Cllr Cahal Burke visits Huddersfield Fire Station.
I was invited to visit Huddersfield Fire station in my role as a member of the West Yorkshire Fire Authority recently by the District Commander, as part of the Kirklees District Team Performance Management.
It was an absolute pleasure to attend and observe training and also speak to so many fire fighters who do such a difficult job protecting and keeping people safe.
New bikes for police in Lindley
Police patrolling Lindley Ward are being helped to improve their response times thanks to Huddersfield Area Committee.
At it meeting on Tuesday 2nd October, members of th…e committee agreed to fund the purchase of two new patrol bicycles for the ward’s PCSO’s.
The report presented to members explained that the investment would allow the PCSO’s to cover the area more effectively, both in terms of their response times to calls from the public but also when conducting their general patrols. It also said that these improvements would help residents to feel more secure by allowing the police to increase their visibility across the local area.
Cllr Cahal Burke said:
“The bicycles and equipment funded by the area committee will allow the Lindley Neighbourhood Policing Team to conduct more high visibility bike patrols throughout the area. The bike patrols will help in tackling crime by allowing the officers to cover more ground and improving response times. But they will also provide the Neighbourhood Policing Team with more opportunities to engage with residents and discuss any concerns that they may have by helping them to achieve more face-to-face contacts each day. The bikes compliment the current patrol strategies the NPT has in place and it is important the council and police continue to support one another in making our communities safer places to live and work. I hope the area committee funding will make a real difference to the local policing team within their frontline duties.”
Cllr Cahal Burke targets illegal advertising.
Residents in Lindley have been left frustrated at an eyesore created by businesses putting up huge commercial adverts illegally on unused buildings.
Cllr Cahal Burke, Lib Dem for Lindley Ward, has received numerous complaints from residents who are unhappy about the eyesore created on the now disused Post Office at Birchencliffe (Halifax Road Junction with Birchington Avenue).
Cllr Cahal Burke said:
“What we have here is more than just flyposting; it is companies trying to benefit from free advertising on empty buildings. This is inconsiderate to local residents and illegal, they clearly do not care about the eyesore they are creating for the area.
It is illegal to put up advertising on a building without permission from the owner. I would like to see businesses think carefully and, to check the situation with the Council, rather than just putting up advertising of any kind, illegally on empty buildings.
I hope this sends a signal out to other traders that the Council will take action and they will not get away with it.”
If residents would like to report any such matters, they are welcome to contact Cllr Cahal Burke on 07976 497980 or cahal.burke@kirklees.gov.uk
What You Can Do About Flyposting
Fly posting is the illegal and unauthorised placing of any sign, poster or sticker advertising or promoting an event or commercial activity on any street sign, public utility street cabinets or on private premises.
If you see flyposting on Council property, or the public highway, please report this to Kirklees Council using the step by step form available online at: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/you-kmc/kmc-formsindex/reportit/locality.asp?type=flyposting or you can telephone Highways Section on 0800 731 8765.
Enjoyed a great day at the Northern Sikh Mela with the Mayor of Kirklees and event organisers.
The event was organised again by the Sikh Youth of Huddersfield, Yorkshire Lions, The Guru Nanak Sikh temple at Springwood Huddersfield and the Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Fartown Huddersfield.
The event receives national media attention and brings together as many families and friends from across the country.
Some of the most successful events from last year were organised again such as fairground rides, bouncy castles and slides, Archery, Football, weight lifting tournaments, a stage with live music from internationally recognised bands and DJ’s. The Army, Police and Fire service also attended with stalls and activities.
Demonstrations from children age 5-13 who have been learning Muay Thai Kick boxing, Gatka (traditional Sikh fighting style), Traditional ‘Dhol’ Panjabi drums to mention just a few of the events on the day.
Looking forward to next years event!
Cllr Cahal Burke making improvements to safety around our schools.
Road safety outside Lindley Junior and Lindley CE Infant School has been of ongoing concern for parents for many years. In December 2011 the issue came to a head when parents protested outside the Schools blocking vehicles from entering George Street. This resulted in the police having to patrol the highway at the start and end of the School day for a number of months.
The latest proposals include:
• Construction of new steps from George Street into the Junior School
• Re-aligning of the kerbing around George Street and Whitteron Close.
