A new year lies before us. Just as people have faced up to challenges over previous years we undoubtedly will have challenges and issues for the year ahead.
I wish you and yours the very best, thanks for the friendship and support in 2013 and all the very best for 2014!
Between 2010 and 2013, £16.6m was paid for negligence cases involving Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which operates hospitals in Wakefield, Dewsbury and Pontefract.
Well we are nearly there. The midnight service at St Giles will mark the end of Christmas Eve and the start of Christmas Day in Pontefract. I wish you and yours the very best for Christmas thanks for friendship and support in 2013 and all the best for 2014!
But first we have a chance to celebrate the Christ Child's return. Geoff
Along with a number of others Walsh was to be found at a briefing and launch of the new Prince of Wales development on the old colliery site off Park Road today. A number of people talked in clear, positive terms about what is planned. I can see that there are significant opportunities to put in place what will hopefully be a major development which if done right will be part of the positive regeneration of a piece of land that is at one of the gateways to Pontefract. Harworth Estates the principal developer face a big challenge. I am sure that they are up to that, but we do need to see that the supporting infrastructure works, not just for future residents of the Prince of Wales site but also for the residents of Pontefract as a whole.
We shall see.
Harworth are hoping to start laying bricks towards the end of 2014.
Back in July I wrote to our four MPs pointing out that if there was an inflation busting pay award made for them, that they did not automatically have to accept it. I personally believe that the public do not approve of the 11% pay increase that IPSA are likely to recommend on Thursday. In our part of the world Ed Balls, Yvette Cooper, John Trickett and Mary Creagh are generally reckoned to be on a generous package when compared with many of their constituents,
IPSA was set up after the MPs expense scandal to bring their financial packages back under control. It is unfortunate that they appear to be creating another us and them problem and their failing to acknowledge that people in society at large typically do not have such options shows a mind-boggling lack of consideration.
It could be worse, IPSA could have given a 321% increase to MPs in a similar way to the Labour Group in Wakefield who bounced an increase of that amount through for one of their Labour colleagues and we as local tax payers will pick up the bill..Again.
Just been partaking of a bit of late afternoon BBC and on a question about British Politics answers were forthcoming for four out of five anagrams, the clue TO CREEPY VOTE was found to be the only pointless answer.
Nancy Astor, Betty Boothroyd, Jacqui Smith and Margaret Thatcher,were each recognised as significant British Parliamentarians and scored points.
Yvette Cooper our MP was pointless.
How true, but it has taken some time for people to see it..
I have just been hearing about BBC Radio Leeds who have recorded their Christmas Day Service and concert at St Giles in Pontefract on Tuesday evening. There were about 250 people involved and a wonderful time was had by all. Interesting to be celebrating such of a future event.
Today I set out the Autumn Statement and my message is clear: our long-term economic plan is working, but the job is not yet done.
We are working through the plan to secure a responsible recovery for all.
Thanks to the sacrifice and endeavour of the British people, the economy is recovering.
The deficit is down, debt will fall sooner, businesses have created 1.4 million new jobs, and the growth forecast for this year has more than doubled.
We have been able to offer a £1,000 discount in business rates to shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs as part of a wider programme of help for the high street and support for businesses.
We have been able to freeze fuel duty, to get energy bills down, and to freeze rail fare rises.
As part of a youth package, we have been able to abolish the jobs tax for employers hiring people under 21. There will be a university place for anyone with the right grades, and through our welfare reforms we are giving young people the skills they need to succeed.
We are also recognising marriage in the tax system.
The single biggest risk to the recovery comes from the Labour Party who call for us to abandon our plan, to borrow more and to spend more. That is exactly what got us into this mess.
But there is still more to do. We need to keep on working through the plan. That is why we are legislating to cap welfare, making sure we fix the roof when the sun is shining by running a surplus and keeping public spending under control.
As we get closer to Christmas the number of events start to blossom and all of a sudden here we are in December. I noted with interest that American retail giants all for the introduction of Black Friday following on from Halloween.
Saturday in Pontefract was a nice busy market day with lots of folk visiting. Just what we want to see.
Last night brought a bumper performance by the Doncaster Youth Stage Band, the entry point for the first of the Doncaster Associations bands performing a variety of swing style numbers including a brilliant version of Smoke on the Water to a packed audience in St Giles church.
This morning back to St Giles for the first candle of advent to be lit again a wonderful moment.
