Morley Borough Independent Councillors Terry Grayshon and Judith Elliott have provided furniture in the David Atkinson Archive Room, which is based at Morley’s Commercial Street Library.

 The Archive, which was bequeathed for the use of Morleians, following the death of local historian David K Atkinson is housed in a room specially constructed during the recent refurbishment of Morley Library.

Councillor Terry Grayshon said “ The David Atkinson Archive is a unique resource for use by all and is ideally housed in Morley Library.  Following David’s death, Joe Tetley, who is now Chairman of the Archive Group, contacted me. We both felt the Archive should be available in Morley and I am pleased to say that my request to Leeds Libraries that the Archive be housed in Morley Library was successful. Morley is very lucky to have such an Archive for all to see, it is a tribute to David and his Father, George, that this facility is available”

Councillor Grayshon and ward colleague Councillor Judith Elliott offered financial support to provide furniture for the David Atkinson Room.  “ It was a pleasure to be able to support this initiative and I am pleased that the table and Chairs in the David Atkinson are the original Oak furniture from the Reading Rooms which has been renovated at some cost, It looks very good and is most appropriate. The Archive is a source of wonderment and is proving very popular with young and old alike” commented Councillor Elliott

Morley Community Archive Group, also received financial support from Morley Town Council’s Community Development Committee, by way of a Community Chest Grant, which enable to group to purchase cupboards and filing cabinets to store part of the Archive material.

Councillor Terry Grayshon, who is Chairman of the Community Development Committee, commented “ It was most interesting hearing about the Archive Group and the work it is carrying out in Morley.  The Community Development Committee was more than pleased to provide funding for the lockable cabinets to ensure the Archive is stored safely.  The Archive tells a story, which without it would not have been told.”

Morley Borough Independent Councillors are supporting increased policing levels despite significant cuts by the Government to West Yorkshire Police Authority’s budget.

  The cut to police finance, amounting to over £17 million, has seen reductions in Police Service levels in other Leeds City Council areas. However Morley, due to additional finances from Leeds City Council and Independent controlled Morley Town Council, is likely to see an increase in policing.

Councillor Terry Grayshon said, “We have successfully lobbied Leeds City Council to increase Police Officer and PCSO numbers across the Morley area. An additional three officers will be allocated to the Morley South Ward this year on top of the increased policing provided by Morley Town Council.  We would like help from local residents to decide what priorities should be set for the additional policing resource received from Leeds City Council”.

 Residents can let us know by e-mailing us at campaigns@morleyindependent.com or by texting your ideas to 0791 805 2463.

Morley Borough Independent Councillors led a clean up on Chartist Way in Morley. Local Residents joined Councillors to collect rubbish along a stretch of Chartist Way adjacent to Bridge Street Roundabout.

Councillor Terry Grayshon said, “This is part of a regular programme of clean-ups around the Morley area. We are also meeting Street Cleansing Staff to restructure the way street cleaning is undertaken in Morley with more work being undertaken in the untidier areas. We will also increase the number of penalty notices issued by litter enforcement staff to make sure we crack down on this type of anti-social behaviour.”

Morley Borough Independent Councillors are continuing to support local residents in opposing the development of residential flats on Zoar Street. Both Councillors' Terry Grayshon and Judith Elliott have raised objections to previous residential development scheme which would increase parking problems in the area.

 Councillor Terry Grayshon said “We have a long history of speaking up for local residents and we will continue to work with them to oppose any further inappropriate development on Zoar Street.”

Morley Borough Independent Councillors Terry Grayshon and Judith Elliott have delivered on a pledge to improve Lewisham Park. The pledge was given following consultations with residents around the area and has seen the introduction of a Park Keeper working regularly in the Park.

Councillor Terry Grayshon said, “As a local resident who visits the park regularly I was keen to introduce some practical measures to see the park improved. I am pleased Judith and I have been able to persuade the Area Committee to commit additional funds to support the Park Improvement Programme.”

The Programme includes the introduction of a regular park keeper and the provision of a CCTV system, which will cover the Lewisham Park Centre and the rest of the Park. Future plans include campaigning for additional funds to construct a young children’s play area in the park.

Councillor Judith Elliott said, “There is little point moaning about things unless you are prepared to get out and work for the Park Improvement Programme. Other political parties spend their time whinging while we deliver on the promises we make. Lewisham Park is now seeing the benefits of our campaign and we will continue to work hard for further improvements.”