Topcliffe Lane Parking Plan

Morley Town Councillors have welcomed the publishing of a traffic regulation order that begins a legal process to bring a new highways plan to Topcliffe Lane in Morley. The plan, which follows a long period of consultation with residents in the area, will now go out to formal consultation which is likely to lead to its implementation early in the New Year.

Cllr Judith Elliott said “Publication of the traffic regulation order – which is the start of the legal process to bring this plan to reality – is most welcome. This means that, barring legitimate legal challenges, the new proposal will be implemented in the New Year.”

The plan includes residents parking permit schemes on some of the cul-de-sacs along with limited waiting times for parking outside residents home and an extension of yellow lining preventing parking at any time.

Cllr Robert Finnigan said “Residents have raised their concerns for many years about parking problems on Topcliffe Lane. Residents report being abused by motorists parking cars on Topcliffe Lane who work on the adjacent industrial estate. The parking on Topcliffe Lane has been so severe on some occasions that buses and emergency vehicles could not move up and down the road. This plan will address most of these anti-social parking issues.”

The new plan should be implemented early in the New Year and a review will be undertaken 6 months after implementation to see if additional measures are required.

SIDS working

Morley Town Council financed SIDS (speed indication devices) are working well according to feedback from local residents. The devices, in place on Glen Road, Scotchman Lane and Glen Road, indicate the speed motorists are travelling at and are proven to slow down drivers.

Cllr Jim Aveyard, Chairman of the Town Councils Highway Committee said “We have financed SIDs across Morley and we were keen to get residents views on what impact the devices had had in their communities. The feedback from residents was generally positive with many believing it had slowed traffic down. Other residents believe more work needs to be done to slow traffic down. We have taken this on board and will explore further options.”

Other residents on Scatcherd Lane and Scotchman Lane have also welcomed the introduction of the devices.

Cllr Robert Finnigan said “The devices do two things. They give instant feedback to drivers and this often leads to a reduction is the speed they are travelling at. The devices also monitor on, a long term basis, the speed of motorists and this data can be used it evidence the need for further action – such as permanent safety cameras.”

Morley Town Council are looking to roll out the SID programme to other locations including Magpie Lane, Westwoodside in Churwell and Rein Road.

New CCTV coming to Churwell Park

Churwell Environmental Volunteers working on the scheme

Morley Town Council is working in partnership with Churwell Environmental Volunteers to bring an additional CCTV camera to Churwell Park. The scheme – which is being financed by Morley town Council – will bring a further camera to the park to oversee the newly refurbished children’s play area.

Cllr Robert Finnigan said “I am grateful for the work the Churwell Environmental Volunteers have put into this scheme in bringing this additional camera to the park. This will keep park users safer and will also mean that play equipment is less likely to be damaged or vandalised.”

CCTV cameras were introduced into Churwell Park a decade ago and have led to reduced vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Finnigan said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Churwell Volunteers who do excellent work across the Churwell area. The finance for this scheme has come from Morley Town Councils Community Infrastructure Levy Fund and we will be looking to use this fund on a programme of improvement works across Morley.”

Free WIFI scheme for Morley Town Centre a step nearer

The free WIFI programme for Morley Town Centre took a further step forward following a meeting between Councillors and Leeds City Council Street Lighting staff. The scheme – to be financed by Morley Town Council – has the support of local Councillors and Morley MP Andrea Jenkyns and aims to be operational early in the New Year.

Cllr Robert Finnigan, Chairman of Morley Town Centre Management Board said “We have brokered an agreement with Leeds City Councils Street lighting Team to attach the hardware needed to bring the scheme to Morley Town Centre on the lamp standards on Queen Street. This should provide what is needed for free WIFI to be offered to anyone visiting Morley Town Centre.”

 The free WIFI scheme will be used to promote Morley Town Centre, providing news on events and offers from local traders to increase footfall as well  as developing a digital platform for the future aiming to include click and collect options from Morley Town Centre businesses.

 Cllr Finnigan said “We have had excellent support from our MP, Town and City Councillors and Leeds and Morley Councils. We hope to have the full scheme operational early in the New Year.”

 

MBIs to debate Housing Target and Universal Credit

Laneside Farm lost to Developers

Morley Borough Independent Councillors will take part in two controversial debates to take place at Leeds City Councils Full Council Meeting this Wednesday.

