Sharlston Parish Plan 2006

sharlston parish plan number 1 2006 sharlston parish plan CONTENTS page Cover shows drawing by Emily Otterwell (age 5), a pupil at Sharlston Community School on the Foreword ...... 02 theme “What’s special about Sharlston”. Segments represent (clockwise from top) Rugby, Introduction ...... 04 Church, New Houses, Dam, Common, Library, Farms, Park. A Brief History of the Parish ...... 06

The Parish Today ...... 12

Our Key Objectives for the Future ...... 16

The Action Plan ...... 18

The Next Step ...... 32

Acknowledgements

Appendix 1 - The Role of Agencies

Appendix 2 - Historical Timeline

ANNEX 1 - Report on Community Consultation

ANNEX 2 - Young People Report

(Note: ANNEXES are contained in separate documents)

The Parish Plan and annexes can be downloaded at www.sharlston.gov.uk

sharlston parish plan 01 sharlston parish plan Foreword This is the ﬁ rst Parish Plan produced by Sharlston Parish Council and is intended to guide not only the Parish Council but also all the other agencies who deliver services within this community. The Action Plan has been produced following extensive consultation with all sections of the local community and is here to inform residents about the priorities and actions which the Council will pursue in the future. Nonetheless, it will not be a permanent and immutable document as the intention is to consult and review it at regular intervals, so that it continues to reﬂ ect the needs and aspirations of local people. We thank all the people who took part in the various stages of producing this Plan.

June Cliffe Chairman, Sharlston Parish Council January 2006

0233 Map 1 Location Map Map 2 Sharlston parish boundaries

sharlston parish plan 3303 sharlston parish plan Introduction The Government announced the concept of Parish Plans in the November “Thank you for giving villagers of all ages a chance to 2000 “Rural White Paper”. They were introduced as an important part of see their suggestions written down.” the Countryside Agency’s “Vital Villages” initiative and their purpose is to “I must admit that this project has opened my eyes to help local communities: how things are done and would like to be more involved “..indicate how they would like their town or village to develop, in the future.” identify key facilities and services, set out problems that need to be “Feel part of decisions, whatever may happen in the tackled and demonstrate how distinctive character and features can long run”. be preserved.” (people attending consultation events) The Parish Council decided to take up this challenge and was awarded a grant of £4275 from the Countryside Agency in October 2003 to produce the Sharlston Parish Plan. Why produce a Parish Plan? The Plan can cover a whole range of social, environmental or economic issues which the local community decides are important. ● It is a powerful way of ﬁ nding out what local people want and need ● It will provide evidence to support policy-making by local councils and others ● It will help the Parish Council to get results from the District Council and other agencies responsible for delivering services. ● It can be included within the local development framework and local action plans drawn up by the planning authority, thus inﬂ uencing future development. ● Elsewhere, people have said that it improves community spirit and leads to things being done which otherwise would not have happened.

0433 To reach all the sectors of our community and to ensure that everyone who wanted to was able to have a say, a range of actions and activities took place: ● Information through the Parish Council newsletters ● A poster design competition for young children ● Consultations at Parish Council open days ● Participation at church fairs

To manage the production of our Plan, the Parish Council set up a steering ● Recruitment of volunteers committee, which includes councillors, local residents and representatives ● Involvement of schoolchildren in creating a village model from Wakeﬁ eld District Council Community Engagement Team. Yorkshire ● Planning Aid were contracted to provide expert advice and assistance, A “hands-on” planning weekend particularly in the organisation and running of the community consultation ● A “prioritisation and community action” weekend events, which form a vital part of the plan process. ● Secondary school pupil consultation group. Throughout the process of producing this Plan, the committee has been The full report on community careful to follow the advice given by The Countryside Agency, the Yorkshire consultation is contained in Appendix 1. Rural Community Council, Yorkshire Planning Aid and Wakeﬁ eld Council staff about the scope and content of the Plan. Over 200 people of all ages attended the Parish Council open days, 156 The key points are: people attended the hands-on planning ● To involve all sectors of the community events and almost 100 young people were involved variously in poster design, ● To cover all the issues of concern model production and consultations. ● To produce a clear action plan From 1 April 2005, the role of the Countryside Agency changed and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) placed the administration of Parish Plans with Rural Community Councils. Yorkshire Rural Community Council is now responsible for overseeing work on the Sharlston Parish Plan.

sharlston parish plan 3305 sharlston parish plan A Brief History of the Parish

Background A popular place to begin researching the history of an area as old as Sharlston Parish is the Doomsday Book. Unfortunately this could not be used because until as recently as 1929, Sharlston was part of the parish of Warmﬁ eld and not mentioned separately in the Book. However, the compilers of Sharlston Parish Plan have had a variety of other sources to draw on, both primary and secondary. The Extent of the Parish The parish of Sharlston is essentially three villages: ● Old Sharlston, the settlement around The Green in which are found Sharlston Hall (with a unique stone over wood two-storey entrance completed circa 1574, with foundations dating back to the 13th century), Tudor cottages, The Forge, The Granary and several farms and associated farm buildings; ● New Sharlston to the NW of the parish where colliery workers’ dwellings were built in the 1850s; ● Sharlston Common, situated between the other two areas, bordering Weeland Road where most properties are post-1945. The parish also includes part of Foulby on Doncaster Road as far as Lidget Lane. Now known collectively as Sharlston, it is in an area steeped in history and surrounded by historic sites. To the south-east is Nostell Priory; to the north- west, Heath Hall and due east, Huntwick Grange. The oldest part of Sharlston Parish is High Street in New Sharlston. Archaeological evidence shows this as being part of a 3rd century Roman road.

