Watch out - SID's about
Speeding motorists in Otley and Yeadon should be on their guard after local councillors revealed their latest weapon in the fight against dangerous drivers.
Liberal Democrat Otley and Yeadon councillors Ryk Downes, Colin Campbell and Graham Kirkland persuaded colleagues on the North West (Outer) Area Committee to approve £3,500 to buy a speed indicator device earlier this year.
Last week the device once again proved its worth as motorists on Cemetery Road and Victoria Avenue in Yeadon were targeted. Eight drivers were caught speeding dangerously along residential streets and will now receive fixed penalty fines.
The device is primarily for police use. However, the local councillors are keen for community groups to be trained to use the SID if they have concerns about speeding vehicles.
Downes said:
"Watch out SID's about is the message to speeding motorists in Yeadon. Following a number of complaints about speeding traffic we managed to get funding for a mobile Speed Indicator Device from the Area Committee earlier in the year.
"This has been used regularly in both Yeadon and Otley. Last week motorists on Cemetery Road and Victoria Avenue in Yeadon were targeted. Eight motorists are now regretting speeding down these residential streets. They have received fixed penalty fines and one is to appear in court as a result.
"One of the reasons we arranged for its purchase was to allow local residents and community groups to use it in their areas to raise awareness about road safety. If any group feel there is a speeding problem on their street we are asking them to get in touch and we will arrange for them to be trained to use SID and with police assistance check for speeding motorist."
New milestone restores road's heritage
A two-year long project has finally reached journey's end with the installation of a historic milestone along the Pool-Harewood road.
Backed by Arthington Parish Council and a £1,700 grant from local city councillors, the scheme sought to replace the original cast iron milestone – one of a series along the A659 former toll road – that was smashed in a road accident some years ago.
Recasting the milestone involved creating a wooden pattern in the style and wording of the original, which was used to create the mould before the metal was poured to form the finished milestone.
Conservative Adel and Wharfedale councillor Clive Fox said:
"As far as we were concerned this is just the sort of community project we are looking to support. First and foremost the milestone is part of Arthington's heritage but we were also impressed that the landowner was willingly involved and that Parish Council Chairman Basil Thompson, who has been in charge of the whole thing, was ready to put in a huge amount of work to get things moving."
The £1,700 grant came from the North West Outer Area Committee.
Boost for volunteers in Moortown
A voluntary group in Moortown has received a helping hand this summer after local councillors provided extra cash to boost the group's activities.
Lib Dem Moortown councillors Brenda Lancaster and Mark Harris have donated £200 of their MICE money to the Friends of Allerton Grange, which represent residents living around Allerton Grange High School and Moor Allerton Primary School.
The money will help increase activities designed to keep the local area clean, green and safe. The group formed in 2009 and discussions are now on-going about what can be done over the next year to help improve the area.
Lancaster said:
"The group is currently looking at what they can do this year to make sure their local area remains an attractive, clean, green place to live and work. I know they are considering a range of possible options including co-ordinating local litter picks. We are delighted to be able to continue to support them."
Garforth accident prevention
Elderly residents in Garforth were this week given the chance to get their feet into a brand new pair of slippers as part of a drive by a Leeds ALMO to highlight accident prevention in the home.
Residents in sheltered accommodation in Garforth were invited along to Halliday Court community centre by Aire Valley Homes Leeds (AVHL) to exchange their old slippers for a new pair.
The 'Slipper Exchange' was organised and funded by AVHL in an attempt to primarily address incidents of elderly residents falling in their homes as a result of wearing unsuitable footwear.
Garforth and Swillington Labour councillor Mark Dobson, who attended the event this week, believes that such schemes play a vital role in understanding the needs of elderly residents. He said:
"The event at Halliday Court was not just about handing out new pairs of slippers. It was a great way of getting our elderly residents together, identifying their living needs, and reducing isolation."
Judy Hyde, of AVHL Sheltered & Supported Housing Services, said:
"Falls within the home are a frequent occurrence and you would be amazed how something as simple as the right pair of slippers can reduce the chances of this happening."
The 'Slipper Exchange' scheme is funded by £3000 from Aire Valley Homes Area Panel Funding
Vital lifeline for mini-breeze
Young people in Weetwood have something to celebrate as mini-breeze returns to Tinshill recreation ground, thanks to funding from local councillors.
Liberal Democrat Weetwood councillors Sue Bentley, Judith Chapman and Ben Chastney stepped in to provide the v£3,750 from their MICE money after Youth Services admitted they could no longer afford the popular event.
Tinshill mini-breeze has been a summer holiday highlight for the under 19s for the last four years and 2010 looks set to be no exception. The afternoon will include sport, music and creative activities, and will take place between 1pm and 5pm on Monday, 23 August.
Bentley said:
"I'm really pleased we've been able to provide this funding. The mini-breeze is hugely popular with young people in the area - it would have caused real disappointment if Youth Services had been forced to cancel.
"If you are under 19 and live locally I would definitely suggest coming along on the 23rd. It's a great afternoon and is all about young people having fun and getting involved in a variety of different activities."
Let's shout about Leeds, says Conservative
Councillor John Procter, Shadow Executive Board Member for Leisure, has welcomed news that the Government is putting tourism at the heart of its plans to help overturn the country's burgeoning deficit.
A recent speech by Prime Minister David Cameron outlined the coalition's aim to increase tourism in the country from both fellow Britons and foreigners alike, creating a raft of jobs and much needed revenue.
Procter has warned the new Labour/Green coalition not to take their foot off the gas when promoting the city. He said:
"Leeds is a fantastic city to visit. We have a superb offer for anyone wanting to stay in the city but we should not be hiding our light under a bushel. I would urge the new administration to keep pushing Leeds as a major tourist destination following the progress made in raising the city's profile in recent years.
"We have fantastic greenspaces such as Otley Chevin, Golden Acre Park and Roundhay Park; three country houses within the city boundaries at Lotherton Hall, Temple Newsam House and Harewood House; a new City Museum; world class cultural facilities with the City Art Gallery, Henry Moore Institute, the Royal Armouries and Discovery Centre, not to mention the newly refurbished Grand Theatre, City Varieties, Carriageworks Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Northern Ballet.
"Couple that with a thriving music, film and events scene, top class restaurants and hotels, the best shopping outside of London and our prime location near the Yorkshire Dales and you have something genuinely special.
"It is perhaps a trait of our Yorkshire temperament that we do not shout about this from the roof tops like our neighbours across the Pennies, but this attitude needs to change if we are to encourage more people to come see what we have here in Leeds."
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