Next week really starts to get busy and I may well meet myself coming back... If you see me out and about say hello.
Back in December 2011 I wrote about how the situation with Mid Yorkshire Hospital Trust had developed over the years, You can revisit it here since then we see some improvement in the amount of services but we still have a minor injuries unit instead of an A&E, albeit open 24 hours a day at the moment.
We see a further exercise to build in more beds into Pinderfields and what seems a similar downward path opening up for Dewsbury Hospital as the Trust struggles with performance and funding.
Repeatedly through the process our local MPs have spoken about the undertakings that they received but they still do not seem to bring them forward into the public domain. It was all very well for them to say that the NHS was safe in their hands but they have badly fallen short and continue to do so.
Weather forecast for this afternoon and evening was looking cold and clear through the afternoon and into the evening. No announcements of biblical storms or proposals for torrents running across the Market Place.
Previous years we have had water falling from the sky...well at least horizontally. Even so folks have turned out in numbers wrapped against the elements and had a brilliant time.
So I looked forward to seeing as many of you as could make it coming out to see the opening shots of Christmas in Pontefract.
Whoohoo! There were market stalls, fairground rides, the Wakefield Met Brass Band, entertainers a host of kids out to enjoy themselves, proud parents, a variety characters in varying degrees of fancy dress from the pantomime (St Giles and St Marys Pantomime Society (Cinderella at the Town Hall in January) Oh yes they are!
The Lions & Lionesses personing Father Christmas's grotto in St Giles church and at 6.30 four local councillors some youngsters, their proud parents/ grandparents and a cheering happy crowd for the switch with joy and fun had by allsorts. (did you spot the liquorice pun).
Live broadcasting has finally caught up with the Wakefield Council Chamber 82 years since the first BBC live broadcasts from Alexandra Palace and It gives people the opportunity to see what goes on in the monthly set piece council meeting. This could be good thing considering that, in 2012, the majority of people in Wakefield District did not vote in the local elections.
Of the 257,119 people who could have voted. 180,259 chose not to do so, consequently, we see a controlling group that has held power since 1974. Under the present system there is an election in three out of every four years with, effectively, the potential for only one third of the council to change each time.
People do not see the power or point of their vote so do not engage with the process. Seeing it in living technicolor may help confirm why things must change and why each vote really is important.
The council meeting that viewers will see harks back to the process that was set up in the 1970s with some amendments by the controlling group over the years.
There are very clear protocols on who may speak and typically, depending on the Mayor’s grace and favour, if you have already spoken, you may not get the chance to reply to other’s comments.
Viewers of the first meeting will see that the majority of business is set by the controlling group using their block vote.
Tune in to see the seven or so members of the controlling group declare their interest as private landlords, the executive leader’s giraffe joke, half a question; the missing bit talks about the Mid Yorks Hospital trust getting £100,000 revenue from people calling on the 0844 lines when making appointments, a vote where the controlling group pass a 321% increase in allowance for a committee chairman’s post and an interesting discussion around HS2 including a venerable councillor’s dim recollection about the Beeching report and “Conservative” railway cuts in the 1960s, when in fact he could have usefully checked who was in power through the majority of cuts.
There is a debate on the private rental sector which strays off topic because the experts, councillors who are private landlords, have left the chamber, an all too frequent item on parliamentary matters that the council has no influence on concerning the EU, the last government’s light touch banking regulation, £11.5 billion paid out in bankers’ bonuses during their watch and the Labour perspective on the economy (apparently having the shadow chancellor as a local MP does not give Wakefield enough parliamentary influence).
There is a chance to learn that Wakefield’s £550m net expenditure in 2007/8 has now reached a projected £562 million for 2013/14, despite the leader’s continual message of government reductions. Finally a consensus item about a national campaign for ex-service personnel is dropped and an opposition motion on buying local and promoting Small Business Saturdays is graciously accepted by all.
Add to this a number of polite and some not so polite insults and attacks flying about and you have an overview of a day in the life of a typical WMD council meeting.
For some this will sound all too typical, for others it will not really be what they expect their elected representatives are getting up to.
Local councillors should focus on local issues and stop wasting precious time running down the government and debating national issues which are more within the remit of local MPs.
Before casting their vote, perhaps people need to check what their local councillors will do for them. Personally I was elected to support the people in my ward on the local issues that are important to them, they give authority to the MP for the national issues.
