Councillor Cahal Burke (Lib Dem, Lindley) has expressed concern about the uncertainty regarding the future of school crossing patrols

Councillor Cahal Burke has called for the Labour Cabinet to outline their long-term plans for school crossing patrols in Kirklees.

A decision was made at Kirklees Council’s annual budget meeting in February this year to reduce school crossing patrols, although this was opposed by Kirklees Liberal Democrats.
Recently, however, crossing patrol staff have been notified by the council that there will be no immediate changes to the service for 12 months, and that recruitment would be undertaken to fill patrol staff vacancies.

As the new academic year commences, there are 78 school crossing sites across Kirklees, with 27 of these currently vacant, which includes a school crossing patrol vacancy based in Lindley – the junction of Lidget Street and East Street and West Street.

However, the school crossing patrol service is under review, and there is uncertainty about future funding and recruitment.

Councillor Cahal Burke (Lib Dem, Lindley) has expressed concern about the uncertainty regarding the future of school crossing patrols and has requested that the Cabinet clarify the nature of the cuts.
Cllr Burke questioned the responsible member for an update at a Council meeting last March, but felt that information was not forthcoming.

Cllr Burke, said:
“I want the Cabinet to outline their long-term plans for school crossing patrols as soon as possible. There is uncertainty and we need clarification now. We need to know what plans are in place, so schools, crossing patrol staff and the wider community can work together on possible solutions.
It is also vital that workers who operate the valuable crossing patrols are informed of the situation at the earliest opportunity. I feel they have been treated badly and not been given enough information or support.

If we want to value and encourage walking, we should keep this service in place. The school crossing patrol plays an important part in helping children and parents feel safe when walking to school, so this vital service should be retained.”

Cllr Cahal Burke (Chair – Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panel)

Mental health problems which begin in childhood and adolescence are not only common but can have wide-ranging and long-lasting effects. These can lead to significant distress, poorer educational attainment and employment prospects, social relationships, and longer-term physical and mental health problems.

Accessing services quickly and easily is of central importance to children, young people and families. It is important everyone involved understands the process and feels supported, the scrutiny panel carried out an in depth and valuable review of services provided for children, young people and their families.

The Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panel which Cllr Cahal Burke Chaired was established to undertake a review into the provision of CAHMS in the Kirklees area in response to growing concerns regarding the operation of the organisation and its efficiency in providing a satisfactory level of service provision. The service had been subject to negative publicity in the press, and it had been acknowledged by South West Yorkshire Foundation Trust, who were commissioned by Greater Huddersfield, Calderdale and North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group to run the service, that they did not have adequate resources to cope with the level of demand.

The Terms of Reference of the Ad-Hoc Panel were;
– To scrutinise the performance of the Child and Adolescent mental Health Services in Kirklees, with a particular focus upon;
(i) Developing an understanding of the services provided by CAMHS and its current performance in line with national requirements
(ii) Scrutinising the CAMHS transformation plan and the supporting action plan
(iii) Seeking the views of service users and considering benchmarking information nationally on the provision of CAMHS services.

Recommendation (1) – That the process for referrals into the system should become more accessible and transparent, and that the processes should be widely publicised, particularly amongst key stakeholders.

Rationale – The Panel felt that too many key stakeholders lacked a feeling of inclusion in the process of referrals, which prevented a holistic approach towards supporting a child/young persons who may have additional needs. The Panel considered that the involvement of partners (eg, GPs, schools) was essential to ensure high quality service provision and that the delivery of training courses on the function and operation of CAMHS, including how to make a referral, may be an effective way of embedding engagement of partners. The Panel felt that clarity of working relationships was fundamental to the provision of sound advice and support.

The Panel also considered that communication methods between CAMHS and the service users needed to be strengthened to enable a two way communication process from the point of initial referral, and then throughout the waiting time and the provision of treatment. Service users would benefit from having clear access points into the service at different stages, eg, to seek clarification on waiting times, links to support staff etc. At all stages of the process there should be ongoing communication with the referee/parent/carer/school/service user regarding the next steps and expected timeframes, which would assist in ensuring that the information held by CAMHS was relevant and up to date. The circulation of a regular generic email to those on the waiting list, providing relevant information, may also be useful in acknowledging ongoing engagement with the process.

Recommendation (2) – That improved clarification be provided on the pathways both into and within the CAMHS system in order to provide transparency, access and understanding of the operation of service provision.
Rationale – The Panel considered that the mechanisms for referrals into CAMHS needed to be more clearly defined as there continued to be confusion and misunderstanding amongst service users and potential service users.
The Panel considered that a visual diagram should be published and readily available which set out potential links into the service, and approximations of waiting times at each stage. This should be distributed to schools, GPs and other key stakeholders, and also be available and easily accessible online.

Cllr Cahal Burke and Lindley Community Group

We enjoyed a wonderful day at the 2016 Lindley Carnival, we hope everyone who attended had a great day.

I would like to thank all the stall holders, our sponsors and the choirs from Lindley Junior School and Lindley Infant School who entertained the crowds.