The first relates to a reduction of the Leeds City Councils Planning Housing Target which will also lead to a vote on a proposed no confidence motion in the Labour Administration by Tory Councillors. This follows Labour Councillors setting of the Core Strategy Housing Target of 70,000 new homes and then agreeing to an early review to reduce the number.

Morley Councillors have campaigned since 2007 to reduce the housing target which covers the City up to 2028. They believed the target was too high and would lead to the loss of many Greenfield sites in Morley and across Leeds.

Cllr Tom Leadley – who has battled to reduce the housing target for over a decade said “The 70,000 plus target was never realistic or achievable but gave developers an option to build on Greenfield sites and ignore previous developed brownfield ones. This has led to the loss of many Greenfield sites in Morley including Owlers Farm, Low Moor Farm and Laneside Farm – all important Morley Greenfield sites. The decision to revise the housing target to reduce it downward will not help Morley as these sites have already been granted planning permission.”

Over 2,000 new homes have been granted planning permission across Morley over the last 5 years but no new schools or other infrastructure proposals have been agreed to cope with the increased demand on local services.

A second debate will be held on the Governments Welfare Reform Flagship – Universal Credit.

Cllr Robert Finnigan, a former welfare rights worker for over 30 years said “The principle of Universal Credit is a sound one with the rights and responsibilities of claimants clearly laid down. The Labour Administration in Leeds wants a pause in its introduction but we are backing Labour MP Frank Fields proposals to make Universal Credit work better.”

Morley Councillors are backing Frank Fields proposals to make Universal Credit payable on a fortnightly basis – rather than after 6 weeks and are also backing the removal of rent payments from Universal Credit with payments being returned directly to Landlords.

Cllr Finnigan said “The Labour Administration seems to have no proposals as to how to make Universal Credit work better. We back Frank Fields proposals which make work pay, keep roofs over claimant’s heads and make it more manageable for those on low incomes to cope.”

 

Dartmouth Park Plan Welcomed

Plans for a new play area and multi-use gym area for young people were unveiled to a meeting of the Friends of Dartmouth Park Group this week. The plans – funded by Housing Developer contributions – will see a new children’s play area introduced along with a teen zone for young people on the space of a disused tennis court.

Cllr Judith Elliott said “This regeneration plan has been a long time coming but we are delighted it is now to be implemented. We have campaigned for many years – along with the Friends of Dartmouth Park Group – for these improvements to be introduced and the plan will be implemented over the autumn and winter months."

Over £200,000 has been found to support the regeneration project with footpaths also to be improved.

Cllr Wyn Kidger, who attended the meeting said “Dartmouth Park is one of the jewels in Morley’s Parks crown and this improvement plan will be welcomed by young and old alike. The Friends Group deserve a lot of credit for battling with us to bring these improvements and I am pleased we are going to finally get the work undertaken.”

Morley Mayors Charity Channel Challenge

Morley Mayor Cllr Robert Finnigan has been delighted at the response from local groups following his call to take on the Mayor Charity Channel Challenge. The challenge – to be held at Morley Sports Centre on Saturday 21^st October at 2pm at Morley Sports Centre, will involve teams rowing the equivalent distance of crossing the Channel - 33,300 metres - on rowing machines as they compete against each other to be the first “boat” to make the crossing. The event is raising funds to support West Yorkshires two Children’s Hospices, Martin House in Leeds and the Forget Me Not Fund based in Huddersfield who deal with children from across the region suffering from life shortening conditions.

 Cllr Finnigan said “The response from groups taking up the challenge has been fabulous. We have a team from the Leeds Rhinos Foundation taking part along with teams from Morley Sports Centre, Morley Firefighters, the Different Gravy Wine Bar, the Yorkshire Teachers Rugby League team and of course the Mayors own team. It’s a long and sweaty physical challenge which will take around 3 hours but the support with sponsorship has been brilliant.”

 The event at Morley Sports Centre will also include a bun sale with bottled water for the competitors being provided free by Morley Morrison’s.

 Cllr Finnigan said “Both hospices do an excellent job with supporting families who are facing exceptionally challenging circumstances. We are hoping to raise over £1000 to support the work they do and I would encourage Morley Folk to attend, support the rowers and give generously to both these excellent charities.”

