January 2003

BRAMHAM PARISH COUNCIL

The Parish Council continues to be concerned about the upgrade of the A1 to motorway status. There are a number of key issues regarding the proposals but the one which will probably most concern Bramham residents is noise. The changes put in place for this upgrade are scheduled to last for many years, during which time the level of traffic is likely to rise inexorably. There may be little or no provision in the proposals to alleviate noise in the village, with any banking or fencing. Whilst there is an intention to replace the current road surface by a lower noise version, this may not happen for some time. The Council has expressed these concerns to the Highways Agency and the local MP and other parish councils in the area have been taking action to raise awareness. However, it is felt that most significant measure of the dissatisfaction with the proposals will be the number of residents making individual representations. The Council urges all residents with concerns on this upgrade to make them known by the end of the consultation period on 24 February.

There have been a number of instances recently where horse riders have been using local roads in the dark without lights, particularly early in the morning. Whilst this is not illegal, the Council believes the best safety interests of both the riders and vehicles means that horses should be clearly visible at these times.

As part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, a new bridleway has been provided by the Bramham Park Estate in the Heygate Lane/Rhodes Hill Lane area of the village (between the windmill and the road to Tadcaster). Walkers, cyclists and horses are invited to use the route. Definitive maps have been placed along the route and on the Parish notice board.

The Parish Archive has been admirably developed and maintained by David Machin over the last few years. It is hoped to continue this work and interested parties are being sought to assist David with a view to taking it over in the longer term.

At the end of December, the Parish Clerk, Ian Watson retired after serving the Council for 10 years. During Ian’s time, there have been significant changes to the work of the clerk, from the introduction of computerisation to the accounts to a dramatic increase in reporting requirements as we have become a more accountable society. He has also been a key player in a number of council campaigns, not least in overturning the plan to create a new town to the east of the village. At the December meeting, the Chairman, David Evans, on behalf of the Council, paid tribute to Ian’s contribution and made a small presentation to him, wishing him a long and healthy retirement.

Colin Pool

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February 2003

BRAMHAM PARISH COUNCIL

The Council continues to play an active part in the consultation process for the upgrading of the A1 to motorway status, and together with 4 other parishes is part of “A1 Action” aimed at ensuring that a united response is made to the Highways Agency. The three major issues that were raised at a well-attended public meeting on 3 February were Noise, adequate access roads and the need to safely cater for pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists.

One of the subjects that has been considered by the Council is whether Bramham should produce a Parish Plan. Several Yorkshire parishes have already embarked on the process and one or two have completed their plans. The idea behind producing such a plan, which typically could take about a year to complete, is to engage as many groups and individuals as possible in a dynamic decision making process to identify in greater detail what the parishioners want for the village in the future. At the moment, the elected councillors make decisions based on their best judgement of what might be right for the village. However, with a Parish Plan in place, they would be better able to take into account the overall wishes of the village inhabitants. Different groups may have radically different views on the way the village should develop in the coming years – for example, should the village become a pleasant place to live for people working in nearby cities, or should resources be deployed to preserve village life for people who live and work here? Should we be looking at the facilities available for children and teenagers? What is clear is that external organisations such as Leeds City Council and the Highways Agency would be more supportive if the Council’s actions were backed by a representative statement of a vast majority of villagers. However, the production of a plan will mean a lot of work for those who participate. It is essential that as many active groups in the village e.g. youth organisations, social clubs, sporting organisations, in fact anyone with an interest in the future of Bramham, are involved. In order to gauge whether there is sufficient interest in producing such a plan, the council cordially invites interested parties to attend the:

Annual Parish Meeting

which will be held in the Supper Room of the Village Hall

on Wednesday 2 April at 8:00 pm.

Colin Pool

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March 2003

BRAMHAM PARISH COUNCIL

The Parish Council discussed the possibility that Bramham Park may stage the Leeds Carling Music Festival on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Many residents will recall the events of a couple of years ago when a very noisy concert in the park resulted in a large number of complaints. The public disorder that took place at the end of the event at Temple Newsam last year has also been well reported in the media. However, the Council also recognised that there are many local people who would welcome the staging of the event at Bramham Park.