We were delighted that Alison North Musical Director at Lindley Junior School did us the honour of opening this years carnival.

Thank you to all the volunteers from Lindley Community Group without whom there would be no carnival.

Lindley Community Group have now started planning for the 10th Lindley Carnival which will take place on Saturday 24th June 2017 and the 5th Lindley 10k & Fun Run which will take place on Sunday 25th June 2017.

Our volunteers work extremely hard and give up a lot of time to ensure these events are successful. We are delighted with all the support and positive feedback we have received following this years events.

If you would like to volunteer, sponsor or take part please visit Lindley Community Group or e-mail info@lindleygroup.org.uk

Thank you once again to all our volunteers, sponsors and supporters – and to everyone who attended and took part!

Cllr. Andrew Marchington, Cllr. Cahal Burke & Cllr. Richard Eastwood
#INtogether

Cllr Cahal Burke and the Liberal Democrats believe that Britain is best when we work with other countries and stand tall in the world. We live in an ever increasing globalised economy where we are always running to catch up. We firmly believe that being a strong member in Europe is in the best interest of our country.

Together we will fight to ensure every family, every business, and every person in Britain is part of a stronger and more prosperous nation, creating opportunity for future generations, respected all over the world.

Together we created the world’s largest free trade area, we delivered peace, and we gave the British people the opportunity to live, work and travel freely. History shows that Britain is better when it is united with Europe.

Together we are stronger in the fight against the global problems that don’t stop at borders. We can stop international crime, we can fight climate change, and together we will provide hope and opportunity for the future.

1. Prosperity: Britain is already stronger and better off trading and working with Europe. There are millions of jobs which are impacted by the ability to trade with Europe, and thousands of businesses would be thrown into turmoil if we left. And it is cheaper for British people. If we left the average family would end up spending £450 a year more in goods and services.

2. Peace: After decades of brutal conflict, European nations came together in cooperation. To this day, neighbours and allies support each other in what remains the world’s most successful project in peace.

3. Opportunity: British people have more opportunities to work, travel and learn than ever before. Staying in Europe gives our children and grandchildren greater prospects, and the best chance to succeed.

4. Environment: Protecting the natural environment remains one of the planet’s biggest challenges, for health, for food stocks and for climate change. These problems are tackled better when we all come together.

5. Security: Together we are stronger against terrorists who despise our liberal and modern way of life. And together we can break the criminal gangs who threaten our country with the illegal drugs trade, weapons and human trafficking.

It is not the time to turn our backs on Europe, leaving us isolated, side-lined and alone.

By voting to remain in, Britain can thrive.

Together we show the world an open, outward-facing Britain we can all be proud of. Join the Liberal Democrat campaign today, to remain in together, and to stand up for the type of Britain you think we should be.

http://www.libdems.org.uk/europe

Cllr Cahal Burke and Lindley Community Group

I am extremely delighted that local businesses have once again come forward to support the Lindley Community Group weekend of events, without them it would not be possible to hold the events.

Our two main sponsors are No.10 Bar & Kitchen and Marsh Design Ltd. Inspirations Florists (Salendine Nook) will be sponsoring the Lindley Fun Run.

Other supporters of the weekend will have stalls on the day and advertise in the official programme.

This year the official charity will be Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group.

Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group was founded and is voluntary run by parents of children with Down Syndrome in the Huddersfield area.

They are a registered charity (no.1096206)

Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group arranges social, sporting and educational events and activities for children with Down Syndrome and their families. Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group expect the remit of the group to continue to expand as their children grow into adulthood and they are always open to suggestions for new activities and ways in which they can support their members.

Find out more about this years Lindley Carnival and Lindley 10k www.lindleygroup.org.uk

Cllr Cahal Burke & Richard Eastwood Liberal Democrat candidate for the Lindley ward.

I am delighted that local resident Richard Eastwood is the hard working Liberal Democrat candidate for the Lindley ward.

The Lindley Ward has long been a great place to live. We have outstanding schools, good transport links, a fantastic local Hospital with A+E, an excellent local library, lovely open green spaces and lots of community events. But for how much longer?

Despite our warnings and without a thought for the quality of life for both existing and new residents, our Labour led Council have approved a tidal wave of new build developments in the area. Yes we need new homes but we also need a sound, solid infrastructure in place. The Conservatives are nowhere to be seen, only perhaps at election time…

Unlike Labour and the Conservatives, Richard Eastwood and the local Lib Dems will, as we always have, fight for that FAIR DEAL that you expect from your local Council.

A new school, saving A+E, saving the local library, getting our crumbling roads and pavements repaired, keeping our remaining green spaces are our current priorities.

Please help us continue the hard work in our area by voting in the Kirklees local elections for the local choice Richard Eastwood on Thursday May 5th 2016.

Cllr Cahal Burke and Kirklees Liberal Democrats campaigning to keep our hospital services

When changes to hospital services were first announced we were campaigning to keep A&E at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, although at that time keeping A&E at HRI was the preferred option we knew that we needed to keep both.

Everything has now changed with the new proposals and we must continue to all work together to Keep A&E at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal.

Please sign and share the government petition:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/118690

Please attend one of the consultation events:
https://www.rightcaretimeplace.co.uk/…/category/consultati…/

Cllr Cahal Burke, Richard Eastwood campaigning to Save A&E at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Proposals announced in January 2016 by Huddersfield & Calderdale NHS Trust will:
• Demolish Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and build a SMALLER hospital.
• A&E WILL be closed and moved to Calderdale.

Huddersfield and the Valleys MUST have its OWN first rate A&E.
We are appalled at the decision to move ANOTHER service to Calderdale. We demand that this decision is changed.

Liberal Democrats in Kirklees have been campaigning for many years to keep all our vital services at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and will continue to do so.

Please sign the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/118690

At the recent Kirklees Council meeting councillors united in a fight to oppose plans that would leave our area without any local Accident and Emergency service.

The four group leaders signed a motion against the consultation plans outlined in the plans released by the Greater Huddersfield and Calderdale clinical commissioning groups.

The agreed composite Motion:

This Council recognises;

(1) That the recently published proposal of the Calderdale and Huddersfield Acute Hospital Trust could result in the closure of full Accident and Emergency Services in Huddersfield and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary being replaced by a smaller, albeit new, hospital.

(2) That, in particular, the combined proposals of the Calderdale and Huddersfield Acute Hospital Trust and Mid Yorkshire Hospital Trust mean that Kirklees will not have a full Accident and Emergency Service in either Huddersfield or Dewsbury.

(3) That, due to decisions being taken in isolation about services offered at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and at Dewsbury District Hospital, services could be affected and that some specialities may not be available in any part of Kirklees.

This Council resolves to:-

(1) Oppose any proposals which leave Kirklees without a full Accident and Emergency provision

(2) Request Clinical Commissioning Groups ensure that consultation on the changes that are proposed for hospital services in Kirklees are given maximum publicity and that consultation encompasses the widest possible range of residents.

(3) Agree to the holding of an Extraordinary meeting of the Council to discuss changes to NHS Services in Kirklees as the single item for consideration at the meeting, to take place at the earliest opportunity.

(4) Request that all Party Groups work together to establish a joint resolution on changes to NHS Services in Kirklees to be presented to the Extraordinary Meeting.

(5) That an All Party delegation from the Council meet the Secretary of State to express the views of the residents of Kirklees.

The draft Local Plan (previously known as the Local Development Framework) is the new development plan being produced for Kirklees.

The draft Local Plan (previously known as the Local Development Framework) is the new development plan being produced for Kirklees. This involves working out how many new homes and jobs are needed in the future for the district and allocating land to meet these needs.

The draft Local Plan will also set out the areas of Kirklees that need protection, including valuable open spaces, areas with high environmental quality and historic value. It will set out the infrastructure needed to make sure that any new developments are sustainable. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) explains what sustainable development means in relation to planning.

GRIMESCAR VALLEY
The draft Local Plan proposes greenbelt designation for the Grimescar Valley, which is really positive. I would urge you to support this element of the plan that protects the Grimescar Valley and submit your comments during the consultation period.

The public consultation date on the draft Local Plan and supporting documents including the Kirklees draft Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal and the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule started on the 9 November 2015 and will end on 1 February 2016.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS – LINDLEY LIBRARY
I have made maps and supporting documents available for residents to view at Lindley Library.

Computers are also available in Huddersfield Customer Service Centre to view plans and research planning information: opening times 9-5 Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 10-5 on Thursdays.

• Huddersfield Customer Service Centre
• Civic Centre 3, Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2YZ
• 01484 414746
• local.development@kirklees.gov.uk

Please get in contact if you would like further information and I will do my best to help in any way I can.

Cllr Cahal Burke

Lindley is set to offer a huge slice of festive fun as a traditional crowd-puller gets back into its stride.

The village is hosting its popular late night shopping event next week.

A full line-up of attractions and activities has been put together by hard-working organisers including Lindley Communinty Group. The list includes shops open until 8pm, seasonal performances, Santa arriving by sleigh and a special appearance by characters from Disney’s Frozen.

Lindley councillor Cahal Burke said: “There was a gap of a few years when we didn’t stage the late night. But local businesses were keen to bring it back so we took a softly, softly approach last year in re-starting the event. It was successful and now we are going a stage further and have more activities, more performances and more going on.

“We are hoping for a bumper attendance. The response from local traders has been fantastic. We have a great group of businesses, all keen to promote the area and it is a great opportunity for them to showcase their own wares.

“The aim is to get the event back on an annual footing. If we are successful and people come out and support us then we will carry on. It is all really exciting.”

And it is all in aid of the Lindley-based Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust charity.

Lindley Infants School choir will be singing both out in the open and in St Stephen’s Church and there will also be a performance from the KT dance studio. It is hoped Lindley Brass Band will also be taking part.

From 5.30 to 8pm on Tuesday December 1, there will be stalls all along Lidget Street, alongside the area’s many independent shops.

With shopkeepers and staff dressed in Dickensian-style clothes, there will also be Santa’s grotto in the library, a nativity trail and hot food and mulled drinks.