Featherstone Make a Difference Forum

supermarket yes that would be good have you any ideas of whitch one it will be

My guess is netto ;D

yes mine to we were told it would be netto but you never can tell

 Regarding the supermarket why 2009, why not this year our town is in desperate need for a supermarket if only they had let asda have in the first place no of this would be happening and people would still have there jobs and a place to shop.

regards the super market. the chamber of trade has contacted every super market chain and told them of the old kwik save site. 2 even turned up and 1 actually made some plans. they then pulled out due to other money problems. the problem is that no one wonts the site unless they can have the precinct knocked down for line of sight. its just not going to happen.
the only other alternative was to find another site. this takes time as the site has to be very big in a built up area and not upset anyone in the process. a sight has been found and should be announced this summer. it is hoped that a fully running store will be open feb/ march 09.
super markets do not happen over night. ASDA had the very first option to come but said no. i agree the super market not open is hurting the town. as far as i am concerned everything that could have been done has been and the result is 2009. this could have been 2010+ if people had not got of their ass and done something.

there are a lot of rumours flying around for over a year Roy Bickerton has been helping negotiate a site and supermarket.
nothing to do with jon Tricket. he knows the work that has been going on and at the risk of messing it all up he went to press and claimed the glory. the intersting question to ask Tricket is "where is his supermarket going"? you would have thought he would have asked rather than mess things up.
a new supermarket will open in 2009. its location will be announced very soon when all concerned are in 100% in agreement.

the district council and the chamber of trade have been working on this problem for over a year. if you ask someone asociated with these people they would have informed you the same.
the only person not to believe is Tricket.

I heard another rumour last night regarding the location of a new supermarket! I never believe any of the rumours as there is that many of them and I'm a "Wait & See" person, but the latest one is that the location of the new supermarket is going to be in the vacinity of the bottom of the lane somewhere on the fireplace shop side! I can't see it myself, but it's just something I heard! Wherever next?

i heard that one too MR T
according to the rumor they are gonna bulid a new NETTO in the old gas works yard & knock the fireplace shop down????
watch & see

there are people out there that know if there is going to be one or not they should start saying where they are putin one there is oap that havent got any means of getting to pontie or cas and its hard for young mums so someone should tell us all the truth

so i can take it that no one believes jon Tricket has sorted a super market as per the front page of the express.
for 18 months ROY and the CHAMBER OF TRADE have been contacting SUPER MARKETS to come to Featherstone. last count was 9. the fact is no one wonts to come as no one wonts the old Kwiksave site that is being pushed by WMDC.
two sites have been found that would work. these belong to PEOPLE. unlike labour the tack has been talks that suit all involved. until a contract is signed and ready to go after the talks then why tell People it is happening when it could fail?

the answer we are all waiting for should arrive sooner than later ;)

the supermarket i was just reading about?
what impact would this have on retailers in station lane?
quik save was not a massive supermarket chain to compete with . but if we do manage to get a large chain in ,asda/morrison/tesco/netto, that offer very reasonable prices what effect do you think this is goin to have on our local butchers? 7-11 / farm shop/ newsagents? with more and more shops struggling as it is in staion lane. a new major supermarket could be the final nail in the coffin.

The impact of any super market has many factors but these days for the needs of Featherstone the most important is companies’ policy and progress. Many supermarkets are fiercely competitive and do pick on local shops in turn to finish them off one by one.
Fortunately for Featherstone the fiercest ones do not wish to come as there is not enough money involved.
If Netto is the winner to save our food chain problems then we have the best of all possible solutions. The way Netto work is to rotate different items like DIY, WINE and other products just as a 2 week promotion. This allows others to compete and yet Netto gets its money. It’s not perfect and will cost be some money perhaps. The other side is that until a super market opens of size then no other popular companies will look at us. Since Netto has been talked about coming there have been calls from these other firms asking if it is true? Their interest is to join the expansion of trade. A few key companies would go a long way to bring shoppers to town. It is very possible that Featherstone’s traders will benefit within a short period of time.
As for nails in coffins, believe me it is the most difficult year in many. Anything could shove it over the edge.

does anybody know abvout a supermarket opening on the old sewing factory site... somebody told me ldl had bought the land.
is it a rumour or true.

we have been told we were haveing one but nothing yet so it could be just rumour san

but surely it will be on station lane or even where kwick save was.

you would have thaught so san i think we should all get together san one group to another and invite people along to find out the real truth iam up for it if you are

Maybe its just another featherstone whisper ???

we was told a lidl netto and a farmfoods

If I believe every rumour that I have heard up to press, we are going to be spoilt for choice! We're having a Lidl, A Netto, An Asda and well as other's! I don't believe any of them, I will wait and see what happens and what will be, will be! The latest rumour to whistle through the Featherstone grapevine is...Featherstone Rover's are having a new ground built (god knows where) and then the current one is to be demolished and a supermarket built there! That is one I definetly don't believe! The mind boggles  :-\  :-\   :-\

funny that i was told the same it doesent look like we are going to get one this year

no one ever said we would. the earliest opening date is March 2009 and is moving away every day a deal is not done. we all wish for a super market. believe me this takes time, like it or not. no rumour, no speculation.

nice to here but we never know who to belive kay said no one could talk about it at least we know now

Dick taylor is trying to organise a free supermarket bus, to transport feath people without their own transport to an out of town supermarket, i think its a excellent idea, what do you think? ;D ;D

There used to be a free bus service to Asda i don't know if it still runs or not though. ;D ;D ;D ;D

good idea fork but do you think it would then be an excuse not to put a supermarket in feath

The way things are going jaffa, we could be waiting for evermore, and if we get our own supermarket eventualy, i'm sure people would rather shop local than get a bus to pont or cas ;D

i think is a very good idea the sooner the better ;D ;D ;D

For what it's worth here is my thoughts on the "free bus".

The supermarket owner, who has intentions of coming to trade in Featherstone, is probably fed up to the back teeth by the length of time the negotiations over the site are taking. Each week that goes by, without a deal being agreed, puts another week on the opening day. I would imagine they are not going to be pleased by this free bus idea. Maybe this could be a good excuse for the company to back out of the long haul deal.

Kwik Save suffered a drop in custom when the free bus to Asda was introduced, which I believe still runs, and consequently they closed the doors because people were only shopping in Featherstone for daily essentials. We seem to forget that Healds was sold to Tesco for a "OneStop" shop as it to was struggling to attract custom. We now have, what I regard as an over priced corner shop in the "OneStop" shop, but to some it is the only option. How will the "free bus" hit the trade for them. Maybe they will close the doors and then what do we have.

So we have "Asda" and Tesco" contributing to the demise of our supermarkets and yet, if the gossip is to be believed, not wanting to commit themselves to the town. "Asda bought the "KwikSave" in Pontefract to open as an "Asda Essentials" but were quite happy to bus shoppers out of Featherstone and not take the "Kwik Save" on here.

Now we have an idea to bus out more shoppers, I know of the person in question, as most of the town do, and feel his efforts would be better put into bringing a supermarket to the town rather than this, in my opion, political attention seeking idea.

If the supermarket comes to Featherstone we will know who to thank, if it does not we will at least know who may be to blame.

Can we not leave politics out of anything to do with this town. Some politicians seem hell bent on destroying the town, as some have done for nearly 35 years, I for one am well fed up with it......

I ONLY WANT A SUPERMARKET NOT A BLOODY LABOUR v INDY POINTS SCORING EXERCISE.


 

Station Lane has been like a ghost town since the closure of Kwik Save and, as expected, has effected other businesses! I think bussing people out of town could possibly make trading in the town even worse!

People took advantage of the asda bus, because the kwik save were bloody useless, most of the time the shelfs were half empty, people will take advantage of a supermarket bus, but i think when and if we get a supermarket of our own, the local people will use it.
And i totally agree with you citizen smith, i too am sick of the labour- indie points scoring game. ;) ;D

thats all it ever will be labour indi but its the oap i feel for the thing is all we here is were gona have a super market but we got people saying we carnt discuss anything then otheres saying march 09 i feel that this but carnt come soon enough

We may be getting our supermarket, thanks to feath rovers, theres plans for a new stadium at the rear of the existing one, and the site of the old ground and car park is earmarked for a retail outlet, theres major supermarkets taking an interest, if it comes off, we can thank the rovers, not any of the political parties, UP THE ROVERS ;D ;D

and obviously they did not bother to talk to anyone at the risk of putting off any existing deals. they tried it once before and it didnt get passed planning. wmdc have stated that Post Office road will not be allowed an increase of commercial vehicles. thats why CMS Medical had to move when the wonted to expand. the only way around would be a new and very expensive road.
we could be thanking the rovers for not having a super market for even longer. sounds like polatics is involved.

No politics involved at all, wmdc arn't involved, i'm not bothered whats involved, so long as we get our supermarket ;D

we need one the sooner the better

Labour keep writing and bragging of a list of things the indys haven’t done. I bet thier pissed today as this is the 2nd one this week (and its only Monday) they have had to cross off. thier list must be a fag packet top by now. ;D

Without speculation and rumor you will be pleased to hear that a new super market is to be built on a site after help from Roy Bickerton. The Mode Tex site will be reveled and what is proposed to be built,
16th October at the Chesneys Centre. I do not have a time as yet.
That’s the first one sorted. Chew on this labour, time to help super market number 2. It’s called hard work. I recon 3 years work for a  2nd.

sorry Citizen, thats Indy 1, labour -1 for a front page lie.

sounds good lets hope it comes of soon

dont know who els has had them but we all got flyers yesterday telling us about the open day for are supermarket why are people saying that we are getting a netto when the flyer we got  doesent say netto

this from last week will help,

http://featherstonesmad.smfforfree4.com/index.php/topic,688.msg3300.html#msg3300

just wish it wasent lidl

does planing say Lidle have a passed or sent in plan? no? does Netto own the land at the entrance? yes. Has a contact been signed for the sale of the land? no. should be fun.

The next twist in the story looks set to hit press with a planning application shortly. The old Kwiksave site has been sold and looks set for demolishion very shortly. In its place will be 2 units. All being well we should soon have a small Tesco and Wilko. The car park will take down the wall and come up to the tarmac area now seen. The area that is pot holed is not under the plan. This by no fault of anyone as the land is being used as a £ barrier. More work may get everyone working together.
Yes Onestop is owned by Tesco. What they intend to do i dont know.

Sounds good if it comes off, not over fond of Tesco, but hey, it's a needed supermarket and I love wilkos  :)

so why have they had a open day if its not going to happen

i would love to see more choice in fev its the small shops that would worry me

Excuse my secrecy and rumor on this one as the answer will take about 2 weeks. The answer involves big money.

i would just like to know how lidl can send the flyers if its not sure there getting one here

It puzzles me how a company like netto just owns the entrance, can't get my head round that ???

According to a document i've just seen from the land registry office, netto does'nt own any of the land, its all owned by mode-tex.

if you apply for a copy ownership from land registry it will be for a building or area of land. there is more than one area of land and more than one building.

I'm just saying it does'nt show netto owning any of it, my info comes streight from the horses mouth, so to speak, why does netto own a tiddly bit of land thats neither use nor ornament to them ;D

tiddly bit of land or not have you looked at a plan of every plot in the area shown by Liddle?

Don't know if it's relevant, but #5 Girnhill Lane was sold on 25th June this year. Wonder if it was Netto that bought it? Presuming it's the house in front of the proposed site of course, the building number seems to indicate it

im sure we will find out sooner or later

a good set of details about the kwiksave site,

http://cominoweb.wakefield.gov.uk/PlanApp/jsp/RDgetAllAppDocs.jsp?PlanningApplicationNumber=08/02525/FUL

Very interesting, thanks for the link. The units are bigger than I imagined.

yes me to kim

Just had some new reliable info, netto own the house(number 5) they have right of access to the back of the house, but they don't own the entrance. ;D ;)

Ahh..... so it was Netto that bought it, it went for £190,000 according to land registry :o

just lets hope we get them here soon then

Theres a rumour going round that were back to square one with the supermarket, ie- we're not getting one, has anyone got reliable info on this, or is it just featherstone whispers again ???

If I was to put money on guessing the first site I would say the old Kwicksave site. Work could start in 4 weeks.
As for Neto or Lidle no deal has as yet been struck. This information is a week old.

Cheers mate ;)

kay said yesterday in vox meeting that lidle have put plans in and that the old kwick save is due to be knocked down for 2 new shops to go there

Someone has just posted in Featherstone Facebook and I quote...... "yes featherstone is getting a supermarket
trust me i know i work for the supermarket that is coming to fev!!!!"
According to the guys profile he works for Netto  ???

dont think anyone knows kim we could get a few if the peole are telling the truth

Is it true that jual domestic in the lane is closing down and becoming a supermarket again?

Dual if definately just about to stop. I believe Friday 23rd.
Not heard about what it will become. The building has loads of problems with its lease before you start. :(

i drove past Dual on Friday afternoon and they were taking the shutters off. i drove past today and it looks tatty with a strip light hanging down. bet the new window smashers have a go :( hope the place gets taken soon ;D

I was working over the road from Dual on Friday and saw 2 cowboys crow baring the shutters off to fall in the back of their trailer.
- Regeneration is just what we don’t need.

The Modetex site planning application is too heard very soon.

my mother worked there many years ago when it was liptons

me too i worked there when it had just been taken over by liptons

Who remembers it when it was broughs?

I do  ;D

I do and i am not as old as you forkhandles

Not far off though ;D ;D ;D :P

I remember them being broughs and i'm younger than you j4elephant and Forkhandles. ;D ;D ;D ;D

But can tha remember melias, a think we've got him here j4elephant ;D ;D :P

I AM IN MY LATE FIFTIES GUESS FORKHANDLES BIT OLDER AM I RIGHT HA HA

Who has recomended that the supermarket plans be rejected, the reasons,- sub standard access and servicing would have a detrimental impact on highway safety, what a load of garbage, and as expected, our wonderful town council have made a strong objection to the refusal NOT, will we never get a town council with a backbone, coruption and backhanders would come to mind if i did'nt know better >:( >:(

I can remember Melias quite well my mum used to deal with them get food from them and pay
at the end of the week, can forkhandles remember the other supermarket at the top of
station lane

i could name a few in featherstone thats got know backbone

Well, thats another big let down for the people of the town. Never mind just add it to the list.

there was a meeting last night and it was a shock more let downs  :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X

Please explain your comment karen.

hrmm you sure im karen like my post said more let downs we were all told we would get a supermarket and then kwick save was going to be one again

What was said at the meeting?

The recommendation has come from highways according to the hearing(their findings will be on line soon).
The residents affected didn’t think it was garbage (they complained as you can).
Who did you ask at the town council?
Isn’t the town councils back bone the reason why services are improving?
Who could get a back hander for what?

Like who? ;D

Didnt Karen remove all her posts after various people asked questions?
Whats changed? Netto still own the only entrance that is aceptable to highways ;) ;D

what has karen got to do with anything

Not a lot rearlly ;D

well there you go what has karen got to do with a supermarket

Why has'nt any of the town council objected to the decision, in the paper kay seemed to resign herself to the fact, netto own the building at the entrance, but they can't stop the owners of the land from entering the land, funny how she knew the decision before it was made.

The planning panel only met today to decide yes or no. How could anyone be in press print today before the hearing?
Do you have a document that states Kay knew the decision before it was made?
Who said anything about stopping anyone entering the land?
I know where you’re coming from Forkhandles but I have only seen one greed on the site.

Kay said in the express it was going to be turned down.

without checking, was that on the advice of the highways debt?

im sure it will all come out sooner or later i dont think anything should have been said about getting a supermarket untill it had all gone in and sorted because now people are thinking what another let down

Havn't you worked that one out yet Forkhandles? The Independents are the ones objecting to the supermarket. It may appear to the majority that they are fighting for a supermarket but the reality of the situation is; sadly, they are the ones blocking it. Mr Yates in an attemp to conceal this fact used his friend who lives in Pontefract to lodge a complaint against the supermarket on the grounds of improper access to the site. Whatever reasons these people have for stopping the development of the town is at this point; irrelevant, but what is relevant is the fact that is it these people that are blocking it. The people on this forum need to realise this. I'd read this post and copy it while you can because no doubt the truth will be deleted as per usual. Tick tock, tick tick.

Is this what you think is happening or are you basing it on facts which you can prove ?

Ok then, the reason its turned down is because the entrance is too near the lights and junction, have you seen where morissons is placed in knotingley, its right on the lights and a busy junction, with no trouble at all, and we're talking about a massive supermarket, not a tiddling little lidl, theres something underhand going on here, one of the objectors does'nt even live in feath.

