Delves Refurbishment nears completion
We negotiated with Doncaster Council to secure £91,778 funding to ensure that this project could be delivered.
The project provides new public access toilet facilities for our local anglers and the general public to use. It also delivers a full refurbishment of the community cafe, which we know has been popular with local residents for many years. It was important to us to create a flexible public space, that could adapt to the needs of the community to ensure it remained well used and fit to serve this community for many years to come. This is a scenic spot, enjoyed by many and we hope this investment, along with the recent investment into the play facilities, will encourage greater use of the site. As the refurbishment project at the Delves nears completion, we cannot wait to visit when lockdown restrictions allow, and we know it will prove popular with the local community. Covid-19 ResponseLabour Party members and Councillors have been proactive in supporting our community throughout the covid-19 pandemic:
Flood ResponseLocal Labour Cllrs and Members were on hand to help during the local floods in 2019/20, taking delivery of supplies, organising distribution of supplies to residents in need and providing support and guidance to those directly effected.
It was a pleasure to work with local residents, community groups and businesses in addition to international aid charities including Khalsa Aid. Another Successful Gala at Moorends Recreation Ground 2019
We are pleased that the Moorends Community Gala was an incredible success again. Please visit the facebook page of the Moorends Welfare Working Group to see all the amazing photographs: www.facebook.com/MoorendsWWG
New Play Area complete- Moorends Rec
Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones joins us at playground consultation
Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones and Caroline Flint MP join DMBC Councillors Susan, Mark, Joe and members of the Welfare Ground Working Group at the consultation event on Saturday regarding the proposed new play area on the Moorends Recreation Ground.
The event was a great success with lots of positive feedback for the proposed plans and designs. We can't wait to push this project forward to give our young people a facility they can enjoy and be proud of! Extra Care Facility Complete
Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones visits site of Extra Care Facility
Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones recently visited the site of the communities new Extra-Care Facility and here's what she had to say;
"If we are going to help people live independently in their own homes for longer, then it is vital that the right type of housing is available for local people. I was therefore delighted to recently visit the site of our new Extra Care facility in Thorne, which is being built as part of my drive to provide suitable accommodation for older people. The new development, constructed by Keepmoat Homes, will comprise of 72 one and two-bedroom self-contained apartments for people aged 55 and over. The development in Thorne follows a successful similar scheme in Edlington, which opened in 2015, and new Council house bungalows and apartments for older people that have been completed in Adwick, Askern, Cantley, Bentley, Scawsby and Rossington. It is part of a remarkable success story, which has seen record levels of housebuilding to meet the needs of everyone in the borough. Over the next 15 years, the number of our residents aged over 65 is expected to rise by 18,000. Doncaster, along with every other local authority, needs to meet the challenge to provide suitable accommodation and care for this aging population. I am thrilled to see work start on this much needed development which not only provides affordable accommodation, but also care and support for those who will be living there. Housing and Care21, will work in partnership with the council to deliver this extra-care scheme. Communal facilities on site will include a café bistro, communal lounge, hairdressing salon guest suite, assisted bathroom and landscaped gardens." 
Progress at the Market Place
In a great step forward, a planning application has been submitted for Hirsts at 1&2 Market Place. This building has been seen as an eyesore for many years.
Local DMBC Cllr Joe Blackham, Cllr Susan Durant & Cllr Mark Houlbrook have been supportive and have been busy pushing to see the redevelopment of 1-2 Market Place and this is the first step forward to see improvement. Hopefully, this will encourage further growth and investment We look forward to the redevelopment of this site and also shortly see the start of the new extra care facility. Issues addressed regarding grassed areas and parkingGreat to see further works taking place to address issues raised due to damage to grassed areas. This is an ongoing issue, especially close to schools. We have been involved in meetings to look at ways to address some of these issue through improvements, enforcements and also a meeting is being organised with schools. Residents have raised concerns regarding Wike Gate Road, King Edward Road and West Road School. We take these issues seriously and understand the impact on the local residents and will continue to work with partners to address these concerns. There will be double yellow lines put down shortly on the corner of West Road / Marshland Road, Moorends.
