thrust of political life, and it is up to the electorate to make a decision. Well, make a decision they did with both Tory candidates being comprehensively defeated at the last General and Local elections.

 However, I still do not think it is good enough to say whatever comes into your head for political gain, and then walk away without, it seems, being answerable to anyone. Phillips truly appears to be the Teflon Councillor, and he still hasn't replied to my letter asking him to explain away his comments on the prison. It is a disgrace, pure and simple. Let us hope the electorate again see sense in 2007 and remove this woefully inept individual once and for all. Mark Dobson

19th August  -  The Neighbourhood Police Team is Working

The recent debate in the media regarding the role of the Police, for me, only tells half the story.  Surely it is how the Police utilise the resources at their disposal that will ultimately dictate what kind of service we, the public, receive?

In Garforth the 'Neighbourhood Police Team' have, over the last 2 years or so, began a series of initiatives that are beginning to bear fruit. Inspector Elizabeth Belton and her team have re-instigated the 'Pub Watch' scheme, working in tandem with local licensees. Garforth now has a 'Designated Public Place Order' that bans the consumption of alcohol in public places. A 'Test Purchaser' exercise highlighted a local supermarket selling alcohol to minors, but most importantly it has been the re-engaging with the community that will, in my opinion, ultimately pay the most dividends.

As a regular attendee at the local Police Forum I was continually disappointed that residents were generally unhappy with Police performance, but did little about it themselves. Maybe they felt trying to engage with the Police was a pointless exercise? This is slowly but surely beginning to change. From Inspector Belton to her two Sergeants, Steve Goodwill and Richard Sullivan down to the PCSOs the Garforth NPT  genuinely seem to want to engage with residents and effectively utilise the local intelligence we can give them. Indeed the team's willingness to work with groups such as the Garforth Residents Association and the Tenants and Residents Association has been most gratifying. They now know where the law breaking elements reside and sanctions from warnings to ASBO's are now in place. Using the intelligence residents often provide, the NPT have been prepared to change shifts, deploy more officers at key times and address the issues that actually concern the community.

Sure, there is some way to go and I suspect we all long for the halcyon days where the mere sight of a police officer struck fear into ours hearts, sadly indiscipline in schools and at home have rendered those times a thing of the past. What I say is this. Let's use what we do have at our disposal wisely, work with the Police where and when we can and support them in their endeavours. Mark Dobson, GRA Chair

11th August -  Permission for Caravan Park Refused

Today I have been notified that Makins request for a permanent caravan park at  Sturton Grange Farm has been rejected by Leeds Planning Dept. The GRA feel this is good news. We are aware many residents saw the permanent siting of the  caravans away from their current location as a compromise, we did not. Indeed we felt it would open the floodgates for more development on the land, and who was  to say that would not have been on top of residents?

We also believe the  argument against Makin having any further permitted development in the future  to site temporary caravans on the land is a compelling one, and we remain  convinced that, and only that, is the correct long term outcome. That is why we  have spent the last two years persuading the Planning Dept to come round to our  way of thinking on the issue, and we believe this strategy is now beginning to  bear fruit. Mark Dobson., GRA Chair

6th Agust – New Street Lighting

I think any fair minded person would congratulate the current Tory/Lib Dem administration for deciding to forge ahead with the last Labour administrations plans for new street lighting. However, I have already been contacted by people in the ward who now find themselves with a street light slap bang outside their homes who claim they were not consulted before this took place. Has anyone else had a similar experience? If so please contact me through the website at www.garforthra.co.uk.

On an unrelated matter Phillips never did see fit to reply to my letter on the prison issue, see previous entries, sent 16 days ago. I assume he is very busy doing whatever he claims to do with his time.....Mark Dobson

31st July - A63 Selby Road J/W Lidgett Lane-proposed traffic signal control.

As you may be aware the GRA and Cllr Tom Murray have campaigned long and hard on this issue. Today City Services Dept have today written to me to say the funding is approved  and the scheme is now out for consultation.

It is proposed that the lights will include a pedestrian crossing system across Lidgett Lane and across Selby Road at the western side of the junction. The original crossing 80 metres west will be removed. Turning lanes will be provided at both sides of the A63.

Advanced stop lanes for cyclists are not included due to the need to provide pedestrian facilities and turning lanes.

