Morley Borough Independent News

Labour cancels Christmas in Morley

2011-05-31T19:06:00.000+01:00

Labour cancels Christmas in Morley

Morley Borough Independent councillors have been outraged at a decision by the new Labour controlled Leeds City Council to cancel the financial support it provides for the Christmas Lights and the Light Up event in Morley. The support dates back over 20 years but Councillors have been told that unless £12,000 can be found locally then the Christmas Lights and the Light up event will not go ahead.

Cllr Judith Elliott said "The new Labour controlled Leeds City Council have cancelled Christmas in Morley. This is even more of an outrage as the lights and event in the City Centre are to be retained.

This means big stores such as Harvey Nichols and Marks and Spencer get public support to increase their profits while hard pressed Morley traders are being asked to find the finance themselves to make Morley a more attractive place to shop at Christmas.

This decision is unacceptable and will be a disappointment to children and parents alike."

Morley Borough Independent Councillors will be looking for financial support, including from the private sector, to make sure the Christmas Lights and Light up event go ahead.

Cllr Elliott said "We will be campaigning to have this decision reversed. We are not prepared to see financial resources taken from Morley while inner areas continue to get more financial support. We will find a way to make sure we prevent Labour from cancelling Christmas."

Knowle Manor Rally called for June

2011-05-31T19:01:00.001+01:00

Knowle Manor Rally called for June

Morley Borough Independent Councillors have called the rally calling for Knowle Manor to remain open for Saturday 11th June at 11am in front of Morley Town Hall.

Cllr Terry Grayshon, who is leading the campaign said "This will be an opportunity for Morley residents to send a clear message to the Labour controlled Leeds City Council that this closure is unacceptable. We cannot have these older residents, one of whom is over a hundred, being made homeless and having to find somewhere new to live."

Cllr Grayshon said "We have been collecting signatures for a petition against the closure and hope to reach a thousand signatures before June 11th."

People wanting to support the rally can contact the Morley Borough Independents at campaigns@morleyindependent.com.

Improvements made to Morley Train Station

2011-04-28T15:30:00.000+01:00

Following a request by Morley Borough Independent Councillor Terry Grayshon, improvements have been made to Morley Train Station, which include the introduction of a CCTV system for both platforms and the car park, repairs to the Public Address System and a help point on the platforms.

The improvements were made following discussions between METRO, Northern Rail, Morley Town Council and Leeds City Councillors.

Speaking following the improvements, Councillor Grayshon said "Morley Train Station is popular with local residents who want to travel to Leeds and further afield. For some time concern has been raised about the remote location of the Station and the perceived safety of passengers. These improvements will help to feel people feel more secure whilst waiting on the platforms. The CCTV is monitored and the new help facility is a boon to the lone traveller. I am pleased that as well as these introductions, the Public Address system has now been repaired, it had been out of action for some time, now announcements can be heard at Morley".

Resurfacing work to start on Dewsbury Road

2011-04-26T12:30:00.000+01:00

Dewsbury Road to be resurfaced

Following requests made by Morley Borough Independent Councillors, work is start next week on resurfacing the Dewsbury Road (A653) and Highfields, in Tingley.

The condition of the road has been of concern for some time to local residents, some of whom contacted Councillor Judith Elliott to raise their concerns.

Following a meeting with Highways Officers, the stretch of road was placed on the top of the list for resurfacing works in the Morley South Ward, work is due to commence on 2nd May and will continue for several weeks.

Councillor Terry Grayshon, who along with Councillor Elliott asked for the work to be done as a priority commented " I am pleased that we have been able to get this road to the top of the repair list in Morley South, it has been in poor condition for some time and we felt it merited being at the top of the list. The work will be completed as quickly as possible but will take some time to complete, thankfully our interventions have proved successful."

Magpie Lane Clean-up hits a century

2011-04-18T21:18:00.006+01:00

Some of the rubbish awaiting collection

A clean up by Morley's Community Payback team scored a century when they filled over 100 rubbish bags with the litter they had collected on greenspace off Magpie Lane.

The Community Payback Team -which is overseen by the Probation Service - uses offenders who have been sentenced by courts to pay their debt to society by clearing up littered public greenspace.

Cllr Terry Grayshon, who monitors the scheme on behalf of Morley Town Council said "We have had several residents on the Birdie Estate ask for a clean up along Magpie Lane. The Community Payback Team are doing a great job across Morley and the litter they have cleared has been substantial. The project allows offenders to put something back into the communities that have often been blighted by offenders activities."

Further locations are lined up for clean up by the Community Payback team throughout the year.

Teen Zone Delivered

2011-04-18T21:18:00.004+01:00

The new teen zone promised for an area of land between Magpie Lane and Wide Lane has been delivered by local councillors. The zone, requested by the Morley Neighbourhood Policing Team following concerns about anti-social behaviour, was erected earlier this month and consists of a basketball and football frame, a pair of five aside goalposts and a teen shelter.