Visit to the Army Cadets

I joined Army Cadets from across North and West Yorkshire at an awards and information day at Strensall near York last Sunday.

The day, organised by Yorkshire based groups of Army Cadets, was attended by Mayors from Towns and Cities across Yorkshire including Morley, Bradford, Wakefield, Wetherby and Richmond.

It was a fabulous day where we all gained a valuable insight into the work the Army Cadets undertake and the opportunities they offer for young people.

Councillors were shown the different skills cadets were developing include First Aid, wall climbing, communication skills and camouflage techniques. Cadets were also given certificates for their achievements over the last year.

The Army Cadets offer many opportunities for local young people, both girls and boys. They develop skills such as resilience and self-motivation along with teamwork and practical skills that they can use later in life. It was a pleasure and a delight to attend and to meet so many well motivated youngsters. We are exploring what options are available to bring an Army Cadet Corp to the Morley area.

CCTV schemes to be expanded

CCTV scheme expanded in Churwell Park

Morley Borough Independent Town Councillors have backed proposals to improve CCTV schemes at both Morley Sports Centre and Churwell Park. The finance, from the Community Infrastructure Levy - often called CIL - that developers of new housing developments around Morley have to pay, will contribute towards expanding the CCTV schemes at both locations.

Cllr Robert Finnigan said “We were happy to support the proposals at Morley Sports Centre and Churwell Park. Morley Sports Centre is presently suffering from increased vandalism and this means money that could be used to increased opportunities for Morley residents is being used to repair the damage to the Sports Centre. The new CCTV stay will help reduce this burden and offer more opportunities for everyone.”

The Morley Sports Centre expanded system will overlook the outside of the Kirkness Room which is popular with Sports Centre users but has been subjected to increased vandalism. The Churwell Park CCTV system will overlook the newly refurbished Children’s Play area and has shown to reduce vandalism previously.

Cllr Judith Elliott, who sat on the committee that agreed the funding said “The Town Council has a fund which can be used to support local projects and to improve the quality of life of local residents. We believe this is what we have achieved by supporting both applications.”

 

Morley gets two defibrillators for Town Centre

Morley Town Centre now has two defibrillator following work by Morley Town Centre Management Board and money raised by the former Mayor of Morley Cllr Simon Kimberley.

 The two defibrillators – based in former BT phone boxes – were delivered after Cllr Kimberley raised funds during his year as Mayor to cover the costs. The new units were also sponsored by local Estate Agents – Onwards and Upwards – and were fitted free of charge by Morley Town Council Andy Hutchison.

 Cllr Robert Finnigan – Chairman of Morley Town Centre Management Board said “I would like to pass on my thanks to Onwards and Upwards and pay tribute to my colleagues Cllr Kimberley and Cllr Hutchison who have made this project a reality. It has made excellent use of former phone boxes and will make Morley Town Centre safer by offering lifesaving equipment on those hopefully rare occasions they are needed.”

Mayors Charity Channel Challenge

Cllr Robert Finnigan - Mayor of Morley - takes on Ronnie the Rhino!

The Mayor races across the channel for Charity

The Mayor of Morley will race against Leeds Rhinos Foundation and other local business for Martin House and Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice

 The Mayor is bringing the Olympics to Morley with an exciting charity rowing race in aid of Martin House and Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice; two fantastic charities that provide care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions across West Yorkshire.

 With the Mayor of Morley heading up his team, he is asking others to row the Channel alongside him in the heart of town using Morley Sports Centre rowing machines. As well as cheering on your team; there will be a host, music, stalls, a bouncy castle, face painting, a raffle and a qualifying prize draw making this an event not to be missed!

 Where is the race?

 This great day out for the family is at Morley Sports Centre on Saturday 21 October, and kicks off with the boat race at 2pm.

 How can you be involved?

      1.     Be a team and see if you have a chance beating the Mayor! The teams must be made up of five people and there is a £20per person minimum sponsorship required. Teams already confirmed from Leeds Rhinos Foundation, a team including ex marines, Morley Police Officers and Sports Centre staff.

2.     Sponsor the event!

3.     Do some fundraising for your business

4.     Donate something towards the day or the auction; this can be an item, food or vouchers!

5.     Volunteer your skills or talents for entertainment on the day!

6.     Like our Facebook page at The Mayors Charity Channel Challenge.

7.     Attend the event and help cheer on the teams!

The Charities

Martin House supports families from across West, North and East Yorkshire, both at their hospice and in the community.

