Hint at ‘positive news’ for Bramley passengers after bus operator talks

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May 19, 2023

Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe. Photo: David Spereall

By David Spereall, local democracy reporter

A new west Leeds councillor has hinted there may be imminent “positive news” for local bus passengers, who’ve been hit by a spate of cuts.

Tom Hinchcliffe, who was elected onto the city council for Labour in Bramley and Stanningley earlier this month, said he’d been in talks with operators in a bid to improve services covering the area.

First Bus’ 508 bus was among dozens of services altered in April, with its route changed to cut out Bramley, as well as neighbouring Farsley and Rodley.

Councillor Hinchcliffe suggested that although First’s decision was unlikely to be reversed, a separate service may be re-routed to mitigate the impact of the cut.

The number 9, which runs from Horsforth to White Rose Centre, was rescued by Yorkshire Buses after First ditched that service too.

Speaking earlier this week, Councillor Hinchcliffe said: “I’ve been having a lot of meetings with other bus companies to see if they’ll take on the route.

“I had a meeting with Yorkshire Buses last week. I can’t say anything yet because the proposals are still with Metro, but there will be some positive news and a partial victory coming soon.

“It’s not going to be a magic bullet and I don’t want people to get excited and think the 508 is coming back in full, but the 9 route may have some changes soon which would benefit passengers.”

The son of a postman and a supermarket staffer, Councillor Hinchcliffe, who grew up in Seacroft, joined the Labour Party aged 15.

He’s worked for the Leeds North East MP Fabian Hamilton since 2017 and earlier this month was elected in Bramley with a majority of 1,966.

Outside of politics he’s a Leeds United season ticket holder and is the drummer in a melodic rock group called Aire.

Among his priorities as a councillor are to set up a number of neighbourhood watches across Bramley, where he says such groups are scarce. He hopes the move will help tackle anti-social behaviour, which like many other areas across the city, is on the rise.

But tackling the shortage of bus services too remains a priority.

When the 508 and other Leeds services were withdrawn earlier this year, First said the decision was taken because these buses were underused.

But Councillor Hinchcliffe said the move was like “taking a hammer to a peanut” and that it had had massive consequences for people living in Bramley and Stanningley.

“I’ve had hundreds get in touch with me to tell me they’re struggling to get their Covid boosters for example,” he added.

“I’ve had to give people lifts and be in touch with Elderly Action to make sure they can get their boosters, whereas normally they’d have just got on the bus.

“A lot of people are saying that because of the number 14 being re-routed, it’s impacted on their jobs at the White Rose Centre. I’ve had young people say they’re considering moving colleges, because they can’t get there anymore.

“These are real-life effects.”

Farsley Celtic sign striker Clayton Donaldson, 39, as ‘signal of intent’ for new season

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May 19, 2023

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clayton donaldson farsley celtic — Farsley Celtic's head coach Clayton Donaldson.

Managerless Farsley Celtic have announced the signing of veteran striker Clayton Donaldson on a free transfer.

The 39-year-old most recently played for Northern Premier League outfit Gainsborough Trinity in the 2022/23 season where he racked up 22 goals in 38 matches in all competitions.

The Bradford-born man came through the ranks at his hometown club Bradford City, before joining the youth setup at Hull City.

Donaldson has played much higher up in the football pyramid, with long and successful spells in the Championship with clubs such as Brentford, Birmingham City and Sheffield United which has seen him score a total of 246 goals in a career which has spanned 21 years and counting.

He now links up with Farsley in the National League North looking to add to his impressive goal tally. Donaldson joins the club just two days after boss Russ Wilcox quit The Citadel.

The player posted on social media this afternoon to confirm his departure from Gainsborough. He said: “Sadly my time @GainsTrinityFC has come to an end, it didn’t end with a promotion but was a positive season overall and one that I’ll always remember. Would like to thank the staff, players, fans and everyone connected for making my time enjoyable. Wish you all the best.”

In his first interview with Farsley’s club media Donaldson said he was drawn to the club’s vision for the future:

On the signing of Donaldson, head of football development Pav Singh said: “Clayton is a player we have been looking at for some time, and his presence on the pitch is something that will add something totally different to our game.

