|
The Boundary
The proposed Neighbourhood Area reflects the boundaries of the former Garforth Urban District Council. LCC along with Government data and statistics recognise the designated boundary as representing the Garforth Community.
The bulk of the main residential area is bounded to the south by the A63 with some overlap to the south west bordering on Swillington CP up to the Lin Dyke, and to the south bordering on Kippax.
To the west and north the main residential area is bounded by the A642 but there is some residential development and an industrial estate extending north, within the boundary, towards the M1. The Garforth boundary barely reaches the M1 as there are sections of Aberford and District PC which occupy what have now become disconnected parcels of land since the construction of the motorway.
The north and west boundaries adjoin Aberford & District PC, some residential developments, while geographically attached to Garforth, are actually within the Aberford & District PC and precepted to them.
To the east the Garforth boundary, again adjacent to the Aberford & District PC, hugs the residential development to a point south of the railway line before zig-zagging to meet the Ridge Road(A656) north of the roundabout at the junction with the A63. The boundary then follows the A656 to the roundabout and then west along the A63, adjacent to the Kippax boundary, before dipping south of the road going west towards the Lin Dyke.
Looking at the map the natural physical boundaries would appear to be the M1, A63 and A656 with a little overlap south of the A63 but there is a large section to the east and north that is part of Aberford & District PC.
The proposed boundary, which makes clear the limited capacity for expansion along with emphasising the necessity for open spaces be they agricultural or for leisure purposes, encompasses @ 23,892 (2001 census) residents some of whom also work within the boundary but most commute elsewhere. The majority of children of school age are accommodated within the Garforth schools although some do choose to be educated elsewhere.
Originally the Garforth area was agricultural but in the 19th Century coal mining became the main economy necessitating the development of the local rail network. Historically Garforth evolved from four discrete settlements, Church Garforth, East Garforth, Moor Garforth and West Garforth. Garforth has experienced, and continues to experience, an exponential increase in household dwellings since the 1960s.
There is a restricted range of shops, mostly food or personal care related, the usually expected medical, dispensing, banking, legal and veterinary services along with pubs, cafes, a restaurant. There are limited sports facilities, several recreation or playing fields, a modern library and several community meeting premises. There are 5 primary schools and 1 secondary school. Garforth is served by two major bus companies and has two railway stations. There is easy access to both the A1M and M1 with the M62 not far away. The A63 offers access to either Leeds or Selby and the A642 to Wakefield.
Main Street is locally recognised as the high street and is within walking distance of most parts of the town. A few amenities and services can be found, across all four areas of the town.
Most of Garforth comprises a fairly dense residential area with a discrete industrial estate to the north of the Town abutting the northern boundary close to the M1 and A1M. There are also several smaller industrial/business units within the Town. Traffic congestion now occurs at all entrance and exit routes during rush hours.
Garforth has a strong sense of neighbourhood and identity. There are many community groups covering all ages and a wide range of interests. Activities and events are focused upon a number of local churches, the Garforth Library, Garforth Sports Centre and community centres including the Miners’ Welfare Hall on the Main Street, Firthfields Community Centre at East Garforth and the Community Centre serving The Crescent. There are three social clubs two centrally placed and one within easy walking distance of Main Street.
Statistics
Maps
|
