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19th February - Swillington CSA Project
Yesterday I dropped in to lend my support to a local farm over their plans for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) project. Swillington Organic Farm have launched the idea which simply involves customers investing in the production of the farm by buying a share of the produce over the course of year.
The farm has a large walled garden in which it is planned to plant a variety of vegetables and other produce which will then be sold to participants of the scheme. Shareholders simply agree to pay a fixed sum over the course of the growing season and can then go along and collect their share of the produce on a weekly basis.
A full share (large enough for a family of four) costs £12.00 p/week or you can opt for a smaller share at £7.50 (enough for two people). The ordering / planting of seeds will be managed via a committee drawn from members of the farm's management and shareholder representatives. The produce can be collected direct from the farm which helps to reduce unnecessary 'food miles' and members can if they wish, get involved in the planting and production of the produce.
Some supermarkets, Morrisons and more recently Asda, allow customers to hand-select the amount and freshness of their fruit and vegetables. Others however still insist on presenting the customer with having to buy larger quantities than they might otherwise want or need because they are prepacked. It is my view that this approach reduces customer choice and contributes to the ever-increasing problem of waste disposal. Smaller, more traditional outlets, such as the high street greengrocer cannot compete because they do not have the buying power of the Supermarkets.
I'm very excited by this scheme which, by-the-way will be the only one of its kind anywhere in Leeds, and would urge anyone who remembers what fresh fruit and veg used to taste like to join in. E-mail swillingtoncsa@googlemail.com or call the farm directly on 07974826876 (ask for Jo or Kirstin). Hurry though, shares are selling fast!
Cllr.Mark Phillips
16th January - New Link to Local Policing Team
A new web-based service has recently been launched enabling members of the public to keep up-to-date with law and order issues in their area. The service is free to sign up to and already has nearly 1000 subscribers. ACC Crompton said the more who signed up to receive regular updates from their local NPTs (Neighbourhood Policing Teams) the better for the divisions and the Force.
"Once each area has a sizeable number of subscribers, the NPTs and divisions can use the system as a valuable message system to help keep local people informed"
"Many subscribers are people like Local Councillors, Press or Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators who pass on our updates to others, to ensure the Police news is going further".
While signing up to receive NPT updates, the public can also receive local divisional press releases, issued by the HQ Press Office , as well as police staff vacancies if they wish. They should expect to receive an average of two to three Police messages per week so it really is a good communication method. Even better, a divisional key message can easily be added to each e-mail".
Users control their own access details and can unsubscribe at any time. Your e-mail address remains confidential and will not be used for any other purpose. Anyone interested in this service should enquire at the Police station, Lidgett Lane or contact me.
Quick Note: the Skatepark currently under construction on Ninelands Lane is nearing completion at last. It was scheduled for completion earlier this month but the recent heavy rains have hampered progress and it now looks like it will not be ready for use until the end of January. It certainly looks impressive and I look forward to seeing our young people enjoying its exciting and challenging features.
Happy New Year.
Cllr.Mark Phillips, Garforth & Swillington Ward
4th December No Local Travellers Camp
Over the past few weeks I have heard (or rather, read) reports that Garforth is to be chosen as the site for a Gypsy & Travellers site and apparently my silence on this issue has been deafening. I have regarded these rumours, because that's all they are, to be malicious and idle gossip however I raised the issue for clarification in the council chamber as recently as November and have since received written assurance that there are no plans for such a site in Garforth or indeed, for any other wards in the City.
In Leeds we already fulfill our obligations to provide such sites by providing spaces for travellers at Cottingley Springs and we believe that other authorities in the region who do not currently provide such sites should begin to start doing so before we consider expanding our commitment.This would ease pressure on the facilities in Leeds and decrease the likelihood of illegal encampments in our region. Quite why I should respond to a man who cannot even bring himself to afford me, or other members of this administration the title of 'Mr' is beyond me however 'Mr' Dobson on this subject, there is your answer.
Now onto more positive things; on Friday last I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend the opening of a new centre for students from GarforthCollege at 48 Main Street. An extension to the popular centre called Habits already run by the college on Oak Road, this new centre offers hairdressing, nail manicures, facial treatments and can even cater for 'pamper parties' There are also facilities for study on site for those students who may benefit from a less 'academic' environment and this is all provided as a part of a partnership approach between the college and our local primary schools as well as Leeds City Council and other partners from the business community. Part of the 'Pathfinder' approach, this centre will allow students to develop a variety of skills with one-to-one tuition provided in a purpose-built environment with Parents invited and encouraged to work alongside them. I was most impressed with the facilities on offer and look forward to learning more about the success of the centre as it unfolds.
Finally may I congratulate the members of Garforth & District Lions who once again worked so hard to provide us with a night of celebration as the Christmas lights were turned on in Main Street. It's at times like this that the realisation sets in that Christmas has finally arrived and the Lions along with all their other contributors made the evening a truly memorable one. Thank you.
Cllr.Mark Phillips Garforth & Swillington Ward
8th November - Strikeback Hits Garforth
Officers from Garforth police station were out today taking part in Operation Strikeback which aimed to remind offenders of the lengths that the Police will go to trace them. I welcome this initiative as a prime example of our Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) working pro-actively in the community to reassure local residents and to remind offenders or would-be offenders that their actions will be effectively dealt with.
The operation was planned in partnership with the DVLA who checked vehicles for insurance and road tax and will ensure that any offence is dealt with. Our Neighbourhood Policing Team headed by Inspector Belton have officers out patrolling the streets all day, every day and I believe this is making a real difference to our community. Residents wishing to know more about their activities who have internet access should log on to their site at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/npt
However it should be noted that at the start of this week changes were introduced at Garforth Police station to the hours that the station is open to the public.