After some discussion, the Council considered that if the event were to go ahead at Bramham Park, there could be two major risks to the village – noise and the potential for breaches of law and order. The Council’s view is that if both of these risks could be minimised, the event ought not to impact significantly on the village. The Council has been informed live music would not extend beyond 11:30 each evening and that public access to the park would be from a new entrance located on the A64. The Council has written to Bramham Park, Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police to seek reassurance from them that visitors to such an event will be kept away from the village. This is not just a security issue, but needs to ensure that visitors should have, among other things, good catering and retail facilities such that they have no need to leave the venue.

The Council also discussed recent crime in the village, especially the increase in break-ins for the sole purpose of stealing keys to high performance cars parked outside. Residents are reminded not only to keep their vehicles secure, but also to ensure that the keys are kept in a safe place inside the house, preferably away from the door.

Villagers may recall some notes in this column a year ago about the proposed development of the Timber Yard on Bowcliffe Road to provide 15 new houses. As this site has been earmarked by Leeds City Council for housing, it is inevitable that this site will be developed, and the Council believes that the latest proposals form a development sympathetic with this part of the village.

The Parish Council is elected for a period of 4 years. The present term is nearly over, and depending on the number of candidates, an election will take place on Thursday 1 May.

Colin Pool

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April 2003

BRAMHAM PARISH COUNCIL

The Council meeting on April 2 was also the Annual Parish Meeting. In his review of the year, the Chairman, David Evans, reported on the success of the 780 bus service providing links to Tadcaster and a fast service to Wetherby. The Queen’s jubilee year saw the installation of a seat on Windmill Hill and new village name signs. There is, as ever, an ongoing activity with the planners, this year in ensuring that the upgrading of the A1 to motorway status does not adversely affect the environment. There are challenges to come, with the proposed housing developments on the woodyard on Bowcliffe Road and the former children’s home on Freely Lane, and the possible music festival at Bramham Park. The council is planning for increased expenditure in the coming year, but the chairman felt that the council was offering excellent value for money. The contribution for a Band D home in Bramham is £15.68 compared with £18.32 in Boston Spa, £21.37 in Clifford, £28.46 in Collingham, £35.10 in Wetherby and £43.96 in Micklefield.

The Council has decided to take its first steps towards producing a Parish Plan. Building on the theme of the successful history of the village “Bramham in Times Past”, the working title of the plan is “Bramham in Times Future”. The council wants to involve as many people as possible in this activity and anyone interested should contact any councillor.

Regrettably, it has been reported that the instances of people permitting their dogs to foul the footways and grass verges of the village are on the increase. Not only is this practice unsightly and unhealthy, but it is also illegal. Leeds City Council has introduced a scheme, whereby Dog Wardens are empowered to issue on the spot fines for the owners of offending dogs. Bramham has now been included in the Dog Wardens’ schedule. The council hopes that this action will deter the offenders.

The frequency of emptying the bottle bank Clifford Road is to be doubled. However, there may be occasions when it is full. In this case, residents are asked not to deposit bottles and boxes by the bank. This only encourages vandalism, and leads to broken glass which could be dangerous, particularly as it is close to the school.

With elections due on 1 May, this was the last meeting of the present council. Three of the councillors, Norma Rea, David Machin and Peter Dale have decided to retire. The Chairman thanked them for their devoted years of service to the council, saying that their contribution would be sorely missed, and he wished them well in the future. He was also pleased that David Machin will be continuing his activities as the Archivist. The first meeting of the new council will be on Wednesday May 7.

Colin Pool

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May 2003

BRAMHAM PARISH COUNCIL

The Council meeting on 7 May was the first one since the new council elected on 1 May. David Evans and Paul Topping were re-elected Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively and David welcomed the three newly elected councillors, Michelle James, Stuart Moore and Mike Rhodes.

Council representatives attended the entertainment licence application hearing for the Carling Leeds Festival proposed to be held at Bramham Park on August Bank Holiday weekend. Despite objections from the West Yorkshire Police following the trouble at Templenewsam last year, after 8 hours deliberation a provisional licence was granted. The Parish Council recognises that there are residents who are opposed to the festival, especially after experiencing the University event two years ago, but that there are others who welcome Bramham being associated with such a national event. The council’s two main concerns were noise and the possibility of large numbers of people swamping the village. The promoter addressed these issues, stating that the stage would be on the far side of the house pointing in a south-easterly direction (towards Aberford), and that they will conform to regulations which limit the sound to 65dBA, and stipulate that no noise should be heard in any residential area after 11:00pm unless the owners have agreed in writing. The only access for vehicular traffic will be through entrances on the A64 and for bus passengers via Thorner (Mangrill Lane). The Terry Lug and Bowcliffe bridge entrances will be for the organisers’ vehicles and emergency services only. Once inside, it will be difficult for attendees to leave the park, and their needs will be satisfied either by an on-site supermarket or a free shuttle service, probably to Seacroft. The promoter also stated that security staff will be more than double that deployed last year, more fencing will be erected, lighting will be on telegraph type poles instead of scaffolding, and that all glass and combustible material will be banned.

