PRESS RELEASE - 27 years of Green Party New Year's Day buses

Huddersfield Greens are marking 27 years of the volunteer buses they have been running over the Christmas Holidays since 1992. Newsome Councillors Andrew Cooper, Karen Allison, Sue Lee-Richards and Sue's husband Gideon will all be volunteering on the  long running service on New Years Day 

Councillor Andrew Cooper who is a volunteer driver said,

“I remember the first one we ran in 1992 which we ran as a protest against the removal of services over the holiday period. Since then some services have been resumed in some areas, including Newsome in recent years on Boxing Day”

“I really enjoy doing the bus service each year and it is now very much part of my  holiday routine. At this time of year there can be limited public transport services, trains from Berry Brow are often cancelled and taxi journeys can be expensive  so people who use the minibus we operate really do value it. We put timetables on bus stops and in local shops so people are aware of our schedule. The service is free to use but donations towards fuel costs are always welcome. Our thanks to Kirklees who provide the minibus while we provide drivers, stewards and fuel A copy of our timetable is below.”

The service provided are on New Year’s Day connects  Berry Brow, Newsome into Town and on the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.”

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Newsome Green Party Team

PRESS RELEASE - 25 years of Green Party Christmas Buses

Huddersfield Greens are marking 25 years of the volunteer buses they have been running over the Christmas Holidays since 1992. Councillor Andrew Cooper who is a volunteer driver said,

“I remember the first one we ran in 1992 which we ran as a protest against the removal of services over the holiday period. Since then some services have been resumed in some areas in recent years on Boxing Day”

Newsome Green Party Councillor Karen Allison who has also been a volunteer on the bus service said

“I really enjoy doing the bus service each year and it is now very much part of my Christmas holiday

routine. At this time of year when there are limited public transport services taxi journeys can be expensive particularly from rural villages so people who use the minibus we operate really do value it. We put timetables on bus stops and in local shops so people are aware of our schedule. The service is free to use but donations towards fuel costs are always welcome. A copy of our timetable is below.”

The minibus is now provided by Kirklees Council through Commodle which provides a wide range of Council equipment for community activities.

The 2 services provided are on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. On Boxing Day a service connects Grange, Moor and Flockton with Huddersfield Town Centre and on New Years Day the service runs from Berry Brow,Newsome into Town and on the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.”

Boxing Day - Flockton/Grange Moor/Lepton/Huddersfield

Labour back Stewart Smith’s plans to build on the Newsome Bowling Green site

Cllr Julie Stewart-Turner speaking against Stewart Smith's
planning application

The Newsome Bowling Green that was dug up by Stewart Smith a few months ago, after he denied local bowlers access and demolished their club house, has been granted Planning Permission following a proposal by a Labour Councillor on the Planning Committee. Mr Smith claims he will make a million pounds from the sale of the site.

Green Councillor Julie Stewart-Turner who represented residents at the Planning Committee said,

 "Just because Mr Smith has destroyed the current Bowling Green it does not mean a new one cannot be developed on the same site. It would be a sad reflection on the Council if someone was allowed to abuse some land and then we gave in to them doing what they like on it”

A legal Covenant held by Kirklees Council remains on the land that says it can only be used as a Bowling Green

“The Covenant on the land still stands and we as local Councillors will not be bullied by anyone into removing it” said Julie who called on the Committee to support the residents and refuse the Application.

Labour Councillor James Holmewood supporting Stewart Amith's application

Labour Councillor James Holmewood then moved the recommendation to approve Mr Smith’s application to build on the site

“I am happy to move the recommendation” Labour Councillor James Holmewood who was seconded by the Conservatives

The Covenant is the last line of defence against building on the site and local Green Councillors will have to be overruled by the Labour Cabinet if it the Covenant is to be lifted to allow Mr Smith to develop on the land.