If residents have any comments contact Lucy Carter at Highways Traffic, Selectapost 6, Ring Road, Middleton, LS10 4AX, or e-mail highways@leeds.gov.uk. Mark Dobson

27th July  Update on Misleading the People

Just an update-clearly Phillips has gone to ground as he has still to reply  to my letter. Leeds City Council have today informed me that I have to address  my concerns not to them but to The Standards Board for England, so that will be  my next port of call.

It may seem churlish to seek the answers to the questions I have raised but think on this.Last week when I was at the prison site with a Radio Leeds  reporter a man walking his dog came up to us. He was anxious about the proposed  prison, but even worse his wife wanted to put their house on the market. I know  Colin Burgon has had many worried residents contact him, as have I, quoting  Phillips none sense on the issue. You simply cannot go around saying whatever  you want and slinging as much mud as possible, for short term political gain, on the off chance some of it sticks and not expect to be held to account.

That is why I will continue to press for answers to the questions I have  raised previously. Mark Dobson.

25th July -  Standing for the Council

Cllr Carter's big 'revelation' in the YEP that I am in the Labour Party was a real shocker wasn't it? The fact I was Tom Murray's election agent in May last, and seeing as it says so at the top of this very page, was kind of a giveaway. Evidently he mentioned it in full council as well. Is this really how private individuals, for at this moment in time that is what I am, are supposed to be treated by elected people? I doubt it! Hey, it's not the first time I have been slagged off in the council chamber is it Mr Lamb?-Can't say I'm bothered that much, it shows them up for what they are!

Anyway, enough of that lot, irrelevant as they are. I have come to a decision regarding potential candidates for council in 2007. Standing for the council next year was not on my agenda, happy as I was to work for others. However, in the last week I have indeed applied to go on the panel of potential council candidates for 2007. Let's be clear about this. That does not necessarily mean I will be standing in 2007. It means I have put one foot of a very long path that will take me through interview, shortlist, selection etc. As things develop, or don't as the case may be, I will let you all know. Mark Dobson.

23rd July – Misleading the People

Just to keep you all in the loop, I have had no reply from Phillips so I have this afternoon filled in the council's own complaints procedure. Frankly I am not holding my breath. Last time Phillips mislead people (on the licensing issue) I went all the way to the Standards Board for the UK and he still managed to avoid any serious consequence-he really is the original teflon man.

 However on this issue, so important as it is, I will not stop until our questions are properly addressed and an apology is forthcoming. Mark Dobson

22nd July – Tory Misinformation about the Prison

Well well well, even at the eleventh hour Councillor Phillips is still unable to concede that the game is well and truly up! Sure, I admit both Cllr Phillips and Millard indeed spent many hours alerting Garforth residents to a prison in our town, but how did they do so? By misinformation, innuendo, half facts and slight of hand. Both of these political chancers should be well and truly ashamed of themselves. Look at the accurate time line I have laid out. Does Cllr Phillips deny these claims? Of course not, because they are accurate and can be verified as such! In 2005 (General election) and 2006 (Local election) the Tories were sent packing in this ward. Why? Simple, the public saw through them. There was no 'green light to build the prison' it was not 'imminent'- all their words, not mine! 

 Rest assured Councillor Phillips, following the summer break you will have the written assurances you seek. However, do not think this desperate attempt to clutch at straws will get you off the hook. You have some serious questions to answer. Look at the timeline I laid out, I challenge you to deny the accuracy of any of it. Will this be like Great Preston school-remember that one? You get found out and go to ground never to respond again? If I sound angry it is because I am angry, and also sick and tired of your endless attempts, made on these pages, to distort the truth.

It is also interesting, is it not, that Cllr Phillips does not comment on the silly and untrue claim posted on the Tories official website that the Home Secretary had given the 'green light' to the prison a month after last  years election. Grow up Councillor. The last few grains of your credibility have ebbed away. I strongly suggest you spend the weekend considering if you are a fit and proper person to continue to represent this ward. Mark Dobson.

PS, here is a copy of a letter from GRA to Councillor Phillips regarding the prison

21st July -  The Conservative View of the Prison 

I thought it was timely to see what the Conservatives have said publicly on this issue so I have put together this useful time-line for your edification, it does not cover all their statements, but it gives you all a good indication of where they were going with this issue, and why! 

 Time-line – Conservative Statements

January 2005

12th Defeated former Conservative Candidate for Garforth and Swillington Ward Alan Lamb tells Council meeting as part of a delegation

(a) Garforth one of 6 potential sites

(b) Work will begin in around 18 months

(c) Wakefield prison to close implying that Garforth is replacement site for category A prisoners.