Another made up statement without facts Mick! Still waiting for your facts on all the other posts you now avoid.
I assume you didn’t ask before your comment? Guess not as you would have found the resident mentioned and other residents asked for help as their lives were going to be affected. By the facts of it they got help from a fully paid up member of the labour party. Would you like me to ask for the labour party card numbers they have? So if a party is to be mentioned should it not be the labour party? A super market in Featherstone was made political by Tricket don’t forget.
As for deleting posts the fact is the moderator of this forum has deleted 2 posts of yours and one of mine for swearing. I am sure forum users will realize that this was the correct action. Is there something you have said that is non liableness that is missing? Didn’t think so! This forum at least is not like the communist and edited run labour forum.
The way you have the ticks Mick (sorry I meant to say coward, hiding and accusing) your spring must be nearly loose. It must be time for your wind up.

Back to the real world, Forkhandles opinion and comment was worth looking at.
The district council receives weekly paperwork of each weeks planning application hearings which contain all the reports associated with each application. As for Kay knowing about the result before the hearing she could not. What she did say is that it looked likely from the paperwork sent that the application would be refused. The same paperwork is also sent to all political parties.

What we do have here is a situation where we all won’t the same thing, and NOW. WMDC highways are correct in their report that the planned junction would cause problems. Have we all not talked about the problems at the lights that are there now without adding the supermarket or the new Girnhill estate (no offence MrT.)
There are a number of ways the entrance could be made to please all. Why is it the Indy’s fault that the designers did not listen to objections?
A good example is the Kwiksave site. The plans for this have been removed. The reason is that the contractors are listening. A short pause now and alteration with a re-submission of an application benefiting us and them is just sensible. Like it or not these things take time.

its all going to come out in the end

I'm in the real world mate, and the real world is full of coruption, theres a small faction opperating that does'nt want a supermarket in feath, for reasons best known to themselves >:(

It's beginning to look that way, but who and why remains to be seen

but where do you get all this from so people can find out the truth for there self

Who says so on what document?
2 super markets won’t the same site and the land owner wants the best price. That’s it. Normal business in a normal world moving forward as they do. By the look of planning for a change they are looking to get a cure to the road problem.

Just ask the people involved.

Can someone explain then, why a indie member was trying to bully the owner of the land into selling it to who he wanted to have it, that is the gods honest truth, and i know who i believe, and it's not the indie in question.

who do i ask why would indi do this the people of featherstone will soon start asking why and i think its time it all came out

Had to check this one Forkhandles, hell of an allegation. If a district council member commits such a crime then they will have been reported to, and investigated by WMDC. So far I have not talked to anyone who knows of anything.
As I know the land owners I am sure they would not be bullied as they are one of the most business conscience traders in Featherstone.
Gods honest truth does not mean a lot in this situation (sorry God) only posted facts available.
There are many, many ways a super market will work. Correct me if I am wrong but does not the LIDL deal pay more but not provide a planning passable access and the NETTO deal provide a lesser payment and a plan that planning would pass. It does not take much to work out the options from there.
As for polatics I am sure we will be seeing more bricks being thrown and not help.

It isn't an allegation, its the truth, as i said in my post, i know who i prefer to believe, you've only to ask the owner of the land, they'll be only too pleased to tell you, as you allways say mate, keep telling the truth, and thats what i'm doing, and the bullying did'nt work, they told him to get on his bike.

Ask a district council member for information.
Ask a town council member or the new clerk for information.
The planning application details are linked on other posts with full contact details. Many residents contacted planning by phone and made appointments to view the plans. You are able to ask some questions.
You know where the site being discussed is and has a front door.

Who proved Indy did this? You agree with comment to the allegation with out shown facts?
 Did some one forget to mention the work that has been done to contact every supermarket chain since the KWIKSAVE shut by the district council and other local groups?

Its funny you should mention “it should all come out”. There was a similar situation with a local community group recently. The person posting decided to delete their posts and run instead of just answering truthfully with nothing to hide.

"Gods honest truth does not mean a lot in this situation (sorry God) only posted facts available.
There are many, many ways a super market will work. Correct me if I am wrong but does not the LIDL deal pay more but not provide a planning passable access and the NETTO deal provide a lesser payment and a plan that planning would pass. It does not take much to work out the options from there."

with respest this says it. ;)

Your not reading in to it Forkhandles. How can I be avoiding the issue by quoting the process and the possible results? No one can have just any plan passed because it’s a better deal. If the plan had passed from Lidle would it have created an increase to the problems at the junction?
Back to your accusation, so far you have told us a version without facts you believe. What was the reply from the people you accuse when you checked up?
I have talked to one of your possible accused today who has no problem handing over the facts. Could you post them for us when you have them.

My facts are the word of an honest person, against a dishonest person, the reason i don't ask the accused is, he would'nt know the truth if it smacked him in the face, thats the end of this as far as i'm concerned.

Your facts so far do not exist or you have not posted them. The word of an honest person vouched for by you after a full conversation, fine, for one side of the argument. How can you vouch a decision upon some one without asking their side for the other side of the argument?
This is only the beginning as an allegation has been made that slanders an un- named person/s that we all should view the reply. I assume that you will be making no contact with the person you accuse to verify your statement for us all?
Still no comment on how to enter the junction and the costs involved.

at the end of the day we was told we would be getting a supermarket and still nothing we was told the kwick save was to be knocked down and 2 more to go up and yet nothing people are getting very upset with this so all i can say is people should stop saying we are getting one untill evrything had gone in and been passed

The person who started this topic asked;

The same person then became some one else and said;

 Still no one has commented on how to get away with a plan that will not pass and cause more problems. Surely some ideas for discusion. If some people wish to get upset because they cannot have their own way, fine. Its a free country (almost).

fev angel (karen) (shall we continue?)
"why do you keep putting stuff that karen said all we ever see on this forum is you saying we are getting this and that but it never happens.stop putting things on till evrything has gone in and past know hard feelings".
Do you have information that says it is not happening? .....thought not!

do you have anything to say it is happening NO

today we went to the old kwick save site and met the pont n cas look out for it

And obviously you got all the facts and passed them to the Labour news paper "the P+C Express. Your right it should be a belting read :o ;D

oh whats up dident you think of it first hrmmm yes it will be a good read it says we were told we was going to get it last year and where is it nothing why because you were involved in it and we need some way for the oap to get to a supermarket can someone els wasent this going to happen befor whoops dident you start moaning over that how can we put money in to fev when we havent got any where to shop like i said befor get a grip

So you are a hypercrit! You state I personally should not mention what is happening yet you complain nothing is happening. Double standard? You can call black white until the cows come home. As I stated you did check the plans for the area first didn’t you and actually read what has been written? Obviously not! The P+C will print anything for the labour party. The re-submitted plan that WMDC all ready know about will be egg on your face and no one else’s.  ;D

you silly man why do you keep spouting labour at me i voted indi last time and this time iam going to vote for you

Silly me? And you are voting for me?

ehh?

Why are your comments not of posative talk? A war of words is fine, but i am sure the readers would like to know what you know more about to go to press. ;D

iam sure the people of featherstone will read it for them selfs and still read this laughing at you  ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) :-X :-X :-X

The actual plans would be better than hot air karen. Obviously you asked for a copy? :o ;) ;D

you keep saying karen whoooops have you  got something for karen becuse you dont seem to get her out of your head karen was sat behind you in a meeting and you had the chance to say things to her but you

can we not just stick to the subject????
Does anyone actually know when the plans for the Lidl will be re-issued, if at all????
Also what is actually going to be happening on the Kwik Save site???

yes you so right and i dont think anyones knows to be truthfull

Well according to Karen my posts are incorrect? Still no documents to disprove the ones available to all and posted.
We all wont a super market, I will say it again it takes time especially in a recession. Lots of work has been going on behind the scenes that will reveal itself at the end, it’s not a glory trip, its work.
I will try and make it clear,

Mode Tex site
1. Lidle put a plan in that was maximum profit to them and the land owner and stuffs the public and roads. The plan was rejected. Lidle went through the motions of consulting the public but did not listen to a word. The promotion cost a lot less than further money they would need to spend.
2. Do Lidle actually have another site in mind that makes there actions a double cost saving twist? Don’t forget we are talking about a lot of money here.
2. Netto put a plan forward that made them less by virtue of giving away land and a lesser offer to the land owner. The plan addressed the concerns  raised,

A. road access.
B. the sighting of the building.
C. lights in residents windows.
D. view on to the site.

You can moan all you like but until Netto actually put a plan to planning we can do nothing……………. Except put the situation to paper and iron out the creases now. Below is a design created from what is viable and addresses what has been brought forward. This is not an actual plan but something whipped up that meets the requirements of planning. If a poor fool like me can do it I am very sure an architect could have done it much quicker and better.

(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99/yetion1/supermarketplan3.jpg)

The Kwicksave site

How I am going to love the egg on face s for the next week. Karen you talk crap.
You said to me,
“Don’t talk about what you don’t know as I upset people” yet personally you advertise your 2 documented view. Just join in?
As for the Pontefract and Castleford express, that will be the news paper that recently stated that it will not allow replies by Featherstone people towards Labour party pres releases.

Back to the real world, the developers for the Kwiksave site are and will be a god send to Featherstone. The only glory to be had is to thank Cllr Roy Bickerton for bringing them here and working with them.
The developers are just that. They are not a supermarket but landlords with 1 tenant out of 2 ready to move in. It’s called running a business Karen and the Labour party.
Unlike Lidle the developers did not make a fuss but came to Featherstone and asked questions before going the full hog and investing in our town. The developers did put a plan forward but realized after the Lidle failure they had more work to do to pass planning. Again this takes time like it or not. Again Thanks to Cllr Roy Bickerton solutions have been found and the Kwiksave site will see a better plan put forward very soon that when you compare the 2 is better all round.

you are still go on you silly man the point is you have been going on for months that we are going to get one you have told us all that it would be all diffrent stores then we dont get anything isent this the truth you that you dont know anything whats going on with a supermarket what or who do you listen to can i ask is it leave it with me man

you keep calling yetion a silly man but you are no better you only want to get your name in the paper.
yetion's will help any one who asks for help you are only interested in verner, so why dont you stop meddling
in affairs that you no nothing about you are only a housewife.  (with no ideas or you would be in a better job)

thats not the case at all i work all day in getting things done i dont just work for verner i work for the whole of fev since i started working with this group i started south west group little lane north fev group ackton group and now station lane i have been doing thing in knottingley i have been doing stuff for parks and other areas if it wasent for my yates telling people we was going to get this that and the other then we wwouldent be in this now yes i can get to asda and other places but the oap  carnt so i find my self going and getting them shopping i have now also got some people working in makeing sure that the oap dont go without food and warm drinks all over featherstone my photo in the paper dont bother me

well done to you i think that is brill, but yetion also dose things for the people you dont, and there is not enough room to put everything down
i was talking to him the other day and he got a call on his phone someone was stealing in one stop he dropped everthing and ran out he caught these people and stayed with tham until the police came and arrested them. as you both do things for people why all arguements

Thanks for the clarification yetion1.  :D

If only we could get them to re-issue the plans quicker!!!

i had respect for him aswell but he shouldent tell people that things are going to happen if there not its not just me that is saying this were all thinkin it i would work with him but he spouts all labour stuff out and i want to work with both sides he says i dont do anything i have been to post office this morning paying oap bills and have been cooking corn beef ash for there dinner so they can eat all this is cost to me

Alledgedly, dick taylor was trying to get a bus to ferry people to an out of town supermarket, but the town council put paid to it, on the grounds it would take trade away from the town. ???

people have to shop in other areas so much more of this and fev wont have anything we need to keep trade in people i know goes to the bank in pontefract because its better for them to go shopping so  how long will it be befor that goes with lack of use

I rarely shop in the Lane, I do most of my shopping at Tesco online or Morrisons, only stuff I get in the Lane is veg and the odd item from One Stop if I've run out. When we had Kwik Save I did ALL my shopping there. It's a sad state of affairs

i allways belive that puting money in to your area is the best thing to put money into the town but since we lost the supermarket we seem to be getting no where

Still no proof, ONLY A STORY?

Don’t worry Karen I will come back to you shortly when i have some time to waste.  ::)

In the mean time I have to point out that no one has mentioned the possible problems at the junction apart from Forkhandles who commented that their would be no problem yet on another topic posted that the lights junction had problems. The plan I posted would help the situation. The plan put forward to be passed just used the junction as it was. What do you all think?
The Girnhill estate will add to the traffic for sure. What could be done with the junction to help the bigger volumes of traffic than we all ready have?

hang on you were telling people we were getting one dident you and leave it with me man think about this first yet again you make me laugh

Your right CS, i did say alledgedly, i'm trying to follow it up ;D

Your words might be more than you imagined when you posted.

It would appear there is an information leak. Nice one, nothing like knowing what’s going on. No, the leak is not Indy which adds to the suspicions of information being with held from the district council.

Apparently the planning application that was turned down for Lidle is to be re-heard this week. Great………..or perhaps not! WMDC planning apparently are going to over ride their own highways department report that states action is required to easy congestion at the junction and a different access.

So basically it looks like Lidle could have its plan passed. That does not mean that they own the land nor can carry out their construction. I or you can apply for planning on each others homes and get a pass if no one objects.

The one thing we all agree upon is that we all desire a supermarket ASAP. The situation I believe we have here is 2 supermarkets at battle for one site. One is listening and one not as it sees £s. The fact of the matter is the Lidle plan as it stands will frig the traffic up once and for all. My personal worry now is that the apparent actions of the planning panel will result in there own highways department forcing a judicial review that will result in the site being in legal battle for years to come and leaving us with nothing.

Do we accept a supermarket at any cost with any plan? Has that not been the problem with construction and design in Featherstone for many years? Just a small amount of consideration would go a long way wouldnt it?

may i ask "what i left"?
may i ask "what i left with you"?

I was told last night the plan would be passed on thursday and it would be a lidle

Lets all hope so ;D ;D

I was told last night it would be lidle you know where i go drinking on Sunday
so you should have an idea were it came from

lets just hope they can do something about the possible effects on the traffic, people jump the lights as it is without adding to the problem!

I realy don't think it'll cause much disruption, people are talking as though there'll be a continuous stream of traffic, there won't, cars come and go in dribs and drabs in and out of supermarkets, even big ones, this is only going to be a smallish one, if they make it entrance only off wakefield road, and the exit and goods entrance on girnhill lane, no problem, in my oppinion, with maybe a slight adjustment to the lights ;D

very true forkhandles, there were never more than 20 cars in kwik save car park at any one time so you're probably right!  ;D ;D ;D

Would this not be a good opportunity to get rid of the traffic lights and have a roundabout at the junction. At least people tend to stop and look at round abouts and the traffic does keep a steady flow where at the moment the traffic lights are more of a hazard with people trying to beat the red light it would be interesting to know how many accidents have occured there over the past few years

i bet there has been a few there

good point saneasaduck, i for one had an accident there and know of a few more who have also had accidents at that junction.
Roundabout would be a much better option

Thats a cracking idea saneasaduck ;D

What a refreshing change!

Did anyone notice a perfectly good conversation has just been had, BRILL.

A roundabout sound fine, I just don’t know about peak times. The one comparison was the old roundabout in front of the Oriental at Pontefract. My opinion was that it worked well and the lights frigged it up.
The traffic lights will need attention which leads to my big concern. The proposed plan does bugar all to help. Don’t forget the 380 homes that have now grown to 400 and I am sure will increase before Girnhill is rebuilt.

There as been some prety god comments on the forum tonight
instead of arguments, it as been good to read the comments
anymore sugestions about bottom of lane and the supermarket

The road from Girnhill Lane would need to be widened. If 2 cars or a bus is turning right towards Pontefract, nothing can get past. More and more these days the traffic backs up past the club, and that's before a supermarket.

What if some cars could be encouraged to go out by the fire station, surely that would lighten the load on the lights, and don't forget, a lot of people will be going to the supermarket on foot ;D

     we should all take head of these ywo comments ;D ;D

I am informed that the Lidle planning application has been pulled again from This Thursday’s meeting. It would appear that the implications of incorrectly passing a planning application have been enforced by WMDC highways by making it clear what a mess WMDC would end up in by railroading the plan without any alteration from the one all ready turned down. My opinion is it is a good thing as the land almost ended up in a grid lock in the egerness to build anything. Now at least a short delay will address the only issue, access.

what,s a little bit longer when we are still not any where near getting this can you tell us where you are getting your info from

Got nowhere! isnt 1 possibly 2 suppermarkets on the way?

No problem Karen answering you question even though you dont answer mine.
What you do is pick up the phone and call planning. Dont tell anyone will you its a secret ::) :-X

i asked for evryone so people could ask for them self

I was privileged to be asked to comment on the revised plans for the Kwik save site. This makes a welcome change that a developer cares. The area looks like it will be getting the face lift it needs. The plans will be submitted very shortly. The biggest problem has been land issues that take slow legal time to alter.
The Gas works site looks set to also move forward as plans are being prepared. The word appears to have spread as Calendar news arrived today in Featherstone for the story. Check out GM TV and Calendar news tomorrow. Quite a few locals have had a say on what they think.
As if by fate/ chance whilst filming to incidents occurred. Two business men arrived on the gas works site working for Lidle with a revised plan. Sorry to say from what I saw the junction corner has still only been half tackled. The second was that station lane became gridlocked on a normal day. The gridlock is on camera, lets hope the report is listened to. ;D

Netto have put in their application for a developement on the Modetex site. The plan creates a slip road. That wasnt difficult was it, hurray a propper plan ;D

Some one called Karren Keer has written 4 times on face book this same statement,

"people in featherstone need to make here mind up mr yates has been telling the people of featherstone netto has put a new application in for the old gas workes whats happed to lidl".