“Our families are at the heart of everything we do and we value each member as an individual with their own needs. The hospice itself is a place of love and understanding, a peaceful place but one that can also have a lively, friendly atmosphere full of fun and laughter”

Forget Me Not supports families in West Yorkshire.

“We help hundreds of wonderful children, and their equally wonderful families, through our Hospice at Home service and at our fantastic hospice building at Russell House in Huddersfield. We provide superb nursing care, days out, listening, respite care, therapy and anything the family wants us to do, we are here to say yes and help in any way we can.”

 Morley Mayor Cllr Robert Finnigan said “I am encouraging as many people as possible to get involved in the charity fundraising event. Both the Martin House and Forget Me Not Find hospices undertake excellent work with families with children with life shortening illnesses. The day will be a real opportunity for people to have fun, out row the Mayor and his team and raise funds for these excellent charities!”

For any more information on the above please contact 0781 3322737.

You can support this event and both charities by donating to www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/mayorschachacha

Labour back Developer against Drighlington Community

Pitty Close Farm in Drighlington also know as Spring Gardens

Campaigners in Drighlington have pledged to battle on after Leeds City Councils Plans Panel agreed a housing application for 200 houses on Pitty Close Farm in Drighlington. The decision to grant planning permission follows a long campaign of opposition with Drighlington Parish Council, Morley North City Councillors and local MP Andrea Jenkyns all backing residents who opposed the plan.

 Cllr Robert Finnigan said “There was wide scale opposition to these plans from residents and all elected representatives who cover the Drighlington area. Figures from Education Chiefs confirmed that Drighlington Primary School had no room to accommodate the additional 60 children that will come from this site in the primary sector and also confirmed no spare capacity at Birchfield and Gildersome Primary’s to take these additional students. The Planners report also confirmed the site breached Council Highways guidance on access roads and the Councils own accessibility standards for secondary schools. However Labour Plans Panel members voted it through despite opposition from Independent, Lib Dem and Conservative Councillors.”

 The site, off King Street in Drighlington, was allocated as a phase 3 site in the Local Development Plan which should have left it undeveloped until after 2028 but Leeds City Council failed to prove it had a 5 year land supply after Labour Councillors backed a 74,000 new homes housing target.

 Cllr Finnigan said “Leeds City Council is now having to review its unrealistic housing target to reduce the number to prevent Developers ripping up Greenfield sites across Leeds. Despite this review Leeds City Council continues to back Developers instead of communities opposing unsustainable development.”

 Cllr Finnigan has contacted local MP Andrea Jenkyns to request that the application is called in by the Secretary of State for planning  because the application breaches guidance in Central Governments National Planning Policy Framework.

 Cllr Andy Hutchison from Drighlington Parish Council said “I can unreservedly confirm that the support for the application to be ‘called in’ is supported by Drighlington Parish Council.”

 Leeds City Councils Plan Panel has already agreed to housing development on Low Moor Farm, Owlers Farm, Bruntcliffe Road, Scott Lane, Laneside Farm and Churwell New Village with around 1600 new housing units granted planning permission. No additional school places at primary or secondary schools across Morley have been agreed nor any  highways improvements to deal with additional traffic.

 

 

 

Speed Reduction Plan for Drighlington

An additional speed indication device has been introduced onto Whitehall Road in Drighlington as part of a programme to reduce speed by motorists leaving and entering the village. The speed indication device, called a SID, gives drivers a warning if they are breaching the speed limit but also confirms their speed if they are driving at or under 30mph.

 Cllr Bob Gettings, who found the funding for the additional device said “We have had significant concerns about the speed vehicles are travelling on the Whitehall Road – especially when they are leaving Drighlington or are travelling towards the village from Leeds – and these devices have shown to reduce the overall speed vehicles travel at. They also collect data on speeding issues which could provide evidence to lobby Central Government for permanent solutions – such as permanent safety cameras.”

 Several SID devices are operating across the Morley area including in Gildersome, Glen Road and on Scatcherd Lane.

