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Praise and politics - your views
A job well done by young people
I would like to praise the efforts of our young people who took a lead role on the recent Welcome to Bracken Bank Project - a Community Coming Together project.
Young people from the "5 the Drive" youth project in Bracken Bank wanted to do something to improve community cohesion and raise their profile in the community and their neighbourhood by contributing something positive that would improve the area.
They came up with the fantastic idea of a "Boundary Sign Project" outside "5 The Drive" youth project to help improve the environment for the local community and enhance community pride. They also wanted to ensure the local community was involved in the process of creating a sense of togetherness and community cohesion.
Bradford Council's Youth Service worked in partnership with Streets Ahead, from Keighley area co-ordinators, to successfully secure funding for the project.
In addition to this, members of the Bradford and Keighley Youth Parliament also took a lead role on the project management, supporting the work done by fellow MYPs and young people from the "5 the Drive" youth project.
On April 3, the young people from "5 The Drive" got together with Keighley MYPs and local residents to bring the project to life. The Bracken Bank Residents Group also helped local young people and the community plant colourful flower beds and they are now continuing to work together to maintain the environment all year round.
Bradford Youth Service, young people and MYPs would like to thank Streets Ahead, Farrah Natural Stone, Power Run and Bracken Bank residents who supported the project and gave their time and got involved with the project - it was a job well done.
Franco Biancardo
Parkwood Centre for Young People.
Have we too many people
Now that our councillors have voted on the local development framework, do you think someone could tell everyone what it involves? I realise that plans may or may not be available in libraries, town halls or Internet but not all people have access to these facilities.
The parish council is quite correct to be concerned about extra traffic in Steeton, a greater concern for many residents is the overload situation with the sewage system. Many times when it rains, the sewers flood human waste on to public areas - is this an acceptable situation in the 21st century?
The Victorians had better sewers than Steeton and this is with existing housing. Before any more houses are built there must surely be some serious improvements. The Government seems keen to build on green fields at all costs, citing a shortage of houses, has anyone pointed out, we might just have too many people?
Chris Bryant
Parkway, Steeton.
ELECTIONS 2008
Don't segregate under-achieversI was not surprised, to read on the front page of the Keighley News that Greenhead had been issued with a "notice to improve" by Ofsted. The Ofsted report makes quite clear that there are real problems at Greenhead. It seems that the school has struggled to improve the performance of its students or the morale of its teachers.
Greenhead is a school that is predominantly Asian and also a school, as the report mentions, where the students come from relatively disadvantaged backgrounds.
The question for the local community is how do we deal with this and work towards improving the results of Greenhead students. The solution is not, as some parents suggest, to take their children out of the education system but rather for us, as a community, to have hope and work nearer to the problem. What is required is greater dialogue and communication between the school, the parents and the local elected officials.
Having educated my children and witnessed them achieve their best inspires me to ensure that our community receives the same.
In my opinion, we need to use our community centres more effectively and set up a forum whereby representatives of the school, the parents and the local councillor are invited to discuss the plan of action set by all the schools.
The aim being to debate, discuss and explore new ways to help our most local schools to improve. The provision of visual aids, presentations and interpreters, if required, so that this communication gap between parents and teachers can be bridged.
In this way, parents can take responsibility for the performance of their child and in turn, motivate their child to adhere to the plan they have just discussed with the school.
Let us not segregate the under-achievers but work harder as a team and this way - together - we can begin to find a way to improve the situation at Greenhead.
Jamil Arshad
Conservative Candidate,
Keighley Central.
Surmising over demolition
I was wondering why the residents of Woodhouse had been treated so shabbily with their homes being allowed to become so damp as to need to be pulled down.
The rest of the Manningham Housing Association Housing in Keighley has been well looked after.
However, when I looked on a street map and drew a line from the Riddlesden bypass through Park Wood to Halifax Road, I found the line went through the Woodhouse Drive/Woodhouse Close area.
This has made me wonder if the demolition of the houses there has anything to do with plans for a new road through Park Wood, er sorry, not plans, vague ideas.
If this were to be so then the community of Woodhouse would be split up and could be re-housed anywhere. Just surmising.
Judith Brooksbank
Liberal Democrat Candidate,
Keighley East.
Economical with the truth
The local Tory party can be accused of many things, yet I never thought being economical with the truth would be one of them.
The recently circulated leaflet in Keighley West from the Tories claims responsibility for several projects in the ward. True funding has been allocated from the Tory controlled council budget, but equally true is the fact that projects concerned were identified by the ward Labour councillors, two of which actually live in the ward.
They, not Tories, attended neighbourhood forums, got involved with area improvement teams and ward tasking, not to mention the hours of leg-work talking to residents.
It may also be instructive to compare the funding allocated to Keighley West with that allocated to Ilkley and Worth Valley, Tory controlled wards.
The leaflet also prominently features the Tory parliamentary candidate, so I am not sure who it is meant to promote - has there been a General Election called which I have missed?
Trevor Lindley
Agent, Keighley West Labour Candidate.
