I write in answer to the letter last week from Gerry Leach and the number of people who have asked me in the street why we are not helping Merle Stead in finding suitable accommodation for her group.
I must let your readers know that I, along with Coun Finnigan and Coun Judith Elliott have visited all possible venues with Merle within the town centre area where she requires accommodation.
The Methodist church halls and the Church of the Nazarene were unsuitable as they did not allow gambling (bingo etc) and alcohol (birthdays, Christmas and special celebrations etc).
St Paul's had the space but did not have suitable arm chairs and the hot water system did not meet the requirements.
Coun Finnigan did, however, offer to deal with these problems.
The kitchen facilities, again, were unsuitable for her needs at Ackroyd Street Club but financial support was also offered in this instance.
Other venues were visited but were turned down on each occasion either by Merle herself or the staff at the venues visited.
I must also add that Morley Town Council has helped this group financially with a grant through the community development committee funding.
Merle Stead, her husband and voluntary helpers have done a great job over the past years and we wish them well in all their endeavours but as a council we have, and will continue to do, all we can to help people who offer their services on a voluntary basis to the community.
Although we are elected councillors we also work on a voluntary basis without pay or expenses to do our best to serve Morley and its community.
COUN JOYCE SANDERS
MBI, Churwell
MORLEY TOWN COUNCIL