At the time of writing, the promoters have also been granted a similar licence for Templenewsam, and will be making a decision between the two. If the Bramham option goes ahead, the Council is committed to working with the promoter to minimise problems.

Finally, it has been observed that there has been a steady increase in the number of wheeled refuse bins being left on pavements. Residents are reminded that these are only permitted on the footpath or the highway for the purposes of collection, and at all other times must be kept within the resident’s property. The council hopes that this reminder will be sufficient to avoid any official corrective action.

Colin Pool

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June 2003

BRAMHAM PARISH COUNCIL

The Council discussed three main issues at its meeting on 4 June, the Carling Leeds Music Festival, the Parish Plan and the A1 Upgrade.

Following hearings by the Leeds Licensing Committee, it has been agreed that the venue for this event (22-24 August) will be Bramham Park. Whilst there could still be some legal challenges to this decision, the Council view is that it is likely to happen, and, recognising that there is still risk involved, the best strategy is to continue to work closely with the promoter and the Bramham Park estate to minimise any effect on the village. They are hoping to stage the event at Bramham for the next 10 years. However, a licence application has to be made every year, and in the event of any problems, it could be declined. The promoters therefore are working to a primary objective of minimising disruption, both at the event and in the surrounding villages. The Council has been given site planning details, and these confirm the arena on the west side of the house and the camping and parking areas on the south side between the house and the A64. There will be no public access to the east of the house. The promoters are making available a number of tickets for parishioners, and these will be distributed with the proceeds going to good causes within the parish.

Work is starting on the Parish Plan “Bramham – the village in Times Future”. It is intended to put together a steering committee which comprises as many people as possible representing organisations in the village including sports clubs, youth organisations, social clubs, religious groups, businesses and so on. A list is being drawn up of contact names. If you think your group should be on it, or individually feel strongly about how the village should develop in coming years, please contact Bob Gibson on 845781.

The Highways Agency has almost concluded the consultation stage of its proposals to upgrade the A1 from Bramham Cross Roads to Kirk Deighton to motorway status. The next step is that they will submit a “Preferred Route” to the Secretary of State. This is more than just the route, and will include all their proposals for side roads, noise mitigation proposals and plans for non-motorway users such as cyclists and equestrians. There will then be a period for people to object, after which, depending on the number and level of objections, there will be a Public Inquiry. The Council awaits these proposals with interest, particularly on the subject of noise mitigation.

Colin Pool

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August 2003

BRAMHAM PARISH COUNCIL

By the time you read this, the Carling Leeds Festival in Bramham Park will have taken place and we will know whether the efforts to minimise the Council’s concerns over the event were successful. Whatever the outcome, the Council will be meeting with the promoter in early September to review the event, and if appropriate, decide on the stance to be taken for future events. The Council will also be considering which community projects to support with the additional funds from Residents’ ticket sales and other donations from the promoter.

The A1 Action Group is continuing to beaver away at getting the Highways Agency to meet the needs of local residents when upgrading the road to motorway status. The Agency has now published information about noise in Bramham and projected traffic flows in the area on its website. For internet users, these are accessible from www.a1action.org.uk.

Following an initiative from a resident, the Council has reached an agreement with Leeds City Council regarding the anomaly of Tenter Hill. When the A1 was widened in 1992, Tenter Hill was split into two. One part is the road towards Thorner for the first few hundred yards and is labelled as such on maps. The other part is in the centre of the village, where all the residents live, and this is unnamed on some maps. In future this part only will be labelled Tenter Hill on all maps, and in the longer term, it is expected that all of the road from the bridge to Thorner will be known as Thorner Road.