0633 The Middle Ages. In the early 1970s bores were sunk with a view to opencasting, The earliest recorded evidence of Sharlston’s existence is in the14th. century. every bore showed coal. When the top surface was removed the One of the monks at Nostell Priory records evidence of coal workings. opencasting was abandoned – what appeared to be a rich seam of Because coal was so close to the surface, these were worked as “bell pits”, coal just two metres below the surface took on the appearance of a so named because a cross-section looked like a bell. O.S. Maps still show honeycomb of soil, sand and clay with a cobweb of coal in-between. fi elds within the parish labelled ‘pit fi elds’. Sharlston, Snydale and Warmfi eld The miners of the14th and 15th centuries had obviously been as hard are mentioned on the Coroners’ Rolls of 1342, when a Margaret de Foulby working and industrious as the parishioners of today! (wife of William de Foulby) accidentally drowned when she fell into a sea coal pit at Sharlston. Improvements were made some time later. Between 1372 and 1385 general A record of poll tax from 1379 shows that individuals in Walton had to pay improvements to Nostell Priory were undertaken and drains were dug to annually 8 shillings; in Crofton the tax was 13 shillings and 4 pence, but in clear the water from the mines. Sharlston it was 25 shillings and 8 pence.

Sharlston Wakeﬁ eld. Scharueston c.1180 Possibly “farmstead of a man called *Scearf”. OE pers. Name + tun. Alternatively the ﬁ rst element may be a metathesized form of OE scraef “cave, hut, hovel”. Reference: Oxford Dictionary of British Place Names. Oxford University Press. 2003.

Sharlston Hall

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The 16th to the 18th Centuries The 19th Century. Throughout this period, most dwellings were to be found around The Green Although coal had been mined since the14th century, Sharlston’s’ economy close to Sharlston Hall. The Hall even had a dovecote, not for ornament but remained predominantly agricultural until the 1860s. An O.S. map of 1849 to provide meat in the winter months. shows Sharlston Colliery on the site we know today. The 1850’s show substantial growth in the coal industry as railways were developed to During the reign of Henry VIII and the dissolution of religious establishments, transport the coal to London and the South. In 1867, Joseph Crossley, a land around Nostell Priory was passed on to various families either by lease, Halifax carpet manufacturer is mentioned as the owner of Sharlston Colliery. forfeit or inheritance. In 1585 the Stringer family is mentioned as having A street in New Sharlston still bears his name. During the sinking of new possessed half the estate. It is said that the 6th Earl of Westmorland was due mine shafts in the 1860’s a brick works was established on the colliery site. to inspect his troops garrisoned in Pontefract and asked the Stringer family The bricks were inscribed “Sharlston Colliery” and were also used in the to provide accommodation for him. He caught a ‘chill’ and was nursed back building of the reservoir known as Sharlston Dam. This was built to provide to health by the Catherine, the daughter and heiress of Thomas Stringer. water both for the colliery and the The Sharlston estate then came houses built around the colliery into the ownership of the Earls of site. The village of New Sharlston Westmorland through the 6th Earl’s was constructed over a number of marriage in 1707 to Catherine. years by the Colliery Company. This not only provided homes for the mineworkers and their families but also education, religious and social facilities. The homes were solid little houses, still standing today, and the colliery’s coking plant provided them with gas.

0833 New Sharlston’s chapel, designed by the Halifax architect T. Horsfi eld, has A Coaching House with stables (later converted to cottages) stood on the the inscription on the front “Anno Domini MDCCCLXVIII” (1868). School site of New Sharlston bowling green until it was demolished in 1960. This rooms were incorporated at the rear. As the population increased a further was known as “The Slavering Cow”, an amusing name whose origins are school was built on Crossley Street. In 1874 The Colliery Company received unknown. Government grant aid but still continued to fi nance both schools. At the Many families came from other areas to live and work in Sharlston. Some turn of the century, Ellen Terrace, Bond Terrace, Albert Terrace and Westfi eld parishioners can trace their roots to Shropshire. One can even recall being Terrace were built at Sharlston Common, providing 158 new houses. As the told that her great grandfather walked his pregnant wife and four young population continued to grow it was realised that more school rooms were sons from Shropshire, pushing the mangle. On the way here she mangled needed and the junior and infant school we know today was opened in the clothes while her husband and sons worked in the fi elds. The journey September 1916. was obviously not too arduous as they went on to have four more sons, one The Colliery Company also made provision for the social life of its workforce. of whom is named on the Sharlston war memorial. A Literary Institute was in existence From the 1860’s church services by September 1873. Records were held in the Old Sharlston also show a cricket club with 90 School on The Green. On 6 members in 1874. There was May 1887, the Archbishop of also the Sharlston Branch of the York consecrated a new church, Yorkshire Miners’ Association. St Luke’s, on Weeland Road Mineworkers and their families accompanied by Sharlston were provided with a library and Brass Band and a very large rooms for reading and games. congregation. A Penny Bank was in existence and miners could have coppers deducted from their wages each week and paid in to the bank. Number 22 Long Row was adapted to accommodate all these activities.

