Why Did The Ward Councillors Sit On Their Hands (from Wharfedale Observer)

Why did the ward councillors sit on their hands?

By Observer readers

SIR, - I was astonished to read that our three Lib Dem ward councillors are asking people to join their campaign against the fencing off of Wharfemeadows Park.

When your newspaper broke this story in December, these are the very people who sat on their hands and said the fence had to happen. Did they organise meetings to consult local people, did they bring the issue before the town council, did they lobby their Leader in Leeds, did they start a local campaign? No, none of these.

In managing risk, the law requires the council to take reasonable safety precautions which are proportionate to the risks involved. I've yet to meet anyone who thinks the proposed fence is necessary. Commonsense has gone out of the window.

And with a million visits a year to Wharfemeadows Park and a local economy which relies on that, we can't afford to get this wrong. Otherwise we will have people deserting Otley in droves for the unfenced watersides of Ilkley, Knaresborough and Skipton.

Labour councillor John Eveleigh brought the issue before the town council in January and I did so again last week when a significant number of townspeople came along to the committee meeting to express their anger.

Now they realise the strength of feeling against the fence, our ward councillors have cynically done a U-turn and decided to campaign against it. But instead of calling for their Lib Dem colleagues in Leeds to review their decision, or to get a second expert opinion, they are asking RoSPA to change their advice. That is simply not going to happen.

The city council sought RoSPA's advice, and the city council must decide whether to take it or not.

So I urge people to support the local campaign organised by Linda Lukats, Sylvia Reid and others and demand that Leeds firstly put this whole process ON HOLD.

Secondly to demand that Leeds organise meaningful consultations with the people of Otley.

Thirdly that the Executive Board of the city council review their decision and get a second expert opinion that takes a proportionate approach to the level of risk and also takes full account of the purpose of the park and riverside access in Otley. That would surely result in the original decision being overturned.

If not, then please let's have the park returned to the people of Otley for the town council to take that decision.

Coun Kevin Cooney Labour,18 Sunnydale Ridge,Otley.

Out of touch

SIR, - I find the decision of Leeds City Council to act solely on a report from RoSPA as quite incredible.

It underlines how these autocrats are in the wrong job since they are clearly out of touch with reality.

The LCC will have in place Liability Insurance with a minimum indemnitylimit of £10,000,000, underwritten by Zurich Municipal As in all businesses, in the event of a potential claim, the matter is handed over to the insurers where - should liability be proven - the insurers indemnify the policyholder, subject to any excess.

Therefore the matter of whether the river should be fenced or not, is a decision that should be met by those picking up the tab, not some runny nosed official who should be sweeping the streets.

Insurers employ their own risk surveyors and it is they, following a survey, should they deem it necessary, dictate any 'risk improvements', since it is they who pick up the tab.

Perhaps the LCC RNOs who have arrived at this ridiculous decision wish to save a bit of face, they should send the report to Zurich Municipal for their view on the matter which should see the matter closed, as they actually employ skilled risk surveyors.

I am sure they would no doubt consider the fencing of the river unnecessary, and indeed more risky, for if one of our less intelligent members were to climb over the fence, the chance of them drowning is increased as it would be impossible to return.

Perhaps as the local mouthpiece of this community you might wish to pass this message on to the LCC RNOs, as I would be pleased tto hear their response.

John M Glendinning Otley.

Disband them

SIR, - Leeds City Council members and RoSPA should be disbanded until sensible people are elected who can treat the populous as intelligent members of society.

During my 77 years I have taken responsibility for the safety of children and now grandchildren. They have been taught to respect the environment, lakes, rivers, roads, etc, etc.

Too much nannying' has crept surreptitiously into our daily lives, making people of this country into nervous wrecks, worrying what we can and cannot do because of the litigation syndrome'. Amend this too easy law and stop these solicitors who feed off the these fears.

Forget the fences and keep the Wharfedae Hospital fully operational in all departments. It is a delight to visit for whatever reason and the people working there are the kindest, smiling and compasionate I have met and I do not wish to be treated anywhere else in Yorkshire !!