Cllr Terry Grayshon said "We were approached by the local policing team to see if we could help to bring something for young people to use to give them something positive to do on an evening. They believed it would provide the option to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area."

Councillors obtained a grant from Grantscape, a Leeds based charity with additional financial support given by Outer South Area Committee.

Cllr Terry Grayshon said "We continue to work in partnership with Morley Police to reduce problems of anti-social behaviour faced by local residents."

Praise for Police Action

2011-04-18T21:17:00.001+01:00

Morley Neighbourhood Policing Team has been praised by local volunteers because of action they have taken to reduce ant-social behaviour at Daffil Woods in Churwell. Their action followed concerns raised by volunteers as a large group of youths attempted to set up dens in the forest, damaging bird feeding tables and strewing rubbish across the woods.

Local Churwell volunteer Janet Harrison – who is a member of Churwell Action Group said “I am pleased at the quick response we have received from the police when the matter was raised with them. The team is to be congratulated on acting so quickly to prevent things escalating.”

Police Community Support Officers entered the woods, dismantled the dens and helped with clearing up much of the resulting debris.

Tree Warden and fellow volunteer Steve Hunter said “We continue to work hard to make sure the woods continue as a community asset. This type of anti-social behaviour was intimidating other residents and the policing teams early intervention means the woods can now be enjoyed by everyone.”

Churwell Speed Reduction Plan welcomed

2011-04-18T21:16:00.002+01:00

Churwell Hill

A proposal to reduce the speed limit at the bottom of Churwell Hill has received support form Morley Borough Independent Councillors. The plan, which is to be implemented next month, will see the 40 miles per hour speed limit reduced to 30 miles per hour just before the railway viaduct on Elland Road.

Cllr Bob Gettings welcomed the proposal and said “It has been an anomaly for many years that the speed limit on the A638 has been 30 miles an hour from the Angel Pub at Bruntcliffe all through Morley and Churwell but increases to 40 miles per hour just before the railway bridge. It is clear that reduced speed limits save lives and this proposal is good news for Churwell residents.”

Along with a reduced speed limit will be minor changes to the junction with Old Road along with some small adjustments to bus stop markings.

Cllr Gettings said “The safety cameras on Churwell Hill have reduced the speed vehicles have travelled through the area. This new proposal, when it is introduced next month, will mean local residents will benefit form a consistent and lower speed limit along the whole length of this road.”

Woodkirk wasteland targeted

2011-04-18T21:15:00.001+01:00

St.Mary's Church Woodkirk

Campaigners have targeted an area of wasteland on Dewsbury Road opposite Woodkirk Church for a project which will tidy up the location. The project will involve the local community in developing themes for tiled pictures to make up a mosaic at the site.

The project was given a boost when Outer South Area Committee awarded a grant to the community group which should enable them to seek additional finance from other sources such as the Lottery Fund.

Cllr Judith Elliott, who has worked on the project said “This location has been a problem for several years and requires some investment to turn it from an eyesore until a positive local asset. We are working with Woodkirk Sports Club and local schools to pull together a project which will include a mosaic of their ideas which are associated with the local area.”

Plans are presently being drawn for consultation with Planning Officers on Leeds City Council to make sure the proposal fits in with greenbelt planning policy.

Cllr Elliott said “I am pleased we have been able to identify some finance to kick start this project. We still have a long way to go but we are optimistic we can deliver something which will become a community asset.”

Councillor pushes for playground improvements

2011-04-18T21:14:00.000+01:00

A Morley Borough Independent Councillor has commenced a campaign to raise funding to support improvements at Gildersome Playground. The campaign follows proposals from Gildersome Parish Council to bring additional play equipment to the playground on Town Street.

Cllr Bob Gettings said "The Parish Council have some great ideas for improving the playground and are exploring the options with playground contractors. Our job is to identify the funding to support this proposal."

Councillors are looking to housing developers and Outer South Area Committee for the finance needed.

Cllr Gettings said "We are confident the finance can be found to support the Parish Councils proposals and we hope to see their plans implemented during the summer."

Morley Elderly Action Cash Boost

2011-03-01T11:29:00.000Z

Councillors have welcomed the news of a cash boost to Morley Elderly Action from Leeds City Council following their long campaign to deliver fairer funding for the town. The new contract for the organisation is guaranteed for five years and increases the annual grant from £53,000 to £91,000 a year.

Cllr Terry Grayshon said "We have raised the issue of underfunding of Morley Elderly Action for several years. The statistics showed that pensioners in Morley were getting less than their fair share of resources compared to other groups and this new agreement will redress that unfairness."

