MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Welcome to our latest newsletter. Spring is sprung, the flowers are emerging and our Town is getting busier with welcome visitors to hopefully boost our battered economy.
Things move on for BW as well. Together with Wetherby Civic Society we made a good appearance at the Leeds Plans Panel last month to discuss the conditions for the Racecourse Approach (RA) development. As a reminder, a link to the video of the meeting is available here on our website.
My feeling was that our comments and those of Councillors and Planning Officers gave the developers, Taylor Wimpey (TW), much to think about, particularly given the current energy and cost of living crises. Clearly the meeting and its outcome have had some effects and BW with others are to be represented at a further meeting with TW on 12th May. You will find more details about Racecourse Approach below. We will keep you informed.
Our work to get a solution to issues of flooding and what we feel is a planning breach concerning the Bellway development continue. This has been difficult as much of the legal re-courses which could have been available have been blurred by a lack of communication at key moments between Officers at Leeds and Harrogate Authorities. We soldier on with welcome input received from Wetherby Ward Councillors, which has been invaluable. Our ongoing efforts will hopefully result in a successful outcome, especially for the users of Harland Way and the Bridleways.
I would like to finish with a brief comment which is covered in more detail below. BW has done very well over the last two years with its contributions to various issues. The Stockeld Park Planning refusal was an enormous win. BUT we need additional blood and we need it now.
We are in serious need of a Treasurer and people who may have technical expertise in specific business situations. Life is busy these days and you may not want to feel tied down, but a list of people with their skills which BW could tap into for specific projects will be a massive help. If you feel you could be one of those people, please contact us by email to [email protected].
Many thanks for reading.
Roger Owen
Chair: Better Wetherby Partnership
RACECOURSE APPROACH DEVELOPMENT – SWINNOW PARK
One very serious issue which is not resolved is that of road safety along York Road where there have been three fatalities in recent times, the latest just before last Christmas. BW and others have raised this at both Planning stage, in Design Workshops and at the last Plans Panel. We are very concerned that our words have not been heeded with any seriousness.
York Road is now de-classified and as such falls totally under LCC control from the Racecourse access roundabout to the junction by Morrisons Filling Station. There will be many young children travelling from the new development to schools in Wetherby until the planned Primary School is built and, no doubt students of A Level age will be boarding buses to travel to Harrogate, etc.
There is no current provision for pedestrian crossings on York Road near the estate and the situation is made more dangerous with the motorway bridge which has blind drops on both sides. Action is needed but despite correspondence with LCC Councillor Nash and warm noises by her, nothing has materialised. BW is currently considering where to take this matter next.
As mentioned in the introduction to this newsletter, representatives of BW will be meeting again with TW on 12th May to discuss various issues about the development. Details of any concerns and issues for BW to raise at that meeting should be forwarded by email to [email protected] by 7th May. Information, documents and plans regarding the development can be viewed on the Leeds City Council Planning portal, further details and links are available on our website: (www.betterwetherby.com/racecourse-approach.html)
WETHERBY HIGH SCHOOL
BW was flattered to be invited to join the LCC team who are working to get the replacement school towards construction and have been delighted with progress so far. Ward Councillors, especially Alan Lamb, have put a big effort into this which has resulted in LCC approving funding issues. The matter is now with Central Government for hopefully the last 'tick in the box'.
THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE 2022
Her Majesty The Queen’s 70th anniversary as monarch will be marked with a series of events between Thursday, 2nd June and Sunday, 5th June 2022. A super programme of events to celebrate the Jubilee has been arranged by Wetherby Town Council and Welcome to Wetherby and we can look forward to an enjoyable weekend of music, sports, exhibitions and entertainment for all age groups. The programme is currently being finalised and will be available in the near future.
Better Wetherby at the Jubilee festivities
As part of the Jubilee festivities, many of our local groups will be mounting displays in the Market Square on Saturday, 4th June between 9am and 3pm. Better Wetherby will be there, so please do pop along and see us to learn more about what we do on behalf of our community.
Last Night of the Proms – Volunteers needed to help please!
On the evening of Saturday, 4th June there will be a Platinum Jubilee Proms Concert on Wetherby Ings. The performance by the Airedale Symphony Orchestra will be followed by a spectacular firework display. The organisers are seeking volunteers to help with stewarding on the evening.
Claire Stubbs of Welcome to Wetherby needs stewards from 5pm until 10.30pm, basically to provide assistance to the public – i.e. advising and guiding people around the venue and having a presence, making sure people feel safe. Volunteers will be provided with a High Visibility bib and bottled water. A briefing will be provided by Claire at 5pm. It would be helpful if volunteers could bring torches for the later part of the evening. The performance starts at 8pm but gates will open at 6pm to allow people plenty of time to get seated and ready for the concert.
If you can help, please contact Claire Stubbs of Welcome to Wetherby by email at [email protected] or Councillor Connor Mulhall at [email protected]
WETHERBY ARTS FESTIVAL – SAVE THE DATES
After the Jubilee festivities we can look forward to another enjoyable event.
Friday, 30th September marks the start of the annual Wetherby Festival. It runs for over a week, with the final event taking place on Sunday, 9th October, so please make a note of the dates. A great programme has been lined up and it includes musical events, comedy and a literary lunch. The full programme will be available soon. Details, information and updates can be found on the Festival website www.wetherbyfestival.co.uk
CONTACT US
We welcome further volunteers and supporters to assist our efforts. Please contact us with any comments and queries. If you wish to be included on our mailing list please send a request by email to [email protected].
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