I live in Leeds and your papers are the ones we make sure we get every week, travelling to Otley and Ilkley on a regular basis.

Grateful resident of Yorkshire Name and address supplied

It's nonsense

SIR, - The city council is about to spend £500,000 on upgrading Wharfemeadows Park - excellent! They are also intent on spending £165,000 on ensuring that the majority of the estimated million annual visitors can no longer enjoy the park's main feature by fencing off the river - unbelievable!

I was the designated Water (and Home) Safety Officer for the Leeds Metropolitan District as a part of responsibilities for environmental health education in the 70s and 80s. At the time, the council's policy in for water safety was a comprehensive programme of education carried out by a qualified teacher through schools and youth organisations, coupled with the location of warning signs on the riverbank where appropriate.

Otley was never judged to be an area for serious concern as no accidental drowning during water activities had occurred there for as long as most people could remember. The Wharfe's danger spots where fatalities had occurred were the sandy beds on the bend at Arthington (opposite Castley), the Netherby Deep at Kearby, and the Linton/Collingham bridge.

All three were popular sites for river activities, especially swimming. Other than the tragic drowning of two children a few years ago at the Arthington site, there have been no drownings from water activities on any part of the Wharfe within the Leeds boundary..

I worked closely with RoSPA and have a high regard for their professionalism. However if, following the tragic drownings in Roundhay Park, the city council asked them how to prevent such accidents on the city's watercourses, they would respond by proposing that public access to any watercourse should be prevented. They would have to go this extreme to protect their reputation!

Fencing off the river is an absolute nonsense and could well be the cause of accidents as residents and visitors climb the fence to enjoy the river as in the past. I wonder how many city councillors have walked through the park on a summer Sunday afternoon.

Small children are paddling and fishing for tiddlers, older ones are exploring the islands below the weir. Young people are cooling off by jumping off the landing stage (and have been doing do for years without any accidents), babies and toddlers with parents are feeding the ducks, and anglers are sat on quieter parts of the river. The banks are teeming with people enjoying the river which is why they come to Otley and bring their trade to the town.

It has been suggested that if the council do not act on RoSPA's recommendation, officers will be liable. That doesn't make sense. The decision to go ahead or not with the fencing will be a city council decision and in the event of an accident and any subsequent claim would be against the Council not the officer.

I believe that the authority would simply have to prove that they have a comprehensive water safety policy, including educational programmes and the provision of adequate safety equipment on the river banks which is regularly checked and maintained.

Whether or not we, the residents, have to suffer this nonsense is down to 99 elected representatives on Leeds City Council including three from Otley. Let's hope that they all have to courage to take the sensible option rather than the alarmist one.

They should consider that fencing off the river would be just another example of the fear of compensation claims removing all the excitement and adventure (and risk) from the lives for our children and young people.

If we continue to do so we should not be too surprised if some young people seek illegitimate forms of risk taking after we have removed all the legitimate ones!

Geoff Wright MBERiverdale Court,Otley.

Another loss

SIR, - I won't be 60 until next year but I hope I won't be around in ten years' time, not in Otley anyway.

When I was a child we had a railway station - that's gone. We had heavy industry jobs with a local printing industry and a woollen mill - they're gone.

We had a local bus station that sent a bus out if every one broke down (they had mechanics to keep them in good repair in those days) - that's gone.

The three schools I went to, one of which was new - Weston Lane School - all gone.

We had a hospital to be proud of where you could have your baby, a children's ward and adult wards to have general surgery in and convalesce afterwards - gone.

We had a local police station with police you knew and where you could tell your own bobby' your worries - almost gone.

Then, thanks to the politically correct brigade, we have youngsters around who respect no-one, take drugs and can't be told off by anyone because they're all got rights'.

Now we won't even be able to feed the ducks and swans or fish for minnows because they' are going to build a fence.