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The 20th Century. Famous Sons of Sharlston. Records show that this community worked and played hard. Many Sharlston has always had a strong sporting tradition. The rugby club was volunteered in The Great War and there has always been a strong sporting formed around 1895 and still wears the colours of The Duke of Westmorland. history. According to the war memorial in the grounds of St Luke’s Church, Jonty Parkin, who was born in Sharlston, toured Australia three times, twice 42 parishioners made the ultimate sacrifi ce. Thirteen more were killed in the as captain of England. Another member of the rugby hall of fame, Neil Fox, second world war. began his career in Sharlston along with his brothers Don and Peter. Other well-known players of Sharlston include Herbert Goodfellow; Joe Mullaney; In the 1950’s the colliery produced many clubs and groups, including a brass Billy Wood and Greg Chalkley. Sharlston was the fi rst amateur outfi t to beat band, cricket, crown green bowls, tug-of-war and rugby teams. During this a professional side in The Challenge Cup when they beat Workington Town period, New Sharlston was a thriving community with a chapel, two shops, a 12-7 in 1946! Sharlston also has a cricket club of many years standing. One doctor’s surgery, several sports teams and a fi sh shop. Today all that remains of its members, William Allen, (1893-1950) was a right hand batsman and are a few sports teams and The Sharlston Colliery’ Welfare Club, referred to wicket keeper for Yorkshire and England. No doubt many past, present and locally as ‘The Kibble’, built in 1955. future players began as youngsters playing on The Green. The colliery ceased production in July 1993 and the headgear was fi nally In 1909 Matt Wood, Jack Dodd, Walter Abbott and Seth Fletcher formed the brought down on 18 August 1995. Thus ended over 130 years of deep coal Sharlston Male Voice Choir which is still thriving today. It once supported mining in Sharlston. Paul Robeson in concert in Sheffi eld. In November 1993, an application was made to opencast a large area of land between Weeland Road and Cow Lane. This was fi ercely resisted by the local community through the “Stop Opencasting in Sharlston” (SOS) campaign and a public inquiry took place between July1995 and February 1996. The rejection of the application by the Secretary of State was greeted with great joy by the community and the rural character and health of the area thus preserved.

Peter, Don and Neil Fox

1033 One of Sharlston’s famous sons was Maurice Shaffner OBE LLB. He was a Road chapel has been demolished. Sharlston Common would give the County Prosecuting Solicitor and also found time to train magistrates, be greatest shock, at least in appearance. This is where most of the housing is president of Yorkshire Table Tennis Association, vice-president of Wakefi eld now to be found. West Riding Operatic Association, chair the Wakefi eld and Kirklees After their initial shock at the number and styles of housing, they would Association of Boys’ Clubs and be the fi rst chairman of The British Heart breathe a sigh of relief! Even though there are changes in the use and Foundation. appearance of Sharlston – the spirit of community and ethos of hard work Stuart Hall, who lived on Weeland Road and attended Sharlston School, that the residents of the past recognised and nurtured is still present today. was awarded the MBE in 1977 for his prison service work and The Butler None more so than in the way that Sharlston’s residents of 2005 came Trust Award for 1-to-1 work with prisoners. He was also involved in visiting together to work on The Parish Plan. schools on “The Prison – No Way!” project. Montgomery (Monty) Chalkley began his education in Sharlston and went on to work for the West Riding education department and rose to become Director of Education. He received an OBE. In Conclusion. If earlier residents of Sharlston were to walk around The Green they would recognise buildings which have stood there for several centuries but may be surprised by their use. Many of the buildings originally used for agricultural purposes are now lived in although most of the farms are still active. The 19th century miners from New Sharlston would see little change in the fronts of Crossley Street, High Street and Long Row but would be pleasantly surprised to see extensions at the back of these houses which incorporate a kitchen and bathroom and in many cases a third bedroom. However, gas in no longer available to these houses. They may be disappointed when they realise that the New Sharlston chapel is now a business and the Weeland

sharlston parish plan 3311 sharlston parish plan The Parish Today The Parish of Sharlston occupies a land area of 480 hectares of which 439 hectares (91%) are designated green belt, within which: 24 Hectares are common land 19 Hectares are scheduled ancient monument. Map 1 on page 03 shows the location of the parish within the West Yorkshire area. There are good road connections to Wakefi eld, Doncaster and Leeds (via M62 and M1). Map 2 on page 03 shows the extent of the parish which includes New Sharlston, Sharlston Common, the early settlement of Sharlston (locally referred to as Old Sharlston) and part of Foulby on Doncaster Road and the Towers. It may be noted that the residential area on the west side of West Lane Embroidery panel incorporated into the Wakefi eld Town and (including Birkwood Avenue) is geographically attached to Sharlston Parish Councils’ banner in 1997. Symbols represent mining, Common, but administratively part of Crofton. All the statistics given here farming, rugby, cricket, fi shing, brass band and choirs. exclude this area. (Designed and worked by June Cliffe)

Sharlston Dam Sharlston Common Post Ofﬁ ce

1233 Statistics from the 2001 Census: 024E 024F (north) (south) Total Local Services Population 1389.00 1367.00 2756.00 Post Offi ce Sharlston PO (Weeland Road) Average Age 35.60 39.30 37.40 Shops General stores Households 571.00 598.00 1169.00 Tanning Shop Average household size 2.40 2.30 2.35 Hairdresser (2) Rented 51.50 22.70 36.80 Computer Shop Owner Occupied 48.5 76.40 62.80 Bookmakers Household with one or more Florist (Foulby) persons with limiting illness 48.00 36.80 42.30 Take-aways Fish & Chips Chinese More statistics can be found on the following web sites: Indian http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/NeighbourhoodProfi leSearch. do?profi leSearch=wf4+1db Pubs Sharlston Hotel http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/NeighbourhoodProfi leSearch. White Horse do?profi leSearch=WF4+1as Windmill www.wakefi eld.gov.uk/AboutWakefi eld/Research/PopulationAndCensus/ Clubs Sharlston WMC Census2001/CensusAreaProfi les/Neighbourhood/default.htm Villa Club www.yorkshirefutures.com Sharlston Colliery Welfare Club Schools Sharlston Community School (4 to 11 yrs) Places of Worship St Luke’s (C of E)

