Dear resident,
This is the last mailing of 2020 and what a strange year it has been. On behalf of Bingley Town Council, I’d like to wish all residents the very best for Christmas and the New Year, despite the current restrictions. Please stay safe and follow the guidelines to keep yourself and loved ones healthy. See below for Christmas advice. Vaccinations against COVID-19 have begun in Bingley at Oak Glen Surgery for the most vulnerable and hopefully by the spring we will all be able to take advantage of this.Â
This month, sadly the Council has said goodbye to two of our longest-serving and most respected councillors, Ros Dawson and Edwina Simpson, councillors for Priesthorpe Ward. Councillor Dawson was the driving force behind establishing a Council for Bingley and her vision and energy have helped to transform Bingley and to generate a sense of purpose and self-worth for the town which will be a lasting legacy. Councillor Simpson has been, among many other things, a dedicated and enthusiastic standard bearer for the improvement of our green spaces and the environment in general and her work is clearly visible in the planters, hanging baskets and floral displays which improve the ‘look’ of Bingley so beautifully. They will both be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to work with them for the betterment of Bingley. I wish them the very best for their future plans and offer my heart-felt thanks to them both. Residents of Bingley have much to be grateful for in the service they have given to the town.Â
This means there are now vacancies for two councillors which must be filled. Â Residents can petition for an election. This needs to be done in a prescribed way and is dealt with by the Bradford Council Elections Unit electoralservices@bradford.gov.uk If an election is called it will take place in May 2021, but if this is not requested then the Council may begin a process of Co-option of candidates. Please consider if you have the skills, interest and enthusiasm to join the team of volunteer councillors who work to improve Bingley as a place to live, work and play.
Thank you to all who subscribe to the monthly mailing for your interest and support for Bingley Town Council. I hope that 2021 will bring a more stable, healthier and safer year for all our residents.Â
Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.Â
Helen Owen, Chair of Bingley Town Council.
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Edwina Simpson
Ros Dawson
At the Full Council Meeting on December 15th the draft budget was considered by Councillors and will return to the agenda on January 19th for its final approval and setting of the precept. This is the core of the Council’s work as without an agreed budget the different projects which are in place or planned cannot proceed. Following a successful audit report, Bingley Town Council recently reviewed and approved its audit Plan and Effectiveness of Internal controls and arrangements to protect money.  Good governance and management are essential to the future success of the Council
In 2021 the Neighbourhood Plan will be completed and a referendum will be held in which residents will be given the opportunity to comment on how Bingley will look in the future. The Town Council hopes that everyone will engage in this and approve the work and vision contained in the Neighbourhood Plan, which is the result of a three-year collaboration between councillors and residents.
The ‘Changing Places’ working group is now in place and will be working hard to deliver this facility.
Representatives from many groups in Bingley participate here working to improve the environment for all residents and new volunteers are always welcome.
Grants for local community groups and organisation
Bingley Town Council has awarded £56,800 in grants to local community groups and organisations since 2016.  During the pandemic most groups have not been able to function as normal but the council hopes that, as and when the situation improves groups will again apply for grant support for their projects.
Keighley IncineratorÂ
The Town Council has noted the decision by Environment Agency to grant a licence for the disposal all of waste at the proposed Keighley Incinerator and will continue to give support to the efforts of local MPs and the Aire Valley Against Incinerator group where possible
Bingley Monthly Market
The last market of 2020 was a resounding success with many new stalls selling high quality, locally produced food, drink and goods. The markets will resume on Saturday February 6th and the first Saturday of the month thereafter. It is hoped that the council will be able to resume the provision of popular musical entertainment some time in 2021.
Shipley Area Committee: Cleaner Streets, Parks and Open Spaces
Bingley Town Council are currently working with Shipley Area Committee to consider the potential for providing external ash trays at street level outside licensed premises in order to improve the current situation of litter on the pavements.Â
Christmas Rules and COVID 19
The Government has made changes to the restrictions that allow families to get together over the festive period and will be providing more detail.