Its also great to see the works have started on Miller Lane / Haynes Road to help address access and parking issues. This will be a much needed improvement for local residents. THORNE TOWN CENTRE TOILETSWe're pleased to see this project come into fruition. Labour Party Cllrs have worked to prevent the toilets at the Green in Thorne Town Centre from Closing. Labour Cllrs worked on developing the project and identifying funding sources. They worked with DMBC area officers to form a committee, which also had representation from groups such as 'Lets Uplift Thorne' to allocate funding from the High Street Innovation Fund, which ring-fenced monies for new fit for purpose units.
The newly refurbished facilities are about ready! Total refurbishment of the town centre toilets was a hugely important step in promoting the town to new business and shoppers but it's fair to say that the community deserves a facility they feel able to use. Hopefully the new toilet block will be just that. SAVE THE WINNING POST
The Community Party had previously agreed the disposal of the Winning Post facility.
Labour Party Cllrs submitted the Special Motion for consideration at the Town Council meeting scheduled for 8 December 2015. In presenting the motion before the December meeting of council, it ensured that all councillors have been on notice of the meeting for 8 months (since the timetable was agreed in May 2015) and so should be available to attend. Labour Cllrs supported, promoted and attended the Electors Meeting on 24 November 2015 to discuss the future of the Winning Post and at the meeting on 8 December 2015 the Special Motion was successful in rescinding the sale and preventing disposal of the Winning Post. It is rare that Special Motions make it onto the Council Agenda. It is not normal business that the council should be permitted to re-visit decisions within 6 months, save for in exceptional circumstances. It would not have been possible without the strong support from the community. COMMUNITY BUILDING GETS £17,500 FACELIFT
Northgate Community Centre in Moorends has benefited from £17,500 investment thanks to initiative of Labour-led Working GroupImprovement works to create a new community/activity room at the Northgate Community Centre are now complete. The refurbishment forms the second phase of a programme of improvements to the community building instigated by Labour Councillors.
Phase 1 included improvements to the stage, better access and egress to the stage, provision of high quality sound and lighting systems and also new soft furnishings. It was funded with a £10,000 grant and finished in 2013. The Labour-led Council secured a further £10,000 grant funding to support the improvements, with a balance of £7,500 being committed by the Town Council. The new facility will be created by converting the large unused bar area into a sought-after and useable space that is ideal for meetings and community activities. To improve health and safety, which has been a key priority for Labour Councillors, over the past 4 years, the room will be properly separated from the adjacent kitchen, which is also being decorated and updated. The vast improvements made to this building over the last 4 years make it an asset to its regular users and the wider community. Your Labour candidates are committed to improving community facilities throughout the ward. 
TREE SAFETY WORKSYour Labour Town Councillors have been coordinating tree works in Thorne Memorial Park and Thorne Cemetery since 10th December 2012.
The works are primarily being carried out for safety reasons, though a number of trees are being removed at the Cemetery due to the impact they are having on graves and footpaths. Chair of Planning and Amenities Committee, and Vice Chair for your Local Labour Party, Susan Durant said: "The Council has had the trees professionally inspected, and these works follow the recommendations of the tree expert. They are essential works to ensure the safety of the general public using the Town Council's facilities. We will be considering some replacement planting early next year in the Park where trees have had to be removed." 
CEMETERY ACCESS IMPROVEMENTSOver the past few months Labour Town Councillors have completed the Disability Discrimination Act compliant access & egress to the cemetery as part of a programme of works to improve the Cemetery site. Further works included tree removal and crown topping which was recently completed after advice from a tree health and safety inspector. The Council has re-laid a new pathway and renewed other existing ones in order to make the cemetery as safe for visitors as possible.
In addition, the Council are now addressing the cosmetic issues surrounding the Cemetery. The Town Council understands how important the site is to the local community, most of whom will have loved ones laid at rest here, and are dedicated to make it a restful and peaceful space. An apprentice has been in position for 12 months now and is learning how the cemetery and other community green spaces should be maintained. Hopefully, this will provide the Council with valuable assistance and additional support to enable works to continue to make this site a proud asset of the local community. A key element of the Neighbourhood Plan for Thorne and Moorends will involve locating additional cemetery space for the Town. The Town Council are disappointed that DMBC decided to oppose a natural expansion of the site into adjacent community open space. New consideration must now be given as to where future generations of Thorne and Moorends will lay their loved ones to rest. Following current occupancy rates, it is thought the current site on Southfield Road will reach maximum capacity within 20 years. 