7:53am Thursday 17th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: Keighley Resident, Keighley, West Yorkshire on 6:31pm Fri 18 Apr 08
It looks like the claws are out with Trevor Lindley pleading in this week’s letters page for the residents of Keighley West to ignore the election leaflet distributed by the Conservatives, labelling the contents incorrect. What’s up Mr Lindley are you worried about something or is it just a little bit of nervous indigestion you are suffering from? For years the Labour party have had the monopoly on votes in Keighley West and as soon as a legitimate advance from the opposition is made within that ward out come the insults and petty smears, how pathetic and embarrassing it must be for individuals like Mr Lindley when they make statements based on desperate measures. As a youngster growing up on a council estate myself it was well recognised back then that the Conservatives values did not in general represent the lives of those who dwelled there, mind you I suppose it did not help matters back then when the local representatives of that day brain washed our elders with dangerous propaganda against the Tories. Today however we see a different story; the Conservatives are actually making in roads amongst the voters of Keighley West including the many council estates and guess what? Trevor and his friends don’t like it. Hard and cheese come to mind here Mr Lindley. The fact is contrary to silly attacks from irrelevant corners that the Conservatives are correct when they claim responsibility for making large improvements within Keighley West; you can’t take away their credit for this. One sad result we may have to accept on May 1st and that is the re-election of a Labour Councillor in this ward who lets face it is incapable of carrying out the simplest of tasks, but in the Labour camp that is progress these days. The fact that this may happen is not calibre orientated or sheer hard work, it is a result of the unfortunate lack of understanding that some voters still have yet to grasp, but they will one day soon and then it will be goodbye nightmare hello fresh air. One food for thought for the electorate to think about before crossing that box on May 1st is for those who earn less than about 17K per year will now have the privilege thanks to Labour scrapping the 10pence tax band of having about 40 pounds less in their pay packets each month. Now that’s progress for you is it Mr Lindley? The time of political name calling is well and truly over people of Keighley, we are now in the most serious position this Country has seen for many years, rejecting those who answer questions with excuses or another question is a must, there really is no more time for reflection left. Mr Lindley also criticises the local Conservative leaflet because it additionally includes brief details of the prospective candidate for position of Member of Parliament, a good political move if you ask me. I have said it many times before and I will say it again, local and national policies go hand in hand these days, one cannot work without the other. P.S. As a final note I would like to ask Mr Lindley to suggest to his leader MP Ann Cryer that if she does need to send out questionnaires to nationalist supporters, members or otherwise, asking for their help and advice, she doesn’t do it four weeks prior to the local elections each year, it gives the wrong impression to some that she is genuine when in fact she’s vote chasing.
It looks like the claws are out with Trevor Lindley pleading in this week’s letters page for the residents of Keighley West to ignore the election leaflet distributed by the Conservatives, labelling the contents incorrect. What’s up Mr Lindley are you worried about something or is it just a little bit of nervous indigestion you are suffering from? For years the Labour party have had the monopoly on votes in Keighley West and as soon as a legitimate advance from the opposition is made within that ward out come the insults and petty smears, how pathetic and embarrassing it must be for individuals like Mr Lindley when they make statements based on desperate measures. As a youngster growing up on a council estate myself it was well recognised back then that the Conservatives values did not in general represent the lives of those who dwelled there, mind you I suppose it did not help matters back then when the local representatives of that day brain washed our elders with dangerous propaganda against the Tories. Today however we see a different story; the Conservatives are actually making in roads amongst the voters of Keighley West including the many council estates and guess what? Trevor and his friends don’t like it. Hard and cheese come to mind here Mr Lindley. The fact is contrary to silly attacks from irrelevant corners that the Conservatives are correct when they claim responsibility for making large improvements within Keighley West; you can’t take away their credit for this. One sad result we may have to accept on May 1st and that is the re-election of a Labour Councillor in this ward who lets face it is incapable of carrying out the simplest of tasks, but in the Labour camp that is progress these days. The fact that this may happen is not calibre orientated or sheer hard work, it is a result of the unfortunate lack of understanding that some voters still have yet to grasp, but they will one day soon and then it will be goodbye nightmare hello fresh air. One food for thought for the electorate to think about before crossing that box on May 1st is for those who earn less than about 17K per year will now have the privilege thanks to Labour scrapping the 10pence tax band of having about 40 pounds less in their pay packets each month. Now that’s progress for you is it Mr Lindley? The time of political name calling is well and truly over people of Keighley, we are now in the most serious position this Country has seen for many years, rejecting those who answer questions with excuses or another question is a must, there really is no more time for reflection left. Mr Lindley also criticises the local Conservative leaflet because it additionally includes brief details of the prospective candidate for position of Member of Parliament, a good political move if you ask me. I have said it many times before and I will say it again, local and national policies go hand in hand these days, one cannot work without the other. P.S. As a final note I would like to ask Mr Lindley to suggest to his leader MP Ann Cryer that if she does need to send out questionnaires to nationalist supporters, members or otherwise, asking for their help and advice, she doesn’t do it four weeks prior to the local elections each year, it gives the wrong impression to some that she is genuine when in fact she’s vote chasing.