Clearly in Wakefield we need to unlock democracy so that individuals can really hold the administration to account on the matters that are important to them and uphold the council motto “Working for you”.
Last Wednesday in the Council Chamber, completely against the interests of the people of Wakefield but completely supporting their own self interest the members of the Wakefield Labour Group who were present voted unanimously to nod through a 321% increase in the allowance for the Chairperson appointed earlier in the year to West Yorkshire Joint Services.
To quote a colleague you could not make it up.
Luckily the inaugural webcast captured it in glorious technicolour and I also demanded a recorded vote so that each individual had to confirm their vote.
To those Labour Group Members who voted this through. We know who you are, do your electorate and how are you going to explain that?
Interestingly the MP's Pay Rise has gone quiet, I wonder when they will accept their proposed increase?
My message to our local MPs. Messrs Balls, Cooper, Creagh and Trickett "All because you can accept an increase does not mean that you should!"
This is a strange post for me. I studied the story of the Rochdale Pioneers and the foundation of the Co-operative movement as a college project as a student and found myself admiring the way that their retail ethos helped to give generations safe quality foodstuffs and a different sort of banking.
Their big mistake was to go political or at least in recent years that seems so true, in the case of the political selection process that put an under qualified, under experienced, Bradford Labour Councillor into the role of Chairman, at least one of his mistakes was Cocaine and there are others that put his judgement and intent in question.
The other really big mistake is for the Co-op is to sponsor the MP for Morley and Outwood, perhaps they might of been better getting somebody with financial knowledge and management experience for both roles.
Oh but I forget, Ed is the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and it turns out that Flowers authorised a donation of £50,000 to Ed Balls. Flowers was involved in authorising donations to Mr Balls and his Parliamentary office and said: ‘we believe in supporting our political friend’. He also said that it was ‘lovely to have affirmation from senior politicians’.
There was some detailed polling out on November the 8th. – carried out by Ipsos MORI for the Department for Work and Pension – showing strong support for the Government’s reform reducing the spare room subsidy for social housing tenants, bringing it more in line with the situation for those 3+ million households in the private rental sector and reflecting the choices that home owners have to make when matching accomodation to need.
This is especially gratifying given the amount of effort the Labour Party have put in with misleading propaganda attacking the policy – notably, of course, the dishonest labelling of the reform as the “bedroom tax.”
It is not just the Labour Party. The trade unions, left wing sections of the media and assorted far left agitprop groups have made this a campaign priority. They have thrown the kitchen sink at it. No effort has been spared in the streets, in the courts, in parliament, on the airwaves. Yet the public remain supportive. Overall approval runs at 49 per cent, with 33 per cent opposed.
You would find that hard to believe if you listened to the local Labour Councillors in Wakefield. Clearly they have little thought for those people in overcrowded accomodation who would be glad to have access to spare rooms that are blocked across the district.
This and related articles courtesy of Conservative Home
For those who wish to reflect on loved ones and dear ones who may have made the supreme sacrifice, giving their lives for us and others, or for the many who have come back from conflict damaged or broken then St Giles has a quiet space for them to think on.
Pontefract has a military history going back hundreds of years and visitors to St Giles Church can see examples that will provoke thought.
Remembrance continues with a chance for people to share a 2 minute silence by the War Memorial at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, tomorrow.
Many of us are aware of the dire financial straits that re-organisations and changes have created for Mid Yorks Hospital Trust and we keep hearing of additional issues. Just emerging we discover that people phoning Mid Yorkshire Hospital Trust have been hit by an enhanced phone charge scam that has generated over £100,000 in revenue by bumping up the bills of people ringing in. This charge on the sick and vulnerable is simply not acceptable and they should stop it.
I will be criticised by some for suggesting that in these difficult times that they should do away with the tactic , but would simply counter that those GP practices that use this money generator tactic at public expense are being challenged to stop it by the NHS and the other Yorkshire Hospital Trusts do not put this extra charge on their users.
Update:
I asked a question in the council chamber on Wednesday of Cllr Pat Garbutt, who was a Director of the Mid Yorks Hospital Trust, but apparently is no longer. They see off directors quite quickly it seems.
In
2012, the majority of people in Wakefield District did not vote in the Local
Elections.
