The centre of Chapel Allerton has been treated to brand new flower boxes and litter bins thanks to sponsorship from local councillors.
The ten new planters and two litter bins have been placed in the commercial centre of Chapel Allerton to brighten up the local area and to attempt to keep the area free from litter.
Local councillors Mohammed Rafique, Eileen Taylor and Jane Dowson are delighted with the new additions to the area. Rafique said:
"One of the key objectives for Jane, Eileen and I is to keep Chapel Allerton tidy and maintain its appearance. These are issues that that are important to local residents and I think the new bins and flower boxes really show this."
Ants in Cross Gates
Pleas for help from residents in Cross Gates in response to an infestation of flying ants have been answered by a local councillor.
Residents of Sandways in Cross Gates were hit by an influx of black ants which is thought to have been a result of them being disturbed from their normal habitat by gas piping works in the area.
Homes in the area been inundated by thousands of the insects, which have congregated on external walls on houses.
Crossgates & Whinmoor Labour councillor Peter Gruen said:
"I have every sympathy with local residents and can understand why this event has caused such alarm in the community. However, I would like to reassure people that there is no need to panic as these insects – although an inconvenience – are not dangerous.
"On my request, the council's Pest Control Department have responded rapidly to the infestation and have advised residents of the best ways to tackle concentrations of the ants. However, residents should remain patient as this is a natural seasonal occurrence which will eventually diminish."
Councillor on ALMO board
A new inner-city councillor has vowed to represent the interests of local residents after being appointed to sit on the board of a Leeds ALMO.
Newly-elected councillor for Burmantofts & Richmond Hill, Ron Grahame, was selected by the council's member management committee to sit on the board for East North East Homes Leeds (ENEHL).
Grahame's role on the board will be to oversee the strategic development of the ALMO and to ensure that it delivers on its stated business plan and objectives. He said:
"At a time when the government is imposing massive financial cuts, the demand for social housing is greater then ever. It is therefore even more important that ENEHL are clearly focussed on serving those residents who are in the greatest need of social housing.
"I am strongly committed to ensuring that any proposed national funding cuts do not come at the expense of the city's poorest tenants."
Musician nets funding
A talented musician in Moortown is dazzling audiences across the region as part of 10 piece band The Outsiders, thanks to funding from local councillors.
Liberal Democrat Moortown councillors Brenda Lancaster and Mark Harris stepped in to provide £100 of their MICE (Members' Improvements in the Community and Environment) money so that John Gledhill, who has learning disabilities, was able to play with the group.
The Outsiders is made up of ten adults with learning disabilities who have been showcasing their musical talents since March. The £100 donation enabled the band to buy a microphone, stand and lead for John, who plays the saxophone.
Until now the band has been unable to buy their own equipment, and have instead been relying on the support of Mark Hubbard from Old Chapel Studios, who has loaned them equipment for free.
Tingley brownies at Harewood
A Tingley Brownie group were this week granted their wish to attend a national gathering in Harewood thanks to transport funding donated by local councillors.
The 10th Morley Brownies, based in Tingley, were thrilled to attend the 'Fusion' event at Harewood House last Wednesday after been given £300 from their local Councillors MICE allocation.
The money helped to pay for the cost of a double-decker bus which transported them and other local Brownie groups to the national event which celebrated the centenary of the Girlguides organisation.
Local councillors Karen Renshaw and Lisa Mulherin, both former members of Girl Guide groups, were delighted to help their local Brownie groups attend the event.
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