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Community Buildings Community Centre (Weeland Road) Statutory Allotments None Crofton and Sharlston Private Allotments Fernside (5) Health Centre High Street, New Sharlston (3-5) Sports Facilities Rugby Ground Groups and Societies Sharlston Male Voice Choir (Weeland Road) Old Sharlston Cricket Club Rugby Ground (Colliery Welfare Club) Sharlston Rovers ARLFC Bowling Green Phoenix Drama Club (Colliery Welfare Club) Royal British Legion Cricket Ground (Weeland Road) Lighthouse Fishing (Sharlston Common) Playgroup School Playing Field Buggy Club Registered Companies 10 in Sharlston Luncheon Club Common / Sharlston Fishing Club 4 in New Sharlston And other ad hoc groups taking Working Farms Hall Farm (Cooling) part in activities at the community Low Farm (Easterby) centre, such as karate, keep fi t, computer groups and art groups. Ings FFarmarm (Wildman) W Westest End FFarmarm (Richardson) School House FFarmarm (Bulmer) “I like living here because it’s a friendly place to live, also my friends live here.” - there is nothing exciting for you to do.” (from the young people’s survey) “There should be a shop in New Sharlston so you don’t have to go to Sharlston to the shop” (New Sharlston resident) 1433 Bus Services through the Parish Rail Services: The nearest rail station is at Streethouse on the Wakefi eld-Pontefract Line. Fitzwilliam Station caters for passengers on local services on the Leeds – Sheffi eld / Doncaster lines.

sharlston parish plan 3315 sharlston parish plan Our Key Objectives for the Future

Like all other parts of the Wakefi eld District, Sharlston needs to have a vision of what we want our area to be like in years to come. This vision needs to be compatible with the aims and objectives of the Principal Authority which are set out in the Community Strategy published in March 2003, but “I dislike the gangs that hang around the street corners and smoke. the emphasis will refl ect the special needs and characteristics of our local I dislike all the graffi ti on walls and public places. I dislike the people community. who set fi res over our local common so it ruins the common.” The fi ve key objectives are: (from young people’s survey) 1. Making our community safe (SAFETY) “We need a bobby on the beat” (resident at consultation event) Creating a safer environment on our roads and footpaths and the areas “Junction of The Green and Grime Lane - the traffi c speeding round the where we live. Reducing crime and all forms of anti-social behaviour. corner needs to slow down.” Enabling people of all ages to carry out their lives free from the fear of crime (from the consultation event - and many similar comments) and intimidation. Ensuring rapid access to, and proper response from police and support services where needed. 2. Promoting health and healthy living conditions (HEALTH) Maintaining and improving access to primary health care: doctors, community nurses, clinics and medical services. Encouraging healthy living through sport, fi tness and recreation. Enabling people to have access to activities and social interaction. Tackling drugs and alcohol abuse.

“There could be more activities places for all age groups, even the older generation.” (comment at consultation event) “A big concern is the welfare of teenagers, drink/drugs help and advice.” (comment at consultation event) “We need a doctor’s surgery in New Sharlston.” (New Sharlston resident)

16 3. Creating and maintaining a dynamic local economy 5. Ensuring our residents live in an attractive environment (ECONOMY) (ENVIRONMENT) Supporting local businesses. Ensuring good public transport links to work Ensuring our streets and open spaces are maintained to a high standard places. of cleanliness and visual attractiveness. Clearing areas of dereliction and unsightly land and buildings. Creating pleasant places to live, walk and sit. “The buses are c**p and they always miss or are late” (young person from New Sharlston) “Where I live there is the old colliery at the back of the gardens “Gas in New Sharlston - we need a voice. Bring us into the new (it looks a mess). There is a park with nothing but swings and a century.” (several comments at consultation event) basketball net.” (New Sharlston resident) “Quiet village, lovely views, peaceful, nature, nice houses.” (comment at consultation event) 4. Giving our residents conﬁ dence and skills (SKILLS) “Sharlston deserves upgrading” (comment at consultation event) Supporting local delivery of skills and training programmes. Supporting leisure, learning and social activities for young people and retired people.

“I think there aren’t many places to do activities. If there was more places to do activities, there wouldn’t be as many gangs.” (from young people’s survey)

IT Class Sharlston Community Centre

sharlston parish plan 17 sharlston parish plan The Action Plan The Action Plan which follows sets out the actions which local people want to see, under each of our objectives. Agencies Several agencies are involved in delivering services to the parish and will be involved in various ways in achieving the actions within the Plan. These are (see overleaf):

18 Priorities Abbreviated Title Full Title Each action is assigned a priority, based on the strength of opinion shown WMDC Wakefi eld Metropolitan District throughout the public consultation events, together with a judgment on the Council (various departments such as Planning, Social Services, complexities of the process involved in bringing about the end result. As a Highways, Traffi c, Parks, guide, priorities have been set in three bands: Neighbourhood Environment) A: Immediate priority. Police West Yorkshire Police Schemes on which initial work has begun already. Actions required with RS Committee Featherstone Road Safety some urgency. Actions capable of achievement within a short time scale. Committee. (which covers the Sharlston area within Ward 6) Target date for completion: 2006-07 LEA Local Education Authority (WMDC) B: Medium term priority. PCT Wakefi eld West Primary Care Trust Actions required with less urgency than priority A schemes. Actions needing more time for preparation / completion. Amey Amey Highways Ltd Target date for completion: 2008-09 CISWO Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation C: Longer term priority: Bus Company Arriva Yorkshire Ltd Actions which need to be considered over a longer time period. Actions Metro West Yorkshire Passenger Transport which require a signifi cant period of preparation or study. Authority / Executive Target date for completion: 2010-11 GroundworkGroundwork Groundwork Wakefi eld PC Sharlston ParishParish Council WDH WakefiWakefi eld District Housing

