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‘Creating an illusion’

Morley Observer/Advertiser 2007 Stewart McArdle’s letter in last week’s Observer and Advertiser shed some well needed light on the inner workings of the Morley Borough Independents Party. Mr McArdle spoke about the endless press releases and letters sent out by the MBIs in order to create the illusion that they are responsible for the work of others. A perfect example of this can be found in last week’s paper with the article entitled ‘New move to solve motorcycle problem.’ The implication is that the Morley Borough Independents have been responsible for these measures. As usual, however, this is not the case. For a start, the ginnel that is to benefit from the A-frame deterrent is on Millside Walk, not Millbeck Approach. The MBIs have not even checked their facts before trying to claim credit for other people’s work. I have been in touch with a number of local residents from this area over the past year regarding the continued problems with anti-social behaviour associated with this ginnel, which includes the issue of the illegal riding of motorbikes through it. I have liaised with the local police and also youth workers who have targeted this area, and I have also been in touch with various council officers and departments with a view to the possibility of having the ginnel closed altogether (which a considerable number of local residents want) or at least to have the issue of illegal motorbike riding addressed through such measures as those discussed above. I was happy to recently find out that an ‘A’-frame has been approved for this location, which should at least stop motorbikes being ridden through this ginnel, if not address the other related problems. Whilst I am happy with this result, I had not intended to send out a press release about this, as I believe that councillors should spend their time just getting on with their job and helping people with issues like this, and less time crowing about such achievements in the press. Nevertheless, if people would prefer to see an MBI-style comedy press release from me regarding this issue, complete with a photo of me grinning and pointing at the newly-installed A-frame, please let me know and I will see what I can do. I might even invite the MBIs along for the photo-shoot. Cllr. Chris Beverley British National Party Morley South, Leeds City Council