A charity aiming to improve the River Aire has launched a £5,000 appeal to help build a pollution spotting tool.
The Aire Rivers Trust supports volunteers who want to monitor and restore the health of the River Aire and River Worth in West Yorkshire.
The charity is looking for funding to build an online pollution spotting tool, buy water testing kits and give expert advice on how to identify pollution and its sources along the Aire.
It aims to train local people to protect a stretch of the Aire close to them and equip them with the skills to understand what pollution looks like and common sources.
The River Aire. Photo: Mark Stevenson
A spokesperson said: “Our rivers are polluted every day and, without hard evidence, polluters go unchallenged. Funding cuts have left the Environment Agency without the necessary resources to do these detailed investigations.
“We want to inspire and empower people living and working along our beautiful river with the skills and tools to investigate and address pollution together with flytipping and litter, illegal discharge pipes, invasive plants and animals, and farm runoff.”
St John's Church, Wortley. Copyright Betty Longbottom and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
By Katherine Turner
Fancy owning a slice of history? A Wortley church has put some of its historic pews for sale.
St John’s Church is looking to create a more flexible space for its young worshippers on a Sunday morning, which means the pews from under the North aisles need to make way.
The move gives people the chance to buy the two-and-a-half metre pine pews for £50 each. They have already sold 18 and have 16 more available. The pews date back to when the church first opened in 1898.
Pews are for sale at St John’s Church in Wortley. Photo: St John’s Church
Reverend Chris Balding told West Leeds Dispatch: “We’ve grown so much over the last couple of years going from one congregation of around 30 in 2019 to two congregations of around 34 for our 9am service and 35 for our 10.30 service.
“We now have over a dozen children and we need more room for children’s activities during church on a Sunday. It also means that we can host more events in church, like our upcoming art show on 27 and 28 May.”
St John’s Church, Wortley. Photo: Katherine Turner
A scheme to tackle rat running and speeding on residential streets in Bramley is moving forward.
Council highways officers are looking to introduce permanent road closures to residential areas of Victoria Park following a series of car crashes in the area and a campaign by local residents.
Proposals aim to stop vehicles rat-running between Broad Lane and Raynville Road, “whilst exploring the addition” of pedestrian crossings to help residents cross the road safely and easily.
Proposals – which can be viewed in full here – include:
a permanent road closure to motorised vehicles located at the junction of Victoria Park Grove and Lancastre Grove (A & B on map).
a permanent road closure to motorised vehicles located on Kirkstall Mount at the junction of Victoria Park Grove (C on map).
a permanent road closure to motorised vehicles located on Kirkstall Avenue at the junction of Abbey Avenue (D on map).
a permanent road closure to motorised vehicles located on Victoria Park Avenue to the west of Lancastre Avenue junction (E on map).
planting and landscaping to create a better road closure to motorised vehicles, and cycling improvements located on Victoria Park Avenue at the junction of Wyther Lane/Amen Corner (F on map).
Access will still be maintained for people walking, wheeling and cycling, and residents will still be able to access their property in their vehicles via an alternative route.
Residents have highlighted a need for pedestrian crossing facilities on Outgang Lane, Raynville Road and Broad Lane.
A Connecting Leeds spokesperson said: “We are still exploring these as a possibility and will update you later in the year.”
Traffic regulation orders to implement the changes are due to be advertised.
Connecting Leeds is a council strategy to improve travel in Leeds and create a city where you don’t need a car. The Victoria Park changes are part of a package of improvements for quieter and safer residential streets in Leeds.
WLD has previously reported on traffic issues here. Local resident Paul Chatterton had been campaigning for action to make Victoria Park Avenue, at the junction with Lancastre Grove, safer following a number of collisions and near misses on the road.
Plans to build three new apartments at a redundant Grade II Listed builder’s yard in Pudsey have been submitted to Leeds City Council for approval.
London-based Keygo Property Investments want permission to build three, two-bedroom apartments with parking and amenity space at the Tannery Yard off Claremont Grove. The new block would be three storeys high.
A planning and heritage statement accompanying the application states the new block would reflect the character off the adjacent historic buildings in terms of scale and appearance.
“The design of the new buildings will reflect the character of the surrounding area,” it adds. “It is considered that the proposed development will have no significant traffic impact.”
A prefabricated concrete panel outbuilding on the site will be removed.
New plans at this shop, off the A65. Photo: Google
Plans to turn an empty Kirkstall shop into apartments have been resubmitted by developers for a fourth time.
Proposals to develop the shop, off the A65 Commercial Road, were first submitted six years ago – but have been refused permission on each occasion by Leeds City Council planners amid concerns over the lack of parking and flood risk issues.
The latest proposals would convert and and extend the former shop and store to create three one-bedroom apartments and a three-bedroom dwelling.
