(2/7/2009) Council brings history to life for schools
History will be brought to life as this month as Wakefield Council teams up with the Leeds Royal Armouries.

(2/7/2009) Emergency planning team on the road
Wakefield Council’s emergency planning team will be joint-hosting a stand at the Great Yorkshire Show from July 14-16.

(1/7/2009) Council sets example in travelling to work
Wakefield Council is challenging its employees to think more about how they travel to work.

(1/7/2009) Safer Schools events
Pupils in Wakefield district will attend a number of interactive lessons in avoiding crime including arson, drugs and road safety.

(30/6/2009) Flood funding success
More money is set to be invested in flood defences by Wakefield Council after it secured a grant.

(30/6/2009) New season of Wakefield in Bloom
Wakefield Council has been brightening up the city’s streets once again with the Wakefield in Bloom (WiB) initiative.

(26/6/2009) Tasty Tales and Yummy Yarns for the Pontefract Liquorice Festival
Pontefract Town Hall will be hosting a super sweet day of drama and performance as part of this year’s Liquorice Festival on Sunday 12 July.

(26/6/2009) Time travel through the ages in Ossett
Visitors to Ossett are being invited to take a fun-filled step back in time on July 4.

(25/6/2009) Funding boost for care leavers in district
Wakefield district has been given a funding boost of around £1.5m to support young care leavers

(24/6/2009) Major new investment in gyms in Wakefield
Half a million pounds is being invested by Wakefield Council in new gym equipment and sports centre refurbishments.

(24/6/2009) Doubles team promotes tennis at Wimble Day
An ace new scheme has been served up to promote tennis in Wakefield district

(23/6/2009) Growing for the Future
Thornes Park nursery has been given a new lease of life thanks to a flagship social enterprise project to provide work and valuable training for people with learning difficulties

(22/6/2009) Go green at free exciting event
Making a difference on climate change and going green are hot topics at the next Wakefield Council Green Living Day.

(22/6/2009) Council leader accepts new role
Wakefield Council’s leader has accepted a new role after being invited to join Wakefield Cathedral’s Council.

(19/6/2009) Get set for sport with the first outdoor gym
State of the art London 2012 outdoor gym heads straight to Wakefield.

(18/6/2009) Consultation starts on road improvements near Middlestown
Consultations will begin this week to discuss proposed road safety improvements in the Middlestown area.

(18/6/2009) Council confident of Icelandic investment return
Wakefield Council is confident that it will get around 90% of the money invested in the collapsed Icelandic banks back.

(17/6/2009) Book launch for Castleford regeneration project
A new book written by a local author which captures the Castleford regeneration project is set to be launched this week.

(17/6/2009) New signs installed to support business
New signs to promote and advertise businesses in the city centre have been installed by Wakefield Council.

(16/6/2009) Our streets are cleaner than ever
Wakefield’s streets and public places are cleaner than ever thanks to new ways of working by Wakefield Council’s environment team.

(10/6/2009) Flying the flag for armed forces
A special flag will be raised at town hall as Wakefield Council shows its support for the British armed forces.

(10/6/2009) Wakefield is on its way to reaching government recycling rates – one year early
The Council has been improving how much waste it recycles year on year and with the new weekly collections put in place faster than originally planned it has already reached a rate of 35% - putting Wakefield among the best recyclers in the region.

(10/6/2009) Affordable warmth in Wakefield and Hemsworth
Wakefield Council has launched a new project in the fight against fuel poverty in Hemsworth and Wakefield East.

(9/6/2009) Dragons getting fired-up for Wakefield Speaks
Local business experts including The Apprentice star Claire Young will be lining up as part of the next Wakefield Speaks events.

(9/6/2009) Council to consider schools reports
The Council’s cabinet is set to discuss a series of reports next week which tackle the surplus places in the district’s schools.

(3/6/2009) Wakefield Council helps deliver more affordable homes than ever
Wakefield Council is helping to create more affordable housing than ever before

(29/5/2009) New artwork for Castleford to go on display
Four artists are to display innovative ideas for a new piece of artwork for Henry Moore Square in Castleford to complete the community regeneration programme which made up the Castleford Project.

(27/5/2009) Fund raising opportunity for charities
Charities and voluntary organisations are being invited to raise money for their causes at a new monthly market.

(27/5/2009) School girl’s picture to encourage safe driving
The Drivers’ Voluntary Code of Conduct is being promoted by a flyer designed by school girl Amy Gibson.

(26/5/2009) Sweet summer fun
The 14th annual Liquorice Festival will take place in Pontefract this summer with something for everyone.

(22/5/2009) Half-term fun at Clarke Hall
Wakefield Council’s Clarke Hall is hosting a free special event on May 31 as part of its events for spring half-term

(21/5/2009) Fund raising opportunity for charities
Charities and voluntary organisations are being invited to raise money for their causes at a new monthly market

(20/5/2009) Wakefield celebrates National Family Week
Wakefield Council is celebrating the first ever National Family Week with more than 100 events including free family swimming for the whole week.

(20/5/2009) Castleford bridge grabs third top award
Castleford bridge has made it a hat-trick of awards after scooping another top accolade.

(20/5/2009) Westgate roadworks
Roadworks will temporarily change Westgate from dual to single carriageway during off-peak times next week.

(20/5/2009) New community initiatives to be launched
A range of new eye-opening publications are being launched this month to help make Wakefield communities even safer and stronger.

(18/5/2009) Scare away dragons this Spring Bank holiday
Wakefield is hosting lots of fun filled workshops for the whole family this Spring Bank holiday.

(14/5/2009) Wakefield's Mayor-making event
The Annual Meeting and Mayor-Making ceremony of Wakefield Council takes place in County Hall, Wakefield, on Thursday, May 21.

(13/5/2009) Partnership approach to clear old building
A partnership between the Council and a local landowner has seen a derelict building demolished in a key regeneration area.

(13/5/2009) Visitor numbers increase at Wakefield museums
Pontefract Museum has recently seen its largest visitor numbers since opening in 1978, with a 21% increase in visitor numbers from the previous year.

(13/5/2009) Cash boost for Pontefract’s historic market place
Pontefract is celebrating a cash boost to develop its historic buildings and ginnels.

(8/5/2009) Wakefield libraries celebrate National Family Week
Libraries have something for all the family to enjoy together as part of National Family Week (25th - 31st May 2009).

(8/5/2009) Working with children
Wakefield is looking at ways to improve the quality and efficiency of the children’s workforce – those who work or volunteer with children, young people and families – at a conference today (Friday 8 May 2009).

(8/5/2009) Temporary traffic changes in the Bull Ring, Wakefield
Right turn manoeuvres from Northgate onto the Bull Ring, in Wakefield city centre, are to be temporarily banned from May 25 until July 19.