Posted by: Keighley Resident, Keighley, West Yorkshire on 6:36pm Fri 18 Apr 08
Week after week the online pages of the Keighley news take on some really interesting and important issues that we as residents of this Town have to endure or accept should I say these days living under this current rule of a somewhat forced control. A few of our Town Councillors submit some superb statements but unfortunately their voices are drowned out by others who try to rubbish their comments with nothing more than empty rhetoric, done in jealousy or spite may I add probably because what these decent representatives are saying is true, plus the fact those shouting them down do not have the backbone to say it themselves. Following on from this we then have comments from various individuals who write with passion and a strong sense of pride, topped with anger and frustration as to what is happening to their Town and further afield. Obviously there is the odd ‘head-the-ball’ who can only comment with narrow minded views, if it’s not that then out pops the race card or the aggressive denial, either way these are all now losing any sympathy from the law abiding decent members of our society. Don’t get me wrong we have to accept everyone’s entitlement to their own point of view, but in some cases you have to let those who can’t help themselves find their own way back to their secure surroundings. It is a fact that these days we are a Country led by fools, from local to national the difference is that of a fine thread of cotton. Just look at our district representation for example and you will see that ninety percent are not fit to run a bath never mind running meetings etc on our behalf, but lets not go there it would be too easy to insult and that would make me as bad as them, saying that these so called representatives have been doing just that to the electorate every single day for years now and they show no signs of remorse or embarrassment.
A good friend of mine drove through East Morton the other day and saw six separate properties that were displaying the poster “Vote Labour” I could not believe what he was telling me, what medication are these people taking? Can they not see the mess directly in front of them? This Country is already partially paralysed financially and other areas have a strong possibility of following suit very soon, we may be heading as some predict for a depression similar to the 1930’s and here we have people who are openly claiming their loyalty to a political party that sold the heart of good old Great Britain ten years ago. Adding fuel to the fire just about sums these people up. Anyone who has been watching the three part series entitled “immigration – the inconvenient truth” on a Monday evening will or should know what this will mean to the population of the United Kingdom, Slum Britain, Violent Britain, Desperate Britain, they all fit the same no matter where you measure them. Fact is no one will escape this mess as on this occasion it will not separate on grounds of creed, culture, rich or poor. Did you say hard times ahead? Only if you let it be that way YES, but that depends on if you wish to mirror those who are adding fuel to the fire like the East Morton Six?
I heard a remarkable story today of a gentleman and lady who both served with the 8th Army. The sacrifices they made all for the British people by the way were magnificent and although I did not personally know them I felt sorrow for their hardship and happiness because I was so proud of their achievements, all in the name of preserving this Country’s freedom. Then as the day progressed I was constantly questioning these huge sacrifices, were they to secure the freedom of the whole nation or just for those who cannot be bothered to get their lazy backsides out of bed in a morning and go to work? I could not in my opinion make up my mind who was insulting our heroes the most, the lazy work shy anti-social freeloaders or the East Morton Six who continue to support a political party that has certainly led the way on helping to destroy a once proud England. You may ask who has the answer and my reply is I do not know for sure, but it certainly is not the Labour party, just look around you, pick up the papers or watch the television, that message is clear. At the end of the day you will vote for whom you wish; this is a privilege we all still have at present, however that privilege is not something that should be abused for self satisfaction and will test the conscience of decent people come judgement day. Up until a couple of years ago many “old school” voters used the Labour mentality of “my parents voted Labour so I will” or “it won’t affect me I’m too old” Maybe the latter statement is correct but what about your future generations? A few years ago during many of the intense discussions I had with others surrounding the state of politics in this Country at the time, various opinions were regularly thrown into the centre for debate, yet one stands out from the rest, that opinion went something like this “If the leaders of this Country do not resolve soon the serious issues we currently have, then the future may well be decided by the Ballot Box, The Bullet or The Bomb”. Some may say a powerful statement or others may think an over exaggeration, but are we not already witnessing such events hidden only by false reporting or mind numbing propaganda? Regardless of the arm twisting or the Hope for the future promotions I know the truth as do others, and when the May local elections are here my vote will be cast taking into consideration the story of the two individuals who served with the 8th Army, nothing more nothing less.
15th April 2008.
Week after week the online pages of the Keighley news take on some really interesting and important issues that we as residents of this Town have to endure or accept should I say these days living under this current rule of a somewhat forced control. A few of our Town Councillors submit some superb statements but unfortunately their voices are drowned out by others who try to rubbish their comments with nothing more than empty rhetoric, done in jealousy or spite may I add probably because what these decent representatives are saying is true, plus the fact those shouting them down do not have the backbone to say it themselves. Following on from this we then have comments from various individuals who write with passion and a strong sense of pride, topped with anger and frustration as to what is happening to their Town and further afield. Obviously there is the odd ‘head-the-ball’ who can only comment with narrow minded views, if it’s not that then out pops the race card or the aggressive denial, either way these are all now losing any sympathy from the law abiding decent members of our society. Don’t get me wrong we have to accept everyone’s entitlement to their own point of view, but in some cases you have to let those who can’t help themselves find their own way back to their secure surroundings. It is a fact that these days we are a Country led by fools, from local to national the difference is that of a fine thread of cotton. Just look at our district representation for example and you will see that ninety percent are not fit to run a bath never mind running meetings etc on our behalf, but lets not go there it would be too easy to insult and that would make me as bad as them, saying that these so called representatives have been doing just that to the electorate every single day for years now and they show no signs of remorse or embarrassment.