Why does anyone need to make their minds up, i thought everyone wonts a supermarket? Is it wrong to ask whats going on, dont think so. the rest of the facts are all ready written here.

Karen Kerr wrote
at 8:10am
people in featherstone need to make there mind up mr yates has been telling the people of featherstone netto has put a new application in for the old gas workes whats happed to lidl


Hello mr Yates it wasn’t aimed at you in a bad way it was only said because one minute its lidle next its netto sorry if it offended you. by the way its Karen Kerr on Featherstone needs a supermarket all the best sorry for the inconvenience.

 
I see the planning application for Netto to build the supermarket is in todays P&C Express. Lets hope it is passed this time and we get a supermarket at last.

I have been looking on the WMDC website at the planning documents for both stores and fail to see the problems with regards to highways on the plans for Lidl    ???

I am no expert but as far as i can see Lidl offers 2 entrances/exits for customers, 1 on wakefield road and 1 on girnhill lane. They also offer a seperate entrance/exit for HGV's. Whereas Netto plans offer just 1 entrance/exit for all vehicles  ???

Am I reading the plans incorrectly or have i missed something?????

Netto plans: http://planning.wakefield.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KG0WMDQQ04200

Lidl plans: http://planning.wakefield.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KA5TAGQQ06V00

good post gave me something to think about thanks

I say stuff the girnhill lane supermarket plans, john jacksons idea is much better, its a bigger site, and there wont be any traffic problems, theres a big entrance on wakefield road, theres also a entrance on priory road, i think we should all get behind john in this idea.

well done john great work i will support you and feel many others will WELL DONE

John jackson's just an ordinary guy CS, i don't think there's been any plans drawn up yet, its just in its infancy, it won't take much planning at all, the entrance on wakefield road has been taking heavy goods traffic for years, with no problems at all.

I completely agree Forkhandles  ;).........it makes much more sense to have the supermarket on that site ...as you say there is already an entrance which has been taking large vehicles for some years so that shouldnt pose any problem whatsoever and there is ample land for the supermarket and parking facilities.....so far in the fight for a supermarket i have read and shrugged my shoulders at the plans and rumours ,not because i think we dont need one but because im not conviced that the old gas works is the place to out one .. yards from a busy crossroads !!!!!!!! ......  but this is much more suitable and i agree 100% that this is where we should be fighting to put the supermarket  ;D

Yes CS we are  :)

Lidls plan offer 2 entrances but no improvement alteration to the present traffic lights nor the width of the road for HGVS to turn left around on the corner.
Nettos plan has 1 entrance by a new slow curved wide slip road and replaces the lights to what so many people have complained they should be, a full 4 way system that can only ever be built by obtaining some land.
Hope that makes things a little clearer. ;D

As i said, it would make much more sense to concentrate on the citra site, no alterations need to be made to the roadways.

What a strange story. John Jackson (labour) who is actually an ok guy (there is only a handful) but crops up on various campaigns that are politically motivated. My hat of to anyone who tries but there seems to be a lot of information missing.
You would have thought that in the great supermarket quest that all the information would have been gathered before going to press, obviously not. Why?
Do you not think that the site has all ready been considered? The responses from the many supermarkets contacted over the last 18 months with regards the site was surprising. Amazingly the site is too big for many. The alterations to create a junction again surprisingly came in at a very high cost after listening to what WMDC highways considered passable. The distance from the town centre although short to some is considered another reason why the site is unviable to supermarkets.
Then what about the owner of the land? They have been involved with all the talks. They are a business. They see a supermarket as un-viable hence why they have just renewed their planning application for houses on the site.
Funny fact for Mr Jackson this week is that within the village green application (because of its complaints by Clive + Dick) it has been stated that off road bike use (Mr Jackson’s very valid attempt on the stacks to control the motorbikes) will be back prosecuted for trespass. My opinion is he is getting dragged in.
As for rumors the plans are linked on this site as to what is going on.
To make any significant improvement to the retail outlet in Station lane a super market is needed close by. The retailers know this and the supermarkets know that they need the retailers.

Gareth, why do you always try to scupper any plans for a supermarket in feath, do not say you don't, the evidence is on this forum, i've never seen any favourable views from you, i suppose the bloody citra site will be a village green soon, i know, why not make all feath a VILLAGE GREEN, THEN YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL TO YOURSELF, because any idea, thats not instigated by you, you seem to be against, i used to think highly of you, but not any more, i think you've been mates with the leave it with me man for too long.

Bloody hell Mr Gentry, the red mist aint half fallen on you.
Scupper what? What did I write that’s not a documented fact? The Citra site is what it is. As for a village green I am sure ther will only ever be 3 in Featherstone. Yes you know 2. As your being an ass I will let you pass the 3rd to the labour party to stew on.
Where did I say I was against in the facts I offered?
So we are now not mates because the facts have been offered. What about Mr Jackson (labour) who could face prosecution by his own party for getting off his ass and trying? Will you now not be his mate to? Play ground stuff. Your comments can only be replied with DITO.
Sad :( ::)

Iam more than sure john Jackson as the rest off us are only thinking we need a supermarket he cant be at fault for putting is thoughts to everyone surely as far as I can see he is a up standing citizen and just wants the best for Featherstone not for any personal gain just because we need one

Here we go again .........thats why nothing ever gets done and thats why Featherstone is a S**T hole because all anybody is interested in is bloody bickering and fault findings  !!!!!!!!!!!

I dont support ANY party for THAT reason ... ..........i dont care whether Labour , Independant or Coco the bloody Clown gets improvements made including a Supermarket as long as THEY DO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :P

          go for it belle ;D ;D ;D ;D

Well said Belle, i support every thing you have said, it is time we all stood together on this then we just MAY GET A SUPERMARKET.

The thing is belle we aren’t allowed an opinion as long a it goes one way I got sick to the back teeth of political rubbish and got away from it all I can say is we all should be backing john Jackson because he is doing it for the good of the town

To be truthful I don’t think anyone knows all we here is its everyone els to blame but the whole fact is we need one and fast

Excellent post CS ;D

  Well expressed Citizen. At last an unbiased view and what appears to be an accurate explanation of where we stand. Thank you :)

Fev needs a supermarket has had good responses regarding john Jackson please come along and join us

We have been saying your exact words for ages people should stop building people hopes up as far as john Jackson is know he doesn’t own the land but he has researched it and he made s stand

We could say that about a lot of people as well though

and like i have said haent other people done the same he is just saying this would be a good place to build it

You have the right to a opinion just like the rest of us that live in Featherstone I will put your suggestion on face book for you if you like how can people knock the suggestion when are councillors haven’t done anyone any good

i dont think that was a request ..it was a sarcastic comment  ;D

Firstly CS , i can assure you i am not a member of any "army" and thank my lucky stars i am not muddled up with any of the political parties and nor do i support any particular party !

Secondly, i did find it amusing that they thought your comment a question rather than sarcastic comment as you said it was meant, so i was merely making it clear that it wasnt a question   ;)

And finally, i completely agree that everyone should work together and as i have said previously and as i have stated above in this post , i do not support anyone , i support Featherstone as a whole and hope action and progress is made in making Featherstone a better place to live and to work  :)

I believe the FIRST and MOST important step forward is , as you say, work TOGETHER not AGAINST each other ! ;D

i dont read post look back and see how many pot you can fid saying we are getting this and that supermarkets and it changes again talk about building hopes up

Unfortunately CS , although i have hurt my head thinking of a solution... ;D.... i havent thought of one ....yet !!

Although it would be a huge help if the two parties could work together and come up with a solution to Featherstones problems but its just seems its all spin and point-scoring. It doesn’t seem to be about making lives better and getting to grips with the issues.

All you ever see is them squabbling like children !!  :)

Do you have anything in mind ?

You are so right belle I have a few in mind if you are aiming that at me you want to see the stuff people on this forum put me threw only thing is my time is here and here I will stay no matter what I done that running away and it did me know good have you got kids

Doesnt The information on this web site alone tells more than what Mr Jackson reports to have found?

all he has done has tryed to help

What about the Rovers Supermarket on face book?
I agree why suddenly the Citra site?

he has a right at the end of the day you can have goes at evryone and anyone but at least he has the gut to say things not just make things up then let us all down i can only say well done john

So you will not be promoting any other supermarket site in Featherstone?
What about the fact that there is one available plan that will more than likely pass this Thursday followed by a plan offered for the old Kwiksave site that will more than likely happen first?

i will back any but your not sure are you untill they get the go a head dont build hopes up

Build up hopes? A super market is going to planning on Thursday.........

FACT ::)

i hope it does for your sake

Maybe we're finally getting a supermarket

Let hope so everyone I suffering not having one its made people life harder lets hope it does come

Yeah, I'm fed up having to go all the way to Pont, Cas or Wakey to do my shopping and then lug it back on the bus!!!

were all haveing to do the same its the elderley i feel sorry for i took my lap top and dongle rond to the center where iam and let the elderly go and order food on line which made it easey for them

fev angel can i ask when you do this does each person ordering have to pay their own delivery fee. i was just wondering if your not already doing it, if it was possible to order everyones shopping on line and pay just one delivery fee and distribute it to them all from the centre. It would take a bit of working out but would save the elderley people of Featherstone some money until the supermarket does arrive.

yes all the shopping comes together and i spoke to asda and they dont charge them for this as they understand how hard it is for them to get shopping

Thanks, and keep up the good work mate.

Thats a bloody marvellous thing you are doing, keep up the good work.  If you need any help, gimme a shout  ;D

thank  you wilow

you may regret that kim and thank you

What a volatile political game the Gasworks site is getting. Netto is not going to planning on Thursday now and in stead will be heard within the next 4 weeks. They have a plan that will pass and because of Lidle are now waiting.
Very surprising is the switch. WMDC planning is to ignore its own highways department and leave themselves open to legal repercussions and listen to the same plan that doesn’t stand a chance whilst leaving a good plan in the cold.

The super market story is just about to get very juicey :o ;D

SUPERMARKET plans for a Lidl branch in Featherstone – which has struggled without a food store for almost two years – have been given the green light.
A full planning application for the development at the junction of Girnhill Lane and Wakefield Road was approved at Wakefield Council's planning and highways committee on Thursday.
One councillor abstained from the vote, with 13 agreeing its recommended approval subject to several conditions.
Speaking after the meeting Graham Burr, Lidl's regional property director, said: "Obviously we are ecstatic at this result today."

Rest of story
http://www.pontefractandcastlefordexpress.co.uk/news/Featherstone-supermarket-plan-approved.5136598.jp

Source: Pontefract & Castleford Express

These days you shouldnt believe everthing in the P+C.
a FULL PLANNING APPLICATION has not been passed. Please ask for yourselves.
Check out the actual highways report and the repercusions for surrounding residents.

that doesent sound to good does it

Lets see what we begin to make of the facts and the possible deaths ;D

(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99/yetion1/010409highwayssupermarket.jpg)

(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99/yetion1/o10409highways.jpg)

thats great at least we are getting one well done to all who were involved

why is the planning ignoring the letter? i wouldnt like to be a house owner near by with that hanging over.

The planning application that was previously withdrawn for the old Kwik Save site has been re submitted..

 
That's good! :D. We might be getting somewhere at last. Do we know who is applying for the Kwick Save site? Is it as before. :D :D

it would be good to see a wilko or something like that there

You will be pleased to know that work has begun to remove the old Kwiksave building. Security fencing will be going up in the next few days followed by demolition of the building.

Netto up in planning Thursday. Cat and pigions springs to mind ;)

As for old Kwiksave site, WMDC are dragging there arse over the car park they own. It could slow up the build that has tried to start. >:(

they need there back sides kicked if this is the case we need a supermarket  >:( >:( >:(

Old Liptons (lastly Dual Domestics) up for sale,

http://www.auction.co.uk/commercial/LotDetails.asp?A=598&MP=24&ID=598000135&S=L&O=A

I see the description doesn't mention it needs a new roof (has done since it was presto) and the whole place is riddled with damp

Old Liptons has been sold for £305k, digging for more details ;)

I've heard asda are showing interest in a piece of land on wakefield road.

A meeting has been held between asda and the landowners, dont know the outcome yet though.

Funny how life changes. The owner of the land so i have heard is in ill health. Talks have been on going with a number of domestic and commercial companies.
One day very soon and all at once Featherstone could be over run with choice.
Lidle and Netto looks to be getting in to full supermarket war. A planning application for a Lidle sign on the Mode Tex front was due to be passed this week. It will be interesting to see what that says. ;D

Until I saw a supermarket war I would not believe the extent some companies would go.
Looks like some announcements this week. ;) ;D

Looks like eating my words over Neto coming to the Modetex site. Lidle look set to complete a deal shortly.

notice the modetex site and not somewhere else for Neto;)

The saga continues.
Lidle have apparently withdrawn their planning application on the Mode-tex site.
Did they really wont it?
A good question is what will Tricket do. He was the one who announced that Lidle would open in January 2010. Don’t think so John. Perhaps that is why our glorious M.P. has been madly calling departments in WMDC to find out what is going on. Must be a buggar when a genuine supermarket chain is now showing interest in another site to put the final nail in Trickets bullshits coffin.
How will Helen Beardsmore at the Pont + Cas print that one and in who’s name?

Mmmmmmmmmmm, the plot thickens.

According to jackie green the deals still on, and she should know ;D

Just had some info that there will be no supermarket until back end of next year...........whats going on? What happened to Tesco on the old kwik save site??

Must have been a low news story week and to much time spent Christmas shoping as poor old Helen Beardmore has been scraping the barrel on page 4 of this weeks Pont + Cas regards a Fev supermarket. It’s a pity she didn’t take of her blinkers. In the nicest way possible the people she asked have not got a clue as to why there has been a 3 year wait.
As stated Lidle have pulled their planning application. What is strange and unreported is that the WMDC highways report that condemned the Lidle plans has been over ruled. Why would Lidle pull out when the path has been cleared and they state they will spend £350k improving the junction? It should be a good addition to the history as events unfold. I wouldn’t wonder the £350k improvent to the junction is a £350k statue.
As for the old Kwiksave site it could have been up and running by now. The blame can be only given to WMDC for simply described “blundering”.

Oh how the plot thickens.
Didn’t Tricket say a supermarket will open on the Modetex site by spring 2010? That will have been part of his party’s campaign of lies we assume?
From the amount of activity at Modetex from a large number of labour party members in and out you would think that the labour party was building a supermarket by hand. This week they could have just been helping the fire service to put out a deliberate fire started by the owners.
An interesting question is a new amount of labour posters in windows next to and opposite Modetex. Wonder what lies they have been told? They must have missed the 3 highways surveys for 3 amended plans that highways still will not condone as possible to wmdc planning. Highways confirmed today they cannot pass a plan without taking peoples land or homes for the Lidle plan so why are these people voting to condem themselves?

I still think it's a stupid place for a supermarket, of the two possible entrances, one is on the verge of a busy crossroads and the other on a narrow residential street. The old pop factory site would have been a far better venue

DITTO KIM ;D

It’s a good question which site is better. The pop factory site does have better access all round but is slightly out of the town centre trail. The Modetex site does not fit the bill when you look at the Lidle plans. Nettos plan does even with their first attempt. It would be a shame if politics and greed give Featherstone another sows ear. ::)

town centre trail ?what town centre

Been told today that there's not going to be a supermarket on the old gas site, (reliable source)...... it's going to be a park  ???

haven't we got enough parks already >:(

Hope your wrong kim, but if its true there'll be a public outcry.

the one many people are trying hard not to fold all together :(
lost deads again my bottom >:(
that will be a stall for a political person later >:(

Heard today that Lidl have pulled out of the old gas site and Netto have took over, anyone know if it's true? I hope it isn't

I'm not too worried who owns it as long as we get a supermarket a.s.a.p. Makes you think though! I thought the Green's said they would NEVER negotiate with Netto. It's all very strange!!

You hear so many different stories regarding whose going to build our supermarket, so I am one of those that takes everything I hear with a pinch of salt and what will be will be! One of the stories I heard was that Netto had bought the gas house in order to thwart Lidl's plans, but like I said, If it's true...it's true...and if not....well...I think you get where I'm going  ;D. The other thing I heard was that all they are doing for now, is clearing the site, and only when it's cleared are they (Whoever "They" may be) going to put planning permission in! My, the Featherstone grapevine is unbelievably huge isn't it... ;D. I still say, to build the supermarket there is totally ridiculous when there is a perfect location a few hundred yards down the road on the old Crystal Drinks site!