(7/5/2009) A national stage for Wakefield
A national conference is being held in Wakefield next week with guest speakers from Wakefield Council focusing on the district’s regeneration.

(7/5/2009) Biggest online collection of Wakefield pictures in the world!
Wakefield Council’s museums service has now added 1,000 more historic photographs to its online collection, making it the biggest online photographic collection of the Wakefield district in the world.

(6/5/2009) Council to launch Fostering Fortnight
Fostering Fortnight is on the way to promote and celebrate foster care.

(5/5/2009) Westgate to reopen to traffic at weekends
From Friday, May 8 the experimental traffic order which bans cars from using Westgate between 9pm and 5am on Friday and Saturday evenings will be lifted – meaning vehicles will again have access.

(5/5/2009) Meadow scheme for Gordon Place
A successful Wakefield Council scheme to help children learn about the environment as well as improve the local area is being extended.

(5/5/2009) What the European elections mean for Wakefield
The next round of European elections will be held on 4 June and Wakefield Council is encouraging everyone to make sure they have their say.

(1/5/2009) Lunchtime supervisors take pride in their work
Mollie Bromby and Shirley Lewis, Lunchtime Supervisors at Lee Brigg Infant School, have been crowned winners by citizens of Wakefield at the Council’s Pride Awards Ceremony held on Friday 24 April.

(1/5/2009) Work to begin on flagship Wakefield Council school
Work is about to get under way on a 21st century flagship primary school for the district.

(30/4/2009) Wakefield Council statement on swine flu
Joanne Roney, Chief Executive for Wakefield Council, said: "We have a Wakefield district multi-agency pandemic influenza plan for which NHS Wakefield District is the lead organisation, and we are working in conjunction with them. The plan is in place and being reassessed in the light of the developing situation

(28/4/2009) South Elmsall residents invited to regeneration event
A public exhibition of plans and the latest news on the redevelopment of the Westfield Lane area of South Elmsall are to be shown on May 7

(27/4/2009) Grass cutting springs into action
Wakefield Council's first dedicated grass cutting crews and prestige gardeners have been launched to deal with over 600 acres of grass during the spring and summer.

(27/4/2009) Council libraries helping citizens beat the crunch
Wakefield Council’s libraries are offering people a range of money saving schemes

(27/4/2009) Make sure you have a voice in Europe
Voters are being urged to apply for a postal vote if they think they won’t be able to visit a polling station for the European elections on 4 June.

(27/4/2009) Seat Belt On campaign launch
A new campaign to urge people to wear seat belts is being launched by Wakefield Council next week.

(27/4/2009) Wakefield Council is helping people find jobs, develop their skills and get experience through an Access to Employment programme.
Wakefield Council is helping people find jobs, develop their skills and get experience through an Access to Employment programme.

(24/4/2009) A night to remember
Sandal Castle, Wakefield Museum and Clarke Hall are all offering the rare opportunity to visit them in the evening and enjoy what they have to offer during the annual Museums at Night event in May.

(24/4/2009) Nottingham declaration to be signed by Chief Executive
Wakefield Council is set to reaffirm its commitment to reducing carbon emissions when the Chief Executive signs the Nottingham Declaration next week.

(24/4/2009) Mosaic exhibition shaping up nicely
Pontefract history, especially liquorice, will be the theme of a new craft exhibition that's sure to pull in the crowds at Pontefract Museum over the summer.

(23/4/2009) County Hall demolition marks milestone in Merchant Gate development
Roads around County Hall in Wakefield are to be temporarily closed over the May Day bank holiday weekend to allow the safe demolition of the concrete annex to the Council's County Hall.

(21/4/2009) Wakefield council on course in tackling youth homelessness
Wakefield Council has today agreed to look at developing three new projects to provide services for homeless young people, and people with learning disabilities.

(21/4/2009) Wakefield Council gets safety message across to junior rangers
Pupils from eight schools in the Wakefield district are being taught how to stay safe at special sessions where they will train as Safety Rangers at Pontefract Fire Station.

(20/4/2009) New legal service for Wakefield residents
Wakefield Council and the Legal Services Commission (LSC) will commission a new legal advice service for the citizens of Wakefield.

(14/4/2009) Temporary diversion route for Bull Ring's regeneration
Traffic will be temporarily diverted when a section of Westmorland Street is made one way closed for three months while the Bull Ring refurbishment scheme continues.

(9/4/2009) GO Wakefield!
Wakefield Council received a Get On (GO) Local Government Award at an awards presentation last month

(8/4/2009) Thousands enjoying free swim with Wakefield Council scheme
Thousands of people have been making a splash after Wakefield Council launched its Swim 4 Free scheme

(6/4/2009) Eco-friendly system for new combined sports pavilion
A state-of-the-art eco-friendly system has been installed as work begins on the new Wakefield Council-funded multi-use sports pavilion in the city

(3/4/2009) Plans for extra evening at youth centre
Plans are being developed to open Crofton Young People's Centre on a Friday evening to provide young people in the area a safe and constructive place to meet.

(2/4/2009) Castleford footbridge is on a winning streak
Two of the district's waterfront regeneration projects were recognised at the national Waterways Renaissance Awards this week - the Castleford Bridge and Wakefield Waterfront.

(2/4/2009) Meadow scheme for Hemsworth's West End
Green-fingered youngsters will be learning about the environment as part of Wakefield Council's scheme to improve areas of the West End estate.

(2/4/2009) The toys are back in town
Toy Stories and Bringing up Baby exhibitions Wakefield Museum From 4 April 2009

(1/4/2009) Plans put forward to rebuild school after fire
Plans to replace school buildings at Carleton Community High School after it was devastated by fire last year look set to be given approval.

(1/4/2009) Future of school set to be decided
Wakefield Council's cabinet is set to meet this month to discuss the future of Standbridge Primary School.

(26/3/2009) Playtime to get bigger and better in Wakefield district
Playtime is about to get even bigger and better across the district after Wakefield Council backed new funding plans.

(26/3/2009) Specialist centre refurbishment for Featherstone
Refurbishment works at Featherstone Technology College have been officially unveiled.

(26/3/2009) Safer Schools sessions for the district
Pupils throughout the Wakefield district will attend a number of fun and interactive lessons in avoiding crime including arson, drugs and road safety.

(25/3/2009) Meet the author and get your book signed
Much-loved Yorkshire author and broadcaster Gervase Phinn is visiting Wakefield's Tourist Information Centre (TIC) for a book signing next week

(25/3/2009) Behind the scenes at the gallery
Work behind the scenes will soon be underway at Wentworth Terrace's art gallery as the collections are prepared for the move to the new purpose-built gallery - The Hepworth Wakefield.

(25/3/2009) Birthday recognition for community stalwart
A local man dedicated to his community has had his work recognised by Wakefield Council on his birthday.