 Cllr Gettings said “We need a permanent solution for Whitehall Road and that means permanent safety cameras. We will continue to lobby for their introduction in Drighlington using the evidence will can collect from the SID devices. Speeding by motorists on Churwell Hill has been substantially reduced because of safety cameras and we believe this will have the same impact in Drighlington.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Churwell Park News

New play equipment in Churwell Park

New play equipment in Churwell Park has been shown with a new picture taken by Cllr Robert Finnigan. The new equipment – for younger children – follows a short campaign by Ward and Town Councillors to extend the recent refurbished children’s playground at the park.

 Cllr Finnigan said “I am grateful for the work of the Parks Department and the support from Churwell Action Group and Churwell Town Councillors. This new play equipment is what residents with children have been asking for over several months and I am glad we are able to deliver a great scheme reasonably quickly.”

 The new equipment will be open for full use as soon as the new fencing has been put in place.

Churwell Woodland Adventure

The Mayor of Morley, Cllr Robert Finnigan, attended the Churwell Woodland Adventure on Sunday along with the Mayoress, Lisa Finnigan, Deputy Mayor Cllr Roger Bell and Deputy Mayoress Christine Bell. The event, run by Churwell Environmental Volunteers, showcased the work the group had undertaking with delivering a woodlands railway along with other improvements to Clark Spring Woods in Churwell.

 Cllr Robert Finnigan said “It was an excellent event and the weather was delightful. The work the Environmental Volunteers have undertaken; the woodland railway, the dipping pond along with improvements to the footpaths and signage, is a tribute to their commitment to their local community. The Woods, often overlooked in the past, is now a thriving place of interest for local people, both young and old. It is an excellent community asset!”

 Residents were treated to trips on the miniature railway, an exploration theme at the dipping pond along with raffles, cake stalls and tombola’s.

 Cllr Roger Bell said “It was a privilege and a pleasure to attend. The Volunteers work hard all year round, with the support of their local community, to deliver a work programme that have transformed the Woods to a particularly special location.”

Topcliffe Lane meeting

Over 30 residents turned up at a meeting at Morley Town Hall last Saturday morning to discuss their concerns about parking problems they are having on Topcliffe Lane in Morley.

The meeting, called by Cllrs Judith Elliott and Shirley Varley, follows a review of the traffic management in the area and concerns raised by residents.

Cllr Judith Elliott said “We were grateful for such good turnout on a Saturday morning. It was a positive meeting and residents raised a lot of good ideas which we will be putting to the Highways Department for consideration.”

Residents told Councillors about the problems with parking close to their homes, the challenges both bus services and emergency vehicles had with getting down Topcliffe Lane because of congestion and issues of lorry drivers sleeping in their cabs outside their homes.

Cllr Varley said “We recognise the problems residents face and the Highways Section is exploring what practical options exist to allow better enforcement on Topcliffe Lane to keep traffic free flowing and to reduce the significant challenges residents have parking in the area.”

Proposals from the meeting including the introduction and extension of yellow lining down the lane along with the relocation of a bus and a loading bay and a residents only parking permit scheme.

Cllr Elliott said “We will be meeting Highways Officers shortly to discuss residents proposals and we have promised to meet residents at a further meeting. We will continue to work hard to find long lasting solutions to the problems residents are having on Topcliffe Lane.”

Labour betray Churwell

Leeds City Council has granted planning permission for a controversial planning application at Laneside Farm in Churwell. The decision – made by Labour Councillors at a Plans Panel Meeting last Thursday – means Developer Persimmons now has planning permission for 550 homes on the Greenfield site off Churwell Hill.

Cllr Robert Finnigan – who attended the Plans Panel meeting and spoke against the approval recommendation said “This is another example of Leeds City Council backing Developers instead of the local community. Almost 1000 local residents objected to this application along with the town’s MP Andrea Jenkyns, Morley Town Council and the Leeds City Council Ward Members who cover the Churwell area. It appears Leeds City Council is more persuaded by a wealthy developer than residents whose lives will be negatively impacted upon by this development.”

The planning report - which supported an approval decision - confirmed that there was not enough spaces in Morley primary schools to accommodate children generated by the site and proposed allocating places at primary schools in the Beeston area. The report also confirmed that the junction of Elland Road and the Ring Road was already loaded beyond its capacity and that the Development proposed by Persimmons would make problems of congestion worse.