Why does Featherstone need a supermarket?
apart from buying everything together in one place and paying by card what would Netto or Lidl offer us?
in the Lane i can buy, bread, milk, tinned goods, meat, all deli items, veg, fruit, alcohol, flowers, cards, stamps, cakes, pet food, clothes, Pizzas, curries, all diy etc all at excellent freshness and quality.
Would a supermarket harm the current businesses?
Would it be possible for the existing businesses to form a single point of contact and work together, therefore negating the need for a supermarket.
Afterall when we had kwiksave it was always empty when i went in.

Had it confirmed today by the Greens (via Dick Taylor) that it is definately going to be Lidl

Yes kim, according to my very very reliable info, definitely lidl ;D

Who is being a bully?
Contractors working on site for 2 weeks starting at 6am.
The scaffold on the public highway should have a licence attached that should be inspected by the local authority upon installation.  The scaffold constructed blocks the highway enough that it is closed and a closure order should have been applied for. What ever way erected a pedestrian tunnel should have been created.
Demolition towards the road left an unstable building that could have fallen on the road.
You will have seen 2 houses demolished on Pontefract road leaving 2 terrace houses. One has an exposed wall. This house belongs to an 80 year old lady. She cannot get out of her back door. She is covered in dust. She has 16 ft of rubble piled against her home.
The irony is no complaints other than the dear old lady and her district cllr. Why no complaints from Brendon power, Peter roper and Featherstone labour party? Last year they made up to 3 complaints a day for 9 months of people fitting plastic covers in the precinct.

Then it was gone.
The clearest view you will probably enjoy for another 100 years.

(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99/yetion1/DSC00575.jpg)

As you know, I'm a believe it when I see it person and I have just let all the different rumours of what it's going to be and who's bought what go over my head, but now I do believe it's going to be a Lidl as the site manager invited my parents into his cabin and showed them the plans when they enquired as to what it's going to be! However, when I passed the site yesterday, I thought they were building us a new Lister baths! I passed at 8pm and I'd noticed that they had dug way down into the foundations, but unfortunately at the same time, they had buggered up the water pipes and water was gushing out! It had filled up quite considerably when I went passed! It wasn't a small area of water either! I hope they all had their arm bands on this morning when they went to work  ;D

Was always glad you’re a fact man Mr T.    Let’s do some, unless the usual off putters can say different;
1.   Modex still owns the site up till Friday.
2.   Lidle have given £10k towards a monument to be placed on the corner of the junction.
3.   The water is a problem. A big problem never mind the contamination.
4.   A super market can be built and will start in August. The work you see now is ground works by contactor.
5.   A supermarket can be built but there is still no passed planning application for a safe entrance.
6.   A supermarket will open in February 2011. How they get in to it will be an interesting comparison to many happenings in the last few years around Featherstone.

And for those poor people suffering around the ground work today was a free gift. Surrounding residents received a Lidle hamper.
What about a cleaner?

Great news Mr T, finally some positive info :)

Guess this is why Netto never materialised.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/10171193.stm

Firstly,  Im sick to the back teeth of hearing people find fault in everything..."its not the right location " "we dont want a Lidl" " look at the mess its causing"  ....we are getting a supermarket !!  ..isnt that what we've been fighting for ?? ..or have i missed something ? Does it matter which supermarket we get ? ..i dont think it matters to the less able who are having to struggle into town to buy neccessities ..im sure they are very pleased that their life will be made that bit easier. !!

Secondly, The only way things will improve in Featherstone is if people work together and stop bickering like adolecents , its ridiculous !!! Is they are not willing to put aside their personal differences then perhaps they should take a back seat and let the people who really care about Featherstone make it a better place because its such a bad example to set. Sometimes in life we have to do things and work alongside people we dont really like in order to achieve what we set out to do. ::)

very good point Belle, been saying that for a long time!!!

Excelent post belle, and so true ;D

Way to go Belle.  Like you, I find it ridiculous that those who claim to be working for the good of Featherstone spend much of their time arguing and maligning each other

Most supermarkets offer something for everyone. My thoughts are Lidle is one of the few supermarkets i wouldnt get all my weekly shopping from, but its a start. ;D

Lets work together?
So thats why there are a number of vehicle counting cameras now working to pass an all ready failed entrance application?
If you owned a house on Pontefract road that faced possible demolishion by highways after the building is finished wouldnt you wish for someone to fight your corner?

Is the old gas house still owned by Netto? Just wondering why it's been left standing  ???

talking about supermarkets, has anybody heard anything about a LARGE supermarket opening in Whitwood?
Was told by a good source a company who buy land for supermarkets, has bought the land that belonged to Heweden (the big crane hire company) apparantly a big war is gunna happen between Asda and another supermarket...anybody heard anything?

Anyone know what's happening (if at all) with kwik save site?

Kwiksave site could possibly be red lined to go back for planning in 6 weeks.

As for the Lidle site it looks like the long awaited blind eye to highways issues and planning will continue as work starts.
Road works in connection with the new Lidl supermarket development will commence on 26th July.
Lumsden & Carol Construction will carry out the road works contract which will be supervised by staff from the Transportation & Highways
section of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council.  
Did anyone see an amendment to the planning?
Bad timing if Ackton is also shut.

Knock Kock…
Who’s there?
WMDC
What do you wont?
Your front garden.
The Fev answer “Get F****D"

Here we go. Will the labour party clan be running around shouting a bully now?

So what will the response be now? Residents on the Newsagents side of Pontefract road have received a knock on their doors this week from WMDC highways. Without notice and no new planning application the new Lidl entrance suddenly requires 8ft of the pavement that is mainly in the resident’s ownership and will bring the road to 4ft from their front doors. Would you wish for such a busy road to get nearer to your house?
There is no need to take this much pavement. It is luckily a safety zone that has proved to be needed over the years and will definitely be needed shortly.
As Highways are more powerful than the Girnhill CPOers at least the outcome will be quick. Knowing some of the residents and their passion its no wonder the man doing the door knocking has only been employed for 3 days and his boss is on holiday.

what a shambles  :(

Work has been delayed on the cross roads until week commencing 2nd August 2010 in order to resolve problems. ::)

The roadworks have still not started, anyone know why?

That will be because of the bullies  :o…
whoops did I say a word that no one from labour or the Pont and Cas are complaining about except the residents concerned and some right minded cllrs.
Take a look at the scaffold outside the newsagent. The fight has begun. £8 for a land registry search was worth every penny  ;). The facts have all ready been posted yet no political onslaught against Independents. That will be the documented evidence then  ::).

Had an answer from good source that tells a very different story, and no it was not from a councillor, labour or otherwise

come on then kim685 put us all in yhe picture

Apparently, lidl havn't got planning permision to alter the pavement on the newsagent side of the road, but netto have ::) ???

Dont forget the best bit of all.. ;D
A resident owns the Entrance sold by Modetex... Whoops ;D
The information is as solid as the documents anyone can buy for £8 from Land Registry

So... does this mean modetex sold land that wasn't legally theirs?

If you read the land registry proof of ownership it is obviously not in full ownership of Lidle. A poor mistake or the turning of an eye by an expensive solicitor?
 There could be other answers like the recorded statement from highways threatening to CPO land for a proper entrance. Wouldnt that be a great deal.

Work should have started this Sunday morning with the Electricity cable alterations on the Paper shop side of the road, but there has been a mix up so it is delayed till next week. The work by the utilities is going to be done at weekends as much as poss to minimise disruption and a oneway system is to start on Girnhill Lane. There is still to be no road widening on the Papershop side of the road until further consultation has taken place.

Unless the road width meets the crteria no legal required road can be built. Should work start unless it is a forgon conclusion that the newspaper side looses its land without consultation?
The Girnhill one way is unsafe and a rushed plan.

The saga so far;
1.   Lidle; It’s September and no construction works started. That means an open date of February 2011 is now running away. The roads are a bloody mess that will go on longer than advertised. Where is the planning application? Ah…. Planning. Cllr Dick Taylor is now on planning with Cllr Margaret Isherwood. That should be crap for Featherstone!
2.   kwiksave site; moving along nicely now that 10 months delay has ended that was caused by WMDC. Probably will be complete before Lidle get going.
3.   Liptons; wonder how much Fev labour will run about after reading this post. You read it here first. After many months of work a national store that would enhance station lane has now taken up several viewings of the crap looking Liptons building. Let’s just save the name for a few days to see what the trolls get up to.

The Pont & Cas had another interesting letter this week. To explain the plot the innocent voices of Featherstone are not always allowed to have published letters while senior Labour party members over the last 18 months have been allowed to have their say. The subject of planning came up in the letters page with a complaint followed by the head of planning responding and declaring WMDC planning is squeaky clean. This week’s response from Brian Clayton is interesting. A simply letter asking where are the plans for Lidle?
We who know the area know the severity of the junction now. What will a short cut job be like especially when Girnhill is rebuilt? We have it to live and put up with.
Cllr Dick has and interesting side line…. A planning panel seat with Cllr Margaret Isherwood. Featherstone is doomed. :(

Well here is a taste of what to expect thanks to dodgy dealings with road plans. This time no one hurt but how different it could have been. >:(

(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99/yetion1/DSC00458.jpg)

Regeneration Team
Development and Strategic Housing
Room D34
Newton Bar
Leeds Road
Wakefield
WF1 2TX

23.09.10

Ref: Featherstone Highway problems

Dear Mr Wallhead

As much as I wish to see Featherstone improve this should not be at any cost or with any contradicting short cuts.
You are aware of the proposed Lidle supermarket construction. You are also aware of the problems involved of attempting to create a road that WMDC highways will approve of.
Road works have started on all four roads making up the cross roads. These works are apparently remedial and for the purpose of moving pipes and cables that would need to be removed. As no definite highway plan has been approved how do the contractors know where to dig to replace what cables/ pipes?  This work is slow and does cause congestion on a very busy intersection.
I would love the supermarket to open ASAP for Featherstone but cannot help feeling after seeing the situation so far that we in Featherstone are going to be left with a road junction that will be less safe than before being altered.
The proposals to take away a large percentage of the pavement in order to widen the road are dangerous. This area is a safety zone for pedestrians and house owners. Without removing buildings the pavement on the corners will struggle to meet the required width.
The residents whose land is intended to be used are very un-happy. They have all ready had to put up with scenes such as a decapitated body and a girl split in half screaming a last desperate cry before dying.
There is a real chance to improve the junction from what it is now and to allow safe access. I believe that the regeneration committee has significant enough members such as you that can and should intervene.
The residents that will be affected also deserve more information and input. This should be sooner rather than later like within a week. I would like to ask that a meeting is called to discuss the situation. This meeting should include;
1.   Yourself as regeneration
2.   Cllr Binnersley as Featherstone regeneration chairperson and local district Cllr.
3.   The head of WMDC highways
4.   A senior planning member
5.   A representative from the highway contractor
6.   A representative from Lidle
7.   An independent highways and planning expert
8.   A representative of Featherstone Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
9.   The residents effected.

I would also like to point out that on 18th October there will be a 13 week road closure on Commonside lane. It will be inevitable that the traffic will be directed through the cross roads alterations. The situation for locals will not be pleasant.

Just one more point. Before ending this letter there has been another accident. As you can see many people could have been killed. Featherstone folk tonight were lucky. Odds predict a fatality next time.

regards ;)

Thanks for the email. I was aware that the junction was still subject to discussion and I agree with you that we need to get the best outcome for Featherstone.
I will pick this up on Monday to see exactly where we have got too regarding the junction design etc. Ill update you afterwards and we can then discuss or call a meeting.
I note your comments about commonside lane. We welcome the works, but do need to ensure we coordinate them with other activity. Ill pick this up also.

Andy

HSE
Marshall's Mill,
Marshall Street,
Leeds
LS11 9YJ

28.09.10

Ref: Featherstone Highway problems

To whom it concerns

I have attached recent correspondence from myself to WMDC.

On Friday 2 children and 3 adults, walking as pedestrians were almost killed at the junction of Wakefield Road and Pontefract road. There could have been others injured that were close by. There is a video of the incident that shows quite clearly how close the 5 people came to death. It is very fair to say that it is a miracle they were not killed. The junction suffers from high volume traffic that often pushes the speed limit when passing through. The fatality rate and injury rate at the junction has been high since at least 1963.

As you can see the junction is undergoing alterations. My concern is the long time these works are taking and the closed public footpaths that have been replaced with plastic cones. Pedestrians are now walking in the road without a metal barrier. The pedestrian volume of traffic is also considerable. This is a disaster waiting to happen.

I have contacted WMDC to inform them of Friday’s incident. I have not received any response other than what you see. The works that are underway are according to WMDC remedial works and not actual road works for the new supermarket. WMDC cannot confirm when the next works will start as there are “issues to resolve”. It appears that the works are after 6 weeks being dragged along at the expense of public safety. There should be a full out effort to complete the works ASAP and reinstate the pedestrian highway. From what can be seen the footpaths could be re-opened within 24hours. At least they could be part opened at night after work hours.

I have contacted you as I believe you should intervene and thus possibly save a life based on the facts. There is other information that is hearsay and without documents.

Regards ;)

I was on the bus that was almost hit by the car. Luckily for us the bus had just set off from the lights and stopped in time. Tonight the same bus driver told me the police had asked for the bus video. I didn’t know they had cameras but apparently they are fitted to help insurance claims.

As you are aware, the application for the supermarket development was approved at Planning Committee although the Highways Officers had raised concerns regarding the proposals.  Following that decision, Council officers then had to produce a workable junction layout which takes into account both the vehicular and pedestrian demands of the supermarket.  That layout was then worked up in detail and is what is currently being built.  As with any construction with the highway, there is generally a need to divert Statutory Undertaker’s equipment.  This contract required the diversion of both electric and telecom cables, the electric being the most significant.  The electric diversion affects all parts of the junction and a period of 5 weeks has been allowed in the contract for Yorkshire Electricity to be on site.  In addition, proposed changes to the traffic signals require new or additional ducting, so the works you refer to are part of the contract and not remedial.

As the development has received planning permission my officers are very aware of the current junction and the proposals do take into account pedestrian safety with the introduction of much improved pedestrian crossing facilities.  I would therefore suggest reserving comment on the final scheme until everything is completed.

There are concerns from residents about the narrowing of the footway on Pontefract Road, but at least a 2m wide footway will be retained.  The majority of the views expressed to date appear to have an underlying theme relating to the approval of the supermarket rather than the construction which is currently taking place.  You have referred to safety and incidents relating to this; whilst I am not familiar with the fatality to which you refer, our records show that there has not been a fatality at the junction within the last 15 years.  Within the last 5 years we have 7 recorded accidents, mainly vehicle/vehicle shunts and 1 involving a pedestrian.  You mention a recent accident, which I feel should not be taken out of context.  The incident involved a stolen car which I believe was being driven by an underage uninsured driver who was being pursued by police.

There are no current instructions for closure of Commonside Lane for the bulk of the work.  This will be managed under temporary traffic lights, to minimise disruption to the wider area.

Yours sincerely

Andrew Wallhead
Corporate Director
Regeneration & Economic Growth

It appears that Plastic barriers in the road are fine, and stolen cars mowing pedestrianns is ok..... B*****Ks   :o

In reply to your email of 28.9.10, I have now been in contact with Wakefield Metropolitan District Council and I have been assured that where pedestrians have to walk on the carriageway there will be a physical barrier between pedestrians and traffic as specified in the legislation. I have been provided with photographs to show this is being done.
 
Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention, and please quote the above reference in any further contact with HSE.

Health & Safety Executive
Marshalls Mill
Marshall Street
Leeds, LS11 9YJ

WMDC Planning
Newton Bar
Wakefield
West Yorkshire

11.10.10

Dear  ;)

After being asked by residents on Pontefract road I have been following the recent planning application for the Featherstone Lidle Supermarket highways alterations.

In September WMDC replied to a written request from residents. The residents were informed that the pavement outside their homes was dug up as part of “remedial works” and that no pavement width was to be reduced. WMDC also informed residents that highways work would not begin until WMDC highways passed alterations to the plan that they had concerns about.

In September residents discovered that it was really the intention to reduce the path width to “at least” two metres. This was apparently going to be done with the newly passed highway plan. What plan? No one at WMDC can provide a copy nor show where it is situated on their own public website.

On Friday 8th October Mr. Andrew Wallhead (WMDC head of regeneration) confirmed in writing that plans were indeed passed. This response letter was advertised on the open private internet Friday evening.

On Saturday 9th October Cllr Dick Taylor approached the residents concerned and asked if they would like him and the M.P Trickey to help? The residents responded “why are you asking now? You had your chance when asked but chose to do nothing. Fortunately two Featherstone people had bothered to help and had provided as much documentation and free advice as was available. This had taken much time and effort. Where were you the then when we needed you?”