You may only choose to form a Christmas bubble on Christmas Day (25 December)
What is a Christmas bubble?
A Christmas bubble will be able to spend time together in private homes, to attend places of worship, or meet in a public outdoor place.
Existing support bubbles count as one household towards the three household limit. This means that if you are in a support bubble, you can collectively form a Christmas bubble with two other households. This applies only to support bubbles as set out in law. You should, however, consider the risks of doing so and keep your Christmas bubble as small as possible. The two households in a support bubble can choose to join separate Christmas bubbles.
Read guidance on making and using a support bubble.
The following rules apply to Christmas bubbles:
you can form an exclusive ‘Christmas bubble’ composed of people from no more than three households
you can only be in one Christmas bubble
you cannot change your Christmas bubble
you can only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces
you can continue to meet people who are not in your Christmas bubble outside your home according to the rules in the tier where you are staying.
you cannot meet someone in a private dwelling who is not part of your household or Christmas bubble
How to stay safe in your Christmas Bubble
Start to reduce unnecessary contact with people you do not live with as much as possible in the two weeks before you form your Christmas bubble.
Risk will be reduced if you always try to maintain a 2-metre distance
Ensure rooms are well ventilated to allow fresh air to circulate
To really reduce COVID risk wear face coverings as much as possible
Higher risk activities are eating, sleeping in the same room, and playing games closely together
Even though you can meet your Christmas Bubble inside, the lowest risk is always outdoors whilst maintaining social distancing.
Remember, just because you can it doesn’t mean you have to:
It is important to remember that you don’t have to form a Christmas bubble, the fewer people you are in close contact with the lower the risk of catching COVID.
If you choose not to form a Christmas bubble you should continue to follow the local guidelines in your area.
Visiting bars, pubs and restaurants
The current rules on bars, pubs and restaurants, will not change during the festive period. Hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha venues), pubs, cafes and restaurants will remain closed, even during 23 to 27 December. However, they are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.
In all other settings, people should follow local very high restrictions in place for Bradford District.
If you do not form a Christmas bubble, you should continue to follow the guidance for the tier in your area. See last month’s mailing.
Christmas travel measures
The Department for Transport have announced plans to help minimise disruption and help people to be able to travel safely if they need to over the Christmas period.
You can read more about the measures on the Department for Transport website.
Officer hours
The Town Council’s office is closed due to the lockdown with staff working from home. Bingley Town Council can be contacted by email at enquiries@bingleytowncouncil.gov.uk or by telephone on the following numbers:
- Town Clerk – 07703 188660
- Administrative Officer – 07856 365806 (hours will vary)
Dates for your diary
Most activities, including group litter picks and markets, are currently on hold.
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The next ordinary meeting of the Town Council is at 6.30pm on:Â Â Tuesday 19 January 2021
The meeting will be held on Zoom. Formally convened Town Council meetings are not password protected and agendas for meetings containing the link for the meeting can be found on the Town Council website and on our Facebook page.
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You can see all the council’s meeting dates in the calendar of the Events section of its website, and a full listing is available as a separate document, updated weekly, in the Documents section of the site.
Newsletter distribution
So that we can keep as many people as possible informed, please do share this newsletter with friends and family and encourage them to subscribe too.
Bingley Town Council, Myrtle Place, Bingley BD16 2LF
Dear Helen Owen. The Vaccination programme in Bingley is at Canalside Health Centre. I went last Monday for my 1st vaccination – 2nd one due on 6th Jan. Oak Glen Surgery is part of the Bingley Bubble which includes Oak Glen, Bingley Medical Practice, Wilsden Surgery and Baildon and also the other practice at Canalside. This vaccination programme is being rolled out at 500 practices throughout the country. So Canalside is very lucky. The organisation was superb with social distancing and very efficient staff. I thought I should make you aware of this in case people started turning up at Oak Glen.