Of the 257,119 people who could have voted. 180,259 chose not to do
so, we see a controlling group that has held power since 1974 and a
majority who do not see the point of voting. Under the present
system there is an election in three out of every four years with,
effectively, the potential for only one third of the council to change each
time. People do not see the power or point of their vote and do not engage with
the process. We need to see that chance for change. With colleagues, I am
working on a proposal that could change this situation and unlock democracy for
the people of the district. If you want to help please get in touch........
What do you think?
Called in this morning to buy a newspaper, a couple of Hinnits scufflers and a pack of rindless unsmoked bacon. Blissful start to a Saturday morning. None of that would have been possible but for the determination of a great Sub Postmaster and a community that rose up to challenge the Post Office when they were pushing Labour's Post Office closure programme across West Yorkshire.
Mayor's Remembrance Ceremony at Wakefield Cathedral.
I know that this is an evening that Cllr Brian Holmes would have absolutely attended. It is right and proper that it goes ahead and brings a chance for the people of Wakefield to gather before the other ceremonial aspects of remembrance.
See you there?
6.45 for 7pm,
UPDATE
A very positive evening of remembrance. Church and Civic Dignitaries, Royal British Legion, Cadet Forces and community, with musical backing from The City of Wakefield Metropolitan Band and a performance by the Crigglestone Theatre Company. Two memorable pieces by Edward Elgar, Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 and Nimrod, a service with thoughtful readings, classical hymns and ceremonial.
There are similar acts of remembrance happening all around the country. Royal British Legion from the Royal Albert Hall tomorrow evening, Services on Sunday and further acts of remembrance on Monday morning.
Lest we forget... those who gave their lives for ours and for all who have put themselves in harms way for us and a chance to think of those who remain.
Request to Call in Planning Application reference 13/02705/OUT 24 Dwellings Land at Wakefield Road, Pontefract WF8 4HW
FOR INFORMATION
I am writing to you as case officer for Planning Application reference 13/02705/OUT, Land at Wakefield Road, Pontefract WF8 4HW.
(Outline Application for 24 number Dwellings (access only) together with demolition of existing dwelling and removal of commercial uses.)
I understand that you are at a stage where you are proposing to address the application using delegated powers.
May I ask that should you have sufficient information and are minded to refuse the application that you proceed under those delegated powers, in the event however that you are minded to approve the application for access, that you instead put that forward for scheduling for the Planning Committee to decide the application, so that interested parties can make representations to the Committee.
I realise that the application is an OUTline one to secure highway access for a potential development on Priory Wood and other more detailed matters would then be decided at a FULL application should this initial application be successful.
Focussing on the application to hand, whilst the applicant has put forward a highway study, I do not believe that this reflects the true situation and the real challenges that will come from allowing a further highway access so close to the existing junction which is a critical choke point for access to Pontefract and is identified as an AQMA due to existing traffic and pollution levels.
We already accept the seriousness of standing traffic at this point by use of traffic control and parking restrictions, further the Planning and Highways Committee accepted the seriousness of the existing traffic situation by linking a condition to the Ackworth Road development to fund much needed junction improvements on Wakefield Road, Mill Hill, Southgate and Jubilee Way to mitigate flows and to reduce pollution levels. Those funds are in place and the long awaited work is, according to officers due to start at some point early in 2014.
Again whilst acknowledging that this is an OUTline application for access, the applicants technical experts have provided a number of reports on other aspects that would benefit from close scrutiny.
Priory Wood is on a hillside at the at the rear of existing domestic properties on Mill Hill and Wakefield Road and on the edge of the Friarswood Valley Gardens and Button Park conservation area. It is situated within a five minute walk of Pontefract Town Centre and contains a number of trees protected by order, Priory Wood itself is part of the positive side of the air quality balance for the residents of surrounding properties. There are other items of habitat and environment that will be impacted should the access be granted and should significant numbers of properties be allowed this would further lead to losses of amenity and quality of life for existing residents and future ones alike.
Whilst it is true to say that the Priory itself and outbuildings damaged and made uninhabitable by fires in recent years, would benefit from remediation or removal, replacement with 24 houses whilst potentially economically viable, is unlikely to enhance the traffic flows and the potential overlooking, loss of woodland environment and amenity to the residents of Mill Hill and Wakefield Road, whilst it may cause further disruption and delay to the planned junction improvements.
Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Ackworth
Rd, Baghill, Carleton, Carleton Park, Chequerfield, Darrington, East Hardwick,
Hardwick Rd, Larkshill, Wakefield
Rd and Wentbridge
Over
the autumn and through into spring, I will be conducting a census
across the ward to confirm peoples local priorities for the next 12
months.