First look at the new Mount Pleasant Primary School at Lockwood

Pupils from Mount Pleasant School in Lockwood will be moving into their new School  on the Thursday after half term. It has been built adjacent to the old school which will be demolished over the coming year. The old school  was a 'mish mash' of Victorian buildings with 70's and 80s extensions. The roof leaked badly and frequently despite several patching up attempts. I've seen the new school grow in my role as one of the School Governors. Today myself and Cllr Julie Stewart Turner got a good look round and it is impressive and will be a much improved teaching environment for a school which is performing well.

The new Mount Pleasant Primary School

The School Hall with Headteacher Naeem Nazir on the right

All classrooms equipped with smart boards

Artists impression

New School  on the left old School on the right

New classroom looking out on the old school

Lockwood footpath cleared of vegetation

Councillors Julie Stewart Turner and Karen Allison's visit to Newsome Junior School

Councillors Julie Stewart-Turner and Karen Allison visited Newsome Junior School to answer questions from pupils today as part of Local Democracy Week.

Newsome councillors Karen Allison and Julie Stewart-Turner are at Newsome Junior School today, talking about local democracy. #eldw2017 pic.twitter.com/fVX6JlrR5X

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

"If there's anything that bothers you, you can come talk to us. We'll do our best to help. We're hear to work with you. We care." #ELDW2017 pic.twitter.com/PRo6K9b9mn

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: How did you become a Cllr?
A: Even though I was shy, I always had lots of bottle...@beacouncillor #eldw2017 pic.twitter.com/VvGcP85czx

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: Do you like being a cllr?
A: Yes, I get to meet lots of amazing people. It's hard but I love it.
A: And each day is different.#ELDW2017 pic.twitter.com/zCI5U7Zypy

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: How did you get picked?
A: 18,000 people live in Newsome Ward & it's people here who get to vote. #eldw2017 pic.twitter.com/HJdAIWshHb

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: Why do you want to change things?
A: We don't want to change the area too much because it's great. But things aren't good for everyone. pic.twitter.com/9nX0mkAVPT

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: Why did you want to be a councillor?
A: I'm proud of the area and want to help people who live here.#eldw2017 #localdemocracyweek pic.twitter.com/o3E2Hib1ZR

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: What's your most common complaint?
A: Potholes. A big one filled up with water once and someone put a toy duck in it.#ELDW2017 pic.twitter.com/srRAYUK2Aq

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: What's a normal day like?
A: There's no such thing for councillors. No two days are the same. But that makes it interesting. #ELDW2017 pic.twitter.com/HZSNAzcvhg

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: What's the most important part of being a councillor?
A: Representing people, especially those who find it difficult to be heard. pic.twitter.com/GUlibG1r9u

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: What qualifications do you need to be a councillor?
A: You don't. A good education is important though and you need to be able to listen. pic.twitter.com/X7Uu7TWcAM

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: Why do you want to do this, to be a councillor?
A: To help people grow.@beacouncillor #ELDW2017 #localdemocracyweek pic.twitter.com/dZSL0PANma

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: What qualities do you need to be a councillor?
A: Be open-minded, unbiased & open to learning. Be honest, caring & patient.#ELDW2017 pic.twitter.com/gPxTV45e0n

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: Is being a councillor hard?
A: There are days you can't fix everything. We can't always help. It's hard not being able to help everyone. pic.twitter.com/JI90PBr4aB

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: What is it like to be a councillor?
A: Enjoyable. Very varied. Sometime hard, long days. Sometimes we're out working with local groups. pic.twitter.com/NiwTEVjYiU

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: Do you have a boss?
A: Really the people who elect us are our boss. We do have lots of rules to follow.#localdemocracyweek #ELDW2017 pic.twitter.com/SDZX023nqG

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Q: Do councillors normally go to schools?
A: I love coming to schools. You've got such fantastic ideas. It's inspiring. We'd like to do more pic.twitter.com/4GxQWiZ6Qs

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Huge thanks to @newsomejunior for hosting a #localdemocracyweek school visit today. Fantastic questions from the children. #ELDW2017 pic.twitter.com/qxyVOxF453

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) October 11, 2017

Lockwood Path Clearance

Me, Cllrs Karen Allison and Julie Stewart-Turner joined Lockwood residents to clear the path between Victoria Rd and Rashcliffe Hill Road of Vegetation, rubbish and a heavy builders bag of sand. Rewarding to see the difference we made in just a couple of hours. A hard work out!