“This a hugely exciting signing for the club, and sends out a signal of intent as to what we want to achieve this season.”

Chairman Paul Barthorpe also welcomed the signing. He added: “Clayton is a top professional and has been for a number of years having played at the highest level. He brings with him not only his fantastic ability on the pitch, but also his character off it. He is also a top coach and will have huge benefit to the club both on and off the field.

“His goal scoring record over recent years is superb and will bring a whole new dimension to us on the pitch, which will make Clayton a fan favourite in no time.”

Lewis Turner re-signs

Lewis Turner with Farsley Celtic head of football development Pal Singh.

Right back Lewis Turner has become the first Farsley Celtic player put pen to paper on a new contract extension, the club also announced today.

Turner made 36 appearances in the 2022/23 season, scoring one goal, and signs on for another season at the Citadel.

The Leeds-born 30-year-old first joined Farsley in 2018 after moving from Harrogate Town on a free transfer. He then left for Matlock Town and had a spell with Scarborough Athletic before rejoining the Celts in 2021.

As of May 2023, Turner has made 148 appearances for Farsley.

‘Heartfelt’ new artwork celebrates industrial past at £20m Stonebridge Beck

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May 19, 2023

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Embrace launch: From left, Georgina Maud and Jonathan Maud, Rushbond, Rachel Reeves MP, Chris Knight, sculptor, and Tim Reeve, of developer Advent. Photo: Simon Dewhurst

A ‘heartfelt’ new artwork celebrating the industrial heritage and the importance of community has been unveiled at a new £20m housing development in Wortley.

Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves today officially cut the ribbon on ‘Embrace’, an artwork reflecting the past, present and future of Stonebridge Beck, off Stonebridge Lane.

Embrace is six-metres tall and is made out of a reclaimed historic pump wheel found in the original Stonebridge Mills building, framed by an enormous hand-crafted stainless-steel arch made by specialist steel and special metals fabricator, Steel Line, in Sheffield.

The artwork celebrates the industrial heritage of 10-acre Stonebridge Beck – home to the Grade II listed Stonebridge Mills which was once a key part of the fabric of the textile industry in the city before it fell derelict. It marks a new chapter for the site as a growing residential community.

The artwork was launched at Stonebridge Beck today. Photo: Richard Gough

It has been created by Yorkshire-based metalwork sculptor Chris Knight, whose previous work includes the spectacular steel Cutting Edge sculpture outside Sheffield train station.

Mr Knight said: “From the start, the Rushbond team and I knew we wanted to use some of the incredible pieces salvaged from the ruins of the mill to create something heartfelt and reflective for the people who live in the area.

“This includes those who have been part this community for generations and who may have very personal connections to the mill, as well as the new residents putting down roots here. The pump wheel is the perfect emblem of the industrial heritage of this place – recast for a new generation who can enjoy it as a work of art.

“The stainless-steel arch offers a modern frame for the piece, and combined the elements embrace the past and future of Stonebridge Beck.”

Artist Chris Knight speaks in front of Embrace at Stonebridge Beck. Photo: John Baron

Speaking at the celebration event, Rachel Reeves MP said: “We desperately need new homes across the country, and here in Leeds. My postbag is full of people who are not able to get onto the property ladder or who live in sub-standard housing.

“Across my constituency, we see the history of our region and our city’s industrial heritage at sites like Stonebridge Mill.

“For too long, many of these locations have remained derelict and dilapidated, and it is so refreshing to see the culmination of all the hard work that has been put in on this site. Not only does the development sensitively incorporate the site’s heritage, but also provides good, high-quality homes for its residents.”

A view of Embrace at the entrance of Stonebridge Beck. Photo: John Baron

Jonathan Maud, of Rushbond plc, spoke about the value of the Farnley and Wortley community and of the historic site, which he says ‘tries to reflect the echoes of the past’.

Members of Wortley Local History Group were also present at the launch event.

The housing development consists of 112 homes, including 30 reformed from the existing mill buildings on the site. Developers are hoping to finish in late summer.