A good friend of mine drove through East Morton the other day and saw six separate properties that were displaying the poster “Vote Labour” I could not believe what he was telling me, what medication are these people taking? Can they not see the mess directly in front of them? This Country is already partially paralysed financially and other areas have a strong possibility of following suit very soon, we may be heading as some predict for a depression similar to the 1930’s and here we have people who are openly claiming their loyalty to a political party that sold the heart of good old Great Britain ten years ago. Adding fuel to the fire just about sums these people up. Anyone who has been watching the three part series entitled “immigration – the inconvenient truth” on a Monday evening will or should know what this will mean to the population of the United Kingdom, Slum Britain, Violent Britain, Desperate Britain, they all fit the same no matter where you measure them. Fact is no one will escape this mess as on this occasion it will not separate on grounds of creed, culture, rich or poor. Did you say hard times ahead? Only if you let it be that way YES, but that depends on if you wish to mirror those who are adding fuel to the fire like the East Morton Six?
I heard a remarkable story today of a gentleman and lady who both served with the 8th Army. The sacrifices they made all for the British people by the way were magnificent and although I did not personally know them I felt sorrow for their hardship and happiness because I was so proud of their achievements, all in the name of preserving this Country’s freedom. Then as the day progressed I was constantly questioning these huge sacrifices, were they to secure the freedom of the whole nation or just for those who cannot be bothered to get their lazy backsides out of bed in a morning and go to work? I could not in my opinion make up my mind who was insulting our heroes the most, the lazy work shy anti-social freeloaders or the East Morton Six who continue to support a political party that has certainly led the way on helping to destroy a once proud England. You may ask who has the answer and my reply is I do not know for sure, but it certainly is not the Labour party, just look around you, pick up the papers or watch the television, that message is clear. At the end of the day you will vote for whom you wish; this is a privilege we all still have at present, however that privilege is not something that should be abused for self satisfaction and will test the conscience of decent people come judgement day. Up until a couple of years ago many “old school” voters used the Labour mentality of “my parents voted Labour so I will” or “it won’t affect me I’m too old” Maybe the latter statement is correct but what about your future generations? A few years ago during many of the intense discussions I had with others surrounding the state of politics in this Country at the time, various opinions were regularly thrown into the centre for debate, yet one stands out from the rest, that opinion went something like this “If the leaders of this Country do not resolve soon the serious issues we currently have, then the future may well be decided by the Ballot Box, The Bullet or The Bomb”. Some may say a powerful statement or others may think an over exaggeration, but are we not already witnessing such events hidden only by false reporting or mind numbing propaganda? Regardless of the arm twisting or the Hope for the future promotions I know the truth as do others, and when the May local elections are here my vote will be cast taking into consideration the story of the two individuals who served with the 8th Army, nothing more nothing less.
15th April 2008.
Posted by: peter, oxenhope on 2:38pm Sun 20 Apr 08
The rhetoric of Trevor Lindley with regard to his statement "economical with the truth", aimed at a Conservative Party politician is proof alone that free thinking, questioning and intelligent support of the Labour Party is in rapid decline, this government has been guilty of being "economical with the truth on every issue it has ever touched.
Immigration, the very existance of the future of this country is being weakened by the growth of immigrant communities who are choosing not to integrate.
ID cards, Brown like Blair draws heavily on British heritage, defence of hard earned freedoms and dignified British military history, yet he is doing so in order to taut prison without trial, biometrics, ID cards and a citizen database. (have you seen the advert for reminding you about your tv licence?) a glimpse of things to come.
This government are using an overblown fear of the terrorist threat, and are reorganising British politics and society around suspicion and security.
Peter Hain, that thief from South Africa, gave his assurance that New Labour had never sold arms to any government that used them for internal suppression, but in fact weapons and all manner of war equipment were on offer to Pakistan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey and other countries which engage in internal oppression.
Look at the governments lies about the reasons for war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the NHS, education, the economy, stealth taxes, food and fuel prices, wages, the removal of the 10 pence tax rate, the list is endless.
"Last year, if you didnt eat, didnt drive to work, didnt heat your home, didnt visit a doctor, didnt buy a house, didnt buy insurance of any kind, didnt have a child in college and didnt pay taxes, your cost of living agrees with this governments cost of living index.
(Clyde Harrison).
"Economical with the truth" is the biggest understatement of fact ever aimed at this fascist government, the time has come for the intervention in politics of free thinking, hard as nails decisions by honest men and women with the courage to take our country into the twenty first century.