(25/3/2009) It's easy being e-green
Environment Cabinet Member Clive Hudson has been keeping up with his Cleaner Greener blog on a monthly basis and is starting to increase his posts as he turns his hand to reducing his carbon footprint.

(23/3/2009) Castleford footbridge scoops national award
The iconic Castleford footbridge has scooped a major national award for design.

(23/3/2009) Gymnastic partnership hosts French National Tumbling Team
Wakefield's world class tumblers played host to the French National Junior tumbling team at Thornes Park Stadium this month.

(23/3/2009) Free swimming scheme to make a big splash
Wakefield Council is encouraging people to get fit and healthy with the launch of Swim 4 Free from April 1.

(23/3/2009) Go ahead given for new sports pavilion
Wakefield Council's plans for a new multi-sports pavilion will become a reality after the planning application was approved.

(23/3/2009) Newmillerdam arboretum officially opens
Visitors to Newmillerdam Country Park can now appreciate the full beauty of an arboretum thanks to Wakefield Council and the voluntary group Wakefield Tree Wardens.

(23/3/2009) Flick the switch and get creative in the dark
Flickering candle light, soft music, and good food. Romantic night in? No, it's all in aid of climate change.

(19/3/2009) Students pedaling for the environment
Students at Outwood Grange Technology College are being encouraged to think about how they travel to college in a more eco - friendly way.

(19/3/2009) New road at Glasshoughton - opening
The new Glasshoughton Coalfields link road is due to open to the public on 1 April 2009

(18/3/2009) Free scheme launch to help more people stay warm
A groundbreaking toolkit to support frontline agencies help vulnerable people keep warm is to be launched on March 23 at Wakefield Town Hall.

(18/3/2009) Roadworks in Wakefield
Agbrigg Road, Wakefield is to be closed to traffic for collision protection beams situated either side of the railway bridge.

(18/3/2009) Castleford councillor nominated as deputy mayor
Councillor Tony Wallis has been nominated by the controlling Labour Group of Wakefield Council as Deputy Mayor for the district for the term of office which starts in May this year.

(17/3/2009) Jane McDonald to give school the star treatment
Singing sensation Jane McDonald will be performing at the grand unveiling of a newly refurbished school.

(13/3/2009) Save energy, save money, save the planet
Wakefield Council is reducing its carbon footprint and encouraging everyone in the district to do the same

(12/3/2009) Wakefield Council teams up with GoWarm
Wakefield Council has teamed up with a company to bring affordable energy efficiency measures to homes in the district

(12/3/2009) Special screening of VE Day in Wakefield
An exhibition at Wakefield Museum is being celebrated this Sunday with a special film remembering the district's VE Day celebrations of 1945

(11/3/2009) Chance to meet author
Local history expert Kate Taylor is the latest author to take part in a book signing at Wakefield's Tourist Information Centre

(10/3/2009) Willow Park gets greener
Youngsters at Willow Park Junior School were going green after supporting the Council's 'Cleaner, Safer Wakefield' project

(10/3/2009) A library of memories
Wakefield Council is putting a book of memories and photos together about Drury Lane and Balne Lane Libraries and wants to hear from anyone who would like to share their recollections

(9/3/2009) Scrap vehicles hauled from river
The Council's anti-social behaviour unit has teamed up with West Yorkshire Police to haul scrap vehicles from a river as part of an operation to tackle environmental pollution.

(5/3/2009) Wakefield Council appoints new Corporate Director for Business and Resources
Wakefield Council has appointed Phil Taylor from Sheffield Council as its new Corporate Director for Business and Resources. He will take up his post in June.

(5/3/2009) Local Development Framework success
Wakefield Council is the first metropolitan district in the country to have two key parts of its new development framework approved.

(5/3/2009) Major step forward for secondary school funding bids
The district moved a step closer to securing millions of pounds worth of funding for new and improved high schools this week.

(5/3/2009) Council receives four-star boost
The Council is celebrating retaining its four-star rating after the Audit Commission released its latest findings on Council performance.

(5/3/2009) Festival's an international success
Visitors from across the world descended on Wakefield last week for the annual Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb.

(5/3/2009) Resurfacing works – Pontefract Road, Featherstone
Motorists are being warned of possible delays in the Featherstone area as works to resurface Pontefract Road from outside the Junction Public House to the Featherstone Crossroads start on Monday 9 March.

(4/3/2009) Council celebrating another national award
Wakefield Council is celebrating another success after being named as a Beacon Council for its work in commissioning services for citizens.

(4/3/2009) Online help to combat downturn goes live
A new dedicated website to help businesses and individuals in the Wakefield district during the current economic downturn has been launched.

(4/3/2009) £5m award opens doors to new young people's centre in Castleford
Plans for a "world class" centre for young people in the Five Towns have been given a huge boost with a £5m award from the Government's myplace programme, delivered by the Big Fund.

(3/3/2009) Council sets new budget
The new budget for 2009/10 has been set by Wakefield Council at a meeting yesterday.

(3/3/2009) Views wanted on new waste plan
A new plan for dealing with the district's waste has been put forward by Wakefield Council following several stages of public consultations.

(2/3/2009) Girls in Aerospace - Hovercraft Challenge
About 180 pupils from the Wakefield district will design and build a hovercraft in one day to inspire young females towards careers in science, engineering and design.

(26/2/2009) Wakefield libraries mark national book week
Wakefield Libraries are holding their biggest ever World Book Week. From 2nd-6th March children from across the district will be flocking to their local libraries to explore the pleasures of books and reading at special class visits arranged by library staff.

(26/2/2009) Council set to decide on budget
Wakefield Council is due to meet on March 2 to discuss and set this year's budget.

(26/2/2009) Things that go bump in the loft
When Wakefield Council officers were called to a house in South Lane, Netherton, the last thing they expected to find in the loft was a furry polecat.

(26/2/2009) Environmental crime day of action a success
Environmental crime officers from Wakefield Council teamed up with partners for a joint day of action in Eastmoor and Portobello.

(26/2/2009) New temporary car park opens
It's all change for rail passengers as the commuters' car park at Westgate is being temporarily re-located to make way for a 1,500 space multi-storey car park.

(26/2/2009) All the fun of the medieval fair
There'll be an historic flavour at Castleford Market next week when medieval craftspeople rub shoulders with market traders.

(25/2/2009) Topping out ceremony marks new phase for The Hepworth Wakefield
Wakefield’s new world-class art gallery, The Hepworth Wakefield, takes another major step forward on 4 March when it holds its topping out ceremony

(25/2/2009) The Hepworth Wakefield gets Tate Gallery backing
The reputation of The Hepworth Wakefield is continuing to grow after it was officially admitted into a prestigious Tate Gallery programme.

(25/2/2009) Come to the ball - and support local charities
The Mayor's Charity Ball will look back to the 'Roaring Twenties' while raising money for the Move Ahead charity and the Adam Watene Fund.

