New Year Messages

Published on 28th December 2006 in News

Goole Town Mayor Kevin Duffy

As we say goodbye to 2006 and welcome in 2007, I say 'Cheers' to the new year for giving us a chance to make even more improvements and giving me another chance to break a bad habit.

It has been a fairly good year, but by making a few changes we can make next year even better.

Thanks to the talent, effort and general support from the public of Goole and Old Goole, I am very confident for the future prospects of our town.

During 2006, I was fortunate enough to be invited to many of the town's organisations and witnessed how much hard work is needed to keep these community organisations running, most of which is done by unpaid volunteers.

I am asking you where possible to support these organisations that most of us (or someone you know) depend on.

Many changes are promised for 2007 and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition.

These include: The development of Junction 36, which will possibly include car showrooms, a hotel, restaurants, access to the Oak Hill countryside park, the Tesco warehouse plus even more to be announced.

Demolishing most of Vermuyden School and building a new state-of-the-art school.

A state-of-the-art health centre with medical student training facilities.

An arts centre to include a cinema and stage for live events - all of which sound far too exciting for a town labelled 'Sleepy Hollow.'

Also on the calendar for 2007 are the local elections in May which hopefully promise to include a few surprise nominations if the constant criticism of hardworking councillors has anything to go by.

All this just leaves me to say: Here's wishing you more happiness than all my words can tell, Not just alone for New Year's Eve but for all the year as well.

Cheers - Cllr Kevin Duffy, Mayor of Goole.

Goole MP Ian Cawsey

"2006 has been a busy year in Goole and the surrounding area. Yet we can look forward to 2007 as we see exciting ideas for the area begin to take shape.

"It has been great to see plans being developed for a new Vermuyden, a new healthcentre, new jobs at Centreport, a cultural centre with a cinema and live arts, a country park and new services for Goole Hospital. I look forward to seeing all of these projects move forward next year and I am confident that we can attract still more for our area. For example I want to see further progress on a post-16 education centre for the town that will build our skills base and give local people the chance to access the best educational facilities.

"But for all of that I know there is much to do. Over the year I've met with lots of local people and organisations and have welcomed the many views and ideas you have. Indeed many of the issues and campaigns I end up being involved with are inspired by local people. Togerther I think we have made a difference and I am sure that we can do so in 2007 and beyond. I hope you enjoy a happy and peaceful New Year."

Howden Mayor Ingrid Ridley

"Yet another busy year for the Town Council, with a number of ongoing projects undertaken by some very active councillors.

"The refurbishment of Howden Marsh Local Nature Reserve keeps all volunteers busy at the weekends, the plans are to complete the renewal of the boardwalk in the New Year. Volunteers welcome!

"The Council has taken over the management of the Derwent Play Park and we also hope to start work soon on developing the Shelford Avenue play area. The Council is very conscious of the need for more facilities for young people and continues to fund the Youth Café in the Shire Hall.

"The Council Grants to local organisations amounted to £35,000 this year.

Unfortunately, this year The Council lost three valuable members. Brian Leighton sadly died after serving on the council for four years, Roger Hill retired on the grounds of ill health, after being on the Council for eight years. Mark Birtles' resignation after six years means his contributions are also missed.

"The Council continues to resist the unwelcome 'back garden' development going on which inevitably seems to result in the loss of so many mature trees in the town, notably on Knedlington Road. The controlled parking zone has its supporters and its detractors, and the council has consulted and contributed to the review being undertaken by the ERYC. We continue to press the ERYC on the use of Flatgate by heavy goods vehicles as they seem unable to impose the weight restriction on that road that they approved some years ago.

"We look forward to 2007 to see the new town website up and running and progress on the above issues."