As for the elections in May, if you, (as many do), think that national issues are not relevant here, then think again, every national issue has some relevance in local politics in sone form or another, with this in mind, there is not one candidate that is worth my vote, so I will vote "none of the above " on my slip and hope thousands of others will do the same.
The rhetoric of Trevor Lindley with regard to his statement "economical with the truth", aimed at a Conservative Party politician is proof alone that free thinking, questioning and intelligent support of the Labour Party is in rapid decline, this government has been guilty of being "economical with the truth on every issue it has ever touched.
Immigration, the very existance of the future of this country is being weakened by the growth of immigrant communities who are choosing not to integrate.
ID cards, Brown like Blair draws heavily on British heritage, defence of hard earned freedoms and dignified British military history, yet he is doing so in order to taut prison without trial, biometrics, ID cards and a citizen database. (have you seen the advert for reminding you about your tv licence?) a glimpse of things to come.
This government are using an overblown fear of the terrorist threat, and are reorganising British politics and society around suspicion and security.
Peter Hain, that thief from South Africa, gave his assurance that New Labour had never sold arms to any government that used them for internal suppression, but in fact weapons and all manner of war equipment were on offer to Pakistan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey and other countries which engage in internal oppression.
Look at the governments lies about the reasons for war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the NHS, education, the economy, stealth taxes, food and fuel prices, wages, the removal of the 10 pence tax rate, the list is endless.
"Last year, if you didnt eat, didnt drive to work, didnt heat your home, didnt visit a doctor, didnt buy a house, didnt buy insurance of any kind, didnt have a child in college and didnt pay taxes, your cost of living agrees with this governments cost of living index.
(Clyde Harrison).
"Economical with the truth" is the biggest understatement of fact ever aimed at this fascist government, the time has come for the intervention in politics of free thinking, hard as nails decisions by honest men and women with the courage to take our country into the twenty first century.
As for the elections in May, if you, (as many do), think that national issues are not relevant here, then think again, every national issue has some relevance in local politics in sone form or another, with this in mind, there is not one candidate that is worth my vote, so I will vote "none of the above " on my slip and hope thousands of others will do the same.
Posted by: biscit, Steeton on 10:53am Thu 24 Apr 08
Keighley Resident, I feel the same. While some councillors, candidates and supporters are making good points, there is too much spitting of thinly justified venom.
Criticize if you must, but turn down the heat [italic]please[/italic] !
Keighley Resident, I feel the same. While some councillors, candidates and supporters are making good points, there is too much spitting of thinly justified venom.
Criticize if you must, but turn down the heat
please !
Posted by: peter, oxenhope on 8:24pm Thu 24 Apr 08
Dont segregate our under- achievers!.
Jamil Arshad, your understanding of the present situation surrounding the progress of pupils at Greenhead school is long overdue but correct, as a prospective Conservative party candidate, we can expect you to be at least ten years late, but your concern is at least focused on reality.
Around 33% of British Muslims of working age have no qualifications, Muslims are also the least likely to have degrees or equivelent qualifications.
Most of the estimated 500.000 Muslim school age pupils in England and Wales are educated in the state system.
Pupils of Pakistani or Bangladeshi origin are traditionally disadvantaged in the field of education and employment, these pupils feel they have the odds stacked against them.
Mohammed Akram Khan-Cheema, who has 30 years experience as a teacher and school inspector in the UK is asking the same questions as you, history, he says, should not be used as an excuse, rather it should serve as a warning.
His harshest words are for Muslim parents who could exert more influence on their childrens attitudes at school.
"Quote",
"Muslim parents need to wake up to reality. They seem to be complacent. They seem to be happy with mediocrity. Their children have all the facilities with highly qualified teachers, and the parents seem to be asleep".
The main implication is that Muslim parents feel isolated from school and educational environments.
Contact Babar Mirza, director of the NIDA trust for relevant information in your search for answers, research your problem in depth, the answer, I believe, can only come from the Muslim community.
The fact that you can recognise there is a problem with education at Greenhead school is half the battle won.
The term, "under-achievers" does not mean "lower intelligence", it refers merely to a system of education that is not properly balanced to the needs of a particular community, and that includes any mainsteam or ethnic group, each have their own concerns.
You must accept, that if a child or pupil at any school is given the opportunities in education that are freely available at Greenhead, with up to date, modern facilities, equipment and professional teachers, then the wider community can not be held responsible for the failure of pupils to embrace the enormous opportunities they have been given.
The aquisition of knoweledge brings power, it must come from within, you either want to progress or you dont, and coming from a disadvantaged background does not make a child deficient.
Dont segregate our under- achievers!.
Jamil Arshad, your understanding of the present situation surrounding the progress of pupils at Greenhead school is long overdue but correct, as a prospective Conservative party candidate, we can expect you to be at least ten years late, but your concern is at least focused on reality.
Around 33% of British Muslims of working age have no qualifications, Muslims are also the least likely to have degrees or equivelent qualifications.
Most of the estimated 500.000 Muslim school age pupils in England and Wales are educated in the state system.
Pupils of Pakistani or Bangladeshi origin are traditionally disadvantaged in the field of education and employment, these pupils feel they have the odds stacked against them.
