Ossett News Posted November 14, 2020 Report Share Posted November 14, 2020 Week ending Saturday 14th November 2020 Last week I reported on the Service of Remembrance from Horbury and Ossett. On Wednesday was the 11th day of the 11th month – Armistice Day and in Reid Park in Horbury Bridge the community and Horbury Bridge Academy held their memorial service. A socially distanced event, where children read out the names of those local service men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The service was webcast via ZOOM directly into their classrooms, allowing the whole school to be involved. Parents could also watch at home. I attended & watched from a distance – a very moving community event. Whilst in Horbury Bridge I spoke with the Environment Agency engineers who were working in the Commercial Park car park. They were installing a non-return valve on a pipe that will stop river water following back into Horbury Bridge. The simple device has taken a while to install, but we all hope it will be effective and part of a series of improvements to control water flows during heavy rain. I have been keeping residents of Reid Park Avenue updated as to the ongoing work. The Horbury Poppies were removed from Memorial Gardens on Friday afternoon. The heavy rain and strong winds at night had left the poppies looking rather sad. The reaction to the display has been amazing. Thank you to everyone who commented & walked up to the park to see them. The Wakefield Express featured our Poppies and I understand that our new local weekly magazine Horbury & Ossett news may also have a few words to say. A copy of the free magazine can be collected from various places across the two towns. I got my copy from the Co-op. Around Addingford there is a small footbridge which has been in need of maintenance for a while. Last week, the work was carried out. I am informed by a regular walker that the bridge has been improved and a handrail has been installed with some repairs to the paths. Following a telephone meeting with the Head Teacher of St Peter’s School, it has been agreed that the school will reintroduce the School Crossing Patrol, to help pupils and parents cross Highfield Road in Horbury. The advert has been placed and the school is going through the appointment process. I would like to say thank you to the school for being understanding of the issues and taking positive action. Crossing Patrols are employees of individual schools, the Council help with recruitment and training. If you or someone you know are interested, contact the school for more details. I am also working on other potential new schemes for crossing points across the ward. More details in the next few months. On Tuesday evening I attended a ZOOM meeting of Friends of Illingworth Park. I have always enjoyed working with this friendly and dedicated group. There was a discussion around their plans for next year, subject to COVID and longer-term projects. Visit their Facebook page Search ‘Friends of Illingworth Park’ for more information. I know it is still early to be discussing Christmas. But, if you have a budding young artist in your family, I would love to see a picture of a Christmas Tree. See my competition on my Facebook page. There are 15 Advent Calendars to be won, it’s easy to enter. A child draws or paints a Christmas Tree with decorations, takes a picture and sends to me as a private message on Facebook or Messenger. Please remember to let me know the child’s name and their age. Simples!! With my Cabinet Member hat on I was on BBC Radio Leeds last Monday morning, to talk about how Wakefield Council can help those on a low income manage their finances. Giving help and advice and pointing people in the right direction, especially on the run up to Christmas, probably the most expensive time of year for most people. Did you know that Wakefield Council can help those on low or fixed incomes with heating cost and new heating installations, insulation advice and can offer advice regarding mortgage arrears? For full information visit the Council’s website www.wakefield.gov.uk/housing/energy/money-smart or call their Contact Centre on 0345 8506 506. Alternatively contact me, my details are above, and I will put you in touch with someone who should be able help. Monday evening, I joined the Horbury Civic Society on their monthly ZOOM meeting. They spoke about the Council’s response to the Government’s new planning proposals. These proposals are designed to simplify the process of granting planning permission for large scale residential development. This was a great discussion and some very valid points were made. They also spoke about Wakefield Council’s new District Local Plan Consultation process. “The Council is currently preparing the new Local Plan for Wakefield district to cover the period to 2036. It will provide a comprehensive, updated planning framework of policies, including policies for sites, to guide investment and growth in Wakefield district, as well as to safeguard and improve the environment.” If you want to know more then please visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/planning/policy/emerging-local-plan-2036/local-plan-2036. You have until Wednesday 9th December to make your comments. You may have noticed, especially if you are a public transport user, additional journeys have been operating on school days on the 126 – Wakefield + Horbury + Ossett + Dewsbury service. I am also told that there has been a minor timetable change to the 116 & 126 services. Remember - Masks Must Be Worn on Public transport. More details can be found at – www.arrivabus.co.uk The Friends of Horbury’s Parks will be seeking a grant to pay for the improvements to the old shelter. Re-laying the concrete floor, repairing & replacing missing bricks and a new paint job around the roof section. In the meantime, pop along to Carr Lodge Park & have a look at the 3 pieces of great artwork. Please keep safe and take care in these difficult times and if you need help, give me a shout – contact details above! Darren View the full article Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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