(23/2/2009) Festival welcomes ITV
One of ITV's top cookery programmes will be at this week's Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb recruiting contestants for the third series

(23/2/2009) Have your say at Stanley Marsh
People from Wakefield can have their say on the popular Stanley Marsh Nature Reserve this month

(23/2/2009) New Children's Centre officially opened
A new children's centre in Moorthorpe will be opened officially on Tuesday (February 24).

(19/2/2009) Wakefield Economic Taskforce on call with new helpline
Wakefield Council's Economic Taskforce has today launched a dedicated economic helpline service to support the district's businesses and individuals during the economic downturn in 2009.

(19/2/2009) Going bananas for Fair Trade in Wakefield
Wakefield Council, in conjunction with the Wakefield Fair Trade, is hosting Fair Trade Fortnight from Saturday February 21 to Saturday March 7.

(18/2/2009) Making the cut for hedgelaying competition
Wakefield Council is hosting the West Yorkshire Hedgelaying Competition on Saturday March 7.

(17/2/2009) Wakefield Council Twitters
Wakefield Council is using social networking site Twitter to help keep people up to date with the latest news and events around the district.

(17/2/2009) New UK Youth Parliament members announced
The next wave of young politicians have been announced following the highest ever voting turnout for Wakefield district for the UK Youth Parliament.

(17/2/2009) Wakefield Council's Cabinet meets at Outwood Grange College
Wakefield Council's key decision-making body is holding its next meeting at a local college which is bidding to become an Academy of Excellence.

(16/2/2009) Bringing up baby
Wakefield Museum is celebrating the world of the baby from the first cry to the first words.

(16/2/2009) Inspiring waterfront regeneration in Castleford and Wakefield
Waterfront regeneration projects in Castleford and Wakefield have been named as finalists in the national 2009 Waterways Renaissance Awards.

(16/2/2009) Festival's medieval twist
Visitors to next week's Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb will be able to taste an authentic medieval dish as well as food prepared by some of the region's top chefs.

(13/2/2009) Tribute paid to former Mayor of Wakefield
Wakefield Council Leader Cllr Peter Box today paid tribute to a former Mayor of Wakefield and long-standing local councillor, Norman Hartshorne, who has died suddenly

(12/2/2009) Wakefield Council and Yorkshire Forward support Trinity Walk scheme
Wakefield Council is safeguarding up to 1500 jobs by identifying funding to support a major retail development in the city.

(11/2/2009) Initial Groundworks begin on South Kirkby Waste Management Facility Site
VT Environmental Engineering (VTEE) has started the preliminary groundworks for the waste management facility to be built on the South Kirkby Business Park. Planning permission for the facility on the former colliery site was granted by Wakefield Council's planning committee in November last year and work is due to be completed in 2011.

(10/2/2009) Council scoops Land Data industry award
For the second year running Wakefield Council has been named winner of the best NLIS Local Land Charges (LLC) department of the year award.

(10/2/2009) Community celebrates 30th anniversary of playgroup
There were two special guests at a big 30th birthday party for one of Wakefield's oldest playgroups which was attended by more than 60 parents and children.

(6/2/2009) Council Economic Taskforce offers support to businesses
Wakefield Council has outlined a range of measures it is taking to support business in the south east of the district as part of the Wakefield Economic Taskforce focus on backing the district’s businesses during the economic downturn.

(5/2/2009) Find out more about your treasures
If you're the sort of person who has a roomful of objects and antiquities that you've dug out of the ground over the years, then Wakefield Museum has just the event for you.

(5/2/2009) New members of Youth Parliament to be announced at Xscape event
The next members of the UK Youth Parliament are set to be announced on February 13.

(5/2/2009) Council working to keep the district moving during cold snap
Wakefield Council is continuing to work hard to keep the district moving as further sub-zero temperatures are forecast for the next few days.

(4/2/2009) Young people to be recognised with annual Duke of Edinburgh awards.
The achievements of young people from across the district will be celebrated at Wakefield Town Hall this week.

(3/2/2009) New children's centre to officially open in Upton
Wakefield Council is working to provide more facilities and support for children and parents with the opening of another children's centre

(3/2/2009) Take a walk in the rhubarb triangle
A walk in the rhubarb triangle is one of the new events on offer as part of the annual Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb

(3/2/2009) Homeowners urged to make sure they don't miss out on energy grants
Home owners and private tenants in the Wakefield district could be missing out on grants to make their homes more energy efficient

(3/2/2009) Council teams keep district moving
Wakefield Council staff were working round the clock yesterday and today to keep the district moving during the heavy snowfalls which hit West Yorkshire

(29/1/2009) Paving the way for new look Bull Ring
New paving is being laid as part of the first phase of the refurbishment of the Bull Ring area.

(28/1/2009) Village road to close temporarily
The bridge carrying the access road over the railway into New Fryston village will be rebuilt as part of the reclamation of the former Fryston and Wheldale collieries.

(28/1/2009) Council working with residents on HGV issues
Wakefield Council is working with Sandal residents to look at ways of limiting HGV traffic through the area.

(28/1/2009) New events give historic flavour to festival
There will be a 17th century slant to Wakefield's Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb with a new initiative for this year.

(26/1/2009) Poetry takes centre stage
Poetry is about to take centre stage at Pontefract Library as local schools take part in OFF BY HEART, a BBC competition to find the pupil who can best learn and recite well known poems.

(23/1/2009) Beat the fuel prices with energy advice tour
Help is now available to save energy and be warmer in your home this winter. Grants for insulation and heating improvements can provide everything free of charge. You can save energy and money by making your home more energy efficient.

(23/1/2009) New children's centre to open in Wakefield
A new children's centre is due to open in Wakefield on January 26. The centre will provide facilities and support for children and their families.

(22/1/2009) Wakefield to host major meeting on floods
Wakefield is set to host the first meeting for the Yorkshire Land and Water Management Learning and Action Alliance later this month. The meeting comes after the council welcomed news that Wakefield has been awarded more than £10m funding from the Environment Agency for flood relief schemes.

(20/1/2009) New play area for Hemsworth
Wakefield Council has recently completed the regeneration of the play facilities at Grove Lane play area in Hemsworth.

(20/1/2009) New vision gets under way for future of education in the district
A new vision for education in Wakefield district has been unveiled to help children and young people build aspiration and realise their potential.

(19/1/2009) Olympic diving star comes to Knottingley to launch the new national plan for teaching swimming
Knottingley Sports Centre is to hold the launch event for a new national swimming plan that is to be implemented in our region. The new plan will provide swimming instructors with a guide to follow when it come to teaching swimming, ensuring that swimming tuition is of the highest standard.

(19/1/2009) Lining up for Wakefield's first Rhubarb Run
Wakefield's first ever Rhubarb Run will be a new feature of the annual Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb in 2009.