Stonebridge Mills, which dates back to the early 1800s when the water-powered woollen mill, was a focal point of the local community and it continued to be in industrial use for around 150 years before falling into disrepair.

Many architectural features of the original buildings including the old wagon boiler, the oversized cobbles from the original entrance and the mill pond, a crucial part of the wool finishing process, have all been carefully incorporated into the new residential community.

Embrace was commissioned by Leeds-based property investor Rushbond, which specialises in repurposing heritage buildings.

Kirkstall meeting will discuss residents’ concerns over Goit

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May 19, 2023

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By John Baron

A public meeting has been amidst concerns a ‘beautiful’ river channel near Kirkstall Abbey has become ‘a mess’.

Community campaigners have raised concerns about the Goit at Kirkstall Abbey Park, the current water flow and the impact of the Flood Alleviation Scheme on this.

The meeting will be held at St Stephen’s Church Hall, Norman Street on Monday 5 June from 6-7pm and offers residents a chance to meet with local councillors and senior officers working on flood defences at Kirkstall Abbey Park.

Kirkstall Valley Action Group have said that the flow of water towards the goit was cut off around 20 years ago when the sluice gates – which control the amount of water being let into the goit from the River Aire – were closed. Residents have campaigned constantly for water to be allowed back into the goit without success.

The meeting has been organised by Kirkstall’s councillors Hanna Bithell, Andy Rontree and Fiona Venner.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of ongoing concerns regarding the low water levels within Kirkstall goit. Our ecologists have carried out further investigations and can confirm that no wildlife will be affected by the low water levels. The goit has experienced low flow several times in the past, associated with the historic sluice gates upstream, this is an issue that pre-dates the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 (FAS2) works.”

They went on to say that the Flood Alleviation Scheme 2 (FAS2) has been designed to have “no impact on the levels within the goit when completed” and that the works will be adaptable to allow “goit flow improvements”.

Kirkstall Abbey goit is an artificial channel by the side of Kirkstall Abbey Park running by the River Aire. The goit was established so that water could be used to power the nearby mills and dates back to the Victorian period.

Councillor’s concerns over ‘distracting’ illuminated advertising board plan

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May 19, 2023

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Bradford Road, Thornbury — The new digital display board would be in this area off Bradford Road.

A councillor has submitted ‘strong objections’ to plans to replace existing billboards and an illuminated digital display board in Thornbury.

Councillor Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) fears the proposed digital display board on Bradford Road, near Yorkshire Vets and the entrance to Grange Avenue, is ‘wholly inappropriate’ and is asking residents to submit their comments on the plans.

He has objected to these proposals on the grounds of height, its impact on nearby householders and road safety.

Cllr Carlill said: “Bradford Road and the Dick Lane junction is already a dangerous area with a track record of safety concerns and accidents. The proposed location is very busy with the entrance to Grange Avenue, the vets, and near the Dick Lane junction. Digital displays would create additional distraction and clutter in this busy and dangerous location.”

peter carlill farsley — Cllr Peter Carlill.

The applicant is JC Decaux UK.

The plans can be viewed in full here.

When does Pudsey Carnival and parade 2023 start?

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May 19, 2023

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pudsey carnival 5 — Pudsey Carnival returns. Photo: Simon Cullingworth

Organisers of the 2023 Pudsey Carnival will be hoping the sun shines when thousands of people flock to the popular annual event tomorrow (Saturday, 20 May).

The annual parade, featuring community floats and bands, will set off from Queens Park at 12 noon and wind its way through Pudsey town centre.

Following the parade there will be plenty of attractions for all the family at Queens Park.

Live music and performances will be in stage throughout the day, alongside dozens of community stalls and a large travelling funfair.

Attractions include: Circus Skills experience, Breeze Leeds fun, Punch and Judy shows, lots of food stalls, an amazing dog show from 12.30pm, classic car show, craft activities, and inflatable attractions.

More details on the carnival’s Facebook page.