On Monday 11th October about 1.50 pm Cllr Dick Taylor posted by hand one page of a copy of a WMDC planning document relating to a “variation of condition” to be heard on November 12th. A fair question is where did this document come from? It is page 4 of a 15 page document. Where is the rest? Where did it come from? Why did not even the head of regeneration know of the document? The document states that the application can be viewed in full on the WMDC website. After asking WMDC at 2.15pm and 4.30pm they cannot offer its viewing or any other plan showing where the path is to be decreased in width.
It appears that someone is using and supplying information when they wish (I wonder who that could be…..that will be Featherstone then). Sadly other people’s names are attached to take the flack. Fortunately FOR the residents affected and Featherstone the twisted goings on have produced a result. Verbally to be confirmed in writing hopefully on Tuesday is that after many voices of concern the path will stay as it is outside the resident’s houses.

Who said the people don’t have gobs and have given up the fight in Featherstone? Ah yes…Tricky!

Regards
 :D

How very Featherstone sad again,
It appears that Labour Party Cllr Dick HAS tried to pull the wool over the resident’s eyes in a very sad plot.
Cllr Dick visited the homes on Pontefract road on Saturday and offered to get help from the M.P. Trickey. This was followed by an anonymous letter on Monday showing a link to a planning application. ALL along Cllr Dick knew that what the residents had been fighting against had been won by others persistence. The application is still not publically on line. Sorry to burst your bubble Cllr Dick and M.P. Trickey but here is the plan. The residents have won the right to keep them and Featherstone pedestrians safe.
However what do you think to the plan? Do we need crossing islands?

(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99/yetion1/revampedplan.jpg)

Mrs Olivia Rowley

Head of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council
County Hall
Wood Street
Wakefield
WF1

Ref: Featherstone planning and highways issues at cross roads Station Lane/ Wakefield Road


Dear Mrs Rowley

I regret that I have to waste my time and yours but a situation now exists in Featherstone that is significantly important enough to have to contact you personally. I have tried to ask your officers and departments concerned only to receive mixed responses, fobbing off, and incorrect information whilst the public of Featherstone have been left at risk of serious injury and near deaths, not to mention the many extra long traffic queues. After the events of the last two months and especially the last week I believe it only fair to ask you the boss and not the monkeys.

My concern is the Lidle planning application. The supermarket site has been passed by WMDC planning members. The highway planning in front has not! Or has it? Highways say yes? Andrew Wallhead says no? The WMDC website says yes subject to changes being heard on the 20th November. Planning stated that no works had begun and that the works that could be seen “are remedial works”. Tonight Nigel Stakes said not until the planning meeting. I would ask if the road alterations have passed when did they do so? If not what is really going on and most importantly whose name should be quoted as responsible?

The original highway report nearly two years ago said “no” and that “when someone was killed or injured they would have to CPO homes to put things right”. Since then WMDC has put up permanent signs on the highway stating a date when works would begin. It appears WMDC agree works can begin and have done so for some months. It appears that no plans existed as works started and that works were slowly dragged along until planning was granted. This has resulted on the busiest road junction in Featherstone (that is any match for a Wakefield junction) closed off paths and parts of roads for a time longer than necessary. Any works at all should have been carried out as quickly as possible to reduce congestion and public safety.

I have attached a number of documents containing correspondence and an independent report. Any clarity would be appreciated.

Featherstone and any possibility to improve should not be half a job. Over the years I realize we have buggar all in the way of help compared to Wakefield and Castleford and that every opportunity to gain a step forward should be fought for. There has never been a better chance to improve this junction. Sadly the opportunity appears to be the reverse. The junction concerned all ready is very busy. The same junction is shortly on top of its existing volumes of traffic to receive increases from;

300 new homes on the Girnhill estate
A supermarket with two entrances on to the same junction with 100,000 people per year
300 new homes on Pontefract road
150 new homes on the Lister Stacks
70 new homes on a site 150 yards from the Junction
The Nine Lakes visitors at aprox 500,000 per year
Aprox 12 new small house build sites
 
These figures are without all the new roads that lead to Featherstone and then meet this junction. Just to make things finally worse is the design of the junction. Two pedestrian islands that are to be placed and have begun being built will reduce the junction from 2 lanes to one lane. I do not think I need to explain the consequences nor that Featherstone will be gridlocked.

One final point is ironic as much as the five people that were nearly killed recently that Andrew Wallhead dismissed as irrelevant. On Tuesday work began on the Pedestrian islands. This was done by coning off the middle of the road with cones tied at the top with rope. Because of the cones the all ready tight turn was reduced. This has made a turn that HGVs now have to reverse and maneuver to get around whilst across the busy highway. In less than six hours a HGV passed the cones and hooked the rope. The HGV then drove up Station lane dragging the 40 ft rope with full sized cones attached. The implication for the workers never mind the public could have been again deadly. After calling WMDC contact centre and then highways it would have been easier to have not bothered and just bang my head against a wall, but hey, that’s the Featherstone I live in.

I would be very grateful for your opinion and response. When the bodies start piling up I am sure the insurance companies will wish to know who allowed this to happen especially when the public pointed it out. I would be even more grateful if a road junction fitting what is needed is created. As the head of WMDC I believe you have this power.

Regards ;D

Looks like Featherstone could become the “Place to Shop”. May be early days but the evolution has begun.
You will be pleased to know that “Jack Fultons” is to open within the next four weeks in the old Lipton’s building. Sorry guys, looks like the strip club has been beaten.

Excellent news! Thanks for sharing :o)

A bit of foreward movement at last ;D ;D

Brilliant News  ;D ;D

AT LAST!!!

WMDC Regeneration Team
Town Hall
Wood Street
Wakefield
West Yorkshire
WF1 2HQ

Your Ref:  AW/SH
Planning Ref:  10/01938/ful

Date:  3rd November 2010


Dear Mr Wallhead,

I am sure you recall my last email to you dated 23.10.10 regards concerns over highway issues at the junction of Station Lane and Wakefield road.

I received your response. I believe the response was inadequate as it did not answer all of my simply asked questions.
Featherstone Cllr Guy was asked if she could make an enquiry. She has also not received a written response to two letters sent.
I have since requested that the WMDC chief executive Joanne Rowley OBE address mine and others concerns. I have received no reply to date.

A response has been received from planning. The response states that the highway alterations were designed by WMDC from information taken from new literature and not the usual highway guidelines book. To date no copy of this “literature” has been provided nor can be as it is apparently out of print?

As a last chance to “improve” the junction and save lives, the Featherstone regeneration committee asked for a meeting with WMDC highways and Planning before the closing date of the next planning meeting on the 12th November. As the head of regeneration you would have known this but have missed the last 4 meetings. The meeting was called for Wednesday 10th November. Yesterday this meeting was cancelled and no alternative date set. Surely WMDC have not gone in to hiding?
You will appreciate that Featherstone is worth far better treatment than this. A little digging today found out some fascinating comments. Apparently there will be no meeting with WMDC or anybody regards the road alterations. The fact that local residents and community groups have been asking for months is to be over looked. WMDC highways apparently have simply been told to get to Featherstone and sort out the mess. How will they do that when they will not listen to the problems? It also appears that by hook or crook WMDC will not meet anyone in fear of being recorded as being responsible for the total mess.
I am aware WMDC are being paid by Lidle to alter the highway? As WMDC have made a huge mistake will the cost be paid by Lidle or us the tax payers to put right?
How will a safe junction be created if the people who created it wrongly in the first place are now to wear blindfolds and earmuffs?

Even more interestingly I discovered today a part answer to a question I asked you but gained no reply. Who is responsible? Apparently since this last August the “Corporate Man Slaughter Laws” have been put in to effect. May I ask again when some one is injured or killed should I point the relevant insurance companies to? I hope any costs do not come from my taxes.

It is so blatantly obvious that there is something suspicious and incorrect going on so why continue? The planning application should be postponed until clarity is provided to all concerned. Lives are worth much more than anything. Featherstone not becoming a car park is always worth fighting for especially when there is no need for it.

Who will Highways be asking what’s wrong? Or do they all ready know?


Yours sincerely
 ;)

(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99/yetion1/lettertoresidents91110.jpg)


Joanne Roney OBE
Chief Executive
Wakefield Council
Town Hall
Wood Street
WAKEFIELD
WF1 2HQ

09.11.2010

Ref: Road work commencing 15th November.

Dear Mrs Roney OBE

Again I apologize for having to contact you as head of WMDC when your officers should be the people to consult with. It has not been for the wont of trying. I recently sent you a letter dated 20.10.2010. I have received no reply.
In the mean time nothing has changed apart from the situation getting worse by the day not to mention a new twist with every enquiry.
Today I received the letter I have attached. I spoke to the person delivering the letter. I informed him that I believe that more notice should be legally given. He was surprised to hear that the road works he is creating do not have highways planning permission and that they are subject to conditions. Why indeed would someone start building without a fully passed plan? I explained that there was no way I would allow my land to be dug up to help add to the disaster and would be waiting on the 15th with the local press.
Many issues were discussed but importantly were the events of last Friday. Last Friday the new silicone chip was placed in to the new junctions traffic lights to produce the new traffic sequence. As predicted, Featherstone came to a stand still with traffic backing up in 4 directions. It was then realized that not only was there going to be a problem but the right turn from Wakefield road to Girnhill lane had no sequence. When questioned the fact that a supermarket was to be built and 300 houses had been over looked.
As I believed this to be a highway issue I obviously called WMDC and asked to speak to highways. I was put through to the WMDC contact centre. I asked to be passed to highways. I was told I could not speak to highways and any concerns would be taken now. I explained what you have just read. As I expected the receptionist could not answer and put me on hold whilst she talked to highways. After 12 minutes the receptionist came back with a response from highways. Highways knew of the works and asked that I be informed that I would shortly receive another letter informing me that the road works have now been cancelled. No other response was given. Why cannot I simply talk to highways?
I and other people have received similar treatment from the same and other departments over this matter for many months. Information that should be available has not been given. Meetings that should resolve issues have not taken place. Something is very wrong and is subsequently causing distress and long term problems for Featherstone. Objections for the planning application regards the works have to be filled by this Friday. To date WMDC have not provided all the information they should. I believe it fair that the planning hearing to be held on the 25th November be postponed until all information is provided.
I would be grateful for your response to my first letter and for this letter to be forwarded to a senior highways officer.

Regards
 ;)

Joanne Roney OBE
Chief Executive
Wakefield Council
Town Hall
Wood Street
WAKEFIELD
WF1 2HQ

11.11.2010

Ref: Road work commencing 15th November.

Dear Mrs Roney OBE

Yet again I apologize for having to contact you as head of WMDC.  The person you asked from highways to contact me did so toady. Our conversation did not last long as the first few sentences brought the conversation to a halt due to further irregularities that have then continued through the whole of today, resulting again in having to contacting you.

To explain, I informed you on Tuesday,

“Today I received the letter I have attached. I spoke to the person delivering the letter. I informed him that I believe that more notice should be legally given. He was surprised to hear that the road works he is creating do not have highways planning permission and that they are subject to conditions. Why indeed would someone start building without a fully passed plan? I explained that there was no way I would allow my land to be dug up to help add to the disaster and would be waiting on the 15th with the local press.
Many issues were discussed but importantly were the events of last Friday. Last Friday the new silicone chip was placed in to the new junctions traffic lights to produce the new traffic sequence. As predicted, Featherstone came to a stand still with traffic backing up in 4 directions. It was then realized that not only was there going to be a problem but the right turn from Wakefield road to Girnhill lane had no sequence. When questioned the fact that a supermarket was to be built and 300 houses had been over looked.
As I believed this to be a highway issue I obviously called WMDC and asked to speak to highways. I was put through to the WMDC contact centre. I asked to be passed to highways. I was told I could not speak to highways and any concerns would be taken now. I explained what you have just read. As I expected the receptionist could not answer and put me on hold whilst she talked to highways. After 12 minutes the receptionist came back with a response from highways. Highways knew of the works and asked that I be informed that I would shortly receive another letter informing me that the road works have now been cancelled. No other response was given. Why cannot I simply talk to highways?”

Today’s conversation with your officer halted when he informed me that there was never any cancelation of the road works that were to begin on the 15th. I asked why someone from WMDC highways and the contact centre lied to me? No answer could be given. I was then asked who I had talked to? I obviously could not reply as I had not been allowed to talk to highways and had received a second hand response. Our conversation was there halted until I gained the information from the contact centre.

I called the WMDC contact centre and explained the situation and asked who had given them the information? My details were taken and I was informed I would be called back shortly rather than being put on hold.
After two hours I had not received a reply and so called the contact centre again. Again I explained the circumstances and was put on hold. I was then given a reply I should have expected. My call information had disappeared and in fact there was a total blank against my name. I asked that my dated and timed conversations be listened to so that the details could be passed to your officer and eventually you.
After a further two hours and my third call I again could not obtain a response.

I then called your officer back and informed him that my records had disappeared and that it was still been looked in to. Your officer explained that this did not affect any highways work and that work would continue on the 15th. I explained to your officer that I had no intention of suffering the same fate as those people who have had the same works done outside of their properties that were titled ”remedial works”. The “remedial works” seen so far lasted months. Our conversation stopped where it began apart from my final comments. On Monday I will attempt to bring along every local media source I can find, the police and HSE. If circumstances evolve that I am arrested for peaceful objection on my own land then so be it.

You would have thought that your officer would have then looked in to what is really going on so our conversation could continue? Instead his first response was to contact the police and report possible “civil unrest”. What I lovely person!
The police contacted me shortly after. We had a civil conversation where facts and details were offered over. I was glad they had called because it has saved me the job of booking them. There is a great relevant quote from the film “Brassed Off”,

“This trophy wont been buggar all to most people, but us refusing it, well then it becomes news”.

If the only way to get any help to improve the disaster that WMDC has created is to be arrested for peace full protest then count me in. I am more than happy to be arrested for the cause to improve Featherstone. It’s a sad day when it comes to this. Hope fully if I am arrested I will be released quickly enough to get to a help Featherstone meeting later in the day.

Again please can you advise me of the concerns I have brought to your attention and ask you to help Featherstone?


Regards
 ;D

Looks like Jack Fulton’s is going to open early. Opening date is now for this Tuesday. ;D

The Lidle saga continues on Monday between 10am and 11pm with WMDC planning coming out to visit the site. A strange thing to do just for an “amendment” to a path and not a full application. These are the people who have the power to cripple or improve the junction. Lets hope they have listened this time.

Passed it on Saturday and it looked almost ready, a lot of stock being taken in  ;D

Well impressed with Fultons, it's a lot better stocked than the Ponte store. That's a nail in the coffin for rob dogs One Stop, a few more when Lidl opens ;D

Remember the nails next year. They might come back!

was good to c the shop been used again. looked like plenty of people were inside when i went down to diy earlier on. for the upcoming supermarket, it is in the totally wrong place look at the traffic chaos been caused already, thats before it even opens. with the ammount of traffic in the town piling up and up and up and up, what the hell is gonna happen when it opens. it may still be quicker to nip to ponte, thanks wmdc for your truly unsurpassed pleasure you seem to be having at the moment in making the town suffer for trying to be different and making itself better. let me tell you all in your crushy jobs sat behind desks making decisions that affect all here. WE WILL NOT BE STEPPED ALL OVER AND YOU WILL BE HAVING SLEEPLESS NIGHTS WHEN THE INEVITABLE HAPPENS AND SOMEONE GETS KILLED. next you will be introducing a congestion charge  instead of a bypass.

Today was the day WMDC planning met to consider the original amendment and possibly see sense to re-look at the mistake they have made? Results should be in by Monday unless you have a snout. :-X

WMDC today sent a student on placement out on to the business street of Featherstone armed with a clip board.
The student was asking questions about every company such as employees, type of business and anything above. When questioned why ask questions that WMDC all ready have information on as rate collectors, the response was interesting. The information is being gathered as part of a large planning application. When asked what application, the response was cannot comment.
Even more interesting is who will get the information? A supermarket could use the info greatly.
Don’t think he expected being told to **** off. :-X

Joanne Roney OBE
Chief Executive
Wakefield Council
Town Hall
Wood Street
WAKEFIELD
WF1 2HQ
 
12.12.2010
 
Ref: Road works commencing 15th November.
 
Dear Mrs Roney OBE

It has almost been a calendar month since I contacted you regards the grave concerns of the mistake that WMDC were making with the alterations to Wakefield and Pontefract road cross roads.
Although in the passing month I have attended meetings where every private and council individual agrees the whole thing is a mess I have not received from you any response.
Work still continues that is wrong and is still set to make the Pontefract Oriental junction a dream to pass through in comparison.
Should I be contacting someone else? Due to the seriousness of my complaint I assumed that you as head of the council would be the person ultimately responsible.

Regards

 

 ;)
I hope that you are well. I am replying to your Email below to Joanne, who is currently away on leave. I did previously respond to your initial Email on Joanne’s behalf (on 24 November). From your correspondence below it suggests you didn’t receive this. I hope that wasn’t the case.