(15/1/2009) Toddling for gold with Wakefield libraries
Young bookworms are being invited to go for gold as part of a scheme to get youngsters into reading.

(14/1/2009) Wakefield Council achieves four stars
Wakefield Council is celebrating achieving a maximum four stars as a result of its recent Corporate Assessment.

(14/1/2009) Building cyber city Wakefield
An international art project is due to be launched in Wakefield next week and the district's students will be invited to take part in it.

(14/1/2009) Tots' Treasure - Museum Workshops
The district's mini historians and explorers can take part in an alphabet adventure and treasure box exploration at Wakefield Museum from February.

(12/1/2009) Rhubarb festival line-up unveiled
A line-up of top regional chefs and food experts has been unveiled by organisers of this year's Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb.

(8/1/2009) More new children's centres to open
More facilities and support will be available for children and parents with the opening of two more Wakefield Council children's centres.

(7/1/2009) Playing out in Wakefield district
Five new play projects are on their way to being opened this year thanks to Wakefield Council and the Big Lottery Children's Play Initiative.

(7/1/2009) New look Bull Ring to become more pedestrian friendly
Pedestrians will be given the green light over cars as part of the Bull Ring refurbishment scheme after the installation of a new traffic light system.

(6/1/2009) Westgate regeneration continues with key demolition
The regeneration of Wakefield's Westgate area will hit a major milestone this week as demolition works on the County Hall annex are due to begin.

(31/12/2008) Wakefield Council Chief Executive named in New Year's Honours List
Joanne Roney, Chief Executive of Wakefield Council, has received on OBE for services to local government in the New Year's Honours List.

(31/12/2008) Crackdown drives nuisance bikes off roads
Dozens of mini-moto cycles have been driven off Wakefield roads thanks to the Council and police.

(31/12/2008) Council helps put club in the money
Former Manchester United star Arnie Sidebottom, who was also a Yorkshire and England cricketer, will present a cheque for almost £10,000 to a local football team.

(23/12/2008) Think green this Christmas and New Year
Think green when you take down your Christmas tree decorations this year - that's the message from Wakefield Council's recycling team, which is urging residents to put their Christmas tree to good use.

(19/12/2008) Drumming up new borrowers at Wakefield Libraries
Wakefield Libraries have been drumming up new borrowers with a popular musical promotion.

(17/12/2008) Young people pick up or pay up
Wakefield's young people will get the choice of making the district cleaner or paying a £75 fine if they are caught littering.

(17/12/2008) Wakefield Council children's services improving lives
Wakefield Council's children services are continuing to improve outcomes for children and young people, according to Ofsted's annual performance assessment published today (December 17).

(16/12/2008) Sporting boost for Wakefield district as participation figures rise
More people are swapping the sofa for sport in the district according to a major new survey.

(16/12/2008) Council bid for Building Schools for the Future
High schools across the district are set to benefit following the submission of a major funding bid by Wakefield Council.

(16/12/2008) Seeing green at Christmas
Wakefield citizens are being urged to think green over the festive period.

(15/12/2008) Burst water main in Castleford precinct
Wakefield Council is working with market traders to minimise disruption after a water main in Castleford precinct burst.

(15/12/2008) Revisit the Battle of Wakefield
The popular Battle of Wakefield Living History event will be held at Sandal Castle on 27 and 28 December.

(15/12/2008) Council's helping hand on to the housing ladder
Wakefield Council has teamed up with developers and housing associations to help people keep their feet on the housing ladder during the economic downturn.

(15/12/2008) New Wakefield Skate Park riding high for completion
The state-of-the-art Wakefield Skate Park is now complete and becomes one of the biggest if its kind in the country.

(11/12/2008) Play a key role in improving council services
Wakefield's citizens are being given the chance to join two of the Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committees as volunteers.

(11/12/2008) Council's Economic Taskforce starts work
A Keep Trade Local campaign, single point of contact and specialist support for local businesses during the economic downturn are all measures agreed by Wakefield Council's new Economic Taskforce, which met for the first time this week.

(10/12/2008) Chance to meet former rugby coach
Former international rugby coach Peter Fox, who played for three Wakefield district teams, will be signing copies of his authorised biography at Wakefield Tourist Information Centre (TIC) next week.

(10/12/2008) Council takes steps to improve public safety
Wakefield Council is taking steps to protect the travelling public in the district by introducing additional background checks on people applying to be licensed as private hire or hackney carriage drivers.

(10/12/2008) Clearing the way for progress in Hemsworth
The few remaining houses on a Hemsworth estate plagued by anti-social behaviour and vandalism are expected to be demolished this week to make way for a £4.5 million regeneration project

(9/12/2008) Looking to the future in Horbury
The future of Carr Lodge Park Mansion in Horbury will be decided this month with the hope it will be back in use as soon as possible.

(9/12/2008) Santa will be ditching his sleigh for a day to reward youngsters in the district for walking their way to school.
Santa will be ditching his sleigh for a day to reward youngsters in the district for walking their way to school.

(8/12/2008) Recycling across the district - one year on
Just one year from the start of a new waste and recycling collection scheme in Wakefield, Council bosses are hailing it a success.

(8/12/2008) Kick it out football tournament
Wakefield Council is working with a young people's community group to kick racism out of football.

(4/12/2008) Funding for new housing to support independence
Yorkshire Housing in partnership with Wakefield Council, has successfully secured a grant from the Housing Corporation of £600,000 towards building 10 new bungalows across the Wakefield District.

(4/12/2008) Wakefield Council puts bad weather plan into action
Wakefield Council had highways operatives on stand by overnight on Wednesday and Thursday morning in readiness for the forecast heavy snowfalls early on this morning.

(3/12/2008) The Guide launch
Wakefield Council publication The Guide 2009 was launched today (Tues) by deputy leader Cllr Denise Jeffery,outside the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) at the Bull Ring, Wakefield.

(3/12/2008) Emmerdale TV star to open children's centre
A television star will officially open a new children's centre in the district this month.

(3/12/2008) Major Networking Event To Help Business – And it’s FREE
Details of a major ‘Let’s Work Together’ Business Networking Event to help local and regional businesses through the current global economic slowdown have been announced.

(3/12/2008) Awards for young people making a splash in water sports
Pirates, windsurfers and dinghy sailors are just some of the young seafaring sailors who will be recognised for their achievements this year.

(2/12/2008) Gymnastics Partnership at Thornes Park Stadium
Wakefield Council and a popular gymnastic club have joined forces to encourage more young people get fit and active.

(1/12/2008) Savile Park Games Court - The People's Millions 2008
Savile Park in Castleford is in line for a new games court thanks to a winning TV vote this week

(27/11/2008) Water wonderful new bridge at The Hepworth Wakefield gallery
One of the first new Wakefield city centre bridges in more than a century will be winched into place as part of The Hepworth Wakefield gallery project.