The Council has been concerned about reports of people skateboarding on Almshouse Hill. This is considered to be dangerous, not only to other users of the road, but to the skateboarders themselves who may speed out into vehicles in The Square or Bowcliffe Road. The matter has been discussed with West Yorkshire Police who have pointed out that Almshouse Hill is technically a highway and therefore skateboarders are committing a public nuisance offence. It is hoped, however, that this matter can be resolved by the skateboarders rather than the law.

As the growing season comes to a close, the Council would like to place on record its appreciation of all those residents who have kept local verges and other areas of public land neat and tidy. In particular, special thanks are due to John Capewell for a splendid effort at the Aberford Road/Toulston Lane corner.

Colin Pool

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October 2003

BRAMHAM PARISH COUNCIL

On October 7, around 20 residents of the village gathered in the Village Hall to witness the first steps being taken to produce a Parish Plan. The speaker was Chris Barker of the Yorkshire Rural Community Council who explained what would be involved and exampled his talk by showing details of the plan produced in Aberford and sharing the experiences gained in working with the councils in Walton and Thorp Arch.

One of the main questions raised was what would be the practical value of the plan. The main reason is that it will give the village much more say in its future, particularly, for example in the areas of planning and funding. If the plan is accepted for Planning Guidance, it would have statutory power, and in future allocation of funds from Leeds City Council are more likely to be forthcoming to parishes with a clear statement of how they would be used.

The key to a successful plan is that it must reflect the wishes of the majority of the electorate, not just a group of councillors, or indeed, a collection of interested people. In order for the plan to be recognised, it will need a response from over 50% of all residents – in fact Walton managed a 100% response. Also, it requires a response that reflects the make-up of the village, for example, young as well as old. This does not mean that everyone will have to get involved in the detailed work of the plan, but it does mean that their input, for example, by the completion of questionnaires, will be vital.

The next step is that Councillor Bob Gibson will be forming a steering committee which is intended will reflect a representative cross section of the village. In particular, there is a need for participation from younger electors. If you fit the bill, and were not at the meeting, please get in touch with Bob.

Following the announcement that the parish has available some £15,000 to spend on projects for the benefit of the village, a number of applications for grants from the Bramham Community Fund has been received from a wide range of local organisations and individuals. At the time of writing, it appears that by the closing date for applications of 1 November, these will exceed the sum available, and therefore not all will be successful. A committee, chaired by Mrs Rachel Lane Fox, will review all the applications in mid-November, and it is hoped that the first funds will be distributed in early December.

Colin Pool

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November 2003

BRAMHAM PARISH COUNCIL

For the past year or so, with the aid of a grant from the Countryside Agency which supports rural villages, Clifford and Bramham Parish Councils have been funding the diversion of the 780 bus service which runs between Tadcaster and Knaresborough to serve the two villages. Not only does this service provide Bramham with a bus service to Tadcaster (connecting with the Yorkshire Coastliner service), but also provides a speedy link directly up the A1 to Wetherby. The pilot stage of the project is due to finish in the Spring, and any continuation of the diversion thereafter will be in the hands of the operator, who will make a decision based on usage and public opinion. To gauge this opinion and to assist in the process, the Parish Councils of Clifford and Bramham have decided to run a questionnaire on the residents’ views of this service and you will find a copy enclosed with this magazine. Please return it to the Clerk, or hand it to any Council member.

It has recently been announced that the contractor for the upgrade of the A1 to motorway status will be Balfour Beatty, with W.S. Atkins acting as the design consultant. This is an ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) project, and therefore Balfour Beatty will now play a major role in the consultation, design and building of the upgrade. They have agreed to meet regularly with the A1 Action Group, on which Bramham Parish Council is represented. The first meeting took place at the end of October, where the Group reiterated its three main objectives of noise reduction, particularly between Bramham Crossroads and Boston Spa, adequate access roads, particularly in the Wetherby area and to the proposed developments at Thorp Arch, and proper provision for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians on the access roads.

The Council has been advised by Leeds City Council of changes to the mobile library service in Bramham. With effect from 4 December, there will be a stop in The Square on alternate Thursdays between 3:00 and 3:30pm. With effect from 25 November, the stop on Lyndon Road will finish at 7:15pm. It is understood that there are rarely any users after 7:00, so this should not upset current users.

A vacancy has arisen for a part-time gardener. The job, which involves keeping the small garden by the Old People’s Shelter in good order, requires a few hours work a month and previously has provided a little extra income for a village pensioner. Anyone interested in taking this on, please contact me in the first instance.

Colin Pool

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