Mohammed Akram Khan-Cheema, who has 30 years experience as a teacher and school inspector in the UK is asking the same questions as you, history, he says, should not be used as an excuse, rather it should serve as a warning.
His harshest words are for Muslim parents who could exert more influence on their childrens attitudes at school.
"Quote",
"Muslim parents need to wake up to reality. They seem to be complacent. They seem to be happy with mediocrity. Their children have all the facilities with highly qualified teachers, and the parents seem to be asleep".
The main implication is that Muslim parents feel isolated from school and educational environments.
Contact Babar Mirza, director of the NIDA trust for relevant information in your search for answers, research your problem in depth, the answer, I believe, can only come from the Muslim community.
The fact that you can recognise there is a problem with education at Greenhead school is half the battle won.
The term, "under-achievers" does not mean "lower intelligence", it refers merely to a system of education that is not properly balanced to the needs of a particular community, and that includes any mainsteam or ethnic group, each have their own concerns.
You must accept, that if a child or pupil at any school is given the opportunities in education that are freely available at Greenhead, with up to date, modern facilities, equipment and professional teachers, then the wider community can not be held responsible for the failure of pupils to embrace the enormous opportunities they have been given.
The aquisition of knoweledge brings power, it must come from within, you either want to progress or you dont, and coming from a disadvantaged background does not make a child deficient.
Posted by: brian morris, Keighley on 10:32am Fri 25 Apr 08
Where is the £1000.000?
What has happened to the Ward Investment Fund for Keighley West ? For those people who the Labour Councillors in the West Ward have kept in the dark, this is £100.000 given to them to distribute within the community. This money was supposed to be spent on capital projects in Braithwaite, Bracken Bank, Exley Head, Fell Lane etc by the three Labour Councillors. Unfortunately for some reason unbeknown to myself and many others, £50.000 has been earmarked or already spent in another Ward ! Councillors, just to clarify Oakworth has its own Ward Councillors with their own £100.000 to spend.
So spend the money in your ward on the people who deserve it. Again it’s a classic case that Labour have decided if we don’t get found out then it’s ok. Remember this; if you can’t support the people who voted for you last time then you don’t deserve their support on May 1st.
Brian Morris
Agent for Robert Payne Conservative Candidate.
Where is the £1000.000?
What has happened to the Ward Investment Fund for Keighley West ? For those people who the Labour Councillors in the West Ward have kept in the dark, this is £100.000 given to them to distribute within the community. This money was supposed to be spent on capital projects in Braithwaite, Bracken Bank, Exley Head, Fell Lane etc by the three Labour Councillors. Unfortunately for some reason unbeknown to myself and many others, £50.000 has been earmarked or already spent in another Ward ! Councillors, just to clarify Oakworth has its own Ward Councillors with their own £100.000 to spend.
So spend the money in your ward on the people who deserve it. Again it’s a classic case that Labour have decided if we don’t get found out then it’s ok. Remember this; if you can’t support the people who voted for you last time then you don’t deserve their support on May 1st.
Brian Morris
Agent for Robert Payne Conservative Candidate.
Posted by: Chris, Keighley on 4:41pm Sat 26 Apr 08
Brian, The reason the Keighley West Ward Councillors have done what they have done is due to the fact that not one of them has a clue. The area will never flourish while people still vote for Labour representatives of this kind. I think the electorate of Keighley west should heed the actions of the people of the Central Ward who rejected Labour in the strongest terms last year and will hopefully repeat again this year. Try not to be too hard on these poor Councillors though they are running on a skeleton crew at the moment with member after member deserting the Devonshire street soup kitchen while good old Ann Cryer sits in her cosy second home, paid for by us, in London.
Brian, The reason the Keighley West Ward Councillors have done what they have done is due to the fact that not one of them has a clue. The area will never flourish while people still vote for Labour representatives of this kind. I think the electorate of Keighley west should heed the actions of the people of the Central Ward who rejected Labour in the strongest terms last year and will hopefully repeat again this year. Try not to be too hard on these poor Councillors though they are running on a skeleton crew at the moment with member after member deserting the Devonshire street soup kitchen while good old Ann Cryer sits in her cosy second home, paid for by us, in London.
Posted by: Chris, Keighley on 5:59pm Tue 29 Apr 08
By Autumn this year the price of fuel may possibly be £1.50 per litre. I hope poor old Ann Cryer can survive on her recently increased (30%) salary while many people struggle to fill their cars just to make that important journey to work. Well done Labour party you are a credit to anyone who can see no further than the bottom of their beer can.
[bold]PEOPLE OF KEIGHLEY - MAKE SURE YOU REJECT LABOUR ON MAY 1ST, VOTE FOR CONSERVATIVE, LIBERAL OR EVEN GREENS BUT FOR THE SAKE OF ALL REJECT THE LABOUR PARTY.
[/bold]
By Autumn this year the price of fuel may possibly be £1.50 per litre. I hope poor old Ann Cryer can survive on her recently increased (30%) salary while many people struggle to fill their cars just to make that important journey to work. Well done Labour party you are a credit to anyone who can see no further than the bottom of their beer can.