(27/11/2008) Digging up the past at Wakefield Museum
As the face of Wakefield continues to change, archaeologists have been digging deep and making some dramatic discoveries.

(27/11/2008) Students to speak out
Young people from across the district will be getting together for Student Speaks 2008 to have a say on what's important to them.

(27/11/2008) Building safer communities
Designing out crime at the design and planning stage of new buildings is one of the ways Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police are working to build safer and stronger communities.

(27/11/2008) Excellent rating with three stars for Wakefield Council adult social services
Wakefield Council is today celebrating an excellent, three-star rating for its adult social services for the third year running.

(25/11/2008) Road closure update - Wrangbrook Lane - Upton
Motorists are being warned of possible delays in the Upton area as works to construct the new Hemsworth A1 Link Road continue.

(25/11/2008) New guide to draw visitors to district
Promoting and investing in the visitor economy continues to be a priority for Wakefield Council, which next week launches The Guide 2009.

(25/11/2008) Council chief executive receives warm reception from community group
Wakefield Council's chief executive has been given an early Christmas present by a talented community group.

(20/11/2008) Hub of activity to officially open
Two new major parts of Hemsworth Arts & Community College will be officially opened next week.

(20/11/2008) Clearing the way for safe winter travel
New vehicle friendly salt is one of the ways Wakefield Council will be keeping the district's roads safe this winter.

(20/11/2008) Wakefield Council leads from the front to beat slowdown
Wakefield Council has announced plans for the creation of a new economic task force to help local businesses through the current global slowdown.

(19/11/2008) Wakefield is recognised for Making a Difference
Wakefield Council was recognised at the prestigious Making a Difference Awards for delivering high quality services in the district last night.

(18/11/2008) Funding boost for The Hepworth Wakefield
Wakefield's newest art gallery has received a funding boost from two of the UK's leading charitable foundations.

(18/11/2008) New pavilion plans put forward
A new multi-sports pavilion has taken a step closer to becoming a reality after Wakefield Council submitted a planning application.

(17/11/2008) Driving the message home
A new road safety campaign in Airedale will be launched next week with a dramatic reconstruction of a car accident

(13/11/2008) Drama launches anti-social behaviour DVD
A drama event to launch an educational DVD about anti-social behaviour is being held at Airedale High School's theatre later this month

(13/11/2008) Celebrating Wakefield's children of achievement
The achievements of more than 90 children and young people in care were recognised at a special event last night (Nov 12).

(12/11/2008) Council team up with Friends of Pugneys group
A new community action group has been formed to help make Pugneys Country Park an even more popular place to visit

(12/11/2008) Alcohol exclusion zone to begin in Pontefract
Drunken behaviour and booze-fuelled crime is being clamped down on by Wakefield Council in Pontefract town centre

(10/11/2008) Pupils get OnBoard
Pupils from a Featherstone school have been setting sail in a bid to get more active at Pugneys Country Park

(7/11/2008) Wakefield pupils reach for the stars
Wakefield school pupils will be given the chance to learn more about rocket design and space travel next week

(5/11/2008) Lighting up for the festive season
The district is gearing up for the festive season with special markets and switching on Christmas lights as part of the Council's continuing Festival of Fire and Light

(4/11/2008) Roadworks ban on 100 roads for Christmas
Roadworks are to be banned again from 100 of Wakefield District's main shopping streets and busiest roads in the Christmas and New Year period

(4/11/2008) Wakefield Victorian Market 2008
Wakefield's Victorian Market opens in the city centre next week as part of the Council's continuing Festival of Fire and Light

(4/11/2008) A climate for change
Wakefield Council is joining four other local councils to lead on climate change in the region

(4/11/2008) Castleford community's television bid for parks funding
A Castleford community group is hoping to get some major funding for a park after applying to a television show

(4/11/2008) Carleton Community High School update
Arrangements have now been made for pupils from Carleton Community High School, in Pontefract, to use the facilities at The King's High School

(4/11/2008) Boost for crime fighting in Wakefield
Wakefield has become one of 60 areas across the country which has been signed up to become a new neighbourhood crime and justice pioneer area, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced today

(30/10/2008) Campaign to highlight violence at work
Wakefield Council is supporting a national campaign to highlight violence at work in retail and licensed premises which can make life a misery for employees

(29/10/2008) Queen Victoria on the move
The historic statue of Queen Victoria is on the move as part of the refurbishment of Wakefield's Bull Ring

(29/10/2008) Five-year anti-social behaviour order for teenager
An 18-year-old Featherstone man was given a five-year anti-social behaviour order on Monday (27 October) for burglary and taking vehicles without the owner's consent

(29/10/2008) Guide dog puppies go for walkies at school
Wakefield Council has teamed up with Guide Dogs for the Blind to promote healthier and safer travel

(29/10/2008) Senior councillors confirm decision on school holiday changes
Wakefield Council's Cabinet has confirmed a decision to align school holidays for primary and secondary schools in the district as we move towards harmonisation with the rest of West Yorkshire

(28/10/2008) Wakefield District at War- We Will Remember Them
A unique online archive is going live on Remembrance Day - 11 November

(28/10/2008) Girnhill Lane Estate, Featherstone
Wakefield Council took a major step forward today in the regeneration of the Girnhill Lane estate in Featherstone by appointing Strata Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd as the preferred developer for the estate

(27/10/2008) Wakefield Remembers
The Annual Festival of Remembrance will be held in Wakefield Cathedral on Friday 7 November 2008

(27/10/2008) Council services help citizens in credit crunch
Wakefield Council is helping citizens in financial difficulties due to the credit crunch by agreeing monthly payments of council tax based on what people can afford to pay and running a groundbreaking scheme to support people struggling to pay mortgages

(27/10/2008) Young environment champion wins award
A Wakefield pupil has been recognised for his efforts to keep his community clean

(24/10/2008) Road safety award ceremony
Wakefield Council in association with its road safety partners, Warburtons Bakers, is holding a road safety awards ceremony to recognise the work carried out by staff and volunteers

(24/10/2008) Carleton High School - latest information
Carleton Community High School in Pontefract is planning for the future following the devastating fire last weekend, which destroyed nearly half its buildings

(23/10/2008) Continuing to improve dignity in care
A district-wide review to continuously improve dignity and respect at the heart of caring for older people was launched today (23 October) by Wakefield Council

(23/10/2008) Schools providing more services for families
Schools across the Wakefield district are working for families and providing extended services for the community, beating a target set by the Government

(23/10/2008) Working smart gains recognition for Wakefield
An innovative scheme to improve Council services has won a prestigious national award

(22/10/2008) Mayor to lead tributes to Adam Watene
A special memorial service will be held at Wakefield Cathedral to celebrate the life of Adam Watene

(22/10/2008) Queen Victoria to be restored
The historic statue of Queen Victoria will soon be given a new lease of life and a new home