If you receive a questionnaire please give examples of
council services that you value and examples where you would like to
see something done better. I will be calling, knocking on peoples
doors, conducting drop in sessions and Q&A sessions with groups
and associations and am happy to visit by appointment if that would
help. So look out for a Walsh appearing somewhere near you. If you do seem me out and about please say hello.
Geoff
OR
If you have a specific issue you wish to discuss please get in touch with me
Call
01977 801091 or email geoff.walsh.npc@gmail.com or visit
http://geoffwalsh.blogspot.co.uk/ and leave a comment
As
a Historic Borough and Market Town, with a Royal Castle, three
railway stations and a Racecourse, the first in the western
hemisphere to hold an election by secret ballot, any big decisions
were made for Pontefract by Pontefract people. That stopped in 1974
when the Borough of Pontefractceased
to be and the key decisions about the town's growth, investment
and well-being moved to Wakefield. The Friends Groups that are coming together and thriving are
great examples of taking back some say in decisions to improve our
Town.
If you can, please consider joining or supporting one of the
groups, or passing their details on to a friend who might like to get
involved or help.
The
last four years have been hugely challenging for many as the
government has sought to repair the financial damage and to pay down
the deficit left by Labour.
We are starting to see real
progress:
UK Deficit down a third.
Balancing benefits reducing tax burden on
hardworking people.
Biggest
ever cash rise in the basic State Pension.
By
April 2014 we will have seen an average tax cut of £705 for 25
million people.
2.7 million people with the lowest incomes taken
out of tax altogether.
Supported people and businesses who have created 1.4 million new jobs and 300,000 more small
businesses.
Record
numbers have started apprenticeships – half a million in the last
year alone.
A cut in the EU budget and a treaty vetoed because it wasn’t in Britain’s national interest
Many people in the five towns have been exasperated about the situation with Mid Yorkshire Hospital Trust. The trust, at the behest of our local MPs, drove through a PFI which resulted in a significant building programme a whole parcel of debt and a series of re organisations with services being centralised around Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. The hospitals at Pontefract and Dewsbury have faced service deletions and restructuring. In the latest set of proposals some services will return to Pontefract and some be retained in Dewsbury. In all of this process getting results has just become more difficult. We regularly see photoshoots outside one hospital or another with our MPs looking glum and we get a service which falls short when compared with the exemplars.
The latest shocker is the discovery of a £13 million pound bill for 6 months temporary staff cover...You could not make it up.
Now there will be those reading this who will say that its the government that's at fault and in a way they are right with the previous Labour Government going for a spend at all costs without ensuring that Mid Yorks Hospital Trust spent wisely. The NHS was not safe in their hands as the Stafford Hospital fiasco proved.
Regardless of peoples views on the rights or wrongs of the situation in Afghanistan. Our young people are out there and a growing number have payed the ultimate price. Many more have returned broken shadows of their former selves.
Sunday the 10th will present a chance to acknowledge their sacrifice and commitment.
And for those who remember on Sunday the 10th or next Monday the 11th you may hear part of this, some may question the sentiment,but for many it still rings true.
For the Fallen
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
They mingle not with laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.
But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.
Laurence Binyon September 1914
With many of my colleagues I will be attending the Royal British Legion's service of remembrance at Wakefield Cathedral on Friday evening and laying a wreath at the Cenotaph in Pontefract on Sunday morning and present on Monday the 11th at 11pm in Pontefract/
Thursday night we had the chance to experience one of the great Yorkshire traditions. Paul Dewhurst and the Pontefract Choral Society performed Handel's Messiah, a great night with brilliant performances from choir, soloists and musicians. A good time had by all and we really experienced the grand acoustics.
What with Friday lunchtime organ recitals and other musical performances, St Giles, Pontefract is well on the way to becoming a great venue as well as a magnificent church. Well worth a visit and you will find Walsh there most Saturday mornings having a coffee........ and maybe the odd piece of cake. See you there?