Tory Leaflet – Millard states incorrectly

(a) Colin Burgon knows where new prisons will go and is withholding this information

(b) Colin Burgon misled people over planning matters regarding Crown Immunity (Whether prisons are exempt from planning permission).

February 2005

1st Millard email to residents– “The current Labour MP for your area has been advised of the Prison Minister’s decision to site one of Labour’s new “super prisons” in the town of Garforth.”

26th In YEP Cllr Harris promises to visit Home Office on Mar 7 – he arrives without an appointment and is turned away whilst Carter has a cup of tea in the House of Commons. 

April 2005

Conservative election leaflet for Andrew Millard “Warning Garforth prison has not been stopped.”

 June 2005

9th Alan Lamb has letter in YEP “a month after the general election the plans seem more likely than ever”

 September 05

 6th Carter posts on going local website “rumours from various sources that building work was imminent.”

Autumn 05

Elmet Conservatives update Website and state that less than a month after the general election the Home Secretary had given the prison the green-light. 

My question is this- will Millard, Lamb, Carter but especially Phillips offer any form of apology for this outrageous scaremongering? Mark Dobson

21st July  -  MP Reassured by Minister over Prison

Garforth Residents Association are delighted with the assurances given to our MP  by Gerry Sutcliffe the Home Office Minister, that a prison will not be built in Garforth after all. This statement represents the culmination of a two year  campaign by both ourselves and Colin Burgon MP who has worked non-stop on this  issue on residents behalf. We believe the compelling case against the prison we  developed over those two years, and the clear and level headed way our MP presented the case to the Home Office has sealed this result for Garforth  people.

This is in sharp contrast to other local politicians, especially Councillors Mark Phillips and Andrew Millard who have done their level best to  scaremonger and frighten Garforth people into believing a prison was definitely  coming to our town through a series of misleading statements, undermining the MP's/GRA campaign in the process. The GRA will be writing to both these  individuals and their leader in the Council, Andrew Carter, to request an apology on behalf of local residents. Mark Dobson, GRA Chair.

below is a quote from the Elmet tories website www.elmettories.com

One of the most prolific topics was Labour’s plans to build one of their first super-prisons in Garforth, right in the heart of Elmet. Just  before election day, the Labour MP convinced the electorate he has stopped the prison; within less than one month after, the Home Secretary confirmed he had  given it the green light.

19th July -  The Prison Rears its Ugly Head Again

Garforth Residents Association understand the Home Secretary is to announce  plans for a prison building programme. Unsubstantiated reports in the national press suggest one site available to the Prison service is 'a site near Leeds'  presumably the North Newhold site at Garforth.This is somewhat disingenuous as,  unless the situation has changed over the last few months, the land in question  is the proper try of the insurance group, Swiss Re.

 In 2004 when GRA Chairperson Mark Dobson met with the (then) Prisons  Minister, Paul Goggins, we put forward a compelling argument why the Graforth site was unsuitable. Whilst we understand the need for more prisons it is clear,  using the Governments own criteria, that Garforth remains unsuitable and our  arguments remain as valid.

They are -

1) The Government state they want to site prisons in areas where regeneration is required, Garforth is not such an area.

2) The Government  want to create employment in areas earmarked for prisons-unemployment in  Garforth is under 1%.

3) Prisons need to be sited where there is a genuine need  and where they are currently under represented. Leeds has a prison and West  Yorkshire as an area has more prisons than the national average, contrary to  Civil Service claims in 2004.

4) If West Yorkshire did need a prison, which we  dispute, why put it on one of the very edges of the county. It simply does not  make sense.

These are arguments we are putting forward to the Home Office via Colin Burgon MP who has been campaigning against the proposals with us since November  2004.

The GRA are concerned that Leeds City Council, after more than a year, have  still to progress a planning application from the landowners to develop the site  as a mixed use business development. The lack of action from the city council  has not been helpful, and the GRA feel an earlier decision on those plans would have helped make any prospect of a prison all the less likely. The GRA are  committed to ensuring the Home Office understand and accept the argument against  Garforth as a site for any prison development now or in the future. Mark Dobson  GRA Chair

16th July -  Addressing the Parking Problem

Councillor Phillip's letter of Saturday last in the YEP regarding the regeneration of Garforth Main Street seems to me to be somewhat disingenuous. To somehow suggest that a public consultation exercise will 'capture the concerns' of residents on issues such as parking (never mind the problem of litter and anti social behaviour) on Main Street is simply not the case. None of the questions asked on the literature residents were encouraged to take away and complete addressed any of these issues, so why does Councillor Phillips think things will simply fall into place?