(22/10/2008) Work to begin on a new look Westgate
A new wave of regeneration to rejuvenate the Westgate area of Wakefield will begin this month despite the challenging economic climate

(22/10/2008) Wakefield Council supports safety campaign
Wakefield Council is joining in a national campaign this month and next run by the Health and Safety Executive to target tradesmen who are still at risk from exposure to asbestos

(22/10/2008) Wakefield Council shortlisted as Beacon for strategic commissioning
Wakefield Council has been shortlisted as a beacon for other councils for its work in commissioning services for citizens

(21/10/2008) Apprentice makes top six
Dale Hick, a Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Apprentice, with Wakefield Council's Transport Services, was one of only 6 apprentices in the country to be short listed by the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) for its Transport and Vehicle Maintenance Apprentice of the year award 2008

(20/10/2008) A cleaner, greener online diary
Wakefield's environment champion Cllr Clive Hudson has set up an online diary to chronicle his family's attempts to become greener and their switch to the new bin collections

(20/10/2008) School fire update
Following a serious fire which this weekend destroyed a large part of Carleton Community High School, Pontefract, headteacher Rob Foreman was today co-ordinating operations

(17/10/2008) Lunch clubs
Kingswood Catering, part of Wakefield Council, is helping to improve relationships between pupils and older people through special lunch clubs.

(16/10/2008) Stars of Family Services
More than 250 employees from Wakefield Council have been recognised for achieving national qualifications and for their hard work and dedication.

(16/10/2008) Council service celebrates 20 years of helping children and families
A lifeline Wakefield Council service will be celebrating 20 years of helping young children and their families this month.

(15/10/2008) Wakefield hairdresser in line for national award
Following the success of the HABIA (Hair and Beauty Industry Association) Health and Safety awards when 12 salons in the Wakefield District won the prestigious Council-backed award, Wendy Bachelor at Unit 9 Hair Design at Ossett in Wakefield has been nominated for the National Health and Safety Award.

(15/10/2008) Healthy kids meet Protein Pete
Primary school pupil in the Wakefield District are eating healthier than ever, and its thanks to Protein Pete, Veggie Reggie, Katie Carbs and Dairy Dan!

(14/10/2008) Getting ready to recycle
Everyone involved in the next phase of the waste and recycling collection scheme is geared up for Tuesday 21 October.

(14/10/2008) Looking at alcohol initiatives
Initiatives to tackle violent and alcohol related crime in the city centre will be looked at by one of Wakefield Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committees this week.

(14/10/2008) Council pays tribute to Adam Watene
Wakefield Council Leader Cllr Peter Box today paid tribute to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats player and Deputy Mayor's Consort Adam Watene who died suddenly yesterday.

(13/10/2008) Electoral registration canvassers on the streets
Some Wakefield residents will be visited by canvassers in the next two weeks to make sure they maintain their right to vote.

(10/10/2008) Council pledges support to rugby league in Wakefield district
Wakefield Council has unanimously agreed to do all it can to support the district's three professional rugby league clubs.

(10/10/2008) Safety Rangers play it safe
Pupils from ten schools in Wakefield are being taught how to stay safe at special sessions where they will train as Safety Rangers at Pontefract Fire Station.

(8/10/2008) A big clean in Wakefield
Some of Wakefield's streets were targeted last week for a big clean.

(8/10/2008) Water wonderful new look for the Bull Ring
The water wonderland that will be a key feature of the Bull Ring's refurbishment is about to hit a major milestone.

(8/10/2008) Getting back to nature
Six of Wakefield's parks and wildlife areas have been named as Local Nature Reserves by Wakefield Council with the agreement and support of Natural England.

(8/10/2008) New chapter for Wakefield with central library
A new page in Wakefield's history is about to be written as developers prepare to begin work on a new central library.

(2/10/2008) Flower power for Wakefield in Bloom
Flower power descended on the city this week as the winners of this year's Wakefield in Bloom Awards were announced.

(2/10/2008) Give cold shoulder to cold-call heating offers
Wakefield Council is warning citizens about unsolicited visits from people claiming to be working with the council and selling cavity wall and loft insulation.

(30/9/2008) Twilight Tidy in Purston Park
Young people from Featherstone have been helping keep Purston Park clean with a monthly Twilight Tidy.

(30/9/2008) Council chief executive changes places for National Customer Service Week
Wakefield Council's top boss will swap her office for a call centre as she leads the way for National Customer Service Week 2008

(30/9/2008) Swimming plans approved by Council
New swimming pool plans were among a series of key reports approved by Wakefield Council's cabinet today (September 30).

(30/9/2008) Pottering about with new discovery at Pontefract Museum
The exciting new discovery of a medieval kiln will see visitors to Pontefract Museum whisked back in time as experts lead a free talk on the find.

(29/9/2008) A winning welcome to Wakefield district
Giving visitors a warm welcome to the Wakefield district has helped the Council's Tourist Information Centre (TIC) bag a major regional award.

(29/9/2008) Not in my neighbourhood
A campaign to address crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities is being launched for the second year running in October.

(29/9/2008) International Inclusion Week gets underway
A range of events across the district are being held throughout this week to support International Inclusion Week 2008.

(29/9/2008) Working towards a cleaner and greener district
Wakefield Council is tackling litter in Wakefield and Moorthorpe with a new initiative to target fly-tipping, excess bin waste and poor recycling behaviour.

(29/9/2008) Driving the anti-litter message home
Wakefield Council's anti-littering message will soon be seen on the move around the district on the side of refuse vehicles

(29/9/2008) Cabinet Listens events in store
Residents are being given the chance to make their voices heard when Wakefield Council's team of decision makers tour the district this autumn

(24/9/2008) Wakefield's mayor leads leap of faith
Daredevils with a head for heights will be taking part in a charity abseil in aid of the mayor's charity.

(24/9/2008) Holiday help for families with school break changes
Families dealing with childcare during school holidays will be given a helping hand by Wakefield Council.

(23/9/2008) Prescription for a good read
A book a day could soon be the prescription at Wakefield's libraries.

(23/9/2008) Ship-shape and ready for National Bookstart Day 2008
Pirate fever is spreading across Wakefield district as parents and babies are excitedly preparing for pirate themed parties to celebrate the biggest ever National Bookstart Day.

(22/9/2008) Tackling local environmental issues
Wakefield Council is tackling environmental issues well according to a recent Defra survey

(18/9/2008) Golfers tee-lighted with new award
Members of the City of Wakefield Golf Club are tee-lighted with their latest award after scooping a prestigious GolfMark.