Brave Pudsey home care workers take on Cow and Calf zip-wire challenge

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May 19, 2023

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Caring folk pudsey fundraiser — Some of the team from Caring Folk who will be taking on the zip line. From left: Charlotte Clemmens, Devon Mason, Sarah Ward, Danielle Harrison, Jenny Redfearn, Jess Procter, Debbie Spaven and Shelby Handford

A group of kind-hearted colleagues from a Pudsey home care provider are preparing to take on a thrilling charity zip-wire ride over Ilkley this July.

The 16-strong team from Caring Folk, on Richardshaw Lane, will be taking on the daredevil challenge to raise funds for national healthcare charity Sue Ryder, which runs Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley.

“We have a real connection to Sue Ryder as a lot of people we care for transition to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice for end-of-life care,” says Jess Procter, registered manager. “We work closely with the brilliant Sue Ryder Nurses from the hospice’s community team, and we often hear from families what fantastic care and support they have received.

“I’ve been to visit a few of our service users in the hospice and I always say to everybody that it’s the most amazing place, and where you would want to be at the end of life. The whole environment is so warm and welcoming, and the staff go above and beyond for every patient.”

Care assistant Charlotte Clemmens will be taking on the zip line with her sister Jess. In 2013 their parents got married at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice while their mum was receiving end-of-life care.

Speaking about the care her mum received, Charlotte said: “It was outstanding. The morning of the wedding the nurses came and got her ready and really went above and beyond by providing a private room to use throughout the day. Every time I think of Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice it makes me smile.”

Care assistant Debbie Spaven’s father also received care at the hospice before he died in January 2023. She said: “Dad was cared for at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in the final week of his life. He was very settled and comfortable, and all the staff were fantastic. It was a massive help to us all knowing he was in good hands, as a family we were all able to be there around his bed when he passed. We can’t thank all the staff enough for everything they did for us all.”

To raise funds for Sue Ryder and show their appreciation for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, 16 brave members of the team have signed up to Zip the Cow, which will see them walk up to the top of the iconic ‘cow’ at the Cow and Calf Rocks above Ilkley, before whizzing 270m down Ilkley Moor reaching speeds of up to 35mph.

Jo Stevens, Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to the team at Caring Folk for signing up for this challenge to raise vital funds to support our care. There is always an electric atmosphere at Zip the Cow and it’s wonderful to see families, friends and colleagues come together to have fun, try something new and share a truly memorable experience.”

Donate to the Caring Folk team’s fund-raising page here.

Zip the Cow is now open for entries and will take place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July 2023. More details here.

Council agrees retrospective funding for school expansions

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May 19, 2023

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Money paid to the council by housing developers will help pay for the expansion of three West Leeds schools, a council report has said this week.

Council chiefs have retrospectively agreed to fund £153,137 the expansion of both Farsley Westroyd and Farsley Springbank Primary Schools, which were carried out in 2015.

The scheme cost for Farsley Westroyd was £2.344m and for Farsley Springbank was £4.467m. Both were financed at the time by grant funding as part of the council’s capital programme.

They also agreed £93,300 of funding towards the costs of the £5.36m expansion project at Leeds West Academy, off Intake Lane.

The money comes from a ‘section 106’ contribution towards education provision from developers Harron Homes, who have built houses near the Ring Road and Calverley Lane.

The full council report can be read here.

Meanwhile, Leeds City Council has agreed to pay Jennings Roofing Ltd £135,309 to carry out essential roofing works at Kirkstall Valley Primary School.

It is proposed that the works will commence on 24 July 2023, with completion by 1 September. The full council report can be read here.

‘A daft and delightful adventure’: Armley Festival sets its 2023 date

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May 18, 2023

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By Fran Graham

ARMLEY Festival is back!

The community and arts festival run by Armley Action Team in collaboration with local organisations, groups and residents will take place on Armley Moor on Saturday, 9 September between 12-6pm.

Organisers are asking residents to get involved in shaping this year’s festival by joining a Festival Action Team to help plan the event.

Armley-based makers, crafters, artists, food producers, and local community groups or organisations can book a stall at the Festival by contacting armleyfest@gmail.com.

Last year’s festival welcomed 3,000 attendees.