Jacky Francis, Meagill Rise,Otley

WAG update

SIR, - Wharfemeadows Action Group (WAG) writes to thank you for providing such extensive coverage in last week's edition of The Wharfedale Observer and to those many readers for writing such thoughtful letters to your paper, correspondence which we're sure will continue.

Many thanks also to Otley Town Partnership for its invaluable support. WAG is a non-party political action group co-ordinating the overwhelming opposition of local residents and businesses to Leeds City Council's proposal to fence off the River Wharfe.

We'd like to remind your readers that the more letters sent to Leeds City Council officers and elected members the better so that these people know how strong the feeling is against the current plans.

So please keep writing those letters. Together we have achieved the following things in the past week.

About 200 petition forms are in circulation across the town and more than a thousand signatures have been collected so far. Keep signing up, please.

We met with Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, last Friday who also signed the petition and pledged his support for our campaign.

A deputation has been booked for the next full Leeds City Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 18. We expect that there are many local people who would like to demonstrate on the steps of Leeds Civic Hall on this day. if so, we urge them to get in touch with us.

Leaders of LCC have contacted us and hopefully a meeting will be arranged to ensure they understand the widespread opposition to the council's plans.

A website has been set up where people can download the petition. It also links to key information sources such as RoSPA's report, relevant House of Lords judgments and media coverage.

Members of WAG were interviewed for Radio Four's You and Yours Programme. It's scheduled to go out this week. If you missed it, it is available on the BBC's website.

Across the town many people are working away at ensuring that this proposal does not become a reality. RoSPA and Congleton Council have been contacted to see if they can bring any more light on the subject. The work continues.

Tony Hartigan, Linda Lukats,Sylvia Reid Wharfemeadows Action Group,Care of, Otley Town Partnership,The Courthouse,Courthouse Street, Otley. www.wharfemeadowsactiongroup.org.

Amy's plea

SIR, - I am an 11-year-old girl who lives in Croydon. I come to Otley every year to see my nan and grandpa. My nan came to visit this half term and told us about plans to put up a fence around the River Wharfe.

Ever since I was a baby, I have always been to the river and put my feet in. There are loads of signs up saying danger deep water do not enter' and I think that people who don't stick to that rule, it is their own fault.

Another point is people would go round to the bit that does not have a fence, and therefore, if they do get into trouble, no-one would be able to see or help them.

Also, the River Wharfe is a very beautiful sight and that would attract tourists which means that Leeds could get more money to help pensioners and or disabled people.

And one last thing, in Leeds, there are lots of open spaces where people can play sports, look after animals and loads of lovely rivers, lakes and ponds. I have noticed each year when I go to the River Wharfe that there are loads of pensioners or disabled people sitting on the benches, enjoying the view and feeding the ducks which entertain them very much.

I have a disabled brother called Sam who loves doing that and it is a highlight in his year. We don't have this kind of ability in Croydon, so please don't take it away in Leeds too.

Amy Dredge, 11Granddaughter of Mrs R Collinson, West Busk Lane, Otley.

Big Brother

SIR, - I have lived in Otley for 85 years. Otley park has always been a Mecca for people from Leeds and Bradford and surrounding districts.

I have seen days during the summer months and holidays when you could not see a blade of grass. During this time, and afterwards, I have never known anyone fall in the river accidentally.

People came to Otley as during this period there was no such thing as going abroad for holidays. In the evenings, people queued in their hundreds for Sammy Ledguards bus to take them back.

Big Brother at Leeds has got itself into a knot. Get out of this one.

S Ingleson (Mr) Myers Croft, Otley.

Contradiction

SIR, - The Leeds city councillors, acting on the advice of RoSPA, seem determined to fence off the river in Wharfemeadows Park regardless of the ruination of the view from the bridge.

These same councillors, although knowing they are putting pedestrians at risk of accidents, have steadfastly refused to either relight or replace the only lamp on the footpath alongside the bridge because they have been advised by English Heritage that to do so would spoil the view of the bridge from the park!

Is this apparent contradiction a case of double standards or just plain stupidity? I suppose it depends on your point of view.