(17/9/2008) Supporting our top athletes
As the Paralympics hands over to London the focus of athletes across the country will be firmly on the London Games in four years time

(17/9/2008) Learning and fun for Ramadan
Integration and information for young people from across the district are the driving forces behind a new series of fun workshops this month

(17/9/2008) Blooming Great Success
Wakefield has achieved an outstanding success having this year entered the Yorkshire in Bloom competition

(16/9/2008) Hemsworth's new library open this month
The new library in Hemsworth is due to open later this month, providing citizens with lots of new books, more computers and improved opening hours

(16/9/2008) Castleford Forum will continue
Wakefield Council and the Castleford Forum have vowed to continue their good work in the community despite a funding setback

(16/9/2008) Mayor 'At Home' Event
Civic heads from neighbouring authorities and representatives from voluntary, charity and local organisations will be coming to the Town Hall to meet Wakefield District Mayor and her consor the Lady Mayoress, for their first 'At Home' event

(16/9/2008) Notton play area - coming soon
Work to transform Hudson Avenue play area in Notton will soon be starting thanks to Wakefield Council and Notton Parish Council

(16/9/2008) Learning how to work with communities the Wakefield Way
Councillors from across Yorkshire and Humber are coming together on 26th September at an event in Wakefield to share good practise around working with communities and neighbourhoods.

(12/9/2008) Report to consider sports facilities in Wakefield district
Wakefield Council's Cabinet meeting on September 30 will consider a report giving an update on the community sports stadium project in Thornes Park, the stadium project at Glasshoughton and sports facilities in Wakefield city centre

(11/9/2008) Wakefield visit from anti-social behaviour advisors
Partnership work and tackling anti-social behaviour was high on the agenda this week when top government advisors visited the district.

(10/9/2008) Wakefield Council urges citizens to register
Wakefield District residents who have not yet registered to vote are being warned they may have problems if they try to open a bank account or obtain credit.

(10/9/2008) Runes of Time at Wakefield Art Gallery
The penultimate exhibition at Wakefield Art Gallery - Runes of Time - is a celebration of the work of Sonia Lawson RA and is open from this Saturday.

(8/9/2008) Visitors boost for Wakefield's new market
Almost 90,000 people visited Wakefield's new market hall and food hall during August, delighted Council chiefs have announced.

(2/9/2008) Diggers move in to transform the Bull Ring.
The changing face of Wakefield city centre is continuing with diggers moving in to transform the iconic Bull Ring area.

(2/9/2008) Council backs free swimming for thousands of citizens
Thousands of people could benefit from free swimming across the district after Wakefield Council agreed to an offer from the government to part subsidise free swimming.

(1/9/2008) Tributes to former councillor David Lund
Wakefield Council will observe a one-minute silence at its meeting on Wednesday, September 10, following the death last week of former councillor David Lund.

(1/9/2008) Wakefield's Health and Hygiene Awards
Schools, mobile and outside caterers are among Wakefield kitchens to win in Council awards.

(30/8/2008) Council committees map out issues for scrutiny
Wakefield Council's five Overview and Scrutiny committees are planning an ambitious work programme for the coming year which will help the Council and its partners improve public services.

(29/8/2008) Countdown to new waste and recycling collection service
Wakefield Council is gearing up for the final phase of the new waste and recycling collection scheme being launched on October 21. The expansion of the scheme includes Knottingley, Castleford, Normanton, Altofts, Sharlston, Featherstone, Ackworth, Pontefract and Darrington.

(29/8/2008) Wakefield Libraries making a noise about music voucher competition.
Young readers ready to rock are being given the chance to get their hands on a music voucher.

(27/8/2008) Photographers must be snappy to get entries contributed in time
Photographers in Wakefield must be snappy and get their entries handed in before the deadline for a Wakefield Council competition

(22/8/2008) Not wasting any time in the classroom
Refuse collectors have been boosting their skills with a Wakefield Council NVQ scheme

(22/8/2008) Safer nights out in Pontefract thanks to alcohol zone
Pontefract town centre is set to become an even safer place to enjoy a night out if Wakefield Council's Cabinet approves a report to set up of a special zone to stop people drinking alcohol on the streets

(21/8/2008) Trinity Walk retail scheme hits milestone with new road
The eagerly anticipated £200m Trinity Walk retail scheme will hit another milestone on August 26

(20/8/2008) Dancing with delight for National Year of Reading
A celebration of colourful costume and flamboyant dancing will be taking centre stage at Wakefield's Drury Lane library this autumn

(20/8/2008) More great grants for insulation now available
As energy prices continue to rise with no sign of slowing down, Wakefield Council has teamed up with its partners to offer some great insulation grants

(19/8/2008) Olympic Handover Flag to be raised in Wakefield to celebrate Handover Day
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games has announced that an Olympic Handover Flag will be raised in Wakefield

(19/8/2008) Council signs up to landmark charter
Wakefield Council is leading the way with support for disabled children and their families after signing a landmark charter

(18/8/2008) Get your voice heard
Minority ethnic groups in the Wakefield District are being urged to safeguard their vote at election time by registering this month

(18/8/2008) Anyone for Spanish?
Language lovers are being invited to brush up on their Spanish skills and say 'hola' to some great classes

(13/8/2008) Bangers and cash as number of cars dumped in Wakefield District plummets
New figures released today show that over the last four years Wakefield Council has seen an 82 per cent drop in the number of abandoned vehicles being reported.

(13/8/2008) Council looks at ways to support small developments
Wakefield Council is stepping in to help and stimulate the construction industry by looking at ways in which it can streamline Council processes on some smaller developments.

(12/8/2008) Dark Horse set for garden gig.
The final concert in a series of show-stopping performances at Wakefield Art Gallery will be held this month.

(12/8/2008) Toy stories
Visitors to Wakefield Museum's new toy exhibition have the chance to relive their childhood this month.

(11/8/2008) Young people getting to grips with summer fun
Dozens of young people from across Wakefield will be getting to grips with wall climbing this summer.

(7/8/2008) Department for Transport road safety health check
Wakefield's roads were given a health check as part of the Council's bid to drive down road accidents.

(5/8/2008) Council leader takes up new roles
Council leader Peter Box has taken up two new important regional roles.

(5/8/2008) Stay safe, stay out of the water
As the summer holidays are here and the weather is hotting up Wakefield Council is warning young people and their parents to be aware of the dangers of taking a dip in ponds, lakes and flooded quarries.

(4/8/2008) A plan for Pontefract Park - time to get involved
Pontefract Park is set to get a plan in order to improve and maximise its use - and Wakefield Council and Pontefract Park Race Company want local people to come forward with their ideas for the area.

(17/8/2007) Experience Wakefield’s countryside
Countryside Rangers are promoting their country parks and events programme with displays and children’s activities

(13/8/2007) The Olympics come early
The Olympics are coming to the district early with a roadshow to encourage getting active on Sunday (August 19).

(24/7/2007) Wakefield pupils celebrate their crime reduction project
An end of term open day is being held in Sandal Magna Junior and Infants School on Wednesday 25 July to celebrate the success of a project to highlight community safety.