Cllr Finnigan said “We had a sympathetic hearing from Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green and MBI Councillors who all voted against this proposal. All of the Labour Councillors on the Panel voted to grant approval for this development despite the concerns of local residents. Morley has yet again been let down by Leeds City Council which has no interest in Morley other than to take more Council Tax from residents choosing to back a Developer who made over £350 million profit last year."

The 550 home development will be restricted to 240 new homes until a new primary school for Churwell is built and will need to contribute to a future proposal for a road improvement plan on the ring road.

Judgement Day

A decision on a planning application from the Developer Persimmons for 550 homes at Laneside Farm Churwell will be considered by Leeds City Councils Plans Panel next Thursday. The controversial application - which has attracted almost a thousand objections from local residents – will be considered by the Plans Panel with a Leeds City Council recommendation for approval.

Cllr Robert Finnigan led the Morley borough Independent Campaign against the application and is attending the Panel Meeting to speak against the proposal.

Cllr Finnigan said “This proposal – if approved – will lead to a loss of a valuable Greenfield site which provides a “greenbelt” between the communities of Churwell and Morley. We objected because of the significant impact this proposal would have on congestion on Churwell Hill, the lack of school and health centre places and the fact that most of the homes will be executive style housing not affordable homes for local residents.”

The Planning Officers report acknowledges the negative impact the site will have on traffic congestion on Churwell Hill and recommends an additional £1.5 million contribution to improve the junction of Elland Road and the Ring Road. The report also recommends that the site is restricted to a maximum of 220 homes until an additional primary school is provided.

Cllr Finnigan said “This site was supposed to be protected until at least 2028 and preserved as a Greenfield site. As a result of the failure of Labour controlled Leeds City Council to provide a 5 year land supply after agreeing an unrealistic housing target of 74,000 new homes by 2028 – developers are having a field day at the expense of local communities and local Greenfield sites. If this is agreed then it will bring the total of new homes agreed on Morley Greenfield sites to over 1200 new housing units without any additional investment in schools, health centres or roads.”

The campaign to oppose the development of Laneside Farm was also supported by local MP Andrea Jenkyns who raised her concerns about the application with the Planning Minister last week.

Cllr Finnigan said “I am delighted that Andrea has raised the overdevelopment of Morley directly with the Planning Minister. I know she opposes this development and supports a brownfield first approach where previously developed land should be used before turning to Greenfield sites. Leeds City Council has already granted enough Planning Permission for over 20,000 new homes across Leeds on mainly brownfield sites that have not yet been built and we all agree those sites should be prioritised instead of Greenfield ones.”

Labour cut community funding and CAB budget - but keep a tight grasp on their allowances!

A proposal by Morley Borough Independent Councillors to reverse cuts to Community Committees budgets and the Citizens Advice Bureau was rejected at a Full Council Meeting last Wednesday. The proposal, which would have seen Councillors special responsibility allowances cut by 30%, would have generated an additional £190,000 spending on local communities with an additional £50,000 to support local advice provision.

I am disappointed at the decision to reject our proposal. In these difficult times Councillors should be showing more restraint by accepting a reduction in their special responsibilities allowances which is paid on top of their basic allowance and can amount to an additional £20,000 a year! Community Committees need the extra cash to support initiatives from community groups within their wards and the advice service budget should be increased not reduced as many residents need this support when facing problems of bereavement, debt, benefit issues and other legal matters.

The Labour Administration in Leeds pays over £1/4 million in payroll loyalty payments to keep its Labour Members in line and backing the Leadership. As there have been 3 Councillors who have defected from Labour to Independent over the last week or so it would seem that Labour is falling apart both locally and nationally - regardless of what they pay their elected representatives!

Free Wi-fi for Morley?

A free Wi-Fi network could be coming to Morley Town Centre after Morley Town Council agreed a financing package to support a scheme at a meeting last Thursday. The network, which would cover the whole of Queen Street, would allow visitors to the Town Centre to log onto the network on every visit.

Cllr Robert Finnigan said “It has been the Town Councils ambition to bring the digital high street to Morley Town Centre for some time. If Morley is to compete with other towns around the area as well as the White Rose Centre then it needs to offer shoppers a positive digital experience which is what they now expect.”

A similar scheme proposed by the former MP Ed Balls was never implemented. A digital high street would offer click and collect options for those retailers offering the service along with a marketing tools to confirm offers at shops, cafes and restaurants in the Town Centre as well as confirming events such as Morley Arts Festival.

