Light finally set to shine in Thorpe
A Labour councillor has expressed his delight at the news that work to install street lights on a busy road in Thorpe has finally been given the go ahead.
The narrow, winding stretch of Thorpe Lane between Middleton and Tingley has remained in darkness despite pledges for several years that street lights would be installed in response to a host of accidents and fatalities.
However, local councillor Jack Dunn and his Ardsley and Robin Hood colleagues Karen Renshaw and Lisa Mulherin have now announced that work to install new street lights is set to start later this month and are expected to be completed in December.
Dunn said:
"My ward colleagues and I have been campaigning for several years to get this dangerous stretch of road lit. It has been a very frustrating process as time and again works were promised by the previous administration but never materialised.
"Although this stretch of Thorpe Road largely runs through rural areas, it has become an important commuter route in recent years with increasing traffic levels due to new housing developments, There has therefore been an increasing urgency to get this road adequately lit to avoid further fatalities."
Street light works on Thorpe Lane are being undertaken as part of the £100 million PFI street lighting programme.
Calverley's heritage celebrated by councillor
Conservative councillors have hailed the work undertaken by Calverley's Millennium Project Team that will see the creation of a new feature called Calverley Gate.
The project, to be built on land opposite St Wilfred's Church, consists of a 1.5 tonne specially cut stone trough and a supporting wall that will be built by three local stonemasons, one of whom is local councillor Rod Wood. Residents have been able to follow progress of the project through an exhibition in the local library, but the project really comes to life next week with the delivery of the trough and stone allowing work to start.
Councillor Rod Wood (Conservative, Calverley and Farsley ward) said:
"I, and many local residents, are very proud of Calverley's history and heritage – it's a large part of what makes the village such an attractive part of Leeds – so I'm delighted that we can build on this, making history on behalf of Calverley's residents of the future.
"The new Calverley Gate will be a striking feature that, through its use of stone, shaped by local craftsmen, will complement the special atmosphere that residents and visitors to Calverley cherish."
Bramley gets a history lesson
A piece of grassed land in Bramley has been injected with a new lease of life following a £9,000 overhaul by Leeds Council and Bramley Historical Society.
The piece of land around the bus stand on Bramley Town Street, a stones-throw from Bramley Shopping Centre, has been completely renovated, with old shrubs being replaced by new flower beds and seating areas. The jewel in the crown however is the addition of an information panel charting the history of the local area.
Labour Bramley and Stanningley councillor Ted Hanley, who attended the official opening of the area on Wednesday, said:
"I am delighted with the outcome of this scheme and I would like to give special thanks to everyone involved in the Bramley Improvement Project.
"The piece of land is in a prominent position close to the bus terminal and the shopping centre. Whereas up until recently this piece of land would have been largely ignored, it now stands out for people to appreciate and admire."
Full cost of the project (£8,730.60) was paid for by the West (Inner) Area Committee and was undertaken by the Bramley Improvement Project.
Vital lifeline for much loved community group
A popular community group in Little London has been given a vital lifeline thanks to the efforts of Liberal Democrat councillor Penny Ewens.
Ewens (Hyde Park and Woodhouse) persuaded the North West Inner Area Committee to provide £2,500 to ensure activities currently run by Community Action Little London and Servias (CALLS) can continue while the group sets up a new management committee.
Volunteers aim to improve the quality of life for Little London residents, but the existing management committee was forced to suspend all activities in August.
With no other group willing or able to run the activities provided by CALLS, Ewens proposed setting up an interim management committee. This has bought the group time to find new volunteers and raise much needed funds. The Area Committee funding will now ensure local people still reap the benefits of some activities, while a permanent committee is established.
Activities currently organised by CALLS include annual fun days, a tea time club, gardening services, cookery courses and activities ranging from aerobics to drama.
Ewans said:
"I am delighted my colleagues on the Area Committee recognised how important these community activities are to people in Little London. This money will make a real difference to the community and the local volunteers at CALLS."It would be devastating blow to the community if this group could not continue in some form. The interim management team, along with this funding, has bought CALLS some valuable time but the group is not out of the woods yet. If anyone is interested in volunteering with CALLS I would strongly encourage them to get in touch."
For more details, e-mail penny.ewens@leeds.gov.uk.
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