As a result of financial constraints currently faced by North East Leeds Division and also affecting other stations across our region the hours that the station is open have been adjusted to 10:00am - 18:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays and 12:00pm - 20:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
This does not however impact on the availability or deployment of officers and operations such as Strikeback are a very timely demonstration of this.
Cllr.Mark Phillips, Garforth & Swillington Ward
7Th November - Mark Dobson is Quite Right on the Subject of the Town Council
There is no doubt that some in Garforth favour the setting up, or even return of, a Town/District Council in Garforth and I don't necessarily have a problem with this however there are an lot of questions that need to be addressed before we proceed.
For example, we have already seen the Government's attempts to 'impose' Regional Government on the UK and this was rejected quite emphatically by the citizens of Newcastle. Why? - could it be that they perceived this as being just another layer of bureaucracy, funded largely via our council taxes, with no guarantee that services would improve? Would they reach the same the same conclusion about the need for a Town Council?
Mr Dobson is quite right in his initial analysis; the one sure thing about creating a Town Council is that our taxes would immediately increase and that in itself may prove to be unpalatable to some.
Like him, I do not disagree with the principal of a Town Council but I too am somewhat cautious. Apart from the increased financial burden on local residents, where would we put such a body? Do we have a building in Garforth suitable or would we have to build it and if so, with whose money?
Where would the boundaries be between the responsibilities of the Town Council and those of the City Council?
At the end of the day, we are all trying to achieve the best for our communities and are all consequently chasing our share of the same financial cake whether this be via central Government or, as is increasingly the case, via private means. Would a Town Council be able to attract the finances necessary year-on-year to fulfil it's commitments?
As I say, (and this may come as a shock to some) I agree with Mr Dobson's approach and do not necessarily disagree with the idea of a smaller, locally-led administration but we do need to proceed carefully and weigh up all the options before we go further. On that note I look forward to a vigorous and interesting debate over the coming months ahead.
Cllr.Mark Phillips, Garforth & Swillington Ward
3rd November Local Planning?
I received my copy of the East Leeds Weekly News today. It features the news that the appeal against the Council's refusal of planning permission for caravans and utilities at Sturton Grange Farm has been allowed.
Residents are understandably reluctant to see these caravans become a permanent feature which is why I and my fellow ward Councillors supported them in fighting the application. There is no doubt that this decision is a bitter blow to both Leeds City Council and to the residents who have battled against this for so long.
The Government seems to relish being the 'bad cop' by overturning planning decisions against the wishes of local decision makers and local people and this is yet another example of a Labour appointed planning Inspector applying a Labour-made law and ignoring the views of local people. However the Inspector did see fit to impose conditions by stating that the caravans can only be used between 1st April and 30th October each year. It is depressing to be fed such a crumb but I am determined to ensure that council does all it can to enforce this condition so that the caravans do
not become a permanent feature.
After a decision like this you could be forgiven for asking why residents - or indeed any of us - should have any confidence in the planning process when local decision makers who have listened to and reflected local objections are over-ruled by pen-pushers at the Government's Planning Inspectorate? Local people should feel that they are engaged with the process and that at the end of the day their views will carry some weight over decisions. It should not be the case that in the same presidential way the Labour Government runs this country the Government Inspectorate can do the same with matters of such importance to local communities.
National politicians moan about people not wanting to get involved in politics and not wanting to engage in local issues but I ask you, looking at cases like this where is the incentive to do so?
Cllr.Mark Phillips
23rd October 2006 - Fireworks and Safety
On Friday last I spent a large part of my afternoon visiting retailers in our area who were intending to sell fireworks. I was invited along to observe this joint operation between West Yorkshire Trading Standards and the Police who were there to bring home the message that it is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18. I am pleased to report that unlike some other areas of East Leeds the retailers we visited all passed the inspection.
One of the things we were looking for was the category of fireworks on sale. I must say it worried me that most of those on sale were categorised as 'Display' fireworks which have a recommended safety distance of 25m. I think most of us would be struggling to reach such a safe distance if in our back gardens and therefore these fireworks although no doubt quite spectacular would be unsuitable for family use.
If you are planning a private show this year look out for those that fall under the 'Garden' category as these require a lower but no-less important safety distance when used. All fireworks should have this information clearly shown on the packaging and on the side of the fireworks themselves. If it's not there, don't buy them.
If there is any doubt ask the retailer for advice alternatively you may consider looking for an organised display in your area but whatever your choice, please keep the safety of you and those around you including pets, at the forefront of your minds and enjoy a safe Guy Fawkes celebration.
Cllr.Mark Phillips, Garforth & Swillington Ward
27th September 2006 Street Lights - Action Taken
The street lighting programme started here some weeks ago has moved on apace and I became increasingly concerned at reports that despite the efforts of myself and others, residents were still not aware of the work being planned for or undertaken on their street(s).
I have repeatedly highlighted examples of this lack of consultation to SEC and I am very pleased to say that following an investigation they have now taken action to address the situation. The fault lay with the sub-contractors employed to undertake the work in Garforth & Swillington who were not following the agreed processes and have now been dismissed. A complete moratorium on works planned for the area is now in place to allow SEC to address the concerns of residents who have already had the new lights installed.
This means that the installation programme will stop and the properties affected by the failure to properly consult will receive a full apology while the proper process is started correctly for any new installation works. It is anticipated that the installation programme will be suspended for about 20 days.
I am delighted that SEC have agreed to take such a strong line on this intolerable situation and would like to thank the community and the involvement of the Garforth Residents Association (GRA) for the valuable feedback which ensured that pressure was kept on SEC to address this and deliver this positive result.