A description of the roles of these agencies is given in Appendix 2

Sharlston Health Centre

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Safety Ref Location Action Agency Responsbile Process Priority 100 6 Hammer Lane Make site safe Landowner PC to put pressure on Wakefi eld A WMDC MDC to use its legal powers to make site/building safe 111 Village-Wide More police forum meetings Police PC to lobby Police A 112 Village-Wide More visible/improved policing & Police PC to lobby Police & Community A neighbourhood wardening at known Safety Partnership (CSP) village trouble spots - Old chapel site - Church/community centre - disused clinic/library site - Hammer Lane fl ats/area - Hammer Lane rail bridge - Weeland Rd/The Heathers - Oakleigh/Beechfi eld 113 Weeland Road/ Install speed cameras WMDC Traffi c Police PC to take up with Wakefi eld A Wood Street Traffi c/ Transportation

114 High Street Traffi c management measures including WMDC Traffi c PC to take up idea of with A fl ashing slow down signs RS Committee Wakefi eld Traffi c & RS Committee. (& speed bumps?) Monitor records of all accidents on High St.

6 Hammer Lane

20 Ref Location Action Agency Responsbile Process Priority 115 Sharlston Repairs to school fence along Hammer School Governors PC to take up with LEA & school A Community Lane & fi eld boundary LEA governors School 116 West Lane Create pedestrian footway between WMDC Highways A Church Close and White Horse Inn PC to press for action to investigate options. 121 Weeland Road Extend 30 mph zone east out of village WMDC Traffi c PC to take up with Wakefi eld B Traffi c/ Transportation 122 Wood St/ Traffi c calming measures including WMDC Traffi c PC to explore feasibility with B Hammer La/ one way system & 20 mph zone Wakefi eld Traffi c Jubilee Rd/ Clifton Rd/ Francis Rd 123 Grime Lane Parking restriction signs(NB to apply on WMDC Traffi c PC & residents to take up with B (N End) rugby/cricket match days) Wakefi eld Traffi c 124 Weeland Road Security cameras & improved lighting at WMDC Street Lighting PC to take up with Wakefi eld B various suggested locations PFI / Amey Police Community Safety Manager & Environment Offi cer 125 Cow Lane Improvement of lighting WMDC Street Lighting PC to lobby Wakefi eld B West Lane PFI / Amey Highways Network Management with residents’ support 131 West Street/ Create a one-way traffi c system WMDC Traffi c PC to explore feasibility with C Grime Lane/ Wakefi eld Traffi c/Transportation The Green 132 Crossley Street Introduce / reinforce HGV Ban WMDC Traffi c PC to check existing weight C restrictions with Wakefi eld Traffi c & request sign as necessary

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Health Ref Location Action Agency Responsbile Process Priority 201 Sharlston Provide children’s play area WMDC – Parks PC to put pressure on Wakefi eld A Common WMDC – Legal WMDC to process amendments Parish Council to Commons Regulations, arrange contract. 202 Cricket Ground Preserve ground for cricket/community use Cricket Club PC, cricket club & church A Wakefi eld Diocese authorities working towards Parish Council agreement 203 Colliery Welfare Improvements to provide playground Social Club SANS Committee/Wakefi eld A & Social Club CISWO MDC to raise Remaining 50% WMDC – Community of necessary funding Engagement 204 Weeland Road Maintain dispensary at medical centre. PCT PC to monitor any proposals for A Parish Council chemist shop & options for new provision 211 Sharlston Community use skate/bmx/ bike park School Governors PC to research designs & take up A Community (north end of playing fi elds) LEA with school governors, LEA School Parish Council 212 Parish-Wide Anti-dog fouling strategy WMDC – Neighbourhood PC to discuss poop scoop bins for A - top of Grime Lane Environment suggested locations with - Grime Lane / Brickyard Wakefi eld Environmental Health; - Fernside & to discuss improved bin - Jubilee Rd/Francis Rd emptying & the possibility of - Hammer Lane rail bridge enforcement action via dog - Crossley Street (north end) warden service - Main pit site access points

22 Ref Location Action Agency Responsbile Process Priority 213 Queens Extend brown bin scheme WMDC – Environment PC to pursue with A Crescent Services Wakefi eld Cleansing 221 Sharlston Measures to encourage walking to school/ School Governors PC to take up with school B Community discourage parent car use for school journeys LEA & governors School WMDC – Traffi c 222 Sharlston Enable football pitch to be available School Governors PC to take up with school, B Community for community use LEA governors & LEA School 223 Long Row Improvements to play facilities WMDC – Parks PC to take up with Wakefi eld MDC B Playground 224 New Sharlston Improvement of care for the elderly WMDC – Social Services PC to enquire locally as to particular B problems & decide on need for action 225 Queens Crescent Provide seat at top crescent Parish Council PC to provide B 231 New Sharlston Village surgery/chemist shop facility Parish Council PC/SANS Committee/local residents C PCT to raise in response to any pit site WMDC – Planning redevelopment proposals 232 Land Rear Provide 6-12 adventure playground Crofton PC PC to refer to Crofton PC as site Birkwood Estate outside parish C 233 Sharlston Outdoor fi tness trail Parish Council PC to consider as addition to C Common WMDC – Parks/Countryside dam trail 234 Land SW Woodland walk & horse trail Parish Council PC to take up idea of permissive C Cow Lane WMDC – ROW path/public right of way/bridle Railway Bridge path with Wakefi eld MDC 235 Land Adjacent Paved area with seats & shrubs Landowner PC to approach private owner once C Post Offi ce future use of the site is clearer.