Coming from a generation where we were no strangers to sticky back plastic and washing up liquid bottles I found myself at the Carleton Grange Club last Wednesday evening. Joining in with a number of members of the Pontefract Lionesses, family members and other volunteers with withies, masking tape, tissue and pva glue and a variety of clippers pliers on the last of a series of evening and afternoon sessions at the Grange or at the Castle visitor centre making lanterns for tonights lantern festival. Before anybody goes off on a diatribe about setting fire to lanterns or releasing them to the night sky, this is no such event you have completely got the wrong end of the stick . The lanterns include tiny electric night lights so we won't see the great fire of Pontefract tonight. Or at least not from our activity. What will be happening is a lighting up session at the castle, a procession up to the Market Place and a final procession to the Friarwood Valley Gardens and hot drinks to celebrate the second Pontefract Lantern Festival. Last year there were 300 people this evening who knows. But I will be there with one of the lanterns that I made and there are spares available if you have not made one yet. So thanks to all the people that have made this happen. Jeannette Morgan, Bernie Weston and all the Lionesses, Ian Downes at the Castle, the Neighbourhood Policing Team who will be riding shotgun or at least helping with traffic safety. Finally the Friends of Friarwood Valley Gardens for their hospitality tonight. Not forgetting the Pontefract Councillors who signed of the application for funds for materials for the Lantern Workshops. I hope to see as many you as can make it? See you there? UPDATED++++++++++++++++++++++ Brilliant evening. short sharp heavy shower at 7pm but had stopped by 7.20, procession grew and grew and set off with an advance guard from the neighbourhood policing team who kept us safe!
Processed up Horsefair, pausing at the Town Hall and looking back several hundred with hundreds of lanterns sparkling in the night, There is a photo on my Facebook page, onwards up Salter Row then from Cornmarket into Beastfair on into the market place, back to Pontefract Town Hall, down Gillygate onto Southgate and down a candle lit pram path into a magical Friarwood Valley Gardens. This was the second Festival, next year will be even better with lots more fancy lanterns and other groups joining in. Well done Pontefract Lionesses you have really started something!
Whilst it often seems a struggle
to see progress, there have been a number of partnerships with the Pontefract CivicSociety and Friends Groups allowing local people to take a hand. Friends of Pontefract Castle have provided
fundamental support helping secure funds through grant applications. The Friends of Friarwood Valley Gardens have made
a much loved garden and public park accessible with a feeling that it is cared
for. Other Organisations such as the Lions and Lionesses have worked to raise
funds and created events that have pleased and delighted many. To those who step forward and help protect our town and its assets, you know who you are, thank you!
Despite
hard times and the budget reductions WMDC has raked together up to £4.5 million to
put a “Northern Relief road” at the back of the Prince of Wales site.
This
would be fine if Wakefield planning committee hadn’t given permission for 540 new
houses to access Park Road directly, a recipe for absolute chaos. Why not invest in our crumbling roads, resolve
the grid lock at Town End, sort out our under-funded parks, improve pupil
teacher ratios and add PCSOs? All a much better use of the public’s money!
As a Historic Borough and Market Town, with a Royal Castle, three railway stations and a Racecourse, the first election in the western hemisphere to hold the secret ballot. Our big decisions were made for Pontefract by
Pontefract people. That stopped in 1974 when the Borough of Pontefract ceased
to be and the key decisions about the town's growth, investment and well-being moved
to Wakefield.
The district has developed, there have been a number of schemes,
initiatives and projects brought forward over recent years with promises made
about protecting and improving what we have. However, whilst many schemes have
been delivered across the district it seems all too often that projects in
Pontefract slow down or in some instances stall completely.
In 2007
the cabinet in Wakefield lauded the new Pontefract Masterplan. Others across
the district were delivered, we still wait to see the improvements promised and face a dash to develop new estates around the town without the improved infrastructure
to support them.
Recent days have drawn tributes from across the political divide for Cllr Brian Holmes the Mayor of Wakefield who sadly died suddenly a week ago. Brian was inducted as Mayor in May and since that time along with his wife and Mayoral Consort, Cllr Mrs Janet Holmes had proved to be model first citizens and ambassadors for the people of Wakefield. His manner and approach fitted the role to perfection and his experience as a Football Referee stood him in great stead in the council chamber. For information, in addition to countless public occasions, frequently visiting schools, charities, community groups, sporting events on an almost daily basis, on hand for visiting dignitaries, officiating at openings and memorably in July greeting and taking the salute when the Yorkshire Regiment came to exercise their freedom of the city as they marched with bayonets fixed, colours flying and band playing through the centre of Wakefield. The Mayor also acts as Chairman at the monthly meetings of Full Council in Wakefield where the political divide can be at its most cavernous. That has proved to be challenging over the years for the incumbent of the Big Chair in the Council Chamber. Surrounded by advisers including the Council Solicitor, escorted by his Deputy, Chaplain and Mace Bearer the Mayor is Chairman of those meetings and directs proceedings that can range form somewhat cordial through to tense and sometimes undiplomatic and heated. In the meetings he conducted, Brian never needed to fall back on a Red or Yellow card to calm matters. A raised eyebrow invariably sufficed. A good man, potentially a great mayor a sad loss to family and friends and a sad loss to the City of Wakefield. He will be missed.