Applicants Leo Group Ltd say in their latest submission: “Given that this scheme has been under consideration for over six years now it seems appropriate that the presumption in favour of sustainable development is afforded to the proposal.
“The proposal is a small but entirely suitable scheme to provide new dwellings in a sustainable location. The proposed development does not adversely affect the approved extension at the adjoining property. Car parking is neither required nor appropriate for these dwellings in this highly sustainable location.
“There are no issues around refuse collection or highway safety. Issues regarding outlook and outdoor space have been overcome by amendments to the scheme.”
The latest plans can be viewed in full – and commented upon – here.
Council planners refused the last application in May 2021. In 2018 Leo Group Ltd wanted to change the shop on Commercial Road to a house and build a four-storey extension to the rear, but the council refused the application. Planning permission was first refused on the site in May 2016, mainly due to issues with windows.
The community garden at the Drink and be Grateful Fountain in Kirkstall. Photo: Jim Corah
By Jim Corah
May and June will see blooming good volunteering opportunities with Kirkstall in Bloom.
Sessions start at 10.30am on both Bank Holiday Monday, 8 May 2023 and Saturday, 3 June 2023. Details on Facebook and instagram.
New and previous volunteers are always welcome to help care for our community garden spaces in the centre of Kirkstall.
No experience is necessary, we will provide tools, guidance, and an opportunity to develop your skills and connect with your community.
Kirkstall in Bloom held a session in the Drink and Be Grateful Fountain Garden on Saturday 22April 2023 for an important task for our plants.
Volunteers help maintain this area of land. Photo: Jim Corah
Around the end of winter and the start of spring the garden is bursting with daffodils and other early risers. After they have flowered it is important to treat them well so they return healthy and well next year. This involved bending the stems over so each plants nutrients returned to the bulb.
Our April session welcomed our third new volunteer of 2023. At our AGM/planning session earlier this year we agreed a target of two regular volunteers by the end of the year, as a group we are very aware that we need to recruit to keep blooming in Kirkstall.
It is encouraging that making these messages consistently continue to demonstrate the multiple benefits of volunteering.
Hannah, our chair, Iola, Becky, treasurer, and I were joined by Amy who had seen an invitation posted on a local community group on Facebook.
As secretary for Kirkstall in Bloom on the day I was also interviewed by MA Journalism students Phoebe and Laveena from Leeds Beckett University about volunteering, the work Kirkstall in Bloom does, and the benefits to the community and the volunteer.
Kirkstall in Bloom volunteers at work in 2021. Photo: Iola Shaw
Volunteer gardening sometimes feels like it is always focused on the future. We plant flowers that flourish months later, we plan displays that take a year to bed in. Over the coming months Kirkstall in Bloom have wonderful events planned for our community to enjoy the public garden spaces at the heart of Kirkstall.
Kirkstall in Bloom are hoping to host one of the artists during Kirkstall Art Trail on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July 2023. We will also be celebrating the 11th year of Kirkstall in Bloom in July.
On a personal note this summer will mark my first decade of being involved in the Kirkstall community, and I’d like to thank Kirkstall in Bloom, West Leeds Dispatch, Kirkstall Art Trail, and other groups for opportunities over the last ten years.
Farsley Celtic Women's Team success. Photo: John Baron
It’s been a weekend of trophies galore for Farsley Celtic this weekend.
Farsley Celtic Women were crowned champions after a 3-0 win against Queensbury. They had already been promoted from the West Riding County Women’s Football League Division 3.
Photographer John McEvoy captured some photos of players and staff celebrating yesterday’s win at The Citadel:
And Farsley Celtic Deaf FC won the EDF Challenge Cup Final by beating St John’s Deaf Football Club 3-2.
This tiny shop in Lowtown, Pudsey is for sale. Photo: Google
A well-known ‘Aladdin’s cave’ shop which used to sell everything from party supplies to pet items, household and DIY at low prices is up for sale.
The tiny 104 square foot Low Cost shop is up for sale by online auction starting on Tuesday 16 May 2023 with a guide price of £20,000 to £40,000.
The blurb on the RightMove website reads: “An excellent opportunity to purchase a ground floor retail premises, occupying a prime main road trading position, located within the sought after market town of Pudsey.”
Lucy Suddaby was the most recent occupier of the shop, taking over in late 2021. It was previously known as Low Cost and was run for more than 30 years by the popular Charles Taylor.
The shop comprises a retail area with a sink to the rear and benefits from mains water and an electrical supply.
West Yorkshire is almost “at the point of no return” when it comes to knife crime, according to a former Armley councillor now in charge of policing and crime in the region.
Alison Lowe, West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said a number of high profile stabbings, many of which had proved fatal, had meant a “really difficult” few months for the region – including two fatal stabbings in Armley.
She was speaking at a meeting of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel on Friday, and told members that new programmes to tackle knife crime were being proposed, adding: “What we have done in the past isn’t working.”