I will continue to monitor the situation but sincerely hope that this is the end of the problems especially as nothing similar has been evident in the north of the City where work on this city-wide scheme has also been taking place. I still believe that this street lighting scheme will make our streets brighter and safer, deterring crime and improving public safety.
Cllr.Mark Phillips
22nd September - Street Lighting in Garforth and Swillington
Let me start by saying this; I support the aims of the street lighting scheme which commenced in our area back in July as it is addressing the backlog in maintenance of our City's street lighting over the last 30 years. Improved lighting will make our streets brighter and safer, deterring criminals and improving public safety. However it is proving difficult to sell the merits of this scheme if residents are neglected along the way and I have been increasingly concerned by the apparent lack of information to householders.
Following a series of complaints from local residents over the siting of the new lighting columns I met with the private providers of the new lighting earlier this month and made it clear that the level of notice and personal care being given to residents in some areas was not acceptable.
Residents should now receive a card through their letter boxes indicating a ten-day notice period before any works are due to start. This is designed to give residents time to raise any concerns over the work proposed and for the contractor to respond to these and where possible to offer alternative proposals. The card details what work is to be done, why it is being done and provides a dedicated helpline 08000325349 which residents can call with any enquiries or complaints. Leeds City Council can also be contacted via 08451240113.
It is important to remember that this project which is estimated to take five years to complete and will see Leeds City Council investing around £100million citywide, is primarily a light replacement scheme. This inevitably means that because the new lights are so much more efficient than the current ones we need fewer of them and therefore the positioning of the new lighting columns has to be carefully considered. It will not always be possible for the new columns to be positioned at exactly the same spot as the existing ones. I believe that the overall lighting standard achieved is really quite impressive in comparison and I am pleased that we have been the first in East Leeds to benefit from these new lights. I am also pleased that generally the comments I have received from residents have been favourable. If however residents do have any concerns I would encourage them to call the 0800 number or contact me and I will take further action.
Cllr.Mark Phillips
17th September – Summer Concert Season Ends With a Bang
Last night was the night people from all over Leeds came together to enjoy the last in the council's Summer Concerts season. Held in the magnificent grounds of Kirkstall Abbey, Classical Fantasia provided an opportunity to listen to classics from Gershwin to Tchaikovsky performed by the Northern Ballet Orchestra. There was also a snapshot of music from a forthcoming ballet, The Three Musketeers. I must say, the picture of Musketeers brandishing swords whilst on the tips of their toes is intriguing but the music alone will be well worth going along for.
This was the tenth anniversary for this free event and after all the recent fuss made over a certain well-known pop star it was good to see so many people gathering to enjoy this very aptly named concert which ended as ever, with a spectacular fireworks display accompanied by the imposing sound of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Twice the crowds rose to their feet to show their appreciation with loud applause and cheering. I noticed my fellow contributors to this site, Mark Dobson and Dave Richards there and I feel sure they would join me in saying a huge Thank you to the council and to the people of Leeds for making this event an evening to remember.
Onto other things; everyone at the moment seems to be counting down the days to Christmas and at businesses everywhere e-mails are flying back and forth as workers try to decide where to have this year's office 'do'. For those long since retired NET have a range of activities which you can book in advance and already have an impressive range planned for 2007.
Between now and Christmas they offer a Halloween Cinema Feature; a Lights Night followed by fish & chips and then their own Christmas Lunch at Millstones. They are also busy selling raffle tickets for this year's Christmas Draw which includes a first prize of a Fresh Meat Hamper.
For details of these and all NET's other activities call in at 62C Main Street or telephone them on 01132874784. And don't forget, September 25th sees the start of Older Peoples Event Week offering a wide range of events across villages throughout the area.
Cllr.Mark Phillips
12th September - Waste Disposal
Some people just don't get it do they?
Having spent many years recycling my waste (glass, paper etc.), I went along to the bottle bank located in the car park next to a local pub. Normally I would have gone along to the site located at my local supermarket but on this occasion as I didn't want any shopping I thought I'd save both time and petrol by using this facility.
When I got there I pulled up close to the bottle bank, parked the car and proceeded to place the bottles / jars I had into the appropriately coloured container. So far so good. Then I happened to walk around to the side of one of the containers and there as if totally unconnected with the practice of recycling, was a large pile of bottles, jars and even a plastic container for car engine oil (which can't be deposited in these facilities anyway).
Clearly whoever was responsible for depositing this waste turned up, presumably found the containers to be full and thought 'What the hell, someone else will get rid of this lot anyway'. Wrong! If, as I presume, the containers were indeed full would it really have hurt the person(s) responsible to have gone to another site? No - instead the unwanted bottles / jars (and engine oil container) were simply dumped beside the recycling containers and left for someone else (guess who?) to clear up. Well done whoever you are! Please don't hurry back as getting rid of your recyclable waste is clearly beyond your capabilities!
Cllr.Mark Phillips
21st July - Prison at Garforth?
Today's announcement by Elmet MP Colin Burgon (YEP 21/07/06) concerning the prospect of a prison in Garforth is to be welcomed but with cautious optimism. Only two years ago when this issue first surfaced the Government stated that Garforth was a 'preferred' site and the then Home Secretary Charles Clarke, instructed civil servants to pursue the acquisition of the land despite knowing the level of opposition that existed among the local community.
Now, given the Government's past record and in particular, that of the Home Office over these past few months, I take Mr Sutcliffe's assertion that Garforth is not to be the site of a new prison with a huge pinch of salt. The National press reported that one of the sites now being considered was to the East of Leeds. Given the above, it is not unreasonable to suppose that Garforth is once again being targeted although the Government can't or won't say. If it is not Garforth then where is it? Has this question been asked?
