A former caretaker’s house could become new office and meeting space for Stanningley Primary School.
The plans, which include extra car parking, have been submitted to the council by the school, which is off Leeds and Bradford Road.
A planning statement accompanying the application states: “The school currently has limited office and meeting facilities on site which the change of use to the property would offer.
“The proposed scheme also seeks to reduce congestion on local streets which staff are having to park on.”
Detectives investigating the murder of a teenager in Armley have issued the images of four males who are wanted in connection with the incident.
Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) launched a murder investigation after Jamie Meah, aged 18, died in hospital after being fatally stabbed in an attack in Armley on Friday, 31 March.
Aquade Jeffers, Caleb Awe, Enham Nishat, all aged 20, and Ranei Wilks, aged 21, are all from Leeds and are wanted for murder in connection with the incident, which took place at the junction of Hall Lane and Brentwood Terrace.
Enquiries remain ongoing into the murder with officers appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Victim: Jamie Meah.
The men are believed to have links to Leeds, Merseyside and the Greater Manchester areas.
Senior Investigating Officer, Det Chief Insp Damian Roebuck, said: “Jamie’s death was a tragedy in which a young man with his life ahead of him was needlessly cut short.
“We would like to speak to these four males who are wanted for his murder. These men are believed to have links to the Leeds, Liverpool and Greater Manchester areas and enquiries are actively being carried out in those areas.”
“I would urge anyone who thinks they may have seen any of these four males, or knows of their whereabouts to please contact us with those details.”
Members of the public are advised not to approach any of the four males but to call police on 999, quoting West Yorkshire Police crime reference 13230180255. Information can also be given online to the force via a Major Incident Public Portal.
Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Future entrepreneurs developed their creative and business skills in a five-day educational programme in Farsley to help them unlock their potential.
Two teams of young people went head to head in the Creative Enterprise Challenge to meet the brief of creating a new sustainable product, backed by a business and marketing plan, in just five days.
The creative flair and professionalism of both teams of children aged 12-14 was clearly evident in their final products, which were made to such a high standard that they are now available to buy online.
One team developed a ‘bee hotel’ to support the bee population over winter, and the other an educational game to help children and adults develop their money and budgeting skills.
Children from schools in Roundhay worked in small teams to develop their products from scratch using recycled materials. These products, created themselves using craft skills learned during their challenge, were pitched to two judges who are successful entrepreneurs in their own right to attempt to secure fictional investment in a Dragon’s Den format.
Judging the teams and their final products in this latest challenge were Claire Clifford, an online marketing specialist and founder of Farsley-based Sunshine Digital Media, and Charlie Beech, who set up his business, Front Row Support, after a career in rugby union.
In addition to negotiating potential investment with the team based on their forecasts, they provided real-world feedback to help them improve their products and business concept.
Claire Clifford said: “’I was blown away by the kids who took part, I’ve even told one of them there’s a job for him at Sunshine when he’s 18. They had nailed their brand, marketing and clearly identified their target markets, something experienced business owners struggle with.
“I would have bought the products that were created for my own kids, it was an honour to be asked to take part and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.”
The high level of professionalism shown by the students also impressed Charlie Beech, who added: “I was amazed both times by the quality of not just the products, but also of the business plans and skills of all the children involved. Hats off to Sami and Ian Short at Morley Glass for creating this – I only wish it had been around when I was at school!”
The Creative Enterprise Challenge is the brainchild of Sami Lovett, founder of Just Lovett Design, who wanted to create a “real life ‘The Apprentice’ meets ‘Dragon’s Den’ experience” for young people aged 12-18.
It has been supported from the outset by a Leeds-based manufacturer, Morley Glass, who provide the programme’s main raw material – post-use wooden boxes and plywood – along with additional sponsorship to make it accessible to all.
The programme gives young people a chance to develop their creative skills assisted by Sami, who teaches the students handicraft, graphic design and digital fabrication skills. She also helps them learn essential business skills to enable them to cost out their products with a view to making a profit at retail.