The new contract, which was recently agreed by Leeds City Council Executive Board, increased payments for those groups covering larger numbers of pensioners as well as setting them new responsibilities to improve the health and welfare of older residents.

Cllr Bob Gettings said "We are pleased Morley pensioners are now getting a fairer deal. These additional funds will help support Morley Elderly Action to increase the great work they undertake and this is good news for Morley’s pensioners."

Green Doctor Campaign cuts Morley residents fuel bills

2011-03-01T11:21:00.000Z

Morley Borough Independent Councillors were given a briefing on the success of the Green Doctor campaign in Morley which tackled fuel poverty problems facing low income residents in Morley. The scheme, which was run by Groundwork Trust, was supported by financial assistance provided by councilors. The scheme visits pensioners, the disabled and families with young children to offer help to reduce their individual fuel bills.

Cllr Terry Grayshon said “We have been pleased to financially support this project. Over 100 households have been visited and practical measures have been taken to reduce their fuel bills.”

The Green Doctor Scheme offers advice on fuel bill reduction along with providing energy saving bulbs, radiator reflection panels and support with local grants for additional home insulation.

Cllr Terry Grayshon said “Some of Morley’s most vulnerable households have been visited and practical help given to make sure they can pay their fuel bills and keep warm through one of the severest winters we have had. We are looking at ways of finding the finance to continue to support the scheme in the future.”

£50,000 for Dartmouth Tennis Courts

2011-03-01T11:17:00.000Z

Councillors celebrate Lawn Tennis cash

Morley Borough Independent Councillors have welcomed the news that a £50,000 grant has been received from the Lawn Tennis Association to re-surface the tennis courts in Dartmouth Park. The grant followed several years of campaigning by Morley Borough Independent Councillors to have the tennis facilities at Dartmouth Park improved.

Cllr Terry Grayshon said “We are delighted that at long last we have been able to bring together the finance needed to improve the tennis courts in Dartmouth Park. This has been a long campaign with many set backs but now the news has been announced we can get on with the job!”

Work is due to start in March as the conditions imposed by the Lawn Tennis Association oblige Leeds City Council to complete the work before the summer.

Cllr Bob Gettings – once a keen tennis player himself - commented “We are aiming to have the new courts up and running as soon as we can. We are keen on developing the Andy Murray’s of tomorrow locally and the new courts will be of an exceptionally high standard. We are supporting the LTA with its aim of increasing the number of youngsters taking up tennis and this new facility will bring state of the art courts to the Morley area.”

Campaign starts for Alexandra Hall refurbishment plan

2011-01-27T18:22:00.000Z

Councillors have joined with local performers to launch a plan to improve the Alexandra Hall in Morley Town Hall to encourage more use of the concert venue by local groups and other performers. The Hall, which is renowned for its acoustic qualities, needs improvements to the stage floor as well as improved lighting and sound systems.

Cllr Bob Gettings has met with local groups to explore the options to pull a partnership together to improve the Hall enabling it to be used for additional concerts from local touring bands and performers.

Cllr Gettings said “We may have identified some funding to support this project. Our aim is to work with local performing groups to improve the facilities in the Alexandra Hall and to make sure it is used more in the future.”

Many touring bands and companies avoid Morley Town Hall as there is presently the additional cost of hiring lighting and sound systems. Other local venues, such as Dewsbury and Cleckheaton Town Hall play host to many of the touring groups as their facilities are better than the present ones in Morley.

Cllr Gettings said “We want to see our fine Town Hall used more often. If we can improve the stage, lighting and sound systems then it will attract more performers to Morley. This will make the town centre more vibrant, especially on evenings and at the weekends, as well as offering better facilities for local performing groups.”

The campaign group is to meet again in February where the availability of finance for the project will be confirmed.

Dartmouth Park Plan – work to commence in March

2011-01-21T15:37:00.001Z

Dartmouth Park

An improvement plan for Dartmouth Park will commence in March when the four upper tennis courts are to be re-surfaced with a grant coming from the Lawn Tennis Association. The funds, which will be supported by additional council spending if needed, have to be used to improve tennis playing opportunities across the Morley area but will herald the start of an improvement programme likely to continue across the year.

Cllr Terry Grayshon said “I am delighted we have been able to obtain theses funds for this work. There has been a delay in progressing with the re-surfacing of the tennis courts but this has been due to the necessity of putting together a partnership bid.”

Other work in the park could include a multi-use games area and improved tennis courts on the lower section along with improvements to the parks playground and footpaths.

Cllr Judith Elliott said “We have been working with local residents to come up with a plan to improve this well used park. Most of the finance has been identified and we hope to see much progress in the park throughout the year.”

Councillors also agreed finance to improve Hirst Park on South Queen Street which is likely to see improvements including new benches as well as agreeing to work with Gildersome Parish Council to improve Gildersome Playground.