If I were Mr Burgon I would be insisting on the assurances given by Mr Sutcliffe to be supplied in writing. Has Mr Burgon done so? - if so, I'd like to see a copy and I'd also like to him to write to Leeds City Council who in 2004 were almost unanimous in their opposition to a prison anywhere in the Leeds metropolitan area never mind Garforth.
As far as Mr Dobson and the GRA's 21-month campaign is concerned well perhaps he and Mr Burgon should be reminded that I spoke in Council over this issue in 2004 in support of Garforth residents. I and my colleague Andrew Millard also spent many hours hand-delivering leaflets to alert residents to the threat and spoke to them on the doorstep. Mr Dobson surely cannot say with any credibility that I do not support Garforth residents. We made it crystal clear then that we supported Garforth residents and our position has not changed since. We do not want or need a prison in Garforth!
Cllr.Mark Phillips, Garforth & Swillington Ward
12 July - Second Viewing of Regeneration Plans
Tonight I attended a second exhibition - a repeat of the one held last weekend, designed to show the plans being developed for the regeneration of Main Street. Again the event was well attended and it was encouraging to see the largely positive reaction from those who came along. We are keen to capture as much public opinion as possible and therefore the plans will shortly be on display at Garforth library and also via the web atwww.leeds.gov.uk/east
I stressed before, and I'll say it again, these are only ideas at this stage and no decisions have yet been made so I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in this consultation whilst the opportunity is there. Feedback forms will be made available whilst the plans remain on display.
I would like to thank all those who came along tonight for their views and also thank the officers from area management and the council's architectural services team for their hard work in putting together these two exhibitions. Thanks also to Halliday Court for acting as our hosts on both occasions.
Cllr.Mark Phillips
9/7/2006 - A superb Festival plus Plans for Main Street
May I once again extend my Thanks to Garforth Community College and the Lions for delivering yet another superb Arts Festival which concluded yesterday with a variety of acts on Main Street from performing portaloos; the magnificent Peace Artistes and even a couple of Australian beach attendants (I didn't realise the recent showers had been that bad!). The college steel pans provided some wonderful sounds and the day ended with the well attended finale in the college grounds including stars such as Cara Dillon and Acoustic Chumbawumba. A thoroughly enjoyable day and I look forward to next year's event.
Also taking place yesterday was an exhibition concerning plans for the regeneration of Main Street. The exhibition was designed to show the plans and to invite feedback from members of the public and businesses. It was held in the main hall of Halliday Court sheltered housing complex off Main Street and visitors were invited to complete a feedback form so that thier views could be properly considered as the plans progress. If you didn't see the exhibition don't worry because there will be another at the same venue on 12th July, 5:00-8:00pm
It is important to remember that the plans on display at the moment are just that and no firm decisions have yet been made though we do need to have a business plan ready for submission in September if we are to proceed. Do try to come along as your views are important and I look forward to seeing as many there as possible.
Cllr.Mark Phillips, Garforth & Swillington Ward
28th May Road Closure Looming
Anyone living near to or using Barwick Road is advised to find an alternative route next week as the road is to be closed to allow Railtrack to carry out essential maintenance on the bridge at Barwick Road / Long Lane.
The work is scheduled to start on Tuesday 30th May and will last until 5th June. However should the work over-run any work necessary after this time will be limited to between the hours of 09:30 - 15:30 so that disruption is kept to a minimum.
Bus users should note that during this period the 174 service will be diverted from Garforth via the A642 Aberford Road, B1217 Aberford Road, Bunkers Hill, Cattle Lane, Aberford Road and then its normal route and vice versa.
A taxi shuttle link has been arranged for essential journeys only between Garforth and Barwick and anyone wishing to use this service should call 07973289614 prior to travelling.
Cllr.Mark Phillips
8th March - For the Record on Great PrestonSchool
I read with concern Mr Dobson's entry on 4th March - Setback for GreatPrestonSchool. Now, let me put the record straight (why do those words sound so familiar ?.........) Just in case I'd missed something I checked the order paper from February’s council meeting and guess what, I could find NO amendment to the budget in the name of Cllr. Tom Murray! Cllr. Murray DID speak on the subject however he was simply commenting on the minutes of the Executive Board meeting at which the subject was discussed. He asked, quite reasonably, why the money needed to extend the school and complete the job of amalgamation could not be found this year? He was informed by the Executive Member responsible for Education that the money required could not be released until the Infant School building could be sold and that was problematic due to the fact that the building is owned by the council but the land that it sits on is not. He was also advised that Education Leeds are working hard to resolve this issue in order to make the funding available as quickly as possible. He DID NOT put down an amendment to the budget concerning this issue and to say otherwise is at best, misleading. If I may offer Cllr.Murray (and Mr Dobson) some advice; too much spinning of this nature is liable to make you nauseous!
On a lighter note, I have been advised that GADS (Garforth Amateur DramaticSociety) are staging (no pun intended!) another performance entitled 'Murder in Company' a mystery thriller by Philip King and John Boland. Tickets for the performance to be held at the Miners Welfare Hall, Garforth, from the 22nd to the 25th March are on sale now at Garforth Book Shop, corner of Main Street and Barleyhill Road. Visit www.gadsweb.co.uk for details about membership or sponsorship. GADS has been in Garforth for nearly 60 years and has benefited recently from new faces drawn in through the society's website designed and built by Chair and long time member Stuart Knight.