I am aware that there has been a meeting on site since your initial Email to discuss the road works at the Junction of Wakefield Road, Station Lane, Girnhill Lane etc. Some modifications have been made to the junction design including the pedestrian islands. My transportation team are now satisfied that we have the best layout that can be delivered at this location, given the constraints.. We will of course continue to monitor the situation, but at this stage we do not propose any further alterations.

I apologise for the delayed response.

Kind regards,

Andy Wallhead.

Dear Andrew
 
I thank you for your reply. Personally I am fine thanks and hope you are too whilst coping with all the cuts.
I am sure you wouldn't like me to mince my words as I am sure you know I will not.
I received your email. Sadly it did not answer a single question nor offered any "road" towards a solution to the highway disaster being built. the problem is still here and getting worse in the build up to the greatest Featherstone disaster since our pit shut.
I am not aware of any meeting on site nor any resulting alterations that have been agreed. Please can you inform me what they are? I am not a qualified expert but do have sufficient general knowledge to see what is wrong. if you had attended the last 4 Regeneration steering group meetings you would have heard unanimous agreement by non expert seniors. Surely this has to carry some weight?
In the last week alterations have been made but not to reverse the damage caused but to create more. Last week another lane disappeared on Pontefract road and the whole road moved over. The traffic light sequence also changed. this has resulted in the following;
 
1. Traffic is now queuing back to Purston and Purston Park regularly during every day.
2. traffic on Wakefield road is now backing up more often and with even longer queues.
3. Traffic coming down Station Lane and turning left now has less of a turn and cars parked where there have not been any for years.
 
All 3 point are of concern. Item no 3 is dangerous. I have travelled this road daily for over 20 years. when I turn left now my old habit of keeping away from the kerb have been put in to shock because there is a car parked where I used to drive. There are no road signs stating that there has been an alteration to a major junction. Is this legal? Yesterday I witnessed a 40ft HGV loaded with concrete beams turning left and wide. he braked sharply to a halt as he could not make his turn because of a parked car in the way of the old turning circle. then it got interestingly funny but serious. the car could not move because of the queue behind him. the car driver politely stuck his arm out of the window and pointed to the new road markings. The HGV driver stuck his head out and looked around on the road surface. Realising the road had moved the HGV driver apologised to the car driver. He then shunted his 40ft vehicle about to make his turn. Of course whilst this is going on no one is going anywhere regardless of the traffic lights going from red to green like a disco.
 
I personally will not delivery anything after 2pm because of the travel time involved to drive a couple of miles. whilst out on the road I tried last week to drive down Girnhill lane. I came to a stop outside the new entrance as a 40ft HGV was attempting to manover in to the site. The only way to do this was by going over the curb and up the grass banking. I and others have told many at WMDC about this problem. surely it cannot be forgotten about?
 
To be very straight Andrew the highways are making a mockery of anything called "progress". the fact is this is dangerous. This issue is not going to go away especially after reading a document today from Planning regards the highways that I hope to have a copy of shortly. Andrew you are the "regeneration man". Please do not let this madness continue. Do what you have to. Go to press, take the glory, what ever it takes but please do not let this one chance to make a difference pass by.
 
I apologise for my passion in words. Words are all the tools I have.
 
Regards
 ;)

Why do highways always think changes are for the better? Why change something that has worked well in the past? Take the roundabout at the chinese in Ponte, it worked ok the way it was before the traffic lights were installed, there were no long queues of traffic like there are now. I know the crossroads at the bottom of Station Lane were not ideal, but that was down to the volume of traffic, not the design. The only real solution for Feath is a bypass. The present alterations are just madness. I am not a car driver but even I can see that this design will never work and will just cause more queues and gridlocks and quite possibly something more serious.

You quite right kim,your comments make sense ;D

Good points but... ;D
Why when there is a chance to make a difference is it wasted?
The new layout has taken away 2 lanes. Over used before that will see twice more vehicles with in 3 years.

Yes we need a bypass. A bypass past WMDC nutters. ::)

Mr Ian Thompson
Service Director, Planning, Transportation and Highways
Newton Bar,
Leeds Road,
Wakefield
WF1 2TX
3rd December 2010
Dear Sir,
Planning application 10/02751/SUB01
As you will be aware I was the only objector except for Wakefield MDC Highways department to planning application (08/02751/FUL) **** of neighbourhood food store together with associated landscaping and highway works Junction off Girnhill Lane / Wakefield Road, Featherstone West Yorkshire. You should not have approved the application without full Highway’s approval along with appropriate drawings, yet you allowed this to happen? Why when it is standard practice within the authority to satisfy the planner prior to the application going before the planning committee?  Now you have a situation where the applicant has appealed conditions and won, and yet had you refused the application on Highway grounds, and then the applicant took it to appeal, then the Planning Inspector would more than likely to have refused the application until a scheme satisfied the Highways department.            Notwithstanding your email to me on the 18th October 2010, with what I would class as an improper response.        I did not accept the contents and therefore I need to comment on the proposed application 10/02751/SUB01.  Once again I wish to put on record as I did in 2008, that the current application is unsafe as far as road safety on both the A645 Pontefract and Wakefield road and Girnhill Lane where safety is a priority and should not be compromised until it is completed and a safe standard up to standard of the Department of Transport.     
Why in this instance are you not using the same officer who approved (08/02751/FUL)?
The following are my comments:-
1.   The single access from Pontefract Road is unsafe inasmuch as, any car turning into the site when the bollards are up will create a danger and will cause confusion when the car tries to reverse out on to the main road, it would be better to eliminate it to save any confusion.            Drawing number 01 revision W refers.
2.   The delivery lorry access and egress from Girnhill Lane is far from adequate, even though the access has been widened right up to the existing house 5 Girnhill Lane, the access is too tight, without the lorry going onto the opposite side of Girnhill Lane as my attached illustration shows, note the turning curve and if you notice the lorry goes tight up to the kerb line leaving no room for error.
3.   When the delivery lorry has to reverse in between the cars to access the loading bay is also extremely tight and leaves no room for error, your Highways dept are aware of this.
4.   When the lorry is to egress the site there are numerous problems:-
A          What happens when a lorry it to egress the site meets another lorry entering the site?       This will mean one of them having to reverse creating a safety hazard.
B          There is NO visibility splay to the south of the gas sub station owing to the very high brick wall creating a danger for both the driver whose vision is impaired without going into the centre of Girnhill Lane and also pedestrians alike.
5.   Drawing number 01 revision W, the traffic islands appear to be sub standard as there are already problems with the new island locations, noticeable when turning right out of the right hand Lane from Station Lane towards Wakefield.     Because of the island locations, there will be problems turning right into Girnhill Lane from Wakefield; it will stop all traffic to Pontefract?    It is also possible to widen the A645 as indicated on the attached drawing.
As you will be aware, the stumbling block is number 5 Girnhill Lane and Lidl ought to buy this from ASDA, and re design the site to make it safe for all concerned, otherwise road safety will be compromised.
If Lidl then own the site, I have provided a draft layout with a one way lorry delivery access and car parking for 89 cars, which ought to satisfy both Lidl and the owners of 54 Pontefract Road who will have car access.    I am sure that The Traffic Management Plan proposed could accommodate my idea?           I think it appropriate that your Chief Executive and the Legal Department should be aware as well as the planning and highways committee.
When I sent my objection / proposal in November 2008, I copied in all of the Planning and Highways Committee by email.  They chose to ignore both the Wakefield MDC Highways Department and myself; I do hope that the current Committee will not do the same. To reiterate my comments it is important that they take heed or pay the consequences.
Yours sincerely
Brian Clayton
C.c. Planning and Highways Committee, Chief Executive, Legal Services Featherstone District Councillors

They say patience is a virtue. The reply from the post above by Ian Thompson the head of WMDC planning and highways was worth the wait.

The reply you are about to read is a cracker and now opens many doors. Basically if you’re a big enough company and have some cash you can build what you like and create as much mess as you wish and the authority will turn a blind eye especially when the authority is the contractor.

Good enough for a front page. Wonder what the Pont and Cas will not do.



Dear Mr Clayton
 
Further to your email of the 1 December 2010 regarding the above application I can confirm that your comments were made known to the Planning and Highways Committee when they considered the application to vary a condition regarding the footpath width at the corner of Station Lane/Wakefield Road/Pontefract Road, Featherstone.  The condition had originally imposed as a result of the permission granted in 2 April 2009 for the new Lidl Food Store in Featherstone.  At the time of the original application Members were aware of your comments regarding highway matters but nevertheless were of the opinion that the regeneration benefits of the proposed supermarket (now being developed) outweighed the highways concerns for Featherstone.
 
Ian Thomson
Service Director, Planning, Transportation and Highways
Wakefield Council
Newton Bar
Wakefield
WF1 2TX
Tel: 01924 305858
Fax: 01924 306629
Email: ithomson@wakefield.gov.uk

Gobsmacked!

In fev-speak,they couldn't give a toss >:( :o

Who is Mr Clayton?

I still find it hard to believe the site was even considered as a possibility for a supermarket on that junction let alone was passed and is now been constructed :o :o :o. Totally crazy!!!

Dear  ;D

Thank you for your email of the 14 December 2010.  I can assure you that the design of the junction has been considered in detail in the light of concerns expressed by yourself and others and highways colleagues I am satisfied the new junction will significantly improve pedestrian safety and give the best flows within the constraints of the highway.

I am aware that the situation was discussed at a Regeneration Steering Group in mid November when Ian Thomson attended and he did review the situation following that meeting.  As a result a number of issues that were raised have been looked at and assessed by my Highway Design Engineers. As a result of these investigations my Engineers do not consider that any major design changes are necessary. However a minor change to the Pedestrian Island on Pontefract Road is being looked at with a view to offering maximum protection to the island from HGV’s turning left out of Station Lane. This is seen as mainly a precautionary measure to resolve potential maintenance issues.           

With regard to the white line markings temporary changes have had to be made while the construction has progressed.  In order to construct the carriageway widening work adjacent to the Lidl development on Pontefract Road safely, and keep the queuing at the junction to a minimum, we have had to make temporary alterations to the existing lane positions on Pontefract Road.

The straight ahead and right turn lane has had to be moved closer to the centre of the carriageway to allow the provision of a temporary footway to be set up within the existing carriageway so that pedestrians can access the new pedestrian crossing on the Wakefield Road side of the junction.

It is important to bear in mind that we have schools on both sides of the works and it is our primary concern that school children have safe pedestrian access to the new crossing point, even if this is to the detriment of car users.

Stop lines have been placed further away from the junction to accommodate the left turn out of Station Lane for HGV's.  The junction is now running on the new controller which will become more efficient as the works are completed which is due to happen towards the end of January 2011.

I am happy to discuss in the New Year if helpful

Kind Regards

Andrew Wallhead

As the old song goes..............I can see trouble ahead.

Trouble!!! your not kidding.
The problem will not go away, I.E. every frigging meeting in 2011  ;) ;D

The sad thing is, it will probably take a serious or fatal accident to make them realise they were wrong. Then it's too late.......

The junction is a joke (just like the railway crossing) took me over 10 minutes today to drive down the lane and that’s before the new supermarket is open

Dear Andy
 
Thanks for your reply dated 22nd December.
You confirm that all of the regeneration committee including the three local district Cllrs, many other officials, qualified voices and the Featherstone public can see a disaster being created. You also confirm you are satisfied this wide felt concern is un-founded. Surely the weight of opposition has to raise a bigger question mark over the whole junction?
The regeneration meeting you talk about was highly un-usual. An emergency meeting of the regeneration committee had been called before the last planning amendment hearing date to discuss the problems. This was cancelled. The meeting that Ian Thompson attended was a meeting where the minutes provided prior to the meeting did not include Mr Thompson until the start of the meeting. No opportunity was given to take the relevant facts and listen to a reply face to face.
I have to disagree with your comments about schools and safety. During the period of road works so far the schools have been put in more danger because of the rat runs and queues created. As these are to become a lasting feature of the alterations the schools I am sure will not be very happy. St Thomas School governors who attended the last regeneration meeting expressed this concern. Who knows better about the schools than them?
I could go on and on as every day something is altered to confuse motorists and pedestrians. This week the right turn up Station Lane from Pontefract road is missing a complete traffic light column. There is no indication of when to right.
There needs to be more discussion and quickly by who ever is responsible along with those concerned.

Regards
 ;D

Thank you for your email and letter to the Highways Agency.
 
Firstly may I apologise for any delay in responding to you. Due to the adverse weather conditions, the level of demand on the Agency's Information Line has increased significantly and this has made it difficult for us to respond as quickly as we would like to.

The Highways Agency is responsible for the maintenance and stewardship of motorways and trunk roads in England. A trunk road is defined as a strategic link road between two centres of significant economic importance: such as cities, ports and airports. All other roads fall under the jurisdiction of the local authority. I attach a link of our network here: http://www.highways.gov.uk/aboutus/139.aspx

In response to your enquiry and to the best of my knowledge from the details given, I do not believe that we are the appropriate authority to handle this enquiry as we have no jurisdiction over local authority networks. I can see you have contacted Wakefield Council about this matter. Should you feel unhappy about the conduct of any local authority, may I recommend viewing the Local Government Ombudsman website for advice here: http://www.lgo.org.uk/making-a-complaint/
 
I am sorry I am unable to assist you further.
 
Kind regards,
Claire Coniff, HAIL Advisor
Highways Agency Information Line

Dear Andrew

Happy New Year.

I appreciate there has been no response to my previous letter as it is the Christmas holidays. Due to further incidents and information received I believe you should be updated in between.

Christmas Eve got very spicy at the junction with large queues in all directions. At about 3.30pm a vehicle traveling from Purston attempted to turn right up Station lane. They later admitted they miss read the traffic lights because the traffic light that has been there for 10s of years was simply missing. The result was the vehicle attempting to turn right met another vehicle coming down from Station Lane. By good luck both cars swerved out of each others way. One vehicle ended up across the road and almost took out the new traffic island (that the expert’s state is in a safer place). Luckily no one was hurt.

A Featherstone tradition is the Boxing Day pub crawl. By late afternoon the hundreds of party goers were merry and taking ever more direct routes. One of these was crossing Pontefract Road to Girnhill Lane opposite the news agent. It is a miracle no one was killed. Lots of people crossing a road whilst drivers take a chance on what the missing traffic light column should say. The days drinking ended predictably with traffic cones and crash barrier blocks built up in to a sculpture that took up a full carriageway. This was put right the following day but would have been stopped immediately if the CCTV camera was still working that has been disconnected for months.

Further information and concern comes from a response by Ian Thompson to Brian Clayton that I have been passed a copy of. I have provided a copy below.

From: Thomson, Ian <ithomson@wakefield.gov.uk>
Date: 13 December 2010 14:40
Subject: RE: Planning Application 08/02751/SUB01
To: brian clayton <clayton.brian@googlemail.com>

Dear Mr Clayton

Further to your email of the 1 December 2010 regarding the above application I can confirm that your comments were made known to the Planning and Highways Committee when they considered the application to vary a condition regarding the footpath width at the corner of Station Lane/Wakefield Road/Pontefract Road, Featherstone.  The condition had originally imposed as a result of the permission granted in 2 April 2009 for the new Lidl Food Store in Featherstone.  At the time of the original application Members were aware of your comments regarding highway matters but nevertheless were of the opinion that the regeneration benefits of the proposed supermarket (now being developed) outweighed the highways concerns for Featherstone.
Ian Thomson

Service Director, Planning, Transportation and Highways

Wakefield Council

I and others have asked several times who is responsible to be questioned when a serious accident occurs. Ian Thompson appears to have been nominated as this individual within the local authority. You should find Mr. Thompsons remarks disturbing especially his final comments outlined in red. It appears that WMDC planning and highways do not care about the safety of Featherstone’s public. It also appears that if a business is big enough it will be allowed to do as it pleases. Many small businesses in Featherstone weekly receive visits from WMDC enforcement officers. It is fair to ask how big a business do you have to be in Featherstone to be allowed to get away with what you like. It appears that WMDC are in league with Lidle in some kind of plot to kill its opposition/ competition.

I have notice a huge sign board now erected on the Lidle site facing the road. I am not aware of any planning application? Many businesss in Featherstone have tried for years to advertise themselves better only to be IMMEDIATELY met by removal or threat of prosecution. Surely every business in Featherstone should be given the same chances.

Finally I have attached the letter that received this inadequate response. The letter shows what you expert should have shown. There are two ways of looking at this,

WMDC has made a huge mistake (as employed contractors) that they are prepared to nothing about. Featherstone casualties are stated as acceptable like the loss of infantry at the start of a battle. As this is not a battle the casualties will rack up for years.
Sensible and adequate plans have been provided free of charge by an expert. What are the qualifications of the WMDC experts who paid together cannot come up with a safe plan.
 
Hope to speak to you very

Regards ;)

Happy New Year to you too.

