Even though the Church might not be fully open yet their work still goes on.

On Saturday 10th October 2020, there will be a Harvest festival food drop off at West Ardsley Methodist Church, Haigh Moor Road.

All the food donations will be given to those who need it in our area.

So if you have a spare tin of something or an excess of packets please do bring it along before 12noon.

The food bank donation box is also outside of the Chapel and is checked daily
 Thank you

20/9/2020                                                                    

WAAG UPDATE ON HAIGH WOOD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PLANS

The government White Paper is proposing major changes to the planning system and they are engaging in a public consultation process.  WAAG intends to respond to their consultation however, this is asking a number of questions, which will require considerable effort and knowledge to respond effectively.

Not withstanding this, as feared, the governments build, build, build announcement, which we believe is the purpose of the new white paper, will have the Developers rubbing their hands.  

The Labour run Leeds City Council, have always had the intention to have this site developed, regardless of all of the objections raised.  As confirmed by their about turn at the last Plans Panel meeting.

We have written twice to the LCC Solicitor arguing that the last meeting was biased and unfair and pressing the case for a further, open, Plans Panel meeting; this has been refused. We have had it confirmed by the LCC Solicitor that they intend to issue an approval; they are only waiting for the Secretary of State to make a decision on the request for “call in”.

For now here’s where we think we stand in relation to the big planning application for 299 houses. 

• It’s now over three months since our MP Andrea Jenkyns asked Secretary of State Robert Jenrick to call in the application and we’re still waiting for him to decide whether he will or not.  If he does call it in, then there would be a public hearing with a fresh analysis about the merits or otherwise of the proposals.  We would be up against both the developers and Leeds Council both of whom want approval.  We would need to pay for expert help in preparing our case.  WAAG did think it more likely that Jenrick would tell Leeds to go ahead and approve, but is now wondering what is delaying Jenrick’s decision. 
  
  
• WAAG is challenging the minutes of the City Plans Panel so that there would have to be consultation with the community whilst more detailed plans are being drawn up.  Otherwise we just have to await planning applications for “reserved matters” when full details will be submitted for approval.  There could be one application or separate applications for the development parcels, though the Council would be looking to ensure that environmental promises already made would be adhered to.
  
  
• As for the planning system changes proposed, they are surely too late to influence the outcome for us.  If anything, they could make the situation worse.  Boris wants to “build, build build”.  Politicians see the planning system as too slow and cumbersome and to blame for all that’s wrong.  At least organisations like WAAG have been able to contribute to the SAP and City Plans Panel, even if ultimately ignored and then denied at the May CPP meeting (another story!).   Enabling public contribution slows planning decisions and the new system threatens that.  It feels like it is the WAAGs of this world that are the target that need to be by-passed to get building and the economy growing.  WAAG tries to stay apolitical but feels squeezed between Conservatives on one hand at national level, as just described, and Labour at the local level who imposed a grossly inflated housing target a decade or so ago and are determined to approve 299 houses around Haigh Wood.

www.westardsley.co.uk  email: westardsleyactiongroup@gmail.com

The Wednesday Ebenezer Lunch Club (West Ardsley Methodist Church) remains closed for the time being, this is to keep the diners and the volunteers safe.

They haven’t forgotten about you and hope you are all keeping well.

Fingers crossed you can all meet again soon.

Tingley Athletic is one of our local football clubs and they are always looking out for new players- girls and boys!
The new season is almost upon us and they would like to have more boys signing up for the Under 7s squad in particular.

If you know of a young man who is in year 2 who would love to play with a friendly team why don’t you give the Stripy army a shout!  Its more than just football!

Tingley Methodist Church has resumed church services

there will be a service on a Wednesday and a Sunday, the numbers allowed will be reduced due to social distancing.  You must book a place via event bright if you wish to attend – 1 ticket equals 3 people

please do not attend if you feel unwell

further information can be found on their web site https://tingleymc.com/

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tingley-methodist-church-sunday-service-tickets-119263395025?aff=ebdssbeac

https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/planning-applications/search-for-planning-applications/detail.aspx?id=2020%2F92331&fbclid=IwAR2w2_IEe37tdHObIspb3rTrI0PcMkLQY-7NEwNBwEV3atGtvk9bRJ8bZU8

Rein Road will be totally closed to traffic apart from resident access between 17th August and 21st August 2020

This is due to Fibre being installed.

The below has ben posted on the Lee Gap Fair facebook page-

*Message from admin*

It is with great sadness and regret that we have to announce that this years fairs have both been cancelled due to the current situation with Covid 19,the landowners have not given us permission to use the land, we have tried to find suitable land to hold the fairs but have been unsuccessful.
We understand that travelling to the fairs is tradition but we ask that you do not turn up on the dates as unlike appleby their is nowhere for you to park safely without upsetting local residents which then puts future fairs in jeopardy of being held.
Thank you for all your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you back to the fairs in 2021
Stay safe everyone

St Marys Church at Woodkirk is now opening for private prayer, please check with their website for times and days

Sunday services at St Marys will also soon be resuming 2nd August 2020