COUNCILLOR TONY WALLIS JUNE 2025 NEWSLETTER

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COUNCILLOR TONY WALLIS -  CASTLEFORD NEWSLETTER JUNE 2025

Castleford has packed a lot into May, blending heritage with forward-looking improvements. Residents turned out in force to mark the 80th VE Day anniversary, while families enjoyed a record-setting Roman Day. Plenty of good news: a fresh look for our buses, more police on our streets, awards for our children’s homes, and appealing public art.  

80th ANNIVERSARY VE DAY

On Thursday 8th May, I stood at Castleford War Memorial as wreaths were laid in memory of the fallen. Moments like these remind us of the great sacrifices made and the importance of not forgetting them.

After the ceremony, I visited the market hall to view the display organised by the Friends of Castleford Library about the town during the war and the celebrations on VE Day.

 On Saturday 10th I took the family to join in the Crusaders’ celebration at Queen’s Park. With gorgeous weather, the event was well attend.

I chatted with the Crusaders and members of the parks’ group to thank them for the event and to inspect the patriotic bench they had erected.

After visiting Queen’s Park I attended the celebrations at the RAFA (Royal Air Force Association) club on Pontefract Road. 

Overall, Castleford celebrated the 80th anniversary splendidly. 

METRO BECOMES WEAVER

On Monday 12th May, West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracey brain, unveiled the new public transport banding - Weaver. Replacing the Metro branding that came in with West Yorkshire County Council in 1976, it isn’t just a name change but a modern branding that recognizes public transport is no longer what it was and needs revitalizing. 

OFSTED RATES CHILDREN’S HOMES AS OUTSTANDING AND GOOD

Of seven homes inspected by Ofsted, three have been awarded outstanding, four as good, with one of the good praised for outstanding leadership. The council is planning to open more children’s homes and does share its good advice with other authorities.

 

WELBECK STREET MURAL

This has now been completed. It is an excellent artistic interpretation based on Castleford’s coat of arms. Those I have talked to are pleased and we all glad at the improvement to that end of Welbeck Street with the artwork and the removal of the canopy.  Two more murals, at the Beancroft Road underpass and Tickle Cock are planned. The works are awaiting approval from Network Rail. 

Picture shows Mural in production.

MORE POLICE AND ASB OFFICERS FOR THE TOWN CENTRE

Castleford is among the places in the district that will benefit from extra police and ASB officers. The government’s Neighborhood Policing Guarantee results in 11 more police officers for district, 4 of which will be dedicated to Castleford, policing the town every day of the week. The district’s four Public Protection Spaces Orders (of which one covers Castleford town centre prohibiting street drinking) will be examined and strengthened where required.

ROMAN DAY SUCCESS 

The Roman Day in the town centre was a success; it gets better every year. I was there with the grand children and meeting people from setting up at 9am until winding down at 5pm. The event was enjoyed by families and pulled in visitors from the wider area.

MORE ITEMS

• The council’s planning portal no longer shows public comments on planning applications. The reasons given for objection will still be seen by planners and, if needed, members of the planning committee.
• Attended the GREAT residents’ meeting on Monday 12 May 2025. We are preparing for the fun day on Sunday 3rd August 2025.
• The council will assist those workers affected by the job changes at Burberry’s. 
• Attended the Castleford Heritage Trust on Tuesday 13 May 2025. We discussed the governance of the Trust and forthcoming events at Queen’s Mill.
• I had a meeting with some of the committee of the RAFA (Royal Air Force Association) Club who are keen on using the club for community use and holding regular events.
• The annual council meeting started the new municipal year with the election of Cllr Maureen Tennant-King as Mayor and Cllr Lynne Masterman as Deputy mayor. 
• On Friday 16th May, I attended a meeting of community members and council officers on site to discuss the former urinal on Front Street.
• I attended an informative talk about Barnbow that was hosted by Castleford Historical Society.I am keen that we commemorate the Castleford workers who died.

Email tonywallis@blueyonder.co.uk Tel. 01977 731651

https://www.facebook.com/anthony.wallis

A newsletter based on this report can be viewed on my blog at https://anthonywallis.blogspot.com/