Sami said: “What I love about the Creative Enterprise Challenge is the transformation that we see in many of the students over the course of the week.
“The teamworking, enterprise and creative skills they develop will stay with them for the rest of their lives, so it can be an incredible journey that they go on in the space of just five days, and hopefully some of the children will go on to start up their own businesses in future.”
The next Creative Enterprise Challenge will take place at the Just Lovett Design studio at Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley in the half term between 29 May and 2 June, with places for ten children available.
To learn more about the programme or book a place for your child, call 0113 426 3619 or visit the website.
The new Moss Lane Bridge in Rodley leads to the proposed development.
By John Baron
Council planning chiefs have said more work needs to be done before they will sign off the new swing bridge in Rodley.
A meeting was held on site at Moss Bridge today with ward councillors, council officials, the Canal and River Trust (CRT) and other relevant parties to consider whether the bridge was ‘fit for purpose’.
The meeting follows a number of concerns that the new manual bridge linking the former Airedale Mills site to the other side of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal has failed to open and close properly several times since it was installed in January, despite engineering work to tackle the problems.
Cars and pedestrians have been left stranded for hours at a time.
Cllr Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) attended this morning’s meeting. He said: “The conclusion was that the additional works done to the bridge still do not meet the conditions set out by CRT and the council, therefore the bridge is still not signed off and does not meet the conditions of the development.
“The contractors have outstanding works they want to make, so yet another meeting will be held on site to see if these make any improvement.”
The bridge is due to lead to a planned ‘island’ housing development of up to 76 new homes, which is awaiting detailed planning permission.
But developer Dynamic Capital and Investments says the latest issues are down to a combination of boater error and vandalism – and is set to produce a video, accessed via QR code on a mobile phone, to show boat owners how to use it properly.
The Canal & River Trust said in a statement issued earlier this week: “Canal & River Trust does not own or operate Moss Swing Bridge; it is privately owned by Rodley Bridge Management Company.
“Canal & River Trust is working with the developer to resolve operational issues with the bridge. These improvements include changing the control panel and barrier positions, as well as work to balance the bridge.”
As reported last week, Paul Ross, managing director at Dynamic Capital and Investments, strongly refuted suggestions that the bridge ‘wasn’t fit for purpose’, agreeing that there had been initial teething problems but that these have been resolved and that the bridge has gone through a rigorous design process.
Mr Ross had suggested the latest issues are down to a combination of boater error and vandalism – and promised to produce a video, accessed via QR code on a mobile phone, to show boat owners how to use it properly.
Open letter to planners
Cllr Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley) said has written an open letter to senior council officers. In it, he says he is awaiting answers to a number of detailed questions he has asked of council officers and expressed concerns that the bridge is still not operational in terms of the planning conditions set by the council’s planning department.
“It is perfectly obvious from my correspondence and discussions with my constituents that the council, and its planning department, have suffered serious reputational damage. Duty of care to existing residents appears to be ignored,” Cllr Carter said.
“All in all the council and, I would add, the Canal and River Trust, have in my view not properly or holistically examined the implications of a bridge with significant failings, or the impact of a site for 60+ houses with its main access over the bridge. Up to press the whole saga underlines serious shortcomings in the way the council has handled this whole issue.”
Election candidates
Here is the full list of candidates standing in Calverley & Farsley ward at the local elections on May 4. They include Peter Carlill (Labour), Ellen Graham (Green), Rob Lees (Yorkshire Party), Stuart McLeod (Liberal Democrats), Jas Singh (Conservative).
West Leeds Dispatch editor John Baron outside the doors of number 10 Downing Street
By John Baron, editor
It’s not every day an invitation to attend 10 Downing Street drops silently into your inbox.
I must admit when it appeared I frowned and thought ‘this can’t be real’. But it was! As WLD editor I was invited to London yesterday to a reception celebrating ‘Local News Champions’ across the country