Regards, Cllr.Mark Phillips
7th February - Living with the Plastic Bag
I had an interesting conversation with the proprietor of my local corner shop last night; he pointed out to me a magazine article he was reading concerning the humble plastic carrier bag. "Did you know" he said, "that this one bag contains enough oil to help the average car to travel approx 100 metres?" He then pointed out to me that he alone goes through approx. 2000 carrier bags in an average week. That's 20 cars per week; 80 cars per month and 960 cars per year (never mind buses or even the odd train!) In Garforth alone we have businesses such as Tesco's; Co-Op; and Jackson's all busy promoting their brand names and therefore their business via yes, you've guessed it, plastic carrier bags. Can you imagine how many plastic bags we as a community go through each and every week? And that's just 'little ol' Garforth, now multiply that by what's going on nationally and the figures get really scary. And what do we do with these plastic carriers? - most end up in our bins, the contents of which end up in landfill sites, never to be seen again (by us anyway) but also never decomposing.
Some supermarket chains try to promote the image of being responsible about this issue by deploying 'recycle' bins for plastic bags on or near their premises but this is rapidly counteracted by the checkout operators and shoppers who continue to fill yet more bags with sometimes only one item. We need to stop this madness. We need to think about what we are doing with all these 'disposables' before we end up drowning in them! For years now my wife and I have at least tried to limit our impact on the environment by using carrier bags to line the bins we have around the house or by taking them with us to fill again when we next do the weekly shopping trip. It's not much, but I like to think it helps.
But we, as a Nation, can do so much more. We can for example use recycled paper instead of plastic. The Americans have been doing this for years. How many times have you seen a movie or a TV programme from the US showing a housewife struggling to her car with those huge paper bags filled to the brim with groceries? (I have to admit the irony of using the US as an example is not lost on me when you consider their own thirst for oil and their undoubted love of the motor car but if they can do this then why don't we?) The technology exists to recycle plastics but it can't at present compensate for our seemingly unquenchable demand for them so let's at least try and slow the pace a little, think about what we are doing and use (or re-use) the resources we have a little more wisely. Both our descendants and our planet will be better off if we do.
Cllr.Mark Phillips
16th January - Great Preston C of E Primary School
Great Preston C of E Primary school opened in September 2005 as a result of amalgamation between Great & Little Preston Junior and Infant schools. The decision to amalgamate was reached after months of careful negotiation between staff, governors and parents as a part of the Primary Review programme which would have enabled the school to attract much needed Government funds to ensure their survival.
Unfortunately due to the length of time spent in these negotiations the school have now been advised that their place in the Primary Review has lapsed. This leaves them having to operate as one school situated in two different buildings several hundred yards from each other on opposite sides of a busy bus route. Education Leeds has advised them that this situation could last indefinitely. Not surprisingly the school find this unacceptable and just this week they sent a delegation to make a direct appeal for help to Leeds City Council. This included a video made by the pupils which graphically details the problems they now face every day in order to function. I spent over two hours visiting the school this week where I met the Headmaster and members of his staff. I also met parents and it is clear to me that this situation requires urgent attention. Both school buildings are old and in urgent need of repair. Refurbishment would be expensive and is impractical, particularly now that the two schools have effectively merged into one. The school prefer the option of a new building and I fully support this view however your help is needed in order to achieve this.
Whether you are a parent or not I am sure you would agree that no school in the 21st century should have to operate under these appalling conditions. I have written to the leader of Leeds City Council and the executive member for education and am also seeking an urgent meeting with Education Leeds in order to ascertain the facts and find a way forward. If you are a parent with children attending the school I urge you to contact them; go along and see for yourself the conditions under which they now have to work. Talk to the staff and pupils and see the video. If, as I'm sure you will, you agree with me write to me and/or your MP. A concerted effort is needed if we are to secure this schools future. I'll let you know more as the situation becomes clearer.
Cllr.Mark Phillips
11th January Advertising For Better Lighting plus a Welcome to the Coop
Back in November I wrote about the replacement of our street lighting. A trial has already begun on targeted streets throughout Leeds to find the best form of replacement and our area is one of those taking part. Those living in the area of Braemar Drive will have already become familiar with the new style lights and I hope you will agree with me that they are a vast improvement on the existing columns but we now need to move the programme forward and this is where the advertising element comes into play. The PFI solution I referred to in November aims to achieve this by using advertising panels situated on carefully selected columns throughout the City. The adverts will generate the revenue needed to fund the replacement of our street lighting stock. The panels themselves are to be trialled on selected columns throughout the City; 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.
On the subject of things new, I was pleased to have been present at the opening of the new Leeds Co-Op store on Main Street last night. The store layout and range of products are impressive and the staff friendly and helpful. It is great to see a food store available once again on Main Street offering both value and choice. If you haven't already, go take a look.
Happy New Year. Cllr.Mark Phillips
22/12 Watching Out for Thieves plus Parking at Glebelands
It's almost Christmas and the end of a very eventful year. This is a time of joy and the giving and receiving of presents but sadly I have to ask you to be careful; only the night before last I witnessed an incident on my street that served as a timely reminder that not everyone is out for a good time.
I saw two young lads emerge from the driveway of my neighbour's house who appeared to be looking for easy entry into houses/sheds/garages. I reported the incident to the Police and thankfully haven't seen them since but beware. If you spot anything or anyone acting suspiciously, call the Police on 08456060606.
On a brighter note I have just been advised that the car parking facilities on Glebelands playing field are to be improved. Funding still needs to be finalised but work is expected to start in the New Year.
May I wish all who read this a Happy Christmas and New Year – keep yourselves safe and warm and I'll be back to 'talk' to you all again in 2006.
