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Councillor
vows to save TRA
Colin Priestley chairman of Wilton TRA outside Bleak House. He is trying to get more people involved to stop them dispanding.
A SHOCKED Batley councillor has vowed to stop a struggling residents’ group from folding.
Coun Shabir Pandor (Lab, Batley West) says he will start work immediately to bring Wilton TRA back from the brink.
He is taking action after seeing the News article warning the association could close unless more people from the estate come forward to help.
Chairman Colin Priestley spoke out after only two families turned up for a Christmas party at the TRA’s base at Bleak House. He put this down to the fact that he had been too ill to leaflet the whole area as he has done in the past.
“I don’t want to close, but we can’t carry on as we are,” said Mr Priestley. “I don’t want the children to suffer.”
Coun Pandor said: “I was shocked to read about the plight of the TRA. They do a lot of good work.
“I fully support this group and I will make sure it does not fold. In the face of austerity measures, organisations like this must continue.”
He has told Mr Priestley he will work with Kirklees Council and KNH as to where the professionals can help. “We need a fresh look at this and to get more people on board,” he said.
“The last thing I want to see is the TRA fold due to lack of interest. It would create a huge vacuum.”
In 2008/09, Coun Pandor chaired a group called Narrowing the Gap. “We worked on job schemes, environmental projects, children’s activities and improvements to Bleak House,” he said.
“Now, we need to see what the professionals are doing and engage the community. This can’t be left to just a handful of people. I would like to see young people using Bleak House as a hub and resource centre.
“There are huge challenges facing us and we must keep our eye on the ball. Wilton is dear to my heart and I won’t allow the area to slide into decline.”
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Weather for Batley
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: North west