We've been doing some filming at an "all-weather" Councillors & Community footpath clearance this morning. #kirkdemocracy #Newsome #Lockwood pic.twitter.com/EonWZSl5Aj

— Kirklees Democracy (@kirkdemocracy) September 9, 2017

Press Statement - Green Councillor condemns undemocratic Mill Ponds decision

Green Party Councillor Andrew Cooper condemned the decision by the Governments Planning Inspector to approve development on the land adjacent to Newsome Mill Ponds

The land is bordered by Newsome Road, Hart Street and Naomi Road and the Mill Ponds served the now fire ravaged nearby  Newsome Mills Approval was sought for 22 houses on the site.

“ This decision by an unelected Government official from the Planning Inspectorate overrules the democratic decision refusing development made by the Council’s Planning Committee and ignores numerous refusals for development on the land. My concern now is that the loss of the Mill Ponds will mean a serious disruption to culverts and drainage running across the land. This could have an adverse impact on local residents homes and gardens. Many local people have long felt the former allotment site at the heart of Newsome would make an ideal park area. This is now not an option. Though the land is now approved for development this is not the end of the  matter and the developer will have to demonstrate how they will manage the significant drainage issues and respect the Tree Preservation Orders that exist on the site. This is yet another case of landowners doing what is best for their pocket and not what provides the most benefit to the community. I applaud the long campaign by local people and Diane Sims in particular to protect the site from rapacious development. The clear, articulate and informed way the case against development has been made has fought off development for over 30 years. A Government Official with no democratic mandate has made this decision. If we need to ‘take back control’ anywhere it is about decisions that directly affect our local communities ”

Link to Newsome Mills Campaign website

https://newsomemill.wordpress.com/2017/08/21/the-30-year-fight-to-save-newsome-mill-ponds/

Photo Review of 2016

Its been a tumultuous rollercoaster of a year full of drama and real highs and some very real lows. Here are some pictures of my year which may give some idea how eventful it has been.

At Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Stirley Farm where we'd managed to get solar panels on the building before the Govt cut funding support through the Feed In Tariff.

Out delivering information to residents affected by the development allocations in the Kirklees Local Plan

With Green Party Health Campaigner Jenny Shepherd at a chaotic meeting of the Clinical Commissioning Group proposing to close Huddersfield A&E among a range of proposals

At Suma Wholefoods in Elland with Karen Allison. A Workers Cooperative selling organic produce. Does it get any better?

Speaking at the first Hands off HRI Rally in St Georges Square

Cllr Karen Allison helping get out info about Growing Newsome's Potato Day in the snow. Yes we work all the year round!

A Spring Clean of Newsome Skateboard Park with Debby Plummer and Cllr Julie Stewart-Turner

 A spring clean of some particularly dirty village signs in Newsome and Berry Brow

Election campaigning was a bit tough this time!

The Local Election went well. I had an overall majority with 51% of the vote.

During the EU Referendum I delivered both Green Party and Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) Leaflets

I stood for Green Party Deputy Leader this year and was the runner up behind Amelia Womack. I was heaertened by the support I got from across the Green Party.

I attended the protests in Northallerton when the Fracking Planning Applications were being decided for Kirby Misperton. I tried to get the Police to grapple with me for the photo but they were having none of it.

The abandoned Hunters Waste site catches fire. The smoke and stench were awful

I proposed a successful Green Party motion opposing Fracking at our Conference in Birmingham

Our consultation drop in about traffic calming proposals on Jackroyd Lane and High Lane got a good response. It was held at Newsome Village Hall.

I came across Sam Hunter of Hunters Waste Group when I spoke to him about a fence damaged by his company. He wasn't very pleasant then and not during hs court appearance either!