Regards, Cllr.Mark Phillips
27th November - Responsible Waste Disposal and Better Street Lighting
Readers may not yet be aware of recent changes introduced to the way bulky items of household waste are collected. Instead of leaving items for collection from the roadside on 'green bin' day as before you now have to arrange collection by appointment made via 01133984760. I emphasize the word household as this is partly to reduce the amount of trade waste which is being increasingly included in such collections and more especially at the waste sorting sites in our area as well as an attempt to deliver greater efficiency into the system. There is no point in collection teams being deployed on a rota basis if on some weeks there may not be any bulky waste to collect. Far better that they know in advance where the collections are needed so that the service can be better targeted.
To tackle the disposal of trade waste at the sorting sites residents who need to dispose of bulky items using a van will only be able to access the sites on Wednesdays and Saturdays and this comes into effect from December 1st. Councils up and down the country are being put under great pressure to deliver efficiencies in the recycling of waste whilst promoting a more responsible attitude generally to the volumes of waste that they are asked to deal with. If these targets are not met then we face massive financial penalties and that can only mean greater strain on our wallets in the form of Council Tax increases so please, think before you bin.
Street Lighting in our area has long been a source of concern as much of the street lighting stock is old and badly in need of repair/replacement. Indeed this is true in areas right across the City. Plans are under way to address this via a PFI scheme and residents may have noticed that new lights have been installed in selected areas (Braemar Drive, Garforth being one) as a trial to find a form of lighting that is both efficient and affordable. The lights being trialled are energy efficient giving a blue/yellow light which delivers good visibility in all weathers. The scheme will be funded by advertising and the next phase of the trial to establish the most acceptable form of advertising is due to get under way shortly. It involves the use of advertising panels which will be placed approx. 8ft up on the lamp posts so they are visible without being intrusive. Designed to be virtually vandal proof the panels will be placed on a very small percentage of lamp posts (around 2%) and any unsold advertising space will be given back to the Council for the provision of community messaging. This is a massive project involving some 90,000 lamp posts city-wide so we will not see the full roll-out of the new lights until the scheme commences in June 2006 but I think they will be worth the wait and would welcome your views as the trial continues.
Regards, Cllr.Mark Phillips
14th November VAMA Against Phone Masts plus A Christmas Card Workshop
Tonight I met with a new group (VAMA) formed from local residents and representatives from both Parish Councils and LCC specifically to campaign against the intrusion of mobile phone masts in our towns and villages. It was the first meeting of the group who included representatives from Kippax; Great Preston and Garforth and was I thought, a very constructive start to what it is hoped will become a much wider forum of well informed people who want to see greater consultation and responsibility shown from the mobile phone operators.
Since the first days of mobile technology we have seen an ever-increasing number of masts and base stations spring up throughout our region and this has been fuelled by the ever-increasing demands of businesses as well as consumers who want the consumables (the phones and the PDA's; the sat-nav in the car etc.) but don't want a mast in their back yard. There has to be a balance struck and that is where groups like VAMA come into play.
They have formed to argue against new installations and to encourage the operators to share best practice and make use of existing masts and other installations instead of consistently seeking permission from local authorities for new ones. For example, why build a new 80ft mast when we already have a network of electricity pylons crisscrossing the region? The industry would argue that it would cost them more to use these but the technology exists and could easily be used if the operators were prepared to work in partnership with agencies such as the National Grid and with each other to share the costs. VAMA believe this approach is vital if we are to safeguard our local (and National) environments and they look forward to welcoming new members to join their campaign. Their next meeting will be on January 9th at Greenfields Primary School, Kippax. Watch out for more news on this site soon.
Now, Christmas is only 41 days away and if you're like me you probably haven't even bought a pack of Christmas cards yet! Don't fret, instead of buying them why not make them yourself? To learn how book yourself a place at the Adult Workshop being held at Lotherton Hall on 2nd December between 10:30am and 3:30pm. It will only cost you £5.00 and you can present someone with a unique and festive work of art. To book a place telephone Val Jackson on 0113 390 1085
Regards, Cllr.Mark Phillips
9th November Donations to a Spectacular Bonfire Event
It seems I owe Mark Dobson an apology; apparently the splendid bonfire and fireworks display held at Glebelands on Nov 6th was meant as an exclusive affair and I had the audacity to turn up without an invitation! In his last entry on this site (27th October) he says that the event is free to the public; I was there as a member of the public and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the evening despite the best efforts of Mother Nature. It was a spectacular display and I have heard many positive comments about it since. My Thanks go to the Lions, Police, Compass members and Council officers who made it possible.
Just for the record, I made a donation towards the event last year and have coincidentally, only today, received a request for another donation to help cover the costs of this year’s event. A donation that I shall be happy to make despite Mr Dobson's hurtful and by-the-way, false allegations. Cllr. Mark Phillips
22nd October - Addressing the Root Causes of Truancy plus an Action Group to Fight the Masts
Education seems to be in the limelight at the moment for all the wrong reasons. We're serving our children the wrong kind of food; league tables are actually masking the true performance of pupils (no surprise there) and now I read that responsibility for discipline is to be miraculously 'restored' to teachers and Heads - what is going on? Parents are apparently going to be issued on-the-spot (here we go again!) fines if their child is found out of school when they shouldn't be. I agree that in some cases this may be appropriate but surely we should be looking at and addressing the root causes of truancy instead of applying blanket sanctions to those who may well be powerless to address the problem. For example how do you ensure that your child attends school when you yourself have to be at work?
