Ossett News Posted October 3, 2021 Report Share Posted October 3, 2021 Week ending Saturday 2nd October 2021 WOW! It was a cold and rainy Saturday in Horbury and South Ossett today. I firmly believe winter is now here, summer is a distant memory and autumn has gone! Hey ho – it will soon be Christmas. Work started on Monday on the refurbishment of Reid Park in Horbury Bridge. New equipment and flooring will be installed, weather permitting over the next few weeks. I believe that this will be an investment of circa £25,000, being made by Wakefield Council and supported by the Friends of Horbury’s Parks. Watch out for more information over the coming weeks. This is the third refurbishment I have been involved in since becoming a Councillor in 2016. Starting with new fencing in Carr Lodge Park and a complete refurbishment of Sowood Playground, in South Ossett. More to come, I am sure. I held my monthly advice surgery on Saturday in the Baptist Church in South Ossett. I am there on the first Saturday of each and every month, between 10:15 and 11:30am. Please feel free to come and talk to me - no appointment required. You never know, I may be able to help you. Throughout the month I have received several complaints regarding bus services across the district, in and out of Wakefield. Bus services are not controlled by Wakefield Council, but by the new Mayor of West Yorkshire. It is important, that if you have an issue, the Mayor needs to be aware. You can contact her office via email to - mayoral.enquiries@westyorks-ca.gov.uk or via Royal Mail at – The Mayor, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, City Exchange, 11 Albion Street, LEEDS, LS1 5ES If you contact the Mayor via email, please copy me in so I can see the issues the residents of Horbury & South Ossett are experiencing. My email address is – dbyford@wakefield.gov.uk Booster jabs are being rolled out. The NHS will be contacting you soon to arrange your top-up jab. It is expected to be available at pharmacies and your GP. Protect yourself and others. Get your booster jab when contacted. On Monday I joined a group of school children from two Castleford schools. I was there in my Cabinet capacity to give out awards for a local design competition. The children’s designs were magnificent, and their enthusiasm was truly amazing. As I have said before ‘I get everywhere’, but I really enjoy this part of my job. The libraries across the whole of Wakefield District are amazing places. The two we have on our doorstep, Horbury & Ossett are great places to visit and enjoy. If you are not a member of our libraries, can I respectfully suggest you give one of them a visit. You’ll be surprised at what resources you’ll find, but above all its completely free for all Wakefield residents. As heating costs continue to rise and winter temperatures are now with us, please do not struggle if you need help. Wakefield Council have a range of services designed to support our residents who need help. We have services that can help you with your finances, mortgage payments, state benefits, rent, payment of your bills, debt advice, personal, budgeting. The Council also have a scheme to help residents with limited savings to buy and have installed a new heating boiler. Accessing these services are easy you can either speak to someone on 01924 305887 or 305892 and ask to speak to the ‘More Money in my Pocket Team’ or email the team’s via – energyteam@wakefield.gov.uk or moneysmart@wakefield.gov.uk Earlier in the year I mentioned that the Pelican Crossing outside of Horbury Academy by Carr Lodge Park, was failing due to its age and lack of spare parts from the manufacturer. I am pleased to be able to say that a new Toucan Crossing, that is a Pelican Crossing, but slightly bigger, will be installed. Work will start on Monday 25th October, weather permitting, and should last for around 4 weeks. I believe the planning notices have already been erected around the crossing site. During the installation period, temporary lights will operate at key times. I will provide more information as we get closer to the installation start date. A couple of years ago, I arranged for some fencing on Horbury bypass to be completely replaced. It was done and is still looking good. There are a couple of places where the highway fence needs some attention and repair. I have double checked, and this has not been reported previously, I apologise for this as I thought I had already done it. Hopefully over the next few months this should be attended to and repaired. In the next few weeks, I will be giving details of my annual Pumpkin Carving Competition. Run in conjunction with Horbury Library, the pumpkins should be available for collection from around the 20th October, give or take a day or two! The rules are simple and straightforward. If you are under 13 years old, you and your parents collect your free pumpkin. Take it home and create an amazing and unique carved masterpiece. Return it to the library with your name and contact details and we will then enter your creation into the competition. Judging will take place on Saturday 30th October. There will be two age groups and a winner and runner up in each group. Prizes will be book tokens, which you can spend in Darling Read on Horbury High Street. More details coming soon. A date for your diary – Horbury Christmas Lights switch-on, Friday 26th November 2021. Hosted again on the Methodist Church car park. Actual times have still to be confirmed, but I am now working on the event. More details later in October. Horbury Break Through Youth Project, based in Horbury supports our youth through an amazing number of daily activities. From gym, table tennis, football, music & board games on a Monday, to a youth club on a Tuesday, to UMBRELLA their LGBTQ+ group and guitar lessons both on a Wednesday, to a very busy Friday, including working in the community and performing arts. I am very pleased to be able to support Break Through project with their great work. Something for everyone in the age groups years 7 to 11. For more information please email – admin@breaktru-youth.co.uk or call 01924 275859. A few months ago, I gave details about the proposed redevelopment of the old health centre on Westfield Road. The planning application was submitted to create 19 one-bedroomed apartments, on this in my opinion wholly unsuitable site. The planning application is due to be determined towards the middle/end of October. I have submitted an objection and I hope this will be considered before a decision is reached. Once I am aware of the outcome of the planning committee, I will let you know via my Facebook page. Please keep safe and take care in these difficult times and if you need help, give me a shout! Darren View the full article Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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