Baildon Parish Council

Every aspect of the recycling facility at Ian Clough Hall has now been removed. As previously stated this has come about because of long-term abuse of the car park through arson, fly-tipping and general vandalism. This has been unsightly and very costly. Whilst it is regrettable that the facility is lost, it must be remembered that Baildon has the most comprehensive recycling offered to individual households within Bradford area. The appearance of the car park is transformed. The overgrown flowerbed behind where the bins were sited is now accessible and Baildon In Bloom are planning a refurbishment in the near future.

Nearest alternative sites for recycling are at : Old Glen House pub car park, Prod lane, Baildon (glass/clothing/shoes), Westcliffe Medical Centre car park, Westcliffe Rd, Shipley - next to Asda bottom car park (full range of bins), Dowley Gap, Wagon lane, Bingley (full range including bulk items).

As a parent and outdoor enthusiast I have on many occasions faced the worst type of shoe cleaning known to mankind. Dog fouling has been much reduced in general over the last twenty years or so, but there are still some dog owners who, it seems, will never get the message. Others, perhaps, are not quite up-to-date with current laws on dog fouling. Offenders and victims alike should know that since the beginning of 2011 a Dog Control Order has been in force throughout Bradford Metropolitan area - IT IS AN OFFENCE TO FAIL TO CLEAR UP AFTER A DOG ANYWHERE IN THE OPEN AIR WHERE THE PUBLIC HAVE ACCESS. This includes woodland, moorland, common land,etc - areas which were not previously covered by the laws on dog fouling.

Fly-tipping in the car park of Ian Clough Hall happens almost daily - the recycling facility now only has receptacles for glass ( soon to be removed). People continue to dump bags and boxes of cans and paper on the ground. These end up getting blown around the car park and into the graveyard - they are not recycled - this is fly-tipping !  Whoever it was dumped the duvet and the television last week made no pretence of recycling.

Enforcement officers cannot be everywhere - if you see dog fouling offences or fly-tipping taking place then please report it. The type of evidence required to pursue offences might include such as car registration number, address of offending dog owner if known, time/place of incident, description of person (and dog) - perhaps photos taken on your phone. Bradford Council switchboard can direct your information to the right departments (01274 431000 or 432111). If you would prefer you can contact me and I will advise you and pass on information as necessary (Mark Scrimshaw - 07538380921 or email- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Reservoirs - There has been no substantial change at the reservoirs on the moor recently. One of the shipping containers has now been removed. An empty one remains.

Baildon.org.uk is a website giving information on many aspects of Baildon. Spending more time outdoors in Baildon I have been fascinated by the variety of flora and fauna to be seen. I thought everyone ought to know about the interesting things to be found around us! I discussed this with Paul Marfell, who runs the Baildon.org.uk website, is a keen wildlife enthusiast and felt the same about the need to tell people. The result is that a section has been created on his website headed Baildon Nature which,it is hoped, will develop further with sightings,photos articles and links submitted by anyone with similar interests.

I have been given information from several sources relating  to antisocial use of 4x4 vehicles, quads and motorbikes. I have specific details of registration numbers, times and places of certain incidents. I am liaising with the Neighbourhood Policing Team and I am pleased to say that they are very hopeful of prosecutions for some of these incidents. The incidents include off-roading on the moor, the use of unregistered and uninsured quads and bikes on and off the road and failing to stop for a school-crossing patrol .

Whilst it is normally the Police Traffic Dept that use speed guns to gain prosecutions, I can report that one of the Neighbourhood Policing Team officers who specialises in the Baildon area has received training on the speed guns - this is not Community Speedwatch which generally results in warning letters but is the `real thing` resulting in fines and points. He is making full use of his new skills and already has a good number of prosecutions from Baildon in the pipeline. The areas targetted are those where residents have persistently voiced concerns about speeding vehicles. Please remember that these Police operations make Baildon safer for you and your families in the longrun.