I thank you for your further correspondence of 27 December and 3 January which I have passed on to my transportation colleagues so that they are aware of ongoing issues. I particularly note your comments with regards to the right hand turn up Station Lane and the lack of a traffic light column. I am not clear if and when one is to be erected, but will update on this when I receive further information.

With regards to the general layout of the junction, I can only refer you to my previous correspondence to you dated 22 December in which I did explain that my engineers are satisfied that the design layout meets the relevant criteria and that at the present time we do not consider that further alterations are necessary or feasible.

Kind regards,

Andy Wallhead

Hi Andy
Thanks for the reply. I have to reply again quickly to make some comments and add further very important issues that have arisen.
The missing light column should be outside the travel agents at no 1 Station Lane and have a right turn filter.
Responding for a third time to your reply of 22 December as your definitive answer concluded after consulting your experts I again have to disagree 100%. To stop the game of letter tennis where do I go from here with my disagreement? Not feasible should be feasible.
Will you be commenting on the other issues especially Ian Thompson and planning’s total disregard for public safety in return for more council tax in another reply? Will there also be a Featherstone wide commercial rates reduction as given in other towns as each supermarket opens?
Finally and most importantly is the gas supply on Pontefract road. On New Years Eve the gas main on Pontefract road gave up after its 10s of years use. The gas leaked into 2 properties whose gas was cut of for safety. On New years day a trench was dug outside the properties to the main so a pipe could be swapped. No pipe ever arrived and the properties are still without gas today. They have no heating or hot water and one family has a child that is 7 months old. The national guideline is any home with an under 12 year old should have gas replaced in 24hours. After many hours on the phone today hearing various excuses I have a final answer for reconnection. There are 20,000 gas pipes down nationally and no time scale can be given. The gas people cannot cope. Repair could take weeks.
I am bringing this to your attention because the reason for this burst is due to the same trench being dug and filled 3 times just in the last 2 months. This was work carried out by WMDC. Yes we could argue the toss who is to blame but at the end of the day there are 2 families freezing. It would be a great token to these residents if WMDC workmen coupled the pipe in the hole that is all ready dug. The residents would appreciate any help.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards
 ;)

Totally unacceptable to leave a family with a baby without heat.  >:(
Will be interesting to hear the reply for the gas problem.

Dear  ;D

Thank you for your email.  I agree it is not productive for either of us to continue the “letter tennis”.  The only course of action I can suggest is that I refer the matter to our complaints department and ask them to independently look at the issues you raise.  If you are still not satisfied after their investigation, you may refer the matter to the Local Government Ombudsman.  In any investigation they will be looking into the process followed by the officers involved in any decision. I have to say, with regards to your comments regarding Mr Thomson and The Planning Department, that I know that the highway issues were raised within the report and at committee.  Most planning applications of this scale have some impact on highway movements and all the highways officers can do is recommend how these impacts might be mitigated.  Ultimately it is for the committee to consider all the issues, the pluses and minuses and make a decision.  I do believe that they did this in this case, but I am happy to refer the matter on if you so wish.

With regards to the “missing light column” I have raised this with our transportation team for their comments. I’ll get back to you on this separately.

Finally, I note your comments with regards to the Gas main.  Unfortunately, our engineers are not allowed to reconnect the pipe.  Do you know if any contact has been made with British Gas etc?  If you have a contact, I am happy to speak to them directly to apply what pressure I can to remedy the situation.

Regards,

Andy

 

Dear Andy
Thank you for your reply. My correspondence with yourself has resulted from my original concerns sent to the Chief Executive. There continues a number of my questions un-answered. I will compile this shortly in to a simple numbered list.
I believe it fair to pass this matter to the complaints department. However there is another avenue I have been made aware of. The three Featherstone District Cllrs if in full agreement could call for a public enquiry. At the last Regeneration meeting at least one point was highly agreed upon as being wrong by everyone in the room including the three District Cllrs. I have copied the Three district Cllrs in to this email and would appreciate thier response. If the tune has changed at all I would then like my concerns to be passed to there complaints team.
The right turn traffic light returned on Thursday. I say returned because it is in the wrong place and still leaving the junction without the original number of signals. Yes priorities can be changed as long as road signs inform you. Yes there are no road signs, but hey "the WMDC experts assure all they know what they are doing". Sorry for my whit but the improvement actions deserve it.
On Friday gas was finally restored. As I had all ready said everyone bar God was called for help. Thank you for your offer but action was required instantly after the leak caused by a pipe possibly damaged by repeated roadwork's.
I will confirm the response of the three district Cllrs as it arrives and take matter from there.
 
Regards
 
 ;D

Joanne Roney OBE
Chief Executive
Wakefield Council
Town Hall
Wood Street
WAKEFIELD
WF1 2HQ
 
19.01.2011
 
Ref: Previous concerns forwarded to you
 
Dear Mrs Roney OBE

From my original letters to you in November and December 2010 you put Mr Andrew Wallhead in charge of replying. We have corresponded numerous times mainly due to my questions remaining unanswered. These are now being formulated as a list that will as a final effort be then sent to Mr Wallhead.
My reason for again contacting you is to make you aware of developments in the last week that leave serious questions regards those responsible.
Mr Wallheads last correspondence informed me of two possible options I could take. The fact is that there was a third option. I could ask the three local district Cllrs to ask WMDC for a public enquiry. I am informed that if the three district Cllrs agree that there is a problem then they can request this measure. At a meeting in December 2011 all three Featherstone district Cllrs did just that and all agreed in a recorded meeting(unless the records have been changed). Apparently a public enquiry can not be called for if an officially recorded complaint has been sent to the correct department regards the same matter. On Friday I informed Mr Wallhead that I did not wish to make an official complaint at least until I had heard back from the Featherstone district Cllrs who I had all ready made a request to. Not surprisingly by Monday a twist appeared. On Monday morning I bumped in to Cllr Binnersley. I asked if she had received my request that was also sent to the other two district Cllrs. Cllr Binnersley informed me that she had but was unable to act on my request as she had been informed that I had lodged an official complaint with the correct department at WMDC. I informed Cllr Binnersley that I had not. That was as far as the conversation could go.
My first search to find out what was going on was by making a call to Mr Wallhead. After an odd conversation I was informed that he had miss understood my last reply and had made a complaint on my behalf. Hard to believe especially when I clearly stated “I do not wish to complain”. The options offered for complaint are a waste of time and would have no chance and would waste public money.  A public enquiry would give an honest chance for Featherstone people to try and improve and would be public money well spent.
Mr Wallhead further informed me he would contact the three District Cllrs and inform them that they had been miss informed and could in fact call a public inquiry regards the road issues they all agree on.
This was Monday and I have not heard back from anyone as yet. After checking further I was sad to discover that politics may have intervened for the worse yet again in Featherstone. After inquiring today I discovered something called the whip. It appears that the Labour controlled WMDC will probably “whip” its Cllrs in to submission to turn a blind eye to road safety in Featherstone and make them change their minds regards their original views on the highways concerns. As two of these Cllrs are Labour Featherstone looks doomed yet again.
I must comment that the terms of “whips” I find very concerning. I believed I lived in a democracy where people elected Cllrs so that their area will improve. As I understand the world when a country determines public opinion by “whipping” the people it is usually considered a “communist state”. For me the term “whip” appears to be a legal get out.
I regret having to voice my opinion to you but this will not be the first time false reports have been made or documents have been altered over politics and against Featherstone.
I would be grateful if you could make sure that my concerns are not dismissed any further. The Featherstone junction Highways alterations are a disaster. Please stop wasting anymore public money and correct the mistakes made by WMDC as contractors and planning approvers.


Regards
 ;)

Thank you for your email.

I have asked my independent complaints team to investigate this matter.  You will be contact by them direct.

I have also asked the Council’s Solicitor to confirm to Elected Members there are no powers currently in law or the Council’s Constitution to require a public enquiry, so I am unclear as to the advice you have received.

A Customer Relations Officer who has had no involvement with your complaint will review your case.

Joanne Roney OBE

Chief Executive

Wakefield Council


Dear  ;)
I refer to your previous correspondence to me, our conversation and your Email to Joanne Roney yesterday regarding the same subject.. Firstly, I now have confirmation from our legal department that there is no process by which this matter can be referred to public enquiry. As a consequence, I have now referred the matter to our complaints department for them to look into the matters you raise regarding the junction alterations. You will shortly hear from a member of our complaints team who will deal with future correspondence on this matter.

Regards,

Andy Wallhead

Joanne Roney OBE
Chief Executive
Wakefield Council
Town Hall
Wood Street
WAKEFIELD
WF1 2HQ
22.01.2011

Ref: Another accident at the junction in Featherstone

Dear Mrs Roney OBE

I thank you for your reply. I am sorry for having to contact you again but yet another accident has occurred at the Featherstone cross roads that you should be aware of that again disagrees with the WMDC experts.

On Friday morning the fifth accident in three months occurred (what I know of). You do not have to be an expert to see the problem.

A disabled lady with her 80 year old parents as passengers was traveling from Pontefract and wished to turn right up Station Lane. Correctly she was stationary and indicating to make the right turn whilst trying to work out which set of lights to look at as the original lights that have been in place for 30 years plus had vanished.

Before the lady could complete her turn a bus came along her passenger side with the intention of making a left hand turn up Girnhill Lane. This was again a perfectly correct highway maneuver that travelers have made for over 30 years.

As the bus turned around the non compliant angle of curve that is now in place the buses rear end as would be expected swung out. As the highway is none compliant also in width the buses rear end scraped down the side of the stationary ladies vehicle. The lady was left with two upset elderly and disabled passengers and herself unable to move because of shock. The lady pulled herself together and made the decision to continue her right turn. The lady really wished to change her mind and follow the bus to get details but this could have resulted in even more carnage.

After the lady had recovered from the shock she contacted the bus company. Luckily the bus was fitted with CCTV and had captured the incident. The lady obtained insurance details from the bus company. The lady also informed the bus company that she believes that the junction layout is incorrect. The bus company agreed. They informed the lady that they were now aware of the problem and were considering what actions to take. Interestingly actions mentioned were the possibility that all the bus company’s runs from now on will have to be made with alterations to driving techniques. This could be either by pulling over both lanes to gain the correct turning angle or by instructing drivers to block the carriageway and wait until all other traffic has passed.

This is totally unacceptable and will cause even more delays and bigger queues. No drivers should ever have to alter their driving outside of the Highway Code to accommodate a bad road design.

This is just one incident at one side of the four way junction. The bus services run every 10 minutes. This is how many accidents could be expected. The problem exists not just at this side of the junction but on all sides. A disaster waiting to happen!

Regards ;)

And it will certainly get worse when Lidl opens

Traffic at the junction is worse than ever now, saw a ambulance on an emergency call coming down wakefield road towards Pontefract just couldn’t get by the traffic as the right hand lane which they could normally use for overtaking has now gone. Not be long before we have a fatality, why not alter it now before someone gets hurt ? Stupid council  >:(

Glad you as a normal person can see the mess. Saw an Anbulance myself today with the same problem.
Lidle apparently is opening on the 24th. Thats great. Apitty we will have to queue to get to it or anywhare.

From: Taylor, Dick (Cllr)
To:  ;), Roney, Joanne
Cc: Guy, Pauline (Cllr) ; Binnersley, Kay (Cllr)
Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2011 8:09 AM
Subject: RE: Previous concerns forwarded to you

Myself and my colleagues are working on this issue and are fully aware of the problems, political parties do not come into it neither does the party whip. We are doing everything that we possibly can, and do not need anyone to point out the current obvious problems. If at the conclusion of the works there is still a problem be assured we will be the first people to complain.

Regards

Dick Taylor

 

Dear Cllr Taylor
I thank you for your reply. However it appears that you have not read all of the correspondence that has been sent to you and copied to the two other district Cllrs, Andy Wallhead and the Chief Executive.
I would like to point out that,
1. all ready in writing the chief executive, Andy Wallhead and Ian Thompson have stated that there is no problem with the junction and nothing will be altered regardless that every other person on the planet disagrees.
2. you were informed along with the two other district Cllrs that a course of action to force alterations could be for all three district Cllrs to agree to calling for a public enquiry. This would cost thousands of pounds but for Featherstone would be worth every penny. WMDC could get out of this if an official complaint had all ready been registered. It appears that my last letter that stated "I do not wish to make an official complaint" has been used by the chief executive to do just that. Nothing political of course.
3. as you again agree then why not work with the two other district Cllrs and call for an enquiry? The only thing to put you and Cllr Binnersley as Labour Cllrs would be the party whip. As you confirm the whip will not be used why not go for it?
4. If no one had pointed out the "obvious" problems (that apparently do not exist) we would not be having this conversation. From where the rest of the world is sat WMDC need all the help they can get. As you do not need anyone to help should I not voice concern any further regards the accident rate at the junction rocketing, surrounding streets being rat runs, Featherstone gridlocked, fire, police and ambulance services being delayed and local businesses unable to get about their own town in a reasonable time?
5. you comment that "if at the conclusion of works there is still a problem" you will be the first to complain. This reads as you are not going to do anything until the works are finished and then take a look. I would be very upset as would many other tax payers if then more tax money was spent to correct problems (that don't exist).
6. WMDC are the highways contractors to Lidle. as an officer responsible to WMDC surely you should question bad spending of public funds.
7. You will remember the Featherstone regeneration meeting you attended when Ian Thompson (head of highways and planning) agreed there were issues. You will also not the meetings minutes don't quite say this. Ian Thompson is the person now singing a different song. If you say the whip has not been used fine. A little odd hearing two different opinions wouldn't you agree.
8. WMDC have spent thousands of pounds moving the CCTV camera 1 .5 metres back. I appreciate you do not need obvious problems pointed out. Please can you send me a copy of you complaint letter regards the Lidle advertising sign that has been built at the side of the camera that now blocks 90% of its view.
 
Lidle opens on the 24th of this month. unless WMDC admit the mistakes and get on quickly to resolve them Featherstone highways are doomed. According to Ian Thompson that's ok for the sake of a supermarket.
 
Regards
 ;)

Dear Andy and Cllrs

In the nicest way possible I hope that as you left your meeting tonight you may have run in to and just caught a glimpse of tonight’s problems at the cross roads.

As tonight’s gale force winds increased at 7pm the wind began to take hold of the red and white barriers used by WMDC highways on their roadworks. Eventually the road became blocked and HGVs and coaches were stopping on the junction and having to get out to clear a path.

A resident called in the problem to WMDC contact centre but was told it was a police matter and they should call the. The police were called and did attend. They cleared the road and put back the barriers. No extra weight was added to the barriers.

I have just received a call at 9.20pm informing me that the wind has picked up and the barriers are again on the move. I called the WMDC contact centre and reported the problem. WMDC accepted the report this time but would not at first offer a reference number. I explained that the usual procedure experienced on previous occasions if a log number was not obtained was that the recorded conversation would go missing and staff would suffer from amnesia when questioned.

A log number was finally obtained ref: 309843.

Sorry to bother you all with this but if the blocks are not weighted they will cause more problems. Not that this helps Featherstone but it might save a live.

 

Regards ;)

I have noticed that Girnhill Lane is now a rat run for people wanting to avoid the circus at the bottom of Station Lane! Cars now go up Nunn's Lane, down Girnhill Lane to the fire station and vice versa! It's getting just as busy as the crossroads itself! I know there is nothing new I can add that people don't know about already, but...won't the new island that is being installed be an obstacle for HGV's turning left towards Pontefract from Station Lane? How will cars leave the Lidl Car Park when the exit is right next to a set of traffic lights where cars will be waiting? How many are going to use the Lidl car park as a short cut to avoid waiting at the traffic lights? The list is endless! Me thinks this is one hell of disaster!

P.S. I've noticed there has been a lot of bodge up jobs on the crossroads...(i.e. holes filled in with blobs of Tarmac etc) instead of a complete resurface!

P.P.S. (This isn't anything to do with the supermarket but...) GIVE FEATHERSTONE A BLOODY BY-PASS!

Your spot on Mr T with the faults. Yes a big bodge.
“Regeneration” is the get out word. Lidle are paying WMDC to do the works. WMDC are ignoring a one off chance to improve the junction.
Quote of the week from a senior WMDC officer has to be this “if the junction continues to be a problem after Lidle opens then WMDC will have to put it right”.
Yes that will be at the tax payer’s costs. Estimates to put the junction in to correct order are about 4 people jobs who are now being sacked.
 :(

Well, it must have been a record this morning! The traffic was backed from the bottom of Station Lane, past the high school and all the way back to Houndhill Lane! This is getting way beyond a joke now!  >:(. I also love the signs that have now appeared in relation to the road being re-surfaced! It says "Expect Major Delays". What have we got now if we haven't got major delays and more to the point, what's it's going to be like when they start!