UNSUNG JEWELL IN THORNE'S CROWNThe Town Council formally declared Buntings Wood a Local Nature Reserve which gives the site a national status recognised by Natural England. This area of former farmland was acquired by the Town Council in the early 90’s, and has been planted with hundreds of native trees. The 32 hectare site which is managed by Friends of Buntings Wood, a volunteer group, includes a number of ponds as well as a substantial wooded area.
Craig Nicolls from the Friends of Buntings Wood said “This is the right time to make this formal designation. Following the hard work of the volunteers and Town Council the site has now matured into an attractive mixed woodland which attracts a variety of species including weasels, stoats, water voles, amphibians, deer, butterflys, moths and a wide variety of birds.” “Buntings Wood is in some ways an unsung jewel in Thorne. The vision and hard work that has been needed to create it, particularly by the volunteers, must be applauded, and it is now a superb community asset on the edge of the town. I hope that this new designation will help to raise its profile in the area, as I truly believe that it is something that all local residents should be proud of.” Local MP and leader of the Labour Party Ed Milliband has also been spotted at this natural site in the heart of our community.
A NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN FOR THORNE AND MOORENDSThe power to allow local communities to prepare Neighbourhood Plans was only recently introduced. It is aimed at increasing the amount of community involvement in planning policies and decisions so that they better meet the needs of the local community.
In areas where there is a Town or Parish Council the process must be led by that Council, but there must be extensive community involvement. Our Labour Party Councillors are the fighting force behind the Plan for Thorne and Moorends, with all councillors taking an active evolvement. The website was developed and is maintained by our own councillor, Rachel. Please take the time to visit and join in the consultation. A Neighbourhood Plan can establish general planning policies for the development and use of land in a neighbourhood, like where new homes should be built, where and which businesses should be attracted, where community facilities should be built and what they should look like. The Plan is currently in the consultative stage. Once there has been comprehensive consultation with the community, policies will be drafted, consulted upon and will then be voted upon in a referendum. Labour party councillors see the plan as an opportunity to create a vision and legacy for the local community. They secured £7k in funding to ensure that money is not syphoned from the precept which is required for other aspects of Town Council priorities. |
£1million upgrades for Thorne Leisure Centre
Many of you will have visited this facility recently, to receive your covid-19 vaccination and we are pleased to confirm that Thorne Leisure Centre is to receive a £1million investment for repairs and upgrades, to enable it to continue as the focal point for sport, health and physical activity in our community.
The improvement works will include refurbishment of the changing rooms, reception area, a new roof, and new pool equipment, including new water filters, pumps and piping. The Leisure Centre is well used by our community, for health and for leisure, and we hope this investment will ensure it plays a key role in years to come. The project delivers on our commitment to promoting a healthy, active community. All units now occupied at Capitol Park - Thorne
Our top priority is to ensure we promote Thorne and Moorends as a community for major investment and developments like Capitol Park show we are delivering.
Our community has again seen the highest percentage economic growth in the Doncaster Borough - a staggering 14% - and projects that were in their infancy in 2017 have now been concluded; all retail units on Capitol Park are now occupied by Aldi, B&M, McDonalds, Marstons, Marstons Hotel, Screwfix, Junglemazia and others; bringing with them employment opportunities for local people and the biggest retail provision our community has had for a long time. This site is incredibly well used by the local community and it demonstrates that business see Thorne and Moorends as a place to invest. Flood Lights up at Thorne Colliery Ground
Work completes at Hirsts (1&2 Market Place)
Moorends Recreation Ground - Pavilion Refurbishment
Plans to Refurbish Moorends Recreation Ground Pavilion
An extra ordinary meeting has been called by the Mayor Susan Durant of the full council.