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24 Economy Ref Location Action Agency Responsbile Process Priority 311 Village-Wide Improved bus service serving Crofton / Walton/ Bus Company PC to consider survey via Parish A Sandal / Wakefi eld Westgate Parish Council Newsletter & to lobby Wakefi eld Other LA’s affected Travel Grp/Arriva 312 New Sharlston Improvement to bus services linking Bus Company PC to consider survey via Parish A New Sharlston Parish Council Newsletter & to lobby Wakefi eld Other LA’s affected Travel Grp/Arriva. Also to explore rural transport funding possibilities 321 Former Clinic/ Provide new community centre/library to Community Partnership PC to reactivate project & take up B Library Sites, include youth/health/ social/employment land issues with PCT Weeland Road (& community police?) facilities/services 322 New Sharlston Village ‘corner shop’ required Local residents PC/SANS Committee/local residents B Parish Council to raise in response to any pit site SANS redevelopment proposals and/or as part of any community development of Miners Welfare proposals (see CF6) 331 Cow Lane & Feasibility study into new rail station serving Metro PC to take up with Metro & UK Coal C Hammer Lane Sharlston / New Sharlston (?) & consider survey via Parish Newsletter 332 New Sharlston Mains gas installation Local residents Residents to sign up for scheme and C Transco make formal request to Transco. WMDC - Energy Wakefi eld MDC to support by researching costs, funding options etc

Village Shop

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Skills Ref Location Action Agency Responsbile Process Priority 411 Village-Wide Community transport for young people to Parish Council PC to seek young people’s views & A access youth facilities in Crofton and / or Transport providers undertake research into options Featherstone 421 Netheroyd Court Redevelopment for sheltered bungalows WMDC – Social Services PC to talk to WMDC re idea B for the elderly WDH 431 Sharlston Sensory garden on school garden site School Governors PC to take up with school, governors, C Community LEA & to seek advice from Royal School National Institute for the Blind 432 High Street Development of colliery welfare as local Parish Council PC to raise with Miners Welfare C community & sports facility CISWO Scheme. Support of club users, Wakeﬁ eld MDC & Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation to be canvassed

Sharlston Colliery Welfare Sports and Social Club

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Environment Ref Location Action Agency Responsbile Process Priority

501 Weeland Road Clearance of disused clinic building and WMDC PC to take up with appropriate A restoration of the whole site PCT agencies Groundwork 502 Village-Wide Clean ups at WMDC – Neighbourhood PC to liaise with Wakefi eld A - the Common Environments Action Teams - Fernside - Hammer Lane fl ats - Grime Lane brickyard - Oakleigh Close - Cow Lane SW of bridge. 503 Village-Wide Verge fl ower planting WMDC – Neighbourhood PC to take up with Wakefi eld MDC A Environments including possibility of volunteer school planting 504 Pit Site No opencasting UK Coal PC to make views known to A WMDC Planning Wakefi eld MDC & UK Coal 505 Pit Site Environmental improvements to include UK Coal PC & SANS Committee to relay views A woodland walk, landscaped park area, Horse WMDC Planning to UK Coal trail, planting to encourage wildlife & camping site 506 Pit Site Development of mixed housing scheme UK Coal PC/SANS Committee/local residents A (excluding fl ats & to rent properties), with WMDC Planning etc to make view known as access from by-pass in the event of appropriate, in response to any pit redevelopment for housing site redevelopment proposals

Disused Clinic Building

28 Ref Location Action Agency Responsbile Process Priority 507 Land South of Protect Green Belt and resist development WMDC - Planning PC to write to Wakeﬁ eld Planning A Brickyard Lane re zoning in Local Development Framework (LDF) Land South of Heather View/ W of Fernside

Land between Weeland Rd/ Allotment Gardens

Field North of Sharlston Community School 508 Sharlston Conservation of Common WMDC - Planning PC to write to Wakeﬁ eld Planning A Common re continuing protection & management via LDF 509 Crossley Street, Restoration of derelict allotment site Landowner PC to arrange meeting with agencies A New Sharlston Groundwork affected.

Crossley Street allotments

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Ref Location Action Agency Responsbile Process Priority 511 Village-Wide Provision of litter bins WMDC Neighbourhood PC liaising with Wakefi eld MDC A - Weeland Rd/Fernside path Environment re numbers will match available - Weeland Rd/Wood St bins with suggested locations - Weeland Rd (e edge village) - Fernside (top end) - Queens Crescent - Beechfi eld Drive (Oaks) - Redwood Grove - rear PO - rear Sharlston 512 Pit Site Tackle dumping, burning, off-road motor biking UK Coal PC to approach UK Coal re the A & tree destruction proper securing of the site & the taking out of trespass prosecutions 513 6 Hammer Lane Deal with derelict building and site Landowner PC to support/promote housing use A Flats/Site WMDC as enforcement to Wakefi eld Planning & in response agency to any planning application 514 Wood Street / Maintenance of residential gardens/open space. WMDC Neighbourhood PC to clarify land in question & A Hammer Lane Environment contact Wakefi eld MDC if public WDH land. If private gardens & case for help PC to consider provision of assistance 515 Village-Wide Publicity for Wakefi eld MDC Neighbourhood Parish Council PC & church to publicise via A Action line 08458 506 506 respective magazines PC to distribute posters for display in shops etc