Don’t worry about it mate, if you read the previous posts Dick Taylor and his colleagues are working on the issue and are fully aware of the problems. You do know the Labour party always do the best for Featherstone don’t you ? don’t you ?  ??? ;) ;D

Resurfacing work in Featherstone - Wakefield Road, Pontefract Road, Girnhill Lane and Station Lane crossroads

Wakefield Council will be carrying out work to plane, resurface and white line the crossroads at Wakefield Road, Pontefract Road, Girnhill Lane, and Station Lane in Featherstone from Thursday 17 February to Sunday 20 February.

Traffic will be controlled via temporary traffic lights during this period and some delays are expected for motorists.

 :(

Some delays lol,its going to be horrendous.

I really really hope there are no bad accidents once Lidl opens  :-[

Personally i think things will run smoothly kim. ;D

Hope its better than the red lights stuck in all directions tonight. ::)

The WMDC “experts” have been at it again. Wonder who made the balls up that resulted in the new tarmac being dug up only days after being laid.
Better still I would love to know which WMDC “expert” decided to build a level crossing on the main Featherstone/ Pontefract/ Wakefield BT junction manhole cover without telling them.
It was a refreshing change to here the strong language from the BT “experts” who made the highways very aware that Featherstone could be cut off if this junction is damaged. ::)

the Lidl in Featgherstone is brilliant
Lidl and Aldi a great places to shop

Hello to you all - I am a new member and have read a few of the recent posts and look forward to reading the other views held on this forum over the next few weeks and I hope to be a valued contributor.   

So, a little bit about me…..

Today it's time for my weekly shop and I will try out the Featherstone Lidl instead of my usual journey to Pontefract's Tesco's. I have heard some great things about the food at Lidl  from family and friends so I am really looking forward to it. I will post my views once I have sampled the goods.

Thought I'd mention what a surprise the look of the new Supermarket is and how the road layout has surpassed the very grim expectations I  and most of my friends held a few weeks ago. First impressions are that it seems to be a good job - effective and looks good. I have heard a few people say that it brightens up the place a bit and I am inclined to agree. As I am writing this I am remembering the long queue's  on Station Lane and Wakefield Road yesterday but I have not seen any worsening of the situation because of the Lidl opening. These queue's have been with us for a couple of years now and I recall that it took me over 10 minutes to get through the round-a-bouts into Pontefract at 5:30 last evening. Congestion is now a fact of life. I travel to Leeds each morning at rush hour so I might have a little more patience with crazy traffic conditions than some other people.

So - the proof will be in the pudding after my shop but for now I like this new place we have. Well done to who ever has made this happen.

Thumbs Up from me as well. The food I bought has been fantastic and the price is extremely competitive.
I'll still get some shopping from Tescos but the bread, meat, vegetables and cold meats and cheeses certainly are a bargain quality product.
Beats all of the stuff you get from the Greengrocer's in the lane. Even the booze beats the so called Bargain Booze shop that we have had to put up with.

Lidl and Aldi as well do quality fresh stuff, good wines, and lots of interesting European food like speciality cheeses and stuff like that. I buy my olive oil from there, as well as pasta, rice all: the basiscs.It looks good in its situation just back from the cross roads as well.

DITTO,and not forgetting their own fresh baked bread ;D

Appeal Decision
Site visit made on 4 May 2011
by Susan Heywood BSc(Hons) MCD MRTPI
an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
Decision date: 8 June 2011
Appeal Ref: APP/X4725/A/11/2144975
Girnhill Lane / Wakefield Road, Featherstone
• The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
against a refusal to grant consent, agreement or approval to details required by a
condition of a planning permission.
• The appeal is made by Lidl UK GmbH against the decision of City of Wakefield
Metropolitan District Council.
• The application dated 18 May 2009, sought approval of details pursuant to condition No.
20 of a planning permission Ref 10/01938/FUL, granted on 25 November 20101.
• The application was refused by notice dated 21 January 2011.
• The development proposed is “the **** of neighbourhood foodstore together with
associated landscaping and highway works”.
• The details for which approval is sought are: “crime prevention / security measures”.
Decision
1. I dismiss the appeal.
Reasons
2. The appellants have submitted details of the proposed security measures at the
recently constructed Lidl store in accordance with the requirements of condition
20 on application 10/01938/FUL. The main issue in this case relates to the
effectiveness of those security measures in deterring crime.
3. In consultation with the Police Architectural Liaison Officer, the Council raised
concerns in relation to the lack of security gates across the entrance to the
service area / loading bay. No issue is raised with any of the other proposed
security measures as detailed in the appellants’ letter of 18 May 2009 and the
submitted plans. This decision will therefore concentrate on the lack of security
gates to the service area and whether this would render the proposed security
scheme unacceptable.
4. Policy D15 of the Local Development Framework Development Policies
Document for Wakefield seeks to ensure that development proposals reduce
the opportunities for crime. The policy indicates that natural surveillance will
be one of the factors taken into account in assessing development schemes.
The service area is located to the rear of the store adjacent to the southern
boundary of the site. It adjoins the car park to the rear of a working men’s
club to the south of the site and is located in a part of the site which is not
directly overlooked by any of the surrounding properties. It therefore has poor
1 A previous planning permission reference: 08/02751/FUL was granted by the Council on 9 April 2009. That
permission also contained condition 20 relating to crime prevention / security measures.
Appeal Decision APP/X4725/A/11/2144975
http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk 2
natural surveillance, unlike the areas of car parking to the north and west of
the store.
5. I have had regard to the evidence presented in relation to crime and anti-social
behaviour in this area. Whilst that seems to be predominantly focussed on the
shops on Station Road to the north, it is possible that the newly constructed
Lidl store may become a further focal point for such behaviour. In particular,
the presence of doors into the rear of the premises may prove an attraction for
attempted criminal activity given the poor level of natural surveillance. I
therefore share the Council’s concerns in relation to the design of the security
measures as they relate to the service area.
6. The appellants state that the presence of security gates would affect the
turning circle, but no evidence is presented to support this argument. It would
appear from my site inspection and from the submitted plans that it would be
possible to install gates without affecting the manoeuvring space for a delivery
vehicle.
7. The appellants also refer to the creation of an enclosed area which itself could
have negative impacts; increased interest in the area; creation of an
unobserved area if criminals do succeed in gaining entry; encouraging staff to
use it as an outside storage area. These concerns could be overcome through
appropriate design of the security gates and through advice to staff. I note the
proposed CCTV system. Whilst this may make it easier to identify perpetrators
or pin-point undesirable activities as they happen, I have no evidence to
suggest that this would provide a deterrent to such activities occurring in the
first place.
8. The appellants also argue that the requirement for a delivery driver to open the
gates would add to the delivery time, having a cumulative impact over the
course of a week. However, I agree with the Council that there would be no
need for the security gates to be closed during the opening hours of the store.
Thus the installation of gates would not impact on deliveries which take place
during store opening hours. Even if all deliveries take place outside opening
hours of the store, it would be possible to design the gates to minimise the
time spent opening and closing them by the driver.
9. I accept that the standard Lidl design does not include measures such as
security gates, but I note the appellants’ agreement that natural surveillance is
considered to be most effective in deterring crime. In this instance, the service
area within the scheme does not benefit from good natural surveillance.
Accordingly, in the light of the evidence in this case and despite the possible
effects on the timing of deliveries as outlined above, I conclude that the lack of
security gates to the service area would reduce the effectiveness of the
proposed security measures in deterring crime. The proposed security scheme
would conflict with the advice in policy D15 of the Local Development
Framework Development Policies Document and would therefore be
unacceptable.
10. I note the concern from a local resident in relation to non-compliance with
conditions and highway matters. None of these matters are before me in this
appeal and I am not therefore in a position to comment upon them.
11. For the reasons given above I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed.

The last document posted was either to complicated or the mouth zips have been forced on some folk.

Be happy, Lidle is built and running. Be even happier if you are a developer or anyone wishing to use WMDC planning. The way forward has been shown. Apply for the minimum to get a pass then add lots of amendments. If these are rejected simply appeal them as this allows you to carry on building. Featherstone can REARLY get developed now (that’s being sarcastic of course). ;D ::)

No mouth zip on me,i just found it too complicated ;D ;D

Missed it, just read it, dont understand it  ;D

I'm happy. Lidl is a great asset to the town and the bottom of thre lane is better for it.

The bottom of the lane is a disaster and just waiting for an accident to happen, yesterday I was waiting to pass through the lights from the Wakefield Road side when a lady driver was waiting to turn right onto Girnhill Lane but she hadnt pulled over to the right enough and nearly got her back end taken out, this morning I was at the lights outside the chinese waiting to turn left, I had my indicator on, the lights changed I had just set off when this large wagon full of pallet boards turned right from Ponte road and I had to brake quickly. There are a number of very near misses everyday with this layout, there was even a woman filming it all earlier this week.
As for Lidl I tried it the other Friday afternoon with the wife, there was us 2 and an elderly couple, and a woman with two kids and thats at 3.30 on a Friday aft, there was more staff inside and the guy at the checkout was reading the paper, its ok if you want a few bits like fruit and veg and milk, a lot of the freezer compartments were empty and some other stuff isnt that cheap, we wont be going again, but at least the youths have somewhere to skate now and hang out.

Empty ever time ive been in  ???

always seems bustling when I've been in.
I don't see what the gender of the driver in the incident you mention has to do with anything
the instances you describe don't seem to be related to the well marked road lay out.
There have been some terrible accidents there over the years-one fatality I saw myself involving a pedestrian and a tanker quite  afew years ago now.

Their bread is nice,and the veg is very good,but the wife says she can't do a big shop there. ;D

I remember that,i think it was a little girl,maybe in the late fifties.

correct.
as a pedestrian I find the junction much easier to use than it used to be.
the bottom of thr lane and the top of the knob crossroads were always death traps.
I think the situation is much better than it has ever been.

I'm surprised no one has brought up the issue of shop fronts on Station lane/Station Road. They lower the tone, and spoil the feel of the place-there are some pleasing old buoldings in the lane that feature in historic photographs of the place, asnd I detest that windswept little 'precinct' with its tacky memorial, as well as that scruffy parade of shops where bargain booze is.
The only building with any class on the lane is the Gospel Hall. The main street of the towen  is being sold short.

Thought as part of the regeneration of the town the shop fronts on Station Lane were being done up

Have to agree and disagree with you.
Pedestrians are safer unless a vehicle is out of control and where the pedestrians then become cattle in a walled pen.

Shop fronts are a cracking subject. Just to start the conversation with one of the many simple illegal points that would make a great difference to the lane if enforced are the roller shutters. The planning requirement for Featherstone is perforated metal with plastic coating in a colour only to be taken from the WMDC colour chart. If you can see a bright galvanized roller shutter it has no planning permission. It should be the job of WMDC planning enforcement. They are short staffed unless you don’t vote labour. In that case they will be out in hours. By the day Lidle are setting the standard for WMDC enforcement.

as a pedestrian I feel safer with the current system. The scenario you depict is far more unlikely than the  alternatives.
I don't have any thoughts about the colours of the security shutters quite frankly.
The town ahs to attract people wo live in it, enjoy living in it asnd spend money in it.
The tacky mismatch of frontages, the stalinist precinct with its apology for a memorial, the lego parade of shops at the top of the lane make the place very unattractive to prospective inhabitants.
There are some interesting businesses. I like the little hardware shop with its merchandise displayed outside like the old photographs that we are familiar with. Not many towns have a model railway shop. The fruit/veg shop especially when it has bedding plants displayed outside is excellent, and Dransfield's carrys on a tradition albeit not owned by Dransfields. My favourite is Carolyn's deli: superb takeaway food and great service. I think the indian restraurant near the top of the lane shoiws how good a modern frontage can look, but the lane is a depressing place that makes the town unattractive.
I visit Tickhill regularly. It's smaller than Featherstone, but shows what can be done

I agree seneca, the precinct is an eyesore. Station Lane badly needs "doing up". I have no idea what shutters are used because I would never venture up there after dark. I also agree with feeling safer as a pedestrian, I can cross more safely at the newsagents side of the crossroads now, although I don't know what the experience is for drivers.
Although the supermarket was a welcome need, I still feel it was built in the wrong place. Reminds me of the ridiculous placement of Asda in Ponte.

fair enough about the supermarket, we all have our own ideas.
where is the ASDA in ponte? I honestly don't have a clue, and I visit regularly.

Its at the end of halfpenny lane,on the opposite corner to Harrats renault dealers. ;D

in that case your point is well made

I'm going of the topic here, Seneca Bond, who's picture is that on your name tag in this forum? it's not who I think it is, is it?
just wondering who the gentleman was.

clement atlee
britain's greatest prime minister

Sorry, again off topic and sorry Seneca but Winston was the best. ;D
Sounds a great topic. Please can the last posts be moved?

is that the same winston who opposed the health service, was behind the disastrous Dardanelles campaaign, was led by the nose by Stalin at yalta?
I've got more if you want.
He made some inspiring speeches. Although they quite often weren't actually made by him. The ones that were recorded were made by the actor who played the older bloke in the menswear department in 'Are You being served'.
Then of course there was his handling of the 1921 miners strike etc etc.

He made some inspiring speeches. Although they quite often weren't actually made by him. The ones that were recorded were made by the actor who played the older bloke in the menswear department in 'Are You being served'.

I've just been educated SB  ;D ;D

http://www.fpp.co.uk/bookchapters/WSC/Observer291000.html
hope this helps

It wouldn’t surprise me if Winston also had a double. War was war and any propaganda given to the enemy to demoralize had to be good.
My own admiration comes not from politics or a party but simply because who else would have won the Great War that today allows me to speak English and not German? After the war he was soon gotten rid of so that the fat cats could continue.

who else? All the people and countrys taking part: which is what actually happened.
Churchill or whoever made some good speeches and looked pugnacious, but that was about it. His record in various roles in governmentduring a long career  is deeply questionable from a moral point of view and from a competence point of view.

http://www.globalresearch.ca/articles/CHU407A.html

this wasn't a question of warefare, but tribes who were 'getting in the way'.

Looks like Lidle got away with altering planning,

https://planning.wakefield.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=M1ZXI7QQ01T00

The incorrect planning decision passed by WMDC was against its own highways department who said "when someone is killed"........... That's not "if someone is killed". Last weekend yet another serious accident at the junction has taken the total in 2 years to over 15 incidents. The clock is ticking and sadly the law of averages suggests that WMDC highways were right. A death is soon on the cards.........

(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99/yetion1/210914carcrash-Copy2.jpg) (http://s246.photobucket.com/user/yetion1/media/210914carcrash-Copy2.jpg.html)

WHOOOOOOPS!
Another accident at the cross roads  :o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvE-apwemdo

Planning in for Pop Factory site,

https://planning.wakefield.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=NTGO82QQK3200

For some un-known reason there appears to be allsorts of un-usual happing's on the webpage for the planning application for the old pop factory.

IF YOU KNOW ALITTLE ABOUT FEATHERSTONES HISTORY TAKE NOTE OF THE PUBLIC INFORMATION NOW!

You will find some of the reports very interesting. Over 100 people have made comments before this information appeared. Wonder what they think now? ::)

Another Station Lane cross roads crash........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYUCo3hEQ3M

The old pop factory site has been busy for many weeks fitting drains. Seem to have missed the underground surface water holding tank being fitted before building began last week.
Not bad for one day. Usually about 2 moths to opening from this point.

(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99/yetion1/DSC00885.jpg) (http://s246.photobucket.com/user/yetion1/media/DSC00885.jpg.html)

The traffic is increasing and the accidents keep coming.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L5hIy5Y9H8

Another crash...............
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6-VQTD95FU

260/16 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The meeting was opened for members of the public to address the Council on matters relevant to its business. Mr W Field and Mr A Thompson of 182 and 184 Priory Road spoke to express their concern that the Beck to the rear of their property and Aldi’s was full of rubbish. Flood water was also coming off the Aldi site which was resulting in their gardens being affected with a rise in water levels.

Have to say I told you so as well as all the WMDC departments that commented on the 1st planning application that then disappeared for 10 days and re-appeared without the concerned reports after investigation of inevitable flooding to the Priory Road estate.
Yorkshire Water as usual have copped for the flack and have been investigating for the last month. There is no cure unless the original correct plan is now built. ::)

There must have been a fate genie working in Featherstone over the last 24 hours or the Labour Party who doesn’t read this forum panicked. Out of the blue less than 24 hours after a forum post Yorkshire Water are calling and asking questions. Apparently they are not happy that the passed planning application for the Pop Factory site now rests with them to cure any problems. And problems there are! ::)

A bit more unusual this time. A white male drives across the junction and appears to forget he is driving. His car drifts on to the curb and takes out the large BT box. Many homes and business now have no phones or internet and the fix will not be a quick one. Meanwhile the driver locks his car and walks of up the street and possibly catches a taxi. Last week a similar accident happened at the top of the street. Is it the same guy?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CpQobYk4dQ

If you have been wondering or one of those still complaining about disrupted phone services in Featherstone since 11th February 2017 when a main BT box was destroyed you will probably like to know the reason for the delay according to BT is planning permission?  ::)