At the meeting of the council held at the Winning Post in Moorends on Tuesday 11th October 2016 minute 2956 Notice of Motion - use of capital funds, it was agreed to ring fence the monies from the sale of land £341,000 for
A meeting took place with the Moorends Welfare Working Group to discuss the project and the improvements that they would like to see. Below is the motion that will go before the council for capital investment at the Moorends Welfare Ground. Here's a copy of Labour's Motion; THORNE MOORENDS TOWN COUNCIL EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING 28TH FEBRUARY 2017 NOTICE OF MOTION UNDER STANDING ORDER 9 – USE OF CAPITAL 1. I have received the following Motion under Standing Order 9: “As the sale of land has now been completed and funds released to the council, an allocation be approved towards the Pavilion as match funding with the Sports England grant. It was agreed at a previous council meeting that this money be ring fenced for improvements to Moorends Welfare Recreation Ground. Therefore the following capital allocations be agreed so that work can commence and action taken to ensure that this project now moves forward: Flood lights £40,000 Stand £30,000 Children’s play area £100,000 Car parking £30,000 Fencing: £20,000 Bins, dog bins, seating £10,000 
PUBLIC MEETING; Discuss your local safety concerns
We had a great turnout at our public meeting on 2 march 2017. Thank you to everyone who turned up. We have arranges a follow up meeting on Thursday 6th April 2017 starting at 7.15 pm which be in the main room at Thorne OAP Centre.
Please do come along to discuss your ongoing concerns with local DMBC Cllrs Joe Blackham, Susan Durant and Mark Houlbrook, the DMBC Area Team, Stronger Communities and South Yorkshire Police Inspector Mark Payling. Thank you to Thorne OAP Centre for hosting the meeting and allowing us to use there premises again for the next meeting. New Developments in ThorneWard Cllrs Joe Blackham, Susan Durant and Mark Houlbrook have been supportive of the local developments and have attended site visits for the new Lidl, engaging with developer Peter Wailes. Lidl provides greater shopping variety for local residents and created approximately 40 full and part time jobs. Cllr Joe Blackham spoke at the planning committee supporting the Lidl project.
It's great to see investment in our community with further projects underway including Aldi, B & M and McDonalds. We look forward to seeing the community of Thorne and Moorends prosper through development and regeneration. New Signage at Finkle CourtThe new signage for Finkle Court is up! This project has been funded through DMBC High Street Innovation Fund which was also the main funding for the Town Centre toilets.
Water Shortage in Thorne & Moorends
Your DMBC Cllrs were out in Thorne and Moorends helping to distribute water in the community on 30 July 2016 whilst Yorkshire Water declared our tap water unsafe to consume.
CAPITOL PARK DEVELOPMENT IS FULL STEAM AHEAD...MODERN EXTRA CARE FACILITY FOR THORNE
Labour Councillors on DMBC and Thorne-Moorends Town Council are striving to bring a modern extra-care facility, comprising of 50 to 60 units, to the centre of Thorne. The facility is much needed due our aging population and will enhance the look of the local area. It is also hoped the facility will attract increased footfall into the Town Centre, supporting our local economy. The facility will help us to support care for older people currently living in and around Thorne as well as the wider borough.
It is intended that the facility shall be built on land near to Peel Hill Motte, a scheduled ancient monument, and that development will bring with it an opportunity to improve and maintain this local attraction. English Heritage are supportive of this sympathetic development and agree that it could enhance the nearby ancient monument. It is not intended that the facility will be built on the quaker burial site, despite the rumours currently circulating. We welcome this development, which we consider will be a real enhancement to the community. In order for DMBC to develop the facility, land has been acquired from the Town Council in addition to a number of other parties. Here's how the development will look: SMART LIGHTINGThorne has become the first AREA in Doncaster to benefit from new, energy efficient LED street lighting as Doncaster Council rolls out a program to modernise street lamps across the borough.
Thorne-Moorends ward councillors met with Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones at the launch of the Smartlight project, which will see 33,000 existing lamps replaced by modern technology bulbs, reducing the council’s lighting energy bill by half while providing improved lighting. The £8.2m smart light project will deliver savings of approximately £1.3m per year, by reducing energy consumption and cutting down carbon emissions. The council say the ‘invest-to save’ initiative should see it pay for itself within six years. In addition, the new lamps are expected to last 25 years. Current lamps need to be replaced every six to eight years. Despite initial teething problems the lights appear to have now adjusted but the situation is under constant review. Any problems in your area, let us know. 
DEVELOPMENT AT CAPITOL PARKThis year Marston’s will open its doors on Omega Boulevard and there will be speculative development of a number of retail units. We’ve recently seen planning applications from KFC and McDonalds and we welcome the influx of interest in our community. We’re pleased that businesses see Thorne as a Town to invest in. The recent surge in development can only be seen as positive following the disappointing news that Tesco will now not be opening a local store.
CHARITY EVENTS
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