As I have said before his public utterances on the regeneration scheme appear to be all over the place. He has reminded residents that these plans are at 'an early stage', but then claims 'a plan has to be in place by September if we are to proceed'. September is only 7 weeks away, nothing like the time needed to address the issues the residents who attended last Saturdays exhibition want looking at, parking being the number one priority.

Councillor Phillips flippant remarks that there are 'some concerns' over parking in the town, but 'the same is true of villages and town centres all over the Leeds area' are breath taking. Of course Councillors have to look at city wide issues, but I have to point out that Councillor Phillips was elected to represent Garforth and Swillington. To point to other areas of the city as an excuse for shortcomings in this ward with a 'not me guv' attitude simply will not do. If Councillor Phillips had reacted to the independent traffic survey we conducted earlier in the year he would know the issue is becoming of huge importance to residents. His assertion that somehow because this is a city-wide problem there is, with a shrug of the shoulders, nothing to be done, is also typical.

 Does Councillor Phillips honestly believe a consultation exercise, limited in scope, and for a very limited time period will throw up solutions for the complex problems facing, not just Main Street, but the whole town? 

If money is to come into the ward to regenerate the Main Street, fantastic, I am all for it. What I am not in favour of are a series of short term fixes that will do nothing to alleviate the problems the town faces, and I am certainly not in favour of any attempt by Councillor Phillips to rail road the scheme through. Mark Dobson

14th July  Prize Giving at Daniel Yorath Centre

I was delighted to join the staff and residents for a prize giving afternoon at the Daniel Yorath Centre in Garforth today, where prizes were presented to pupils of Green Lane, Strawberry Fields and Middleton primary schools. The prizes were given for the children who designed the best cycle headwear-seeing as the Daniel Yorath centre specializes in the post acute rehabilitation for patients with acquired brain injuries this was a cause very close to the heart of the staff. Anyway, as I say, I was pleased to join Colin Burgon MP and staff from both Barclays and Halfords who all presented prizes on what was a lovely afternoon. Chairing a residents group often involves confrontation and stressful situations so this was a really pleasant change. I hope to join the staff and residents at future events, the work they do is tremendous and they are to be applauded. Mark Dobson, GRA Chair

14th July - Not Much Time to Create a Business Plan

On reading his latest entry Councillor Phillips clearly had a completely different experience at Wednesday's meeting to the kind of feedback I experience last Saturday at the Main Street regeneration exhibition. I suspect the one-size-fits -all approach offered to us by the designers is wrong for our Main Street, as I have said on these pages and in the press, the plans do not address the real problems facing the Main Street. I also am pretty convinced that where Councillor Phillips is concerned, residents’ pleas to tackle the ever increasing parking problem will again fall of deaf ears-always the easy option isn't it?

 Also his messages are somewhat contradictory, these are 'only ideas at this stage'., and yet we 'must have a business plan ready by September', he claims, which is it? September is a mere 7 weeks away. Nothing like the time we need to progress these plans. If Councillor Phillips knew of this time-scale before why was the preliminary exhibition only held this week? Is this another example of Councillor Phillips administration 'consulting' with people before railroading through their, usually ill conceived, ideas?

The new ‘lost and found’ page on this website will hopefully prove useful to those of us with pets that have wandered off . Talking of poor unfortunates who appear to have gone missing-what has  become of Alan Lamb?, last May's tory candidate in the local election. I only  ask as, prior to the 5th of May, he was so very vocal on these pages and  elsewhere. His own website is now neglected, he has not contributed to this site  and, to my knowledge, has stopped attending public meetings. Are we to believe  then that Alan's community life only centres around elections? Surely not, as  that would be a slap in the face for the 3,000 misguided souls who voted for  him!

I have my tongue firmly lodged in my cheek, but let's be clear about this  and thank our lucky stars we did not vote the lad in. We need representatives on  the council to work 365 days a year, not just during the run up to their  election.