6 Hammer Lane

30 Ref Location Action Agency Responsbile Process Priority 521 Fernside Improve road surface Local residents Residents to take forward B WMDC - highways (with PC support) with WMDC Highways 522 High St (Back) / Improvement of road surfaces Local residents PC to lobby on residents’ behalf for B Crossley St WMDC – highways roads to be adopted by Wakeﬁ eld (Back) /Long UK Coal MDC & to check on costs, potential Row tie up with mains gas installation & proposed UK Coal pit redevelopment. PC to consider fundraising to improve roads 523 Weeland Road Remove unsightly railings Landowner Wakeﬁ eld Environment Services to B (Opp Birkwood WMDC Neighbourhood investigate ownership /responsibility Ave) Environment 524 Electricity Planting of tree screen on High Street side Landowner PC to identify responsible owner B Sub-Station, and take up with them Cow Lane (N0rth End)

Fernside Weeland Road

sharlston parish plan 31 sharlston parish plan The Next Step The process of creating the Sharlston Parish Plan has involved the most comprehensive and wide-ranging consultation with the people of Sharlston that has ever been undertaken. A lot of hard work and many hours of meetings lead to its creation. But the real challenge begins now. A plan, however well produced, is no good if it just stays on the shelf gathering dust. To make sure the people of Sharlston get the kind of village they want both now and for the future, we have to make sure that the ideas within the Plan are put into practice. The Plan is an action plan that needs to be used by the Parish Council, the Wakeﬁ eld District Council and other agencies to fulﬁ l the community’s vision for their parish. Copies of the Parish Plan will be sent to all the agencies listed in Appendix 1. In particular we will work closely with the District Council to ensure that the Parish Plan, even if it is not formally incorporated into the Local Development Framework, is used as key supplementary planning guidance for any major schemes that will affect Sharlston parish. The Plan will act as an important lobbying tool to get things changed. The parish now has a well-produced and professional plan which will demonstrate to a wide range of organisations that the village has an active community that is eager to get things done. The Plan will also be used to provide information to funding bodies. All funding agencies insist on evidence to show that public consultation has taken place to back up the proposals made. Groups and organisations within Sharlston will be able to use this Plan as evidence when they are applying for grants. Indeed, the whole community can make use of the action plan to advocate for, and promote the image of Sharlston.

32 Work may have already started on some of the actions at the time of “Proposals should be radical. It takes too long to get anything done so publication. However, the Plan does not guarantee that all the issues raised go for it at once.” will be resolved immediately as some of the projects will require lobbying for “In order for this method to be more successful we need to see results change and some, by their nature, are long term projects. It is nevertheless a within the near future.” powerful tool for bringing about change. Measuring Success The Parish Council will create a Parish Plan Implementation Group who, in Members of Sharlston Parish Council (at December 2005) conjunction with the community and other local organisations, will make sure that issues are taken forward with the appropriate agencies. There will June Cliffe 862018 be regular updates in the Parish newsletter and a formal report on progress Alexandra Devey 860862 will be given at the Annual Parish Meeting and Open Day in April. James Goodfellow 865197 The Open Day will be an occasion for local people to comment on the Plan and make suggestions for further action. Comments and suggestions are Paul Hampson 860257 also welcomed at any time by contacting any member of the Council, or by Philip Harper 864837 email to [email protected]. Janet Leaitherland 862480 Further copies of the Plan can be obtained Peter Loosemore 864339 ● at the Open Day Gary Oldroyd ● on www.sharlston.gov.uk Keith Wager 863229 ● by telephoning the Clerk to the Council, 01924 864204. Sheila Ward 864717 A small charge may be made to cover production costs.

sharlston parish plan 33 sharlston parish plan Acknowledgements We acknowledge with gratitude the valuable contributions made by the following people, without whom this Plan would not have been produced. ● Steering Group members: June Cliffe Alexandra Devey Paul Hampson Rama Joshi Peter Loosemore Elizabeth Lynagh Debra Machen David Siddans Sheila Ward ● Pat Royle Evatt of the Wakeﬁ eld MDC Community Engagement Team ● Mike Dando and staff and volunteers from Yorkshire Planning Aid ● Staff at Yorkshire Rural Community Council ● Pupils and teachers at Sharlston Community School ● Sig Kasatkin of Sigmund Kasatkin Photography, Sharlston for rugby photographs on pages 18 and 35 ● Graham Chalkley for photographs of the Fox brothers on page 10 ● Yorkshire Weekly Newspaper Group Ltd for the photograph on page 10 and 18 (march and banners) ● And all the people of the parish of Sharlston who took part in the consultation events and let us know their opinions, comments and wishes for the future.

34 Appendices

Sharlston Rovers ARLFC December 2005 Yorkshire Cup Winners sharlston parish plan 35 sharlston parish plan Appendix 1 The Role of Agencies The following agencies are involved in the delivery or funding of services to the parish: Central Government Government sets out legislation, regulations and guidance which other agencies are required to follow. In some cases, for example, with major or controversial planning applications, the Secretary of State or Deputy Prime Minister will make the decisions. Wakeﬁ eld Metropolitan District Council The District Council is the Local Planning Authority and is also responsible for education, social services, highways, parks and leisure, refuse collection (including recycling schemes) and street cleaning. The District Council produced the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) which sets out its policies for land use and development throughout the district and is responsible for drawing up the new Local Development Framework (LDF) which will replace the UDP in 2008. Local Area Partnership Acting on guidance from central government, the District Council has set up Local Area Partnerships, based on parliamentary constituencies, which bring together the local authorities, police, primary care trusts, and the voluntary and business sectors to set priorities and allocate funding.