Cllr Bob Gettings said “We are responding to concerns from the Parish Council in Gildersome who want to improve the playground in the village. We have identified a small some of money to help this project and will be talking to them in the near future to agree an improvement plan for Gildersome playground.”

Britannia Road Highway Safety Plan Announced

2011-01-17T18:45:00.001Z

The work plan to improve road safety on Britannia Road has been announced which will see the Bradford Bound carriageway from Tingley Bar fisheries reduced to one lane. The plan includes introducing an additional pedestrian crossing along with improved signing and road markings. The announcement was made after parents who had suffered bereavements following road traffic accidents on Britannia Road were shown the proposals and asked for their comments.

Cllr Terry Grayshon, who campaigned for the scheme said “I am pleased we have been able to deliver this road safety scheme working with the parents group and Highways Officers. This proposal is the start of a programme which will address the issues of road safety along this stretch of Britannia Road.”

Work should commence within the next couple of months with the work to be completed over a twelve week period.

Cllr Judith Elliott said “We have campaigned for some time for these improvements. We will continue to work with the parents group to review this road safety programme and to work towards further improvements should they become necessary.”

Morley Elderly Action Cash Boost

2011-01-16T14:51:00.001Z

Cash Boosts for Morley Elderly Action

Cllr Terry Grayshon said "We have raised the issue of underfunding of Morley Elderly Action for several years. The statistics showed that pensioners in Morley were getting less than their fair share of resources compared to other groups and this new agreement will redress that unfairness."

Cllr Bob Gettings said "We are pleased Morley pensioners are now getting a fairer deal. These additional funds will help support Morley Elderly Action to increase the great work they undertake and this is good news for Morley’s pensioners."

Cash found for Magpie Lane sports zone

2011-01-16T14:50:00.002Z

Sports Zone on the way

Councillors have found the cash for a sports zone project focused on council land between Wide Lane and Magpie Lane. The new sports zone will introduce football and basketball frames which could be used by local young people to promote sporting activity.

Cllr Terry Grayshon said “We have been offered a £7000 grant from the charity Grantscape and we have been able to find an additional £7000 to finance the project fully.”

The work should commence over the next few months with local Parks staff involved in constructing the sports zone.

Cllr Grayshon said “It is important for us to offer young people as many positive options as possible to reduce the potential for anti-social behaviour. It will also keep people more active contributing to a healthier lifestyle.”

Community Payback Scheme launched

2011-01-16T14:50:00.000Z

Community Payback Scheme Launched

A community pay back scheme has been launched in Morley this weekend which will see convicted offenders clearing up grot sports around the Morley area. The project, which is being supported by Morley Town Council, will see a year long campaign where untidy areas will receive a focused work team to clean up the environment.

The project is being led by Cllr Terry Grayshon who first proposed the scheme at a Town Council meeting late last year. Cllr Grayshon said “This is a focused scheme which will tackle those environmental hot spots which need cleaning and tidying up. It will be fully overseen by the Probation Service who will make sure offenders put something back to those communities whose lives have often been blighted by their offences. The Town Council is supporting the scheme and we already have a list of projects for the Payback team to undertake.”

Cllr Grayshon has called on residents across Morley to put forward locations for the team to work on.

Cllr Grayshon said “We are looking to residents to nominate locations that need to be tidied up and we want their ideas and proposals. I can be contacted via the MBI office on 0113 2477538 as well as by e mail on terry.grayshon@leeds.gov.uk . I hope residents will work with us to use the team to make Morley a pleasanter place to live.”

Morley Train: Station Improvements to be made.

2011-01-16T14:48:00.001Z

Morley Railway Station

A plan to improve Morley Station has been agreed between local Councillors, Metro and Northern Trains which will lead to improvements at Morley train station. The improvements will include an expanded CCTV scheme along with improved parking arrangements. Agreement was also reached that will explore additional parking on the Valley Road side of the station along with improved access to the Huddersfield bound platform.

Cllr Terry Grayshon, who called the meeting said “We have agreed to expand the recently introduced CCTV scheme with financial support coming from Metro. We are also able to confirm that additional work is to be undertaken in the next financial year to increase the amount of parking down at the station along with other improvements which are being explored such as marking up parking bays.”

Councillors also agreed to explore the options for further parking on the Valley Road side after hearing news that a local Town Council had developed a similar proposal.

Cllr Grayshon said “One of the ways we can encourage people out of cars and on to public transport is to explore how we can improve the park and ride experience at Morley train station. This includes better CCTV as well as more parking spaces on Valley Road. We will explore this proposal to see if it is practical and affordable.”

Councillors are also exploring improving disabled access to the Huddersfield bound platform and will look towards funding options if the proposal is affordable.