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The much reported devastated community of Allerton Bywater was not caused by pit closures but the way in which the residents have been treated by various outside agencies. The residents have been consulted and ignored, thrown off their allotments, patronised, slandered and insulted almost from day one in the name of "regeneration".
At first this was welcomed, as we could certainly do with some investment in the village infrastructure, but are a very long from way from the ghost town and devastated community which has been reported.
Even according to English Partnerships own statistics the "economic activity is higher than the average for the Leeds district" and "Owner occupation accounts for 70% of the housing, significantly higher than the district average of 61%" also "car ownership is higher than the district average". Is this a devastated community? so why have we been singled out for special treatment?
There are many community organisations and a newly elected Independent Parish Council which has strong local support.
There is also a cricket team, a bowling club, various shops, doctors surgery, chemist shop, post office and luckily enough 6 pubs.
Crime and nuisance is low and although Allerton Bywater is not idyllic, it certainly has vast potential.
At least for the moment!
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