PEOPLE OF KEIGHLEY - MAKE SURE YOU REJECT LABOUR ON MAY 1ST, VOTE FOR CONSERVATIVE, LIBERAL OR EVEN GREENS BUT FOR THE SAKE OF ALL REJECT THE LABOUR PARTY.
Posted by: Keighley Resident, Keighley, West Yorkshire on 10:56pm Tue 29 Apr 08
Forget your petrol increase Chris I have just watched Look North news and the main story made me once again, and too often these days feel physically sick. The story was based on a Paedophile ring operating in West Yorkshire targeting girls as young as seven years old to men between the ages late teens to men in their fifties. I thought through this paper and the labour Councillors/MP that this disgusting sport (to some) had been eradicated? When will this perverted practice be eradicated and those who carry it out prosecuted in the strongest terms? Why do local Councillors like her in Keighley West hide behind behind MP'S who use serious issues for political gain. I am appalled at our Police Chiefs and Politicians, between you both you are killing everything decent this society once held.
Forget your petrol increase Chris I have just watched Look North news and the main story made me once again, and too often these days feel physically sick. The story was based on a Paedophile ring operating in West Yorkshire targeting girls as young as seven years old to men between the ages late teens to men in their fifties. I thought through this paper and the labour Councillors/MP that this disgusting sport (to some) had been eradicated? When will this perverted practice be eradicated and those who carry it out prosecuted in the strongest terms? Why do local Councillors like her in Keighley West hide behind behind MP'S who use serious issues for political gain. I am appalled at our Police Chiefs and Politicians, between you both you are killing everything decent this society once held.
Posted by: brian morris, keighley on 9:47pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Who is Angela Sinfield? I was hoping to see her picture in the paper last week with all the others local election candidates, but it appears she is either camera shy or invisible.
With no information supplied, how are we supposed to evaluate her work and value to the community.
Whilst she has been on the council, supposedly representing the electorate of Keighley West Ward, as a local resident I have not seen any action from her.
Their can be only one reason, she has achieved very little or nothing in the time she has been a councillor. The time for change is upon us, we need councillors who are visible and accessible to the public and all the community, not just her friends.
The wobble at the top has now reached the grass roots of the Labour party and the ground is shaking. No information supplied prior to the election sums up the contempt that this candidate has for the local people. Hopefully the democratic rights of the electorate will make a difference and replace the woefully inadequate councillors with ones that will work hard for us.
Brian Morris
Agent for Robert Payne Conservative Candidate.
Who is Angela Sinfield? I was hoping to see her picture in the paper last week with all the others local election candidates, but it appears she is either camera shy or invisible.
With no information supplied, how are we supposed to evaluate her work and value to the community.
Whilst she has been on the council, supposedly representing the electorate of Keighley West Ward, as a local resident I have not seen any action from her.
Their can be only one reason, she has achieved very little or nothing in the time she has been a councillor. The time for change is upon us, we need councillors who are visible and accessible to the public and all the community, not just her friends.
The wobble at the top has now reached the grass roots of the Labour party and the ground is shaking. No information supplied prior to the election sums up the contempt that this candidate has for the local people. Hopefully the democratic rights of the electorate will make a difference and replace the woefully inadequate councillors with ones that will work hard for us.
Brian Morris
Agent for Robert Payne Conservative Candidate.
Posted by: brian morris, keighley on 10:36pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Cllr Sinfield invisible lines or not [bold]Oakworth is not in the West Ward.[/bold] So none of the £100.000 allocated for this Ward should be spent in OAKWORTH. How plane is that. You are depriving the voters of the Ward improvements that are so desperately needed. A lot can be done with £100,000 so you need to look at your priorities and loyalty’s this is not a political statement just fact. Support the Ward not the party.
Brian Morris
Cllr Sinfield invisible lines or not
Oakworth is not in the West Ward. So none of the £100.000 allocated for this Ward should be spent in OAKWORTH. How plane is that. You are depriving the voters of the Ward improvements that are so desperately needed. A lot can be done with £100,000 so you need to look at your priorities and loyalty’s this is not a political statement just fact. Support the Ward not the party.
Brian Morris
Posted by: Chris, Keighley on 10:44am Thu 1 May 08
Brian Morris wrote a letter last week criticising the Labour Councillors in Keighley West, and this week he has received a solid reply from the able Councillor Angela Sinfield, oh no he hasn’t. Sinfield didn’t write the letter, more someone wrote it for her, how very embarrassing it must be to have to ask other people to do this for you. I described her earlier as “able” just a little teaser that statement. No Brian you are safe from this Councillor for now but take it from me, once she has mastered her spelling via tins of alphabet spaghetti you are in big trouble, it may even improve her memory to ensure that she remembers to put her candidate details in the local Keighley news on time in future, god forbid it.
[bold]I would have put it under this weeks letters but the powers that be have for some strange reason disabled this function, never mind[/bold] .