Fun and games at last year’s Armley Festival. Photo: Mat Dale

Fran Albrecht, Festival Coordinator at Armley Action Team, said: “I’m really looking forward to organising the Festival again.

“We hope to take people on a daft and delightful adventure that shines a positive light on the area we love and all it has to offer.”

Armley legend Mik Artistik at last year’s event. Photo: Mat Dale

Louise Megson, chair of Armley Action Team also said: “People are facing tough times every day, so reasons to be cheerful, and to celebrate really matter.

“The festival is an important opportunity to have fun together, find out about local groups, and experience Armley’s creative talent. Please get involved by contributing ideas and help us make it the best yet.”

The event is funded by Leeds City Council’s inner west community committee and support from local voluntary group Armley Common Rights Trust, who look after the moor.

Tributes as Conservative chief Andrew Carter stands down – deputy takes role

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May 18, 2023

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By David Spereall, local democracy reporter

Leeds’ top Conservative has retired as the party’s group leader on Leeds City Council after 40 years in the role.

Councillor Andrew Carter (Calverley & Farsley ward) has led the local Tories since 1983 and served as Leeds’ joint council leader between 2004 and 2010, when the Conservatives led the city in coalition with the Liberal Democrats.

Councillor Carter will continue in his role as a ward councillor for Calverley and Farsley, having been re-elected for a four-year term in 2022.

He has been succeeded by his deputy, Wetherby councillor Alan Lamb, who confirmed the news on social media.

Councillor Carter, 74, is Leeds’ longest-serving city councillor of any party, having been first elected in 1973.

Andrew Carter will continue as a councillor in Calverley & Farsley.

He departs after a bruising local election for the Conservatives, in which they lost three of the seven seats they were defending. His retirement is known to have been planned for several months regardless of the election results and was first reported by WLD in January.

Paying tribute to his predecessor, Councillor Lamb said: “Councillor Carter’s done a remarkable job, especially when you think Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister and Ronald Reagan was President when he started as leader.

“He’s led our group formidably and was a brilliant leader of the council.

“There are many things you can point to by way of a legacy, but delivering the Leeds Arena is a fitting one, because we wouldn’t have had that if he’d not been leader of the council.

“I don’t think there’s a person anywhere in the city who wouldn’t think that was a good idea now.”

Councillor Lamb, who was first elected in Wetherby in 2007, said he was proud to take on the role of Opposition leader and said he was “looking forward to the challenge”.

His promotion comes at a difficult time for the Conservatives nationally and in Leeds, with the party now holding just 18 seats on the city council – the fewest it’s had in nearly a decade.

But Councillor Lamb said his first job was to set out a “positive vision of what we would do if we were in charge of the council”.

He added: “One of my critisms of the current administration is the negativity and the doom-saying, because that starts to feed into the psyche. We should be talking the city up and being positive about what we can do with the still very siginficant resources we have available as an authority.”

Wortley: Man found dead in van by police

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May 18, 2023

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A man was found dead in his van by police yesterday after emergency services were called to the junction of Blue Hill Lane and Windmill Rise in Wortley.

The discovery was made by officers from West Yorkshire Police at 5.40pm yesterday (Wednesday, May 17).

His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Police say they were called after residents reported concerns for his safety. A cordon was put in place, which has now been lifted. Ambulance and fire service crews were also present.

Police appeal to find missing Rita, 15: UPDATED

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May 18, 2023

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UPDATE: Rita has now been found.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Police are appealing for information to help locate teenager Rita Nwqachuku, who has connections to Pudsey and was last seen in the Leeds area.

Rita, aged 15, was last seen at 8.20am yesterday morning (Wednesday, 17 May 2023) in Leeds city centre and has connections to Pudsey, Headingley, Hyde Park, and Leeds city centre, as well as Skipton in North Yorkshire.

She is described as a 5ft 6ins tall female with short afro hair. Rita, from Bradford, was last seen wearing a pink hairband, pink teddy bear jacket with no hood, pink trainers and black leggings carrying a pink corduroy rucksack.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen Rita or knows of her whereabouts is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or go online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat quoting reference 1865 of 16/5.