Vic Heffer St David's Road, Otley.

Better idea

SIR, - Some time ago another authority decided the answer to a problem was fences around football pitches. Their intentions were good, but with tragic consequences.

They thought again and came up with a better idea and the fences are long gone. By the letters in your paper it seems that the people of Otley did not know they had a problem, until now.

Maybe the present authority should think again and come up with a better solution before they create a bigger problem.

J W Dean,Hamilton Terrace, Otley.

Joshua, Septimus, Granny and an e-mail mix-up

SIR, - A leak from Leeds City Council infers that the decision to fence in the River Wharfe at Otley resulted from a mistaken interpretation of the results of a computer research document. Research was commissioned to find the last three recorded accidental drowning incidents and in the case of Otley had to go back further than had been expected.

In the year 714 Ye Wharfedale Wapentake, reported that a Joshua Whelk, a trainee stonemason's hod carrier, slipped whilst carrying a large stone for the construction of a privy for the palace of the Archbishop, Erasmus the Flatulent.

Mistaking the cries of his colleague to hold on' to refer to his grip on the stone, Joshua entered the river and paid the supreme penalty. A statue to commemorate the incident was erected, but was destroyed three months later by the Vandals, as they passed through the town on their way back from an away fixture with the Goths.

The year 1215 saw an unemployed bird scarer, Septimus Bogle, seeking to win the centre river Headstand, a popular event in the annual carnival. He both amused and amazed the many onlookers by holding the required position for an hour and ten minutes before an investigating marshal found his head had sunk in the mud and he had drowned. He was therefore disqualified.

In 1645, Granny Thwacket, who had held the wart charming and cateract licking franchise in Otley Market for many years, was accused of witch craft by the proprietors of another firm, Warts R Us.

She was sentenced to be tried by the ducking stool and was duly strapped in. Sadly, she had no sooner gone down for the first time, than an altercation broke out between Larks and Pleasure and Law Courts Operatives of the equipment, each claiming the job was their responsibility.

In spite of an emergency pigeon being despatched for the constable it was some time before order was restored and granny was found to be beyond recall.

She was therefore found innocent, and her relatives have pursued a case against the authorities under the Submerged Witches Compensation Act of 1147. A settlement is expected shortly.

The research results were recorded, somewhat briefly, on an email. Unfortunately, the date of the email, November 28, 2006, was mistaken for the date on which the fatalities took place and the actual dates taken as being the time of each tragedy.

It was therefore thought that on November 28. Joshua drowned at 7.15am, Septimus at 12.15 followed by Granny Thwacket at 4.45pm. Faced by what seemed to be a near aquatic massacre, the council immediately signed a contract with Guantanamo Fencing and Lighting Ltd, who were replacing street lamps in the area.

Whilst this is irreversible, anyone who wishes can contact the chief executive, Fidel A Round at the company's headquarters in Havana, or write to their solicitors, Messrs Rippoff, Baggit and Scarpa.

Failing that, I guess we'll just have to await a return of the Vandals. Shouldn't be long.

J T Blashill Mount Pisgah, Otley.

10:50am Thursday 8th March 2007

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Comment

Posted by: Chas, High Henshaw, Yeadon on 12:41am Mon 12 Mar 07

In order to solve the problems posed by the current Bungle and Zippy aka Rainbow City Council at Leeds, with regards to the threat of fencing off the Wharfe at Otley. May I respectfully suggest the following :- Don't expect us to vote for you...
THe reason for this statement, you were elected to serve us, the public, and not just to display such contempt for our thoughts.

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Posted by: Pete Roberts, Runcorn on 11:09am Sun 29 Apr 07

Leeds CC should take the sensible option of ripping up RoSPA's "expert" advice and demand back the �3k+ of council taxpayers' cash they paid for it. Then take water safety advice from those who actually know about the subject. For instance the River and Lake Swimming Association. I was going to suggest the RoSPA rubbish was filed in the wastepaper basket but I can think of a far better place for it. A toilet paper dispenser.

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