Monthly Update from Councillor Emmie Bromley.

Since being elected I have been working hard to change the culture and

perception around Authorities and Councils, so that voices are heard. Whether it be in Chamber, Scrutiny, Board meetings or being welcomed to local events and listening to the community in Horsforth. Alongside Labour Councillors Ray Jones and John Garvani, I cover a wide array of requests, issues and funding focuses. 

On this note, I am publishing my first monthly blog, which not only keeps you up-to-date on the work that is being done for Horsforth but also to highlight how I can be there to provide help and support to all who may need it.

Last month, May, in Horsforth, marked many local events and plans for the summer ahead.

I was proud to attend the 80th Anniversary of VE Day in Horsforth, that included a parade which arrived at Hall Park Bandstand. Honouring all of those who gave their lives for us, for our freedom and our democracy, is a time, for me like many, of deep reflection of the courage and bravery of all who fought to keep our country free.

With our military, both past and present, in mind I invited Stephen Boardman, Deputy Lord Lieutenant in West Yorkshire, who served in the Parachute Regiment, and psychotherapists Zoe Tzanetis and Mia Varley from Community Interest Company Resilient Bonds to the civic hall to discuss mental health provision for those in military service and blue light services. Resilient Bonds combats generational trauma by equipping individuals who serve in military and emergency services and their loved ones with emotional skills. Their work is inspiring and vital to so many.

The Leeds Outer North West Community Committee has been restructured to include the council wards of Horsforth, Otley & Yeadon, Guiseley & Rawdon, and Weetwood. In May the annual committee council meeting was held at Leeds Civic Hall Chamber, and I was delighted to be re-elected to Chair this vital committee that makes such important decisions about our services such as community safety, health and wellbeing, employment and also environmental improvements to name but a few.

In the wake of the horrific attacks in Headingley in April in which a man carrying weapons brutally attacked two women, I invited Soundproof Box to Leeds Civic Hall to learn more about their interactive productions around healthy relationships and dynamics. Soundproof Box’s mission is to eliminate patterns of abuse and educate society in its role in calling out unwanted behaviour and supporting survivors. I introduced their representatives to the deputy leader of the council Cllr Jonathan Pryor, and we explored possible support pathways for victims along with discussing the worrying rise of misogyny.

Horsforth Town Council also saw a change in May, and during our Annual General Meeting, we elected our outstanding town councillor, Gill Garvani, who represents Victoria Ward, as council Chair. I’d like to offer my fullest congratulations to Gill and look forward to continuing to work with her and I’d also like to thank previous Chair Simon Dowling for leading the Town Council with such passion and enthusiasm.

There is to be a Horsforth Town Council by-election on Thursday 26th of June and local campaigner Alan Radford is our Labour candidate who is standing to join me in representing Brownberrie Ward.

I have been busy organising ‘Playful Anywhere’ which will take place at Low Lane Rec on Sunday 22 June, 12 pm-3 pm. There will be free arts & crafts, den building, picnic space along with the Horsforth Olympics that has been organised by a Horsforth Youth Ambassador Victória Martinho Vieira Da Cunha, I’d like to send a huge thank you to Victória and also to Leeds Youth Services who I have worked with to make this event happen. I’m looking forward to what I know will be a brilliant afternoon.

Some other aspects of my work as your Councillor in May were:

. I met with Horsforth Climate Action’s Penny Pinn and others to contribute to the conversation of Biodiversity in Horsforth.

. Supported two people who are homeless and currently ‘sofa surfing’ around Horsforth and discussed ongoing support.

. Referred one family to Horsforth Pantry so that they could receive the urgent support they required.

. Attended the Adults, Health, and Active Lifestyles Scrutiny Board call-in regarding a decision about the council’s consultation regarding moving an adult’s mental health provision base from Armley to Calverlands Centre in Horsforth.

. Joined a role drop-in session to discuss community safety during community committees.

. Became Trustee on Kirkstall Valley Park Board, which discussed focus around biodiversity, community access / awareness and university link studies.

. The international circular fashion show at Leeds Beckett University, which I opened, attracted considerable interest in environmental and sustainable fashion movements.

. Met our localities officer to discuss meetings / arrangements and dates for the community committee.

. Joined ‘Play Day.’ A local community organised event on Drury Field.

. Continued follow up on decision making around highways adoption of Westbrook Lane.

. Followed up on the issue of flooding around Cragg wood area and ensuring that the paths are being monitored and maintained.

. Used MICE money for Horsforth Climate Action’s ‘Walk to school week’ posters.

. Worked alongside freelance Hub Worker, Etty O’Toole, contracted to work with Horsforth Climate Action to choose the winning posters designed by school children in Horsforth for Walk to School Week.

In addition, I also held my help and advice surgeries. If you require any support, then please do not hesitate to contact me or attend one of my surgeries as listed below.

With very best wishes,

Councillor Emmie Bromley

To follow me on Facebook please click HERE

 Emmie.Bromley@leeds.gov.uk

Phone number: 0113 3788816

 Office Address:

Labour Group Office

Civic Hall

Calverley Street

Leeds

LS1 1UR

Surgery details

1st Saturday of the month - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Jubilee Hall, Layton Avenue, Rawdon, LS19 6QQ

1st Saturday of the month - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Horsforth Community Hub & Library, Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5BL

3rd Thursday of the month - 4.00 pm - 5:00 pm - Horsforth Community Hub & Library, Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5BL

4th Friday of the month - 7:00 pm - 8:00pm - The Pavilion, Calverley Lane Cricket Club, Calverley Lane, Horsforth

PLEASE NOTE SURGERIES WILL NOT BE HELD DURING AUGUST OR ON BANK HOLIDAYS