Mark Dobson

14th July More Crime Prevention Goodies Available 

As Crime Panel Chair I have in my possession some useful security aids. As advertised on the home page the hand held security alarms are still available. These are also available for elderly residents via NET on Garforth Main Street. I also have cards for residents’ vehicles stating that the SATNAV and CD systems have been removed and some tamper proof tax disc holders. These items are free of charge but a small contribution towards the Crime Panel would be most welcome. If you wish to have any of these items please contact me on 07974 963280,Mark Dobson, CPP Chair.

11th July -  Garforth Crime Prevention Panel

I was recently elected as the new chair of the Garforth and District Crime  Prevention Panel. I intend to spend my time in office raising awareness of crime prevention through a series a small, simple projects that I will outline on these  pages in the coming months. I will also post details of where/when you will be  able to meet up with us this summer and beyond. Please keep referring back for  details.  Mark Dobson, Chair, Garforth and District CPP.

8th July  - Garforth Main Street

On Saturday last I attended a meeting in Garforth as part of a 'consultation exercise' for the regeneration of Garforth Main Street. Some of the proposals, such as improvements to key buildings, are to be welcomed. However, not wishing to rain on any body's parade, or should that be Main Street?, many are not. True, this was only a very early stage consultation, but, out of the 50 or so people present, a very clear consensus emerged-get the basics right first!

 Like many communities, in this town we have an ever-worsening parking issue. As a knock-on consequence of this, Main Street in being under used by genuine Garforth shoppers because the town has become a first-come, first-served parking area for out of town commuters taking the train into Leeds. This problem is not exclusive to Main Street, it is replicated all over the town.  The Residents Association and Cllr Tom Murray, following a consultation exercise with residents, put this to the council only to be told there was not a problem. I and the majority of the people I spoke to at Saturday's meeting would disagree!

 One idea raised was to enable people to shop on Main Street by limiting the car parking to short term only, thus encouraging shoppers and putting off those who want to use the town as a glorified car park. Other suggestions included designating other areas as 'permit holder' only. All ideas that, with a little creative thinking from the council, could help alleviate matters.

Residents who attended the meeting paid little or no attention to the colour of the bricks being proposed for the proposed pedestrian area, the flagpoles in the proposed traffic islands or the concept of a gateway at the top of the Main Street. It was clear to me where residents real priorities lie-parking, littering, the Main Street being turned over to under age drinkers every Friday evening and loss of trade for our shop keepers, the list goes on.  Without addressing some of these issues now, a cosmetic tidy-up of Garforth Main Street would be the equivalent of putting an elastoplast over a severed artery. I would urge the council to look again and genuinely engage with residents as to what direction we think our town needs to take.

 Mark Dobson, Chair, Garforth Residents Association.

27th June - Selling Alcohol to a Minor

Many of you will have seen the YEP yesterday and read about the fine imposed on Tesco's at Garforth for selling alcohol to a minor. This was following a number of 'Test Purchasers' ,as they are called, being sent into local retail outlets by the Police to ensure the law was being observed on the sale of alcohol.

 .Garforth Residents Association welcome the Garforth Neighbourhood Police Team's initiative in attempting to stamp out the sale of alcohol to minors. Since the 15th of December last year Garforth has had a ban on drinking in public places that Inspector Belton and her team are keen to enforce. This can only be achieved if retailers act responsibly in the sale of alcohol. We feel this case shows that retailers who do not act within the law will be, quite rightly, uncovered and held to account.This should be a warning to all other retailers that selling alcohol to minors will not be tolerated. Inspector Belton and her team are making inroads into this ever growing problem and we urge residents to offer the NPT every support. Mark Dobson, GRA Chair.

18th June 2006 - Update on Makin’s Caravans

We have received an update from Planning on the enforcement action to ensure that Mr Makin  removes his caravans and related services. The enforcement notice relating to the laying out of services, comprising the provision of a foul drainage system, water supply and electricity supply the installation of septic tanks and outfalls, the installation of above ground fresh water storage tanks the construction of a detached electricity substation to serve a caravan site was served on Friday 9th June along with a Stop Notice.  The Stop Notice came into effect on 12th June, the enforcement notice comes in to effect on 10th July 2006, during which time an appeal to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government may be made.  An appeal against the refusal of planning permission has already been lodged by Mr Makin.  

The requirements of the notice are:

- To cease all works to within one day of the notice coming into effect.

- To excavate and remove all the services laid out on the land and demolish the water tanks and substation within one month of the notice coming into effect.