• Widening of the footway outside the bungalows and installing new ornamental fence. (agreed with Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing)
• Introduction of a plateau at the junction of Whitteron Close and George Street. (Subject to legal advertisement)
• Implementation of a 20mph Zone for the length of George Street (Subject to legal advertisement)
• Upgrading of street lighting to compliment the scheme.
• Blocking up of existing entrance on George Street with new section of wall.
• Provision of a new length of footway on George Street from Holly Bank Road to the new steps.
A contribution of £33,000 has been agreed, a further contribution of £35,000 is being allocated from Highway Safety budgets. However the scheme will require planning permission and as such the overall scheme cost and contribution needed may change subject to any planning conditions implemented during this process.
Cllr Cahal Burke said:
“The two Lindley schools have been troubled with parking problems for many years.
“As local councillor for Lindley, I have made sure that the concerns of local residents and the school community’s have been communicated to the Council throughout the campaign and this has led to Highways Engineers coming forward with a range of proposals costing £68k in total to make the area around the two schools safer. I will continue to consult with residents and the schools going forward and keep them updated on developments.
“Through my continued efforts with Council, no waiting/no loading restrictions at peak times have already been introduced to remove obstructive parking connected with local school traffic and allow enforcement in conjunction with “School Keep Clear” markings on George Street. However, I would like to see the developments as outlined in the proposal carried out as, unfortunately, some parents are still driving dangerously and ignoring parking restrictions.
“The safety of the young people and family members that are on foot in and around the school is of primary concern. This is always the message from the two Lindley schools and they do well in promoting walking to school and road safety, with regular correspondence to parents regarding this issue. The schools will continue to play an important role in tackling road safety even if the developments take place and monitoring of the situation will need to continue.
“The proposed changes will also alleviate a major problem for those residents on Whitteron Close who struggle with access in and out of the area near their homes due to parents parking in the immediate vicinity of the school and pulling up and stopping on George Street to drop off children at school beginning and ending times.
“I am delighted the concerns of residents and the school community into account and they see the importance of creating a safer environment in this busy school area”
Cllr Burke taking action to improve safety around our schools.
Cllr Cahal Burke campaigned for better recreational facilities for Lindley youngsters
At its recent meeting, Huddersfield Area Committee agreed to fund an upgrade of the multi use games area at the YMCA in Salendine Nook which is currently unusable due to being in a poor state of repair.
Following an increase in residents raising concerns about groups of youths congregating aimlessly along the Westbourne Road/New Hey Road corridor and reports of young people struggling to play football on New College playing fields using second hand light from the lights above the Colleges Astroturf pitches – Cllr Cahal Burke asked the Committee to explore setting up a agreement to improve the MUGA with Area Committee funds in exchange for the resources being made available to local young people on a regular basis.
This has now been achieved and in return for an investment of £4,867 the MUGA will be repaired, renovated and lit with the YMCA guaranteeing an amount of time that it will be available for use by local young people. Qualified Young People’s Workers will also provide at least one session of reorganised sports activities on the MUGA each week.
Cllr Cahal Burke said:
“To build a brand new games area such as this it would cost about £30K which is a lot at the moment. This smaller investment will provide what the young people need but at a much lower cost and the YMCA will be responsible for the upkeep of the MUGA from that point onwards. Hopefully those young people who are seeking something to do or have been struggling to play at night near the college will relocate to the YMCA to use a really excellent facility.”
Cllr Cahal Burke at The Oakes Care Home official opening
Cllr Cahal Burke (Lindley ward) was delighted to join the Mayor of Kirklees and Denis Law CBE for the official opening of the new Meridian Healthcare, Oakes Care Home in the Lindley ward.
The Oakes Care Centre in Huddersfield is superbly positioned for all local amenities and features 60 substantial bedrooms, all benefiting from high specification en suite facilities, including a walk-in shower. Secure and landscaped gardens offer a delightful and peaceful place to spend time on sunny days.
As you would expect from a Meridian Healthcare care centre, all rooms are tastefully decorated, fully furnished and finished with high quality carpets, curtains and bedding, with enough space for personal belongings in order to make rooms as individual as residents are. The Oakes also incorporates hi-tech features including a free WiFi service for its residents and visitors.