When I was at school each lesson was started with a roll-call or completion of the register and once the class was started anyone who misbehaved was given a swift clip around the ear or made to stand in the corner (remember that?) throughout the rest of the lesson. It was embarrassing, occasionally painful, but it worked. It delivered the message that you were at school to learn and if you didn't behave then there was a price to pay. Sadly nowadays any teacher who tries to instill discipline is confronted with an encyclopaedia of 'Human Rights' legislation which immediately removes any hope of them instilling discipline and respect from the pupils in their charge. Instead of tackling that our Government proposes to punish the Parents. I can't help wondering has Ruth Kelly actually talked to schools and Parents about this?
I wrote earlier about a group of residents in Great Preston who recently defeated a planning application for a mobile phone mast. I now learn that they have formed an action group, VAMA (Villages Against Mobile Applications) specifically to oppose any future applications in the area and I wish them well. With the advent of 3G technology all mobile phone operators are busily building new networks and identifying sites they think are suitable for these masts. Whilst this is understandable we do need groups like VAMA to remind the operators that not all villages or small towns actually want this technology.
The next meeting of VAMA is on November 14th. If you're interested, watch out for them in the local press this week.
Cllr.Mark Phillips
15th October - Fines for All and a Petrified Cat
If ever we needed proof that we are increasingly living in a Police state we had it all this week. Tony Blair apparently wants to sweep away the premise that we are innocent until proven guilty - the very bed-rock of our judicial system. This he claims will allow us to detain terror suspects whilst we tackle the yob culture by issuing fixed penalty fines for a whole range of rather lesser offences. I fail to see how this is going to improve things. Instead I can see our judicial system grinding to a standstill as it tries to cope with the hoards of new offenders who can't afford to pay (or simply won't) their fixed penalty fines. It is reported that Tony Blair faces a tough time getting these measures through the House of Commons - oh, I do hope that he does because if not we'll all be looking over our shoulders!
Now, Guy Fawkes night is still three weeks away but already there are fireworks going off. I don't want to sound like a killjoy but if you're having fireworks at home please spare a thought for other people and their pets who may not appreciate that you're having fun. Only this evening I found a neighbour trying to coax her petrified cat out from underneath the car where it was sheltering from an innocent party going on a few doors away. Apart from being a nuisance (sometimes) to neighbours fireworks can be, and often are, a nightmare for pets. Please talk to your neighbours
beforehand so that they know when to keep their pets safely indoors. Alternatively wait until Nov 5th and go along to an organised bonfire if you have one in your area.
Finally, if fireworks aren't your thing why not go and see a play; Garforth Amateur Dramatic Society are staging a comedy called Family Planning over four nights 16th-19th November. Tickets are on sale now via Garforth Bookshop priced £4.50 or £3 for concessions. Cllr.Mark Phillips
19th September A Good Week - Fire Station Plans and A Mast Victory
Two pieces of good news came my way last week which is just as well because by Friday I'd had a tough and frustrating week at work and was ready to go to bed and stay there by the time I arrived home!
On Wednesday Sept.14th I attended a briefing from the West Yorkshire Fire Authority concerning their plans for Garforth under year three of the IRMP (Integrated Risk Management Plan). I was joined by ward colleagues Tom Murray and Andrea Harrison and after a brief overview of the plan for 2005/6 we were all more or less agreed that the proposal to 'pair' resources at Garforth and Gipton were a fair and reasonable way of ensuring that Garforth maintains a full-time presence whilst also complimenting the resource at Gipton and visa-versa. Both areas gain from the experience and local knowledge of their respective crews whilst at the same time neither will suffer from any form of reduction in service to their respective areas. A far cry from what was on the table last year (I notice in today's news however that their Union leader, Matt Wrack, is reported to be asking them to fore-go their pay rise this year. That's not going to go down well!)
Then upon arriving home on Friday 16th I received news that the proposed mobile installation at Great Preston, which included an 82ft mast, had been refused by planners at Leeds City Council. This was a very contentious issue which had, quite frankly, been mishandled from day one. Again I and my ward colleagues were involved right at the start of the campaign against the mast and I'm pleased that the residents of Great Preston have been rewarded with the result that they so skilfully campaigned for. Let's not get complacent however; they (the applicants) will be back. They have two choices now. Either they will appeal against this decision or they will go away only to return with a similar proposal but in a different location. Keep your guard up!
Finally I would like to thank Leeds City Council for once again providing a spectacular end to their outdoor concert season in the form of their Classical Fantasia event at Kirkstall Abbey. It was the tenth anniversary of this event and although the air was filled with drizzle at times the
atmosphere throughout the evening was quite simply magical. Thank you Leeds!
Cllr.Mark Phillips Garforth & Swillington Ward
5th September The Garforth Factor, Crime Prevention and Heavy Weather
I read a wonderful piece this weekend in the YEP by Oliver Cross which referred to what he called the 'Garforth Factor'. At first I thought he was having a polite 'pop' at us and then I read it again - and I'm still smiling! I like the fact that Garforth residents are only too ready and willing to enter into topical debate about their community. Too often people are happy (or at least, seem to be) to sit back, let the Authorities that they pay into (and that includes Government) 'do their thing' and then complain about it. In Garforth, not so. Yes, people here do their fair share of complaining but it is usually about something worthwhile and is usually constructive criticism, both of which are qualities that we need in order to get things right. I hope that Garforth people continue to use their voices in this way and would encourage others to do the same. That way you get true representation and hopefully get what the community wants rather than what the Authorities think you want!