36 Local Councils The PCTs are responsible for the provision of community health services including GPs, district and community nurses, dentists and pharmacists There are 28 town and parish councils within the Wakefi eld district. These buying hospital services and improving the health in the local community. councils have been granted powers by parliament to raise money and carry out or fi nance many services from community centres to Christmas lights, The parish of Sharlston is within the area covered by Wakefi eld West PCT, allotments to village signs. Sharlston Parish Council acts on behalf of its based in Wakefi eld. parishioners to carry out local projects, to support deserving local activities by small grants and to make representations to the other agencies on relevant matters affecting the parish. West Yorkshire Police Covering the whole of West Yorkshire, the police have set up Neighbourhood Policing Teams with the aim of delivering a service to meet the needs of local communities. Their strategy is guided through the Local Area Partnerships (see above) and by consultation events with local councils. Their resources are inevitably targeted where crime and anti-social behaviour are most prevalent and currently, Sharlston is not currently perceived by the Police to have signifi cant problems. Primary Care Trust Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have been established to manage local healthcare services in the community and to ensure that local patients, doctors, nurses and other frontline staff are involved in developing and improving all healthcare services in the area. Baby Clinic, Sharlston

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Metro Bus Companies Metro is the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) and Since 1986 bus companies have had complete freedom to operate services Executive (PTE). The Authority is made up of 22 elected councillors from wherever and whenever they wish subject to registration with the Traffi c the county’s fi ve local councils, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Commissioner. Wakefi eld. Its remit is to co-ordinate the provision of public transport Metro has no statutory duty to plan or regulate bus routes. To a limited throughout West Yorkshire to ensure it is reliable, easy to understand and degree local authorities (including parish councils) are able to subsidise use, accessible, attractive, affordable, safe and secure and effi cient. It does additional services where there is an identifi able need that is not being this by: met provided that the subsidised addition does not compete with existing ● subsidising bus services; services. ● funding local MetroTrain services; In general terms local authorities: ● running passenger facilities (including providing and maintaining bus ● Cannot dictate the routes the bus services follow or frequency of shelters) journeys. ● operating AccessBus services for disabled passengers: ● Cannot dictate fares charged. ● managing prepaid tickets such as School Plus MetroCard and ● Can only ask the Traffi c Commissioner to refuse permission to use a concessionary fares schemes: length of road on grounds of road safety. ● leading transport development; ● Can subsidise bus services that would not otherwise operate ● providing accurate, up-to-date information on all public transport ● Can provide funding for community transport need, e.g. Dial-A-Ride services within West Yorkshire. All bus services in the Sharlston area are provided by Arriva Yorkshire. Community Groups Community groups can promote projects and activities within the local area and can gain funding from sources which are often not available to local authorities.

38 sharlston parish plan 39 sharlston parish plan Appendix 2 Historical Timeline Date Event 3rd Century Roman Road: Wakefi eld-Agbrigg- Pontefract. Now High Street 14th Century Documentary evidence of coalmining in Sharlston by the Prior of Nostell 1574 or earlier Sharlston Hall built 1740 Wakefi eld and Weeland Turnpike Road created 1797 White Horse PH built 1841 Sharlston Colliery, part of Earl of Westmorland’s Estate, ceases Sharlston Hall production about this time 1848 Wakefi eld, Pontefract and Goole railway line opened (became part of Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Co.) 1858 Richard Pope takes new lease on Sharlston Colliery 1862 Old Sharlston School built. Originally used also for church services 1865 New Sharlston Colliery company formed by John Crossley & Sons Ltd.

40 Date Event Date Event 1865-70 Crossley Street, High Street and Long 1895 Sharlston Rugby Club formed Row houses built. Designed by John 1909 Sharlston Male Voice Choir formed Gomersall 1914-18 First World War - 42 lives lost 1868 Chapel built at New Sharlston 1915 Building of Church Hall completed 1869 Sharlston Station opened (located near Station Hotel, Streethouse) 1916 Sharlston Council School opened 1874 School built at New Sharlston 1878 Wakeﬁ eld and Weeland Turnpike ceased 1886 Foundation stone for St Luke’s Church laid 1887 St Luke’s Church consecrated by Archbishop 1892 Bond, Ellen, Albert, Francis and Westﬁ eld Terraces built on land north of Weeland Road.

Former chapel, New Sharlston St Luke’s Church

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Date Event Date Event 1927 Villa Club and Institute bought the 1974 Sharlston library opens in new former vicarage in Grime Lane building on Weeland Road 1929 Sharlston becomes a separate parish 1976 Crofton and Sharlston group practice 1939-45 Second World War - 13 lives lost established in new medical centre on Weeland Road. Prior to this the 1948 White Horse licence moved to present surgery had been held in many building locations including a house on High 1951 Sale of the Earl of Westmorland’s Street, a barn, the Working Men’s Estate Club and the Church Hall. 1955 Miner’s Welfare Club build on land 1991 New health centre opened in purpose- opposite the pithead baths built premises off Clifton Road 1958 Sharlston Station Closes 1993 Sharlston Colliery closes 1963 Old Sharlston School closes 1997 Planning consent for 50 houses off Hammer Lane, the ﬁ rst new estate to 1970 Coal Board sells New Sharlston be built in the village for more than houses 40 years. 1997 St Luke’s Church Hall leased to Sharlston Parish Council and converted to become Sharlston Community Centre 2004 Sharlston library closes due to dilapidation of building.