The meeting took place on the same day it was announced that a week-long knife amnesty would be held in Bradford starting on Monday.
Former Armley councillor Alison Lowe.
Those surrendering knives or weapons at Trafalgar House Police Station between April 24 and April 28 are not required to give any personal details, and will not face prosecution for carrying them to surrender.
Bradford is currently hosting the Knife Angel statue – a 27 foot high statue made up of 100,000 knives that have been taken off the streets through programmes such as knife amnesties.
Giving an update on policing issues in West Yorkshire at Friday’s meeting, Ms Lowe spoke about the number of violent crimes involving knives that have happened in recent months.
She said: “We’ve had a really difficult six months, and there is a lot of worry in our communities.
“I don’t want to minimise this by saying knife crime is reducing, but the reality is the number of homicides this year is greater than last.
“We want to work with young people, local authorities, schools, academies – they all have a role to play.”
She said the local violence reduction unit had commissioned a research project that will see 19 young people speak to other young people about issues such as knife crime and street violence. This will involve asking young people why they feel the need to carry a knife.
Ms Lowe said: “We have to start doing things differently. Young people are scared.
“We’re getting to the point of no return – if we don’t start doing things differently then the shame will be on us.
“What we have done in the past isn’t working.”
Referring to the Knife Angel in Bradford, she said: “I’d urge people to go see it. I hope it triggers conversations across communities. I’m pleased to see the knife amnesty too.”
She also supported recently announced Government plans for tougher restrictions on the sale of machetes and “zombie” knives.
Members were also told of recent work to shut down a shop in West Yorkshire that was found to be selling dangerous knives, although Ms Lowe said she could not give details of which shop it was.
Global Earth Day has been growing in importance since 1970 and yesterday’s annual event was bigger than ever.
Wade’s Charity embraces the celebrations as the green spaces which Wade’s owns around the city play a crucial role in providing a place where Leeds residents can exercise, relax, get closer to nature and improve both their physical and mental well- being.
Wade’s Charity – Leeds oldest independent charitable trust has been helping the lives of residents of Leeds since it was founded in 1530. Providing large areas of parkland, city centre and community open spaces, recreation grounds and sports fields across the old pre-1974 Leeds City.
Wade’s parkland such as Middleton Park, Gotts Park in Armley and Beckett Park in Headingley are vital “lungs” where inner city residents can enjoy both relaxation and amusement.
Playing fields and recreations grounds owned by Wade’s are to be found throughout its territory including: Rodley, Adel, Osmondthorpe, East Leeds, Cross Green, Hunslet and Burmantofts. These spaces provide vital venues for scores of local sports clubs and teams as well as places for residents to exercise, unwind, relax and simply have fun.
Working with Leeds City Council and community groups, Wade’s has contributed financially to the improvement of these green spaces with tree planting initiatives such as the Old Nine Tree Trail and the Spring Flowering Avenue project at Middleton Park.
As well as these green initiatives, local volunteers are encouraged to get involved with many sustainable projects, all of which fit perfectly with Earth Day 2023’s mission of “Investing in our Planet”.
The charity also has substantial areas of communal open space where local groups help in their care such as woodland at Gledhow and an orchard in Far Headingley.
So whilst Earth Day is very much a global initiative, it is wonderful that a local charity founded nearly 500 years ago is still innovating and embracing this modern day movement, whilst making a real difference to the lives of the people of Leeds, whilst having a positive effect on the city’s sustainable credentials.
A weekly Instagram Live hosted by 40-plus blogger and Leeds lass Claire Kenny is helping those in at weekends to socialise from home.
After being single for several years and overcoming her own struggle with loneliness, Claire decided to start hosting a weekly #SoloSaturday Instagram live to help people who were unable to get out and socialise to connect with others.
Guests don’t appear on screen and can participate as much or as little as they choose, whether it’s to post comments or simply to listen in.
Says Claire: “With the cost of living at an all-time high, my aim is to provide a friendly, welcoming space for anyone who wants to enjoy a bit of a social connection and a giggle on Saturday nights, but free and from home.
“Although lots of my guests are solo, I get whole families joining too, and some people listen in at work. I’m keen to spread the word so that as many people as possible can benefit.”
The chat centres around everything from health and wellness, pets, food and drink and challenges and highlights from that week. Claire sometimes has guests too, including the founders of Leeds-based Recovery Runners, which welcomes those who use running as part of recovery from addiction or to maintain their mental health.
Claire added: “Many of us miss out on what life has to offer because there’s a stigma about doing things alone or feeling lonely, but there’s actually no shame in either. With #SoloSaturday, we’re fighting weekend loneliness together.”
Claire can be found on Facebook and Instagram as My40pluslife.me and you can join her #SoloSaturday Instagram live between 7 and 8pm every Saturday.