- To backfill all the trenches and other excavations to original levels and to spread top soil over the excavated areas within 2 months of the notice coming into effect

- To seed with grass the areas where excavations have been infilled, during the first available seeding season following completion of the above steps.

The Stop notice makes it an offence to carry out unauthorised works up until the point that the enforcement notice comes into effect, it takes over from the Temporary Stop notice.

If an appeal is lodged then the enforcement notice does not come into effect unless the appeal is dismissed.  

Planning are taking prosecution action in respect of the breaches of the enforcement notice issued in December 2005 and for failure to comply with the Temporary Stop Notice.  Mr Makin has prevented officers entering the land on two occasions and so, with the assistance of their legal advisers, Planning are obtaining a Court warrant to enter and they anticipate that this will be obtained very shortly.  

In the Council's view the existence of any "permitted development" rights relating to the stationing of seasonal agricultural workers caravans are not relevant to the current circumstances on this land because the use amounts to an unauthorised caravan site. Planning therefore do not need to differentiate between the tasks being undertaken on the farm by the occupiers of the caravans to demonstrate that a breach is occurring.

The GRA and Councillors Harrison and Murray are keeping up the pressure to ensure that the caravans and services are removed. Mark Dobson

4th June  Noise Nuisance on the Farm and Zero Tolerance on the Streets

Over the weekend I have become alarmed by reports from residents of The Chase regarding the antics in the caravan field over the past two nights, on Friday night into Saturday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning there have been parties on the land that have gone on until 3am. In Feb 06 Councillor Murray and I went to visit Makins and were given assurances all stereos had been banned and any noise of any kind was forbidden after midnight, with the threat of losing the electricity supply if they did not comply. Clearly this is being ignored and not implemented. Environmental Health were called out last night but, due to the large numbers in the field, they were not prepared to go onto the land and sort the matter out. Frankly who can blame them?

Councillors Murray, Harrison and I intend to approach the Police this week to see what the NPT can do. One thing is for sure. Residents should not, and must not, be allowed to suffer this abuse, because rest assured this is abuse, for yet another summer. That is why the GRA say the caravans must be removed completely and removed now, before any developments or discussions can take place regarding Makins current application for a caravan park. Many people have questioned the tough stance the GRA are taking on Makins current planning application. Well, just look at the noise/late night party situation residents are having to endure, despite assurances having been made that this would not happen. The GRA are hugely sceptical of any promises/assurances that are made by the company in question and would urge residents caution. The GRA want to see an act of good faith through the complete removal of the caravans. We are not optimistic but, as always, I and my colleagues will continue to work hard on your behalf on this issue.

Earlier this month I raised the question of the future direction of our town and what we, the residents, need to see in place to put the brakes on the downward spiral we seem to be in over the last two years or so. I have come up with a three point action plan of achievable targets I would like to see introduced over the next few years.

1) A zero tolerance approach on litter, and people who litter. We must ensure our streets are regularly cleaned but, more importantly, press to Council to implement the laws on littering already in place. The Council can fine individuals seen littering but if there is no-one in the town to implement the law on a day to day basis, what is the point of having it? 

2) A zero tolerance approach to the consumption of alcohol in our streets. From November 2005 this is the law, the GRA fought hard for that law, we now want to see it implemented, no debate, no excuses. I intend to push harder for a greater police presence in our town to make sure this takes place.

3) A zero toleranceapproach to under age drinking. We know it goes on, we know who supplies it. Currently the law is being abused by older kids buying it for the younger ones. I cannot accept that retailers do not know this when they sell the alcohol. I intend to push the NPT hard to ensure retailers are warned of the consequences of selling alcohol, even indirectly, but often directly, to minors.

Now the liberal voice out there might think, hang on, that's all a bit unfair, harsh, call it what you will. My answer is this-tough! People have tolerated this degeneration for too long and, believe me, when I spoke to residents on the door in the election these are the majority of residents concerns. Not prisons, masts, even Makins, no. People are concerned about the creeping erosion into our way of life and the fact that this Council seem unable or unwilling to accept there is a problem. Councillor Mark Phillips party have ran this city for two years, and have ran our town into the ground. As usual he is completely silent on these issues, he might think things are acceptable, I do not!

Will these views make me unpopular in certain quarters? Most likely. To coin a current popular phrase, 'am I bothered?', no I am not. Why? because there are more people out there who share these worries than those who do not, and who are as sick and tired as I am and want some action.