The Kirklees Local Plan was a big focus for us this year with some tough lobbying to get the best deal for the Newsome Ward. We had some success.

The fun stuff! Great to be able to help out and support Monrealm Tenants on their 5th Annual Halloween Childrens Party. Complete mayhem at times but great fun.

Getting the good news out to the people of Taylor Hill Road. Their back gardens will not be allocated for development in the Kirklees Local Plan.

With Karen Allison at the Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival

I attended the COP22 Climate Summit in Marrakech, Morocco. Possibly my one and only trip to Africa. I loved the fact that I was registered for the wrong country. I'm Irish! No Brexit for me!

November brought the tragic news that Newsome Mill had been subject to a suspected arson attack. A busy morning liaising between the emergency services and displaced local residents. How the community came together in that crisis was truly uplifting.

The clean up of Hunters Waste Site begins as the mountain of waste left by the Rogue Company starts to get shifted.

Speaking to Look North about Newsome Mills. It was Diane Sims words "We are heartbroken but not broken" that I will remember.

The vandalism of Newsome Community Bowling Club by the new 'owner' is yet another example of a community that seems to have been under attack by malign individuals this year.

Collecting our latest batch of 7000 Green Party newspapers from Oldham. The same place where the Huddersfield Examiner is printed.

Meeting Barry Sheerman MP with Diane Sims to push action on Newsome Mills

In years to come I hope this turns out to be the beginning of one of the most successful things. I got the EU Committee of the Regions to propose developing the concept of Locally Determined Contributions and Regionally Determined Contributions to address Climate Change. Let's see where this takes us! 

In the Committee of the Regions in Brussels looking at the art and thoughts of children from Mount Pleasant School in Lockwood, Huddersfield with a focus on language and culture.

The Clean Up at Hunters Waste Site begins

The festering heap of rubbish left by Hunters Waste Management at their former Queens Mill Rd site has started to be removed by a partnership comprising Kirklees Council, Suez Waste Services, West Yorkshire Fire Service and the Environment Agency. Legal avenues are being pursued to ensure those who were responsible for this stinking refuse mountain are held to account and made to pay for their crimes. It is a relief to finally see this issue being addressed after a difficult summer for neighbouring residents and businesses.

Gutted! - Newsome Mill Fire

 

On Thursday  morning my mobile phone started receiving messages before 6.00a.m. telling me the news that Newsome Mills was ablaze and that nearby residents had been evacuated from their homes. I saw the community rally round really quickly as St Johns Church and Newsome Scout Hut opened their doors to residents. They got the tea and coffee going and breakfast for those people who were temporarily moved from their homes. Newsome Village Store donated food for evacuated residents and the Fire Service and Police were caring and professional helping some particularly vulnerable residents who lived nearby. Kirklees Emergency Planning and Building Control were on the scene early on dealing with their responsibilities for the community and the building itself. The local response to the immediate crisis has shown the community and local services at their very best.

 

The question is what happens next. The structure of the Mills itself is severely compromised and as I write this it is expected that the Mill Building may have to be demolished. Hopefully  the iconic clock tower will remain. There have been 2 controversial Planning matters associated with the site. The private owners of Newsome Mills itself have been reluctant to develop on the site due to the costs of converting the mill which is/was a listed building. The private owners of the land at Hart Street near the Mills have sought to develop the site on a number of occasions. The fact that the land is part of the historic setting of Newsome Mills has been one of a number of reasons that  local people have opposed development there. With the suspected arson of the Newsome Mills site we will have to see what happens next.

For now we need to take stock and let the investigation into the blaze be carried out by the appropriate services. This has been a truly awful year for the people of Newsome with the Hunters Waste site going up in flames, the vandalism and burning of Newsome Community Bowling Club's buildings and now Newsome Mills itself going up in flames. If, as I expect, Newsome Mills turns out to be arson then all these fires will be the result of the actions of people who have no regard for the local community or the people who live there. Let’s hope for a better 2017.