Cllr Cahal Burke (Lindley ward) “I am delighted to see the site of Oakes Villa redeveloped to provide this fantastic care facility and create much needed jobs. I have campaigned for many years to see this site developed and it is now a key part of the community”.
The Mayor of Kirklees and Cllr Cahal Burke at Lindley Carnival 2012
Thank you to the Mayor of Kirklees Cllr David Ridgway for opening the Lindley Carnival.
Thank you to everyone who helped with the carnival this year, everyone who had a stall and everyone who attended, it was a fantastic day despite a terrible half hour with thunder and heavy rain.
Looking forward to helping with the next carnival, which will be held on Saturday 29th June 2013.
For more information on the Carnival and to get involved please go to www.lindleygroup.org.uk
Cllr Cahal Burke
On Sunday 8th July, for third time in successive years, Cllr Cahal Burke, Lib Dem Member for Lindley Ward, completed the Jane Tomlinson “Run for All” Leeds 10K to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Since launching in 2007, the annual event has seen almost 50,000 people take part in the Leeds 10K with runners from across the country heading to Leeds to be a part of Yorkshire’s biggest running event.
Profits from the Leeds 10K will be donated to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal which was set up to help children’s and cancer charities across Yorkshire, the UK and the globe. Before her death in 2007, Jane Tomlinson CBE had raised £1.85m through a series of incredible physical challenges.
Mike Tomlinson and his three children have now set their sights on a £5 million target. With the generous help of Jane Tomlinson Appeal supporters, the £3 million raised to date is already being put to good use by those in need.
The charities that have benefited from Jane’s support cover all areas including medical research, cancer treatment and specialist care.
Cllr Cahal Burke said:
“This was my 3rd Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10k since damaging my knee. I have only been running for two years overall. Each Leeds 10k I have completed I have run to raise money and awareness for Yorkshire Cancer Research. Every penny donated to Yorkshire Cancer Research is spent in Yorkshire, helping local people beat cancer and supporting world-class research, diagnosis and treatment in our region. Yorkshire Cancer Research works throughout Yorkshire and benefits Yorkshire people whilst sharing its findings in order to improve the lives of people everywhere.”
Cllr Cahal Burke
You can find out more about Leeds 10K, the Jane Thomlinson Appeal and Yorkshire Cancer research at:
www.forallevents.co.uk
www.janetomlinsonappeal.com
www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk
A629 Halifax Road at Birchencliffe (Inset Cllr Burke)
A629 Halifax Road is to be resurfaced (July 15) between Birchencliffe Hill Road and Yew Tree Road and follows on from the recently completed works undertaken by Yorkshire Water to prevent flooding at this location, replacing of the old gas main, upgrading of the pedestrian crossing and replacing the pedestrian islands to help local people cross this busy road.
Unfortunately, traffic restrictions are needed so that the works can be carried out safely, and in a timely and organised manner. We recognise works of this type are disruptive to traffic and local people and we are making every effort to minimise this disruption where possible. The planned restrictions are as follows
1.Road Closures:
(a) Halifax Road -Will be ‘ONE WAY’ only from Birchencliffe Hill Rd towards Ainley Top Roundabout. (b) Birchington Avenue (c) Yew Tree Road (East Side of A629)-Both closed at their junction with Halifax Road (d) Yew Tree Road (West Side of A629)-No right turn into A629 Halifax Road
These will operate Sundays 15, 22, 29 July (7am to 7pm). Information signs, confirming the closure dates and times, will be erected on affected streets and diversion signs will be in place on the days of the closures.
2.Temporary Traffic signals:
a) Saturdays July 21 & 28 (8am to 4pm) Between Birchington Hill Road & Bichington Petrol Filling Station.
b) Mon-Fri (9.30am to 3.30pm) at various locations between Birchington Hill Road and Yew Tree Road.
Works should be completed by Tuesday 31 July, weather permitting
During these works, please drive carefully and allow extra time for your journey.
Also ensure that any vehicles belonging to you or your visitors are parked away from the road works otherwise delays may occur.
If you have any questions, require assistance, or you/ your neighbours have any mobility difficulties that we may be able to help with please contact us as indicated below.
Highways Services: Jon Evans on 01484 225609. E-mail to jon.evans:@Kirklees.gov.uk.
Outside office hours: Highways Customer Care on free phone: 01484 414700.