2006 was the year the GRA promoted a positive agenda and I am still committed to that. However, I feel the town is at a watershed moment, and the issues I have outlined must be a priority for us all. Mark Dobson

2nd June  - Planning Application Number P/06/03097/FU/E.

Leeds City Council have this week received a planning application for the change of use from agricultural land to a caravan site to house seasonal workers by Makins. Having consulted with City Council Planners it would appear the application relates to a 1.6hectare site to the North East of the farm and away from the current location of the caravans. The proposal is that the new site should house 60 caravans with an amenity building.

As previously promised the GRA are informing residents of this development as soon as we became aware of it but, more importantly, we would like to offer an opinion on the proposal and suggest a way forward.

Whatever the pros/cons of this application please remember that the caravans are currently occupying the land close to resident’s houses -without planning permission for the utilities and while there is ongoing prosecution action in relation to the current positioning of the caravans.

Whilst at this stage we are not offering an opinion on the new proposal we do feel most strongly that the situation regarding the current positioning of the caravans and the utilities without planning consent must be addressed first to the satisfaction of residents.

The GRA feel that the question of converting greenbelt land to a caravan site, or anything else for that matter, could have long-term repercussions for residents, but that is a matter for another day. For now our priority must be to ensure that the utilities and caravans are permanently removed from the current location.

As usual we are asking residents for both your help and continued solidarity on this issue. Residents have until the 21st of June to comment on this proposal, and we are asking you to do that based on the argument laid out above.

We would suggest residents send their comments to:

Chris Marlow

Development Dept

Leonardo Bdgs

2 Rossington Street

Leeds

LS2 8HD

Or return your comments to Mark Dobson at 6 Ninelands Lane and we will do the rest.

29th May  -  What to do About Main Street?

I have spent the three weeks since the election questioning what I, as a resident, want to see happening in our community in the coming months and years, and what role, if any, I have in that process.

One thing is very clear to me when I stand aside and look at our town objectively. In the last two years I think the town has begun a process of degeneration that must be addressed as a matter of urgency. The streets are dirtier, plastic bottle and beer cans line our streets (despite the alcohol ban we fought so hard for), the grass is overgrown and, for the first time, graffiti has started to become common place.Main Street is a disgrace, especially at weekends and the whole town appears to have become the playground of feral youths who, to all intents and purposes, appear out of control and above the law. These matters must be addressed and addressed now.

The work the GRA have done over the last three years has basically ensured life has not got any worse for residents, but have things improved as peoples aspirations have risen?-I suspect not. I intend to spend the next few weeks considering my own role in the process of regeneration necessary for Garforth that I want to promote, and help achieve. What has become clear is this. The role of the resident 'pressure group', call us what you will, is limited. The council and others can still, and often do, shut you out of the process, despite it being us (the residents) who make all the headway. How can this be addressed? I am not sure, but I intend to devote the next few weeks to working out a way forward, watch this space.   Mark Dobson

15th May  -  Back to Business as Usual

I know, I know, I bet some of you thought I was dead, indeed a few of you out there may even have been keeping your fingers crossed!  Seriously though, I think you will be hearing a lot from me in the coming weeks and months as the work we are engaged in does not stop now the election has been won.

I will touch briefly on Tom's stunning victory. Obviously as a party member I was thrilled at the result, but I was also delighted for Tom on a personal level. Tom is a great guy to work with. He is very hard working and an asset to the community so I am pleased the good people of Garforth and Swillington saw fit to return him, on a much healthier majority, for another term. As the webmaster said, he must have been doing the job right all this time. I can certainly second that!

East Garforth residents will be getting a letter from Tom very soon outlining the councils current position on Sturton Grange Farm following a meeting of Tom, myself and residents with the senior planners and enforcement officers last week. It was agreed that due to the sensitive nature of the action about to commence the letter will be sent via Cllr Murray and not the GRA. However once in the public domain I will put an overview of the current position on this site. We had a public meeting last week with residents on The Chase and others which Colin Burgon MP also attended. The message was, and is, please let's all keep our nerve.. Things are definitely happening now despite how bad it may look with the caravans being back in the field in great number-watch this space.

 In April I was re-elected as Chair of the GRA for a further year, which will bring my time in office to well over three years. I suspect that may be enough, always aware,as I am, that it is never a good idea to outstay ones welcome. Nothing is set in stone yet,  it all depends what challenges emerge for the town in the next year. Again, watch this space. Bye for now, Mark Dobson.

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