Brian Morris wrote a letter last week criticising the Labour Councillors in Keighley West, and this week he has received a solid reply from the able Councillor Angela Sinfield, oh no he hasn’t. Sinfield didn’t write the letter, more someone wrote it for her, how very embarrassing it must be to have to ask other people to do this for you. I described her earlier as “able” just a little teaser that statement. No Brian you are safe from this Councillor for now but take it from me, once she has mastered her spelling via tins of alphabet spaghetti you are in big trouble, it may even improve her memory to ensure that she remembers to put her candidate details in the local Keighley news on time in future, god forbid it.
I would have put it under this weeks letters but the powers that be have for some strange reason disabled this function, never mind .
Posted by: Chris, Keighley on 10:54am Thu 1 May 08
Last week online visitors had the dis-pleasure of not being able to comment on the letters submitted merely because they were not included online for visitors to read or reply too. This week we see only a small selection of letters and the section has been blocked from any reply, why?
Are we finally witnessing a newspaper backing down from political bullying or is it simply that the messages submitted are hitting a nerve some where within the circles? Come on Editor keep your back bone straight and don't let your political views cloud your business commitments.
Last week online visitors had the dis-pleasure of not being able to comment on the letters submitted merely because they were not included online for visitors to read or reply too. This week we see only a small selection of letters and the section has been blocked from any reply, why?
Are we finally witnessing a newspaper backing down from political bullying or is it simply that the messages submitted are hitting a nerve some where within the circles? Come on Editor keep your back bone straight and don't let your political views cloud your business commitments.
Posted by: Keighley Resident, Keighley, West Yorkshire on 7:15pm Fri 2 May 08
Well it's been a fantastic day, 421 Labour seats lost to press and a strong possibility that bonkers Boris will take City Hall in London. But let us forget there what about Keighley eh! Keighley West taken by the Tories ousting the inadequate Angela Sinfield, it's the job centre for you again my girl, chuckle chuckle. And then there is the tearfull Malcolm Slater, Councillor for cloud cuckoo land, bye bye fellow it was good to see you go. And finally Worth Valley Ward saw current Conservative holder Kris Hopkins trounce trade union rep for overseas employment Keith Dredge by about 1500 votes, time to step down yon lefty and concentrate on something that better fits your remit, if there is one. well done voters and I raise a drink to those who rejected the rejects.
Well it's been a fantastic day, 421 Labour seats lost to press and a strong possibility that bonkers Boris will take City Hall in London. But let us forget there what about Keighley eh! Keighley West taken by the Tories ousting the inadequate Angela Sinfield, it's the job centre for you again my girl, chuckle chuckle. And then there is the tearfull Malcolm Slater, Councillor for cloud cuckoo land, bye bye fellow it was good to see you go. And finally Worth Valley Ward saw current Conservative holder Kris Hopkins trounce trade union rep for overseas employment Keith Dredge by about 1500 votes, time to step down yon lefty and concentrate on something that better fits your remit, if there is one. well done voters and I raise a drink to those who rejected the rejects.
Posted by: Chris, Keighley on 12:38pm Sat 3 May 08
Dear Labour Party
I write to you to offer my congratulations in achieving a nice round of election losses where by two Councillors were defeated with ease by the Conservatives. Well done to Angela Sinfield for achieving nothing in her 18 months of deceit and well done to Malcolm Slater for achieving 18 years of take but no give, I too had a handkerchief to hand yesterday but it wasn't for tears of sorrow like yours. A special mention has to go to Trevor Lindley who as agent masked a fantastic front in what was to be a lousy finish. Next time Trevor will you try and get the picture and details in on time told pal, and remember "if ever tha wants ought, do it thisen" Please do not see these losses as a defeat as they are merely the clearing out of dirty washing, but that is what you get when you lie to the electorate or upset them.
The statement two in eight worked a treat, can’t wait for next time……………………………
Dear Labour Party
I write to you to offer my congratulations in achieving a nice round of election losses where by two Councillors were defeated with ease by the Conservatives. Well done to Angela Sinfield for achieving nothing in her 18 months of deceit and well done to Malcolm Slater for achieving 18 years of take but no give, I too had a handkerchief to hand yesterday but it wasn't for tears of sorrow like yours. A special mention has to go to Trevor Lindley who as agent masked a fantastic front in what was to be a lousy finish. Next time Trevor will you try and get the picture and details in on time told pal, and remember "if ever tha wants ought, do it thisen" Please do not see these losses as a defeat as they are merely the clearing out of dirty washing, but that is what you get when you lie to the electorate or upset them.
The statement two in eight worked a treat, can’t wait for next time……………………………
Posted by: F Ahmed, Highfield on 5:11pm Sun 4 May 08
Chris, you are spot on. The people of Keighley have sent a clear message to the Labour Party if your cant serve our communities then please dont stand.[bold] It hurts doesnt it Ann but dont Cry.[/bold]
F Ahmed
Chris, you are spot on. The people of Keighley have sent a clear message to the Labour Party if your cant serve our communities then please dont stand.
It hurts doesnt it Ann but dont Cry.
F Ahmed
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