This weekend my wife and I attended the Ledsham Fayre helping to promote the Garforth CPP (Crime Prevention Panel) We had a wonderful morning talking to people from all over the country about our activities and although by the time we left we hadn't managed to sign up any new members (something that is always welcome) we had managed to swell the coffers a little which will help go toward our presence at similar events. If you want to know more about the CPP why not come along and see us during Elders Celebration Week at the Miners Welfare Hall, Garforth on Friday, 30th September at 10:30am
Finally, in the late eighties my wife and I lived through 'that Hurricane' which devastated large parts of south-east England and, depending on your point of view, either made or broke a certain BBC weatherman's career! Sevenoaks was reduced to 'two-oaks' (I think); nine-inch thick brick walls were strewn across the road; garage/house roofs were torn off in one piece and power supplies were inevitably cut. We were lucky, our house remained intact and all we suffered was a smashed greenhouse. The following morning, the whole street (and many others besides) were out talking to each other, making cups of tea or offering food. They offered comfort to each other and generally did their best to clean up. There was a real community spirit. The people of New Orleans have had none of that. They've had to endure advancing flood waters; rapes; looting; gunfire and basically starvation before their Government acted. For this to happen in any country in the 21st century is as President Bush recently put it, unacceptable. For this to happen in the most powerful country in the World is unbelievable. Next time we experience a heavy downpour or higher than usual winds, spare a thought for the people of New Orleans. Oh, and Garforth - keep talking! Cllr.Mark Phillips
11th August 2005 Short Lived Skate Park, Cricket Success and Longer Opening Hours
Good News and Bad News this week. I'll start with the bad and then things can only get better. I learned this week that sadly, due to the thoughtless actions of a few (once again!) the temporary skate park located at Garforth Community College was to be removed. This was due to vandalism of school premises; 2 attempted break-ins and 1 actual break-in. So because a few mindless idiots cannot control their actions the young people of Garforth and surrounding area are deprived of something that provides them the opportunity to meet with friends and practice their skills. I do hope those who caused the damage are proud of themselves!
Good News - I understand that the cricket coaching sessions launched today went well at Kippax and around 50 youngsters from around the area turned up. I also understand that the venue for the sessions to be held 22nd-26th August have had to be moved from Whitkirk to Colton Cricket Club (situated on School Lane to the rear of Sainsbury) I do hope that many more take up this opportunity to develop / sharpen their skills.
One last thought; I read today that Government Minister James Purnell thinks that people are 'forced' to binge-drink. Really? who by? I'm afraid I've yet to see a pub landlord or shop owner holding a customer in an arm-lock whilst he/she struggles to get home. He's obviously never worked behind the bar! If he had he would know that most pub landlords/ladies rarely get to bed themselves until the early hours of the morning now and encouraging them to stay open longer will only make their lives even harder unless of course they are lucky enough to be able to afford to pay for extra staff to work on whilst most people have already gone home to bed! The idea of more continental-style hours is, in itself, not a bad one but more time is needed to help those charged with introducing the change to process the licensing applications and to ensure that they make the right decisions when granting them. Sadly the Government have very loudly 'called time' on any such extension. I hope we don't end up regretting their decision. Cllr.Mark Phillips
7th August 2005 Fighting the New Giant Phone Mast Plan
Residents of Garforth recently received the news that Vodafone had withdrawn their appeal against the decision by LCC planners to reject the installation of a slim-line monopole at East Garforth railway station which was designed to enhance the network coverage following the line of the track. However, it seems the message that a new mast is not wanted in the area has not reached Vodafone's competitors.
T-Mobile have now submitted plans for a much larger installation(Application Ref.33/331/05FU) comprising of a 25m lattice tower, 3 antennas, 2 x 600mm dishes and 2 equipment cabinets. The proposed site is in woodland off Whitehouse Lane, Great Preston. Not surprisingly local residents are outraged at this application not only because of the sheer size of the proposed installation but also because they were completely unaware of its existence. It seems that the Parish Council were not consulted (neither for that matter, was I) although it appears that this proposal was known about as long ago as May.
A campaign is now under way against the application and I understand that a drop-in session has been arranged with the contractors on September 13th between 15:30 - 19:00pm at Great Preston Village Hall where members of the public can discuss the proposal and obtain further information from T-Mobile. I would strongly advise anyone with a view on this application to make every effort to attend as this is clearly a much greater threat than the one so successfully fought off from Vodafone.
29 July 2005 Deferred Success, Class Sizes and Cricket Coaching
I read in the newspaper the other day that some members of the educational establishment don't want us to advise pupils that they have 'failed' their exams but would prefer that we advise that they have 'deferred success'. As I read this I couldn't help wondering whether in future we could look forward to the Government publishing league tables identifying schools which were 'deferring success'. Then I thought, why stop there? I'm expected to reach performance targets at work; is my manager now going to have to advise me in my annual appraisals that I have deferred success? Will employers advise applicants after interviews that they have deferred success? or how about driving test examiners? No? well, that's alright then.
I also read today that schools are to be allowed to increase class sizes to up to 60 pupils where head teachers think that this 'is right for their schools' How can it be right for schools when in many cases teachers are already struggling to control classes of around 30 pupils? Teachers already face enormous strain as they are increasingly expected to act as surrogate parents running Breakfast clubs and After-school clubs as well as teaching our kids during 'normal' school hours and now Ms Kelly seemingly wants to double their workload to allow them 10% preparation time! I may be wrong but I would imagine a large number of head teachers will take the decision that this proposal is not right for their school as they battle to attract new teachers and to retain the ones that may already be clinging on to their sanity!
Speaking of schools, the summer holidays are now upon us and parents are no doubt looking for ways of keeping their loved ones occupied; well, the East Outer Area Management committee at LCC are funding free coaching sessions for young cricket enthusiasts between the ages of 9 and 15.
There are two sessions planned; 8th-12th August at Kippax Cricket Club, Londyke Lane and 22nd-26th August at Whitkirk Cricket Club, Selby Road. For more details contact Karl Curry on 0113 2243047.
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