Time to spring clean and be proud

It is lovely to see all the spring flowers popping up in the gardens and the parks around the town, writes Wetherby Town Council Mayor Coun Norma Harrington.
NAWN 1701282AM1 W'by Town Plan. Coun. Harry Chapman holds a copy of the plans seen here with Roger Taylor and Galan Moss.(1701282AM1)NAWN 1701282AM1 W'by Town Plan. Coun. Harry Chapman holds a copy of the plans seen here with Roger Taylor and Galan Moss.(1701282AM1)
NAWN 1701282AM1 W'by Town Plan. Coun. Harry Chapman holds a copy of the plans seen here with Roger Taylor and Galan Moss.(1701282AM1)

Thanks to all who take a pride in their own gardens, and members of Wetherby in Bloom, Friends of Sandringham Park and Town Hall staff who look after the town gardens and open spaces.

On a less positive note I would like to raise the issue of litter and dog fouling and the irresponsible behaviour of some of our residents and visitors.

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I always think that if you present a clean and tidy image of our town, then people will respect that and keep it tidy.

Unfortunately not all of our residents seem to be of that opinion.

Leeds City Council does provide a service to keep our streets swept on a planned programme and it also collects rubbish from the bins provided around the town.

This in no way absolves the rest of us from the responsibility we have to keep our own town clean and dispose of our food containers and other litter in the bins provided, or even take our litter home.

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Incidences have been reported of visiting drivers of both HGV and cars emptying their litter out onto the pavements.

The Town Council has raised the issue of more litter bins being required, especially on Sandbeck Industrial Estate and this will be taken forward by our Ward Councillors.

Dog fouling is a problem that concerns many residents of our town, with only a few irresponsible dog owners causing misery to many pedestrians by their thoughtless inaction.

It only takes a minute or two to clean up after your dog.

There are many types of bags and devices so there really is no excuse for anyone, irrespective of their income level, not to pick up after their dog.

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The health issues associated with dog faeces and transmission of illnesses to young children is well documented.

Covert cameras have been installed and at least one offender has been fined by Leeds City Council’s enforcement officer.

These cameras can be moved around the town, so be warned!

So, how else can we contribute to keeping Wetherby tidy? In National Keep Britain Tidy week Wetherby Town Councillors and other volunteers will be litter picking in the town on Saturday March 4, 10am-1pm, meeting at the Town Hall.

Friends of Sandringham Park are also having a litter pick that weekend, on both days from 11am.

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So, if you want to help at either event, come along with some gloves, and a litter picker if you have one.

Black bags will be provided, and Leeds City Council is providing skips for the rubbish to be placed in.

Onto a more positive theme - the gas works around the town are nearly complete, with thanks due to Northern Gas for their effective communication and updates for us all.

Yorkshire Water have been carrying out testing of new pipes in Northfield Place and Barleyfields Road and this work should be completed in the next week or so. They planned the last phase of testing during half term to keep disruption to a minimum.

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Work to install replacement setts in The Horsefair is due in the next week and will involve temporary closure of this street.

The Neighbourhood Plan open day in the town hall on January 28 attracted over 70 visitors. Members of the steering group will be on a Market Stall on Thursday February 23, with the display on upstairs in the Town Hall.

The summary documents, with a covering letter and a feedback form will be delivered to every home in the town by the end of February.

Please return it as directed on the form itself. Alternatively you can respond online at wetherbyneighbourhoodplan.wordpress.com.

Wetherby is a great place to live and work and be proud of.

Let’s make the most of it.