Cllr Finnigan said “Morley has fewer empty shops than most of the towns it is competing against. We are determined to make sure Morley Town Centre survives and thrives and to achieve this we need to move the high street in to the digital age.”

Councillors will now meet with Morley Chamber of Trade, Leeds City Council, the Police and the Town Centre Manager to develop the free Wi-Fi proposal further for practical implementation in the summer.

Morley Sports Centre Expansion?

Morley Borough Independent Councillors are to explore the options of bringing additional swimming pool facilities following a recent visit to Morley Sports Centre. The Sports Centre, one of the best performing centres across the Leeds City Council area, has over 350,000 visits between April 2016 and January 2017.

Cllr Bob Getting said “We had an excellent visit to the fabulous facilities at the Sports Centre. The staff are brilliant and the number of visits by residents is fantastic. We were especially impressed with the Fitness Suite and the new equipment recently placed there. However staff told us that because the Centre is so popular there is a significant pressure for more swimming time. This cannot be done with the present pools which are being used full time but an additional pool would provide increased capacity for the centre to deal with this unmet demand.”

Morley Town Council is to receive additional Community Infrastructure Levy payments from the additional 2000+ new homes proposed for Morley over the new few years which could generate a significant capital receipt to support such an expansion.

Cllr Judith Elliott said “We have asked to meet with senior officers to explore if there is a realistic option for an additional pool. This may be an ambitious project and the lack of space or finance may prevent the delivery of such a new facility but we think it is important to explore all such possibilities.”

Laneside Farm update

The Developer Persimmons proposals for 550 homes on a Greenfield site on Laneside Farm Churwell caused further controversy after a planning amendment was proposed for a second entrance on Churwell Hill to access the new estate. The proposal would see a second entrance to the large housing estate with an access road off a present farmyard track.

Cllr Robert Finnigan said “This is regarded as a minor amendment but does nothing to resolve the problems this planning application brings to traffic congestion on Churwell Hill and with the junction on the ring road nor does it address the lack of places at local primary schools and health centres.”

Over 1000 objections have been lodged against the proposal which will still be valid against the new plans.

Cllr Finnigan said “We continue to oppose this development on this valuable Greenfield site. This is not sustainable development and any housing application at this location is premature. Our objections on Highways, Schools and Health Centre grounds remain valid and I would ask anyone who has not yet lodged an objection to do so as soon as possible.”

Churchfields update

 A decision made by the Planning Inspectorate and confirmed by the Secretary of State for planning matters to grant permission for development on a Greenfield site in East Ardsley has been condemned by Morley Borough Independent councillors. The appeal – which granted consent for over 300 new homes on Churchfields off Bradford Road in East Ardsley - follows a long campaign opposing development from residents and a refusal to grant planning permission by the Planning Authority.

Cllr Wyn Kidger, an active campaigner against the proposal said “This is a bad news day for local residents and a kick in the teeth for the campaign to retain this Greenfield site.”

The Planning Inspector granted planning permission for the new homes after he concluded that Leeds City Council could not demonstrate a five year land supply for new housing and that Churchfields and two other Greenfield sites would therefore have to be allocated for housing immediately.

Cllr Robert Finnigan condemned the failure of Leeds City Councils ruling Labour Group to get their housing targets right.

Cllr Finnigan said “Right at the beginning of the Local Plan MBI councillors proposed a lower housing target of around 50,000 housing units during the lifetime of the plan up to 2028. We believed this was an ambitious but realistic target. The Labour Group agreed a target of 74,000 which was neither achievable nor sustainable but this higher target has allowed unscrupulous developers to claim that more Greenfield land should be released. We predicted this outcome over 4 years ago and regrettably that nightmare vision has come true.”

Leeds City Councils higher target has led to speculative applications for housing at Laneside Farm in Churwell, Spring Gardens in Drighlington and Dunningley at Tingley with a cumulative total in excess of 1500 new homes.

Cllr Robert Finnigan said “Local primary and secondary schools are full, local health centres barely able to cope with present demand, local roads are congested and pollution levels rising. These housing targets are unsustainable and will mean local residents failing to get school places for their children, queuing longer in local traffic congestion and waiting longer for an appointment to see their GP.”