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John Eveleigh's Manifesto for Yeadon

This is what I want to achieve if I am elected by you on Thursday 1st May...

Transport

Yeadon desperately needs a strategy to deal with an already difficult situation and to prepare for the challenges ahead. 

l       Restore local bus services: I will put pressure on Metro to restore and improve services over the next four years. This will include developing bus services that links with stations at Guiseley and Horsforth. Yeadon commuters into Leeds also need X type limited stop services to shorten their journey times. Public transport must be a key part of solving the worsening traffic problems in Yeadon.

l        Fair deal on airport: I opposed the sale of the airport to the private sector but  now that it has been sold I will, if elected, campaign within the City Council to get Yeadon a greater share of the £51million  raised from the airport sale. I believe that the City Council should spend much of this money in Yeadon on making life better for local people. I will fight for proper traffic and transportation plan for Yeadon and the airport area - based on consultation with local residents - that the city council, metro and the airport all sign up to.

l        Road safety measures: there are areas of Yeadon where local residents are concerned about the irresponsible use of cars and other vehicles. On Cemetery Road, for example, the speed limit is being flouted on a daily basis. It is also being used by vehicles that are far too heavy for the road. As a local councillor, I would see it as part of my role to insist that the local authority use its existing powers to prevent this use of local roads. I would work with the police to improve enforcement of speed limits and call for speed cameras if necessary.

l        Resident Only Parking: some of the streets of Yeadon are being used for long-term parking by holidaymakers using the airport. This is unfair on the people of Yeadon who are bearing a cost that should be shared between the airport and the holidaymaker. Leeds City Council has the power to create parking for residents only. Where streets can be identified as suffering from this nuisance I will campaign to protect Yeadon people from the selfish action of others.

l        Rail link to airport: for years this has been discussed but no decision has been made. If the airport is going to expand in the way that has been predicted then it is vital that another means of getting people to and from the airport is built. Professional opinion says that it is perfectly feasible to run a link to the Leeds-Harrogate line. I will campaign with other local groups to get this done.

Public Wellbeing 

Local people need to feel safe and comfortable in their own community. If elected I will press for these measures asked for by residents of Yeadon. 

l        Enforcement of licensing laws and bye-laws: I am troubled by the increase in licensed premises in Yeadon High Street and the link to disorder and litter. The local authority is responsible for licensing and regulating premises where alcohol is sold and I will call upon it to enforce the existing law.

l        Litter and street cleaning: Leeds City Council has cut the street cleaning budget at a time when you are telling me that the town is looking dirty and uncared for.  I shall campaign to have these cuts restored and then seek to work with local people in identifying areas of the town that need to be improved. In addition, I will seek to improve enforcement of the regulations regarding litter using the evidence of CCTV where appropriate.

l        Planning regime for Yeadon: the local authority has power to shape local communities by effective use of the planning regulations. These should be used for the benefit of local people by, for example, limiting the increase in the number of licensed premises and controlling the growth of the airport. If elected, I will scrutinise with great care any application that has a major impact on the wellbeing of Yeadon people.

l        Youth facilities: whilst I support proper enforcement of existing laws on anti-social behaviour I am also behind the demand from local people that the services for children and young people should be enhanced. I would welcome the opportunity to work with local community groups and the Youth Service in providing more services for this group.

l        Transparency in decision making: as your elected representative on Leeds City Council I will undertake to improve the consultation undertaken by  all departments of the council and other public bodies in any decision that affects Yeadon. Where necessary I will call public meetings to find out the views of local people.

l        Police provision: I will work with local police commanders in addressing the concerns and anxieties of local people, particularly the vulnerable, about crime and disorder. I shall start from the position that police officers on the streets is a reassurance to a lot of people.

·        Leeds Development Framework: I led the preparation of the local Labour party’s submission into the consultation process required for the Leeds Development Framework. This will be a key document for the future development of Otley and it is important for elected representatives to be fully involved in this process.

·        Climate change: if elected I will endeavour to set up a working party representing all parts of Otley to examine the likely impact of climate change on the town. I believe that political leadership in this area is vital for the future of our children.

Health 

 Health provision has improved in Yeadon but more needs to be done in matching need with availability. 

l        Children's services: the new Children's Centre at Queensway School is now up and running. I will work with Education Leeds, Social Services and Early Years to ensure that their services are effectively promoted.

l        Care for the elderly: I will campaign to restore cuts in provision made by Leeds City Council. I see support for older people in their homes and communities as a basic entitlement. I would seek to work with local community groups in achieving this goal. For the same reasons, I welcome the provision of free leisure facilities for the over 65 age group and will seek to work with local providers of these services in encouraging take-up

l        NHS dentists: this is a major concern with local people and whilst I welcome the provision of new chairs at the new Yeadon Health Clinic I will continue to press the Primary Care Trust to do more.

Click to learn more about local campaigner John Eveleigh  or read his message to Yeadon Residents