Pontefract Castle is hosting a free entry Craft Market from 10am until 4pm today the 1st of September. Over recent weeks we have seen a brass band concert supported by the Friends of Pontefract Castle and also a Mediaeval Event over two days that included re-enactors who demonstrated metal working and pottery skills, archery and melees where knights apparently knocked chunks out of each other.
Brilliant stuff and that linked to the work being done to improve access and facilities in Pontefract Castle grounds make it well worth a visit.
FROM COUNCILLOR GEOFF WALSH, DISTRICT COUNCILLOR – PONTEFRACT SOUTH
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Cold Calling Zone consultation for Fairview, East Close and West Close - Carleton
Working in conjunction with West Yorkshire Trading Standards, West Yorkshire Police’s Pontefract Neighbourhood Policing Team and Carleton Neighbourhood Watch, you will shortly receive information about the possibility of the creation of Cold Calling Control Zone for Fairview, East Close and West Close. You will see more information overleaf, about the scheme and there will be further information coming out over the next ten days for you to consider and hopefully respond to.
UPDATE - YOU SAID WE DID The Cold Calling Zone is now in place thanks to an overwhelming public response. Thank You!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OPPORTUNIST THEFTS
You will have seen in recent Neighbourhood Watch newsletters that there have been a number of situations where items have been stolen from unlocked sheds and cars. There have been other situations where opportunist thieves have routinely tried doors house to house and having discovered a door unsecured have stolen people’s often valuable property.
Please take care, do remember to lock up or risk losing out.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Pontefract Liquorice Festival 2013
Gets of to a great start with a chance for picnics at the Castle through the day on the 13th of July and an Evening Proms at the Castle which promises to be a wonderful evening out. Bring your own low backed seating, blanket and refreshments. Refreshments will also be available on site.
Advance Proms tickets: £5 adults £3 children - Tickets available from:
Pontefract Castle (Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 3pm) 01977 723440
Pontefract Museum (Monday to Saturday)
Or On the gate £7 adults, £5 children.
14th July the festival event runs across the town from 10am until 4pm. Visit the Market Place, Castle, Library for a Liquorice Talk or spend time in Valley Gardens and see the progress that the Friends of Valley Gardens are making in restoring these beautiful gardens.
Pontefract Hospital Minor Injuries Clinic not a full Emergency A&E open 24 hours a day at night from from September 2012 reduced capability GP Nurse led service.
PGI\A&E at Pontefract Hospital, no acute or trauma facilities, people being sent to A&E in Wakefield or Dewsbury
PGI\Pontefract Hospital - Not 90% of existing services more like 40% of what we had will still be delivered in Pontefract
MYHTrust losing £100,000 per day as at July 2012 where are they now?
A new Pontefract Hospital but most of the beds are in Wakefield or Dewsbury, Parking prices set to rise again? A&E future still uncertain.
PGI\Pontefract Hospital - Dispensary, St Richards Priory and Hermitage future still unresolved as at March 2014
New scheme for Enforcement against Littering in the Town Centre. Needs support and I will support it!
Carleton High School rebuilding began 23rd May 2011, despite MP and local Labour candidates threat to funding in local election leaflet Completed Summer 2012
Major works at long last to improve condition of Pontefract Castle underway
School Drop off and Collection - Road safety and dangerous / difficult parking issues
Went Edge Industrial Wind Farm - Minister's decision Went Edge wins NO to Bank's application June 2010
Rural Watch - Theft and other crimes that the Farming Community experience around the district
Neighbourhood policing to stay in Pontefract -.Purpose built Blue Light Hub at StumpCross with Police Ambulance and Fire.A WY First Plus a Police Desk at Pontefract Town Hall.
Strengthening local businesses and economy
UPDATED Prince of Wales development ~ Planners relax conditions on access of 540 households to Park Road so further traffic problems ahead.
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