At the Ward Committee in January, residents approved the priority list of schemes for the ward budget based on the ballot of all residents. As has been the case for a number of years, the rangers patrol scheme currently run by Group Response, topped the poll, 30 votes over the second place scheme. However, in recent months Group Response has been taken over by Kingdom and the service has been rather erratic.

This service has always been highly regarded by residents who appreciate the difference it has made to low level antisocial behaviour in various locations across the Ward.  Imagine my surprise then, that within a week of being elected, the Labour Councillors reaction to the problem was to suggest cutting the grant altogether. They appear to have no knowledge of the scheme, the size of the grant, what the rangers do or how much it is appreciated.

I have asked for it to be discussed at the next Ward Committee meeting on July 7th so if you want to see the patrols continue then come along to the meeting at Dringhouses School to make your views known.