Area Housing Board

We have had a few enquiries about these and can confirm that yes there is one for Wyke. Originally there was not going to be one, but with less than fond memories of trying to get agenda time for the estate when we were with northern area a decade or so ago I persuaded the Cabinet memebr we needed one. To be fair he disagreed but was very agreeable and saw our point.

It does meet but frankly has not lived up to hopes. there is no real strategic overview, no policy direction, no real challenge, just a lot of criticism of the wyke staff (from certain quarters) and endless quibbling over a minor statistic. It is also more expensive to run than Bransholme the chairman claiming nearly £1,000 and the deputy £750!!

Cllr Percy and I have been quite clear we always supported direct control of the estate by local residents, or if not that at least run it by professionals under democratic control as an alternative. We continue to campaign to abolish ALL Area Housing Boards (which has had Cllr Percy referred to an interim Deputy Chief Executive, and me to the Standards Board) as we continue to show the pointlessness of these meetings and boards. Our complaint is not necessarily the individuals, the structure is no great help either.

In the meantime we know there are exciting new developments to introduce a greater sense of urgency and focus into the meetings which we fully support.

Newland Park

Many thanks to those of you who responded to our survey (and for the kind remarks about other matters we attempt as well).

The overwhelming view was improvements to the carriageway would be welcome and complement the pavement works we spearheaded. in second place was a clear preference for the red aggregate. We have put these views forward and are awaiting a reply. We will issue another CONTACT soon

Mobile library

We are pleased the mobile library continues to be a success with steadily growing figures in the ward. This is very much a case of using it or not having it since demand for it exceeds supply of mobile libraries, and if you have further suggestions on timings or locations please do contact us. The head librarian, while as steely as her forbears, is very approachable snd eager to improve the service so we will be assured a sympathetic hearing - unlike some parts of the council where you know the answer is "no" before you get in the room (though that never stops Andrew and i who press on anyway and risk Sandards Board condemnation)

Park and ride

we are concerned at a contract going to Hackney Community Transport. Even if they are based in West Yorkshire with a satellite office profitability moves outside the local area, and the sustainability and capacity issues are not clealry resolved to our knowledge.

YPI Houses

The matter of the houses proposed on parts of the YPI car park was deferred at the recent planning meeting. the Committee decided they wanted to see the land in question. The matter will now go to the October Plannign Committee

Kenilworth Ave/Abbottsford Close

At Wyke yesterday we expressed our annoyance at the prolonged klack of reality in disposing of the land to local resdients at anything resembling a reasonable price.

We have demanded a report to come to committee and the officers to attend so we can grill them on this matter. If we are lucky it may see some action before then

Goddard Avenue playing fields

A long meeting of wyke area committee yesterday agreed to endorse the continuing efforts to bring all the land back to Sports use with public access on the non-sporting bits, to be roughly 8-8.

Colleagues from Avenue and Newland wards were kind enough to volunteer some of their funds to restore the gating area so wilfully broken by those who believe they are above the law. There will now be a lockable pedestrian access suitable for the mobility impaired, and of course a gate suitable for a mower.

We have also agreed to review the southern boundary fence, which we are uncertain who owns. Much of this will depend on finding the necessary leagla paerwork since this area was bought by the county council.

The good news is this blog site was read by at least one memebr of the consortium who own the bulk of the land and he was kind enough to get in touch so avenues for discussion are now even more open.

Bricknell children's centre

This came to planning recently. the committee went on site and were impressed by the Norway Maple, the existence of two undamaged buildings near to it, and the large area of land nearby.

We decided to delegate approval to the officers following a discussion with the applicant whereby they accepted the tree stayed. We are only simple politicians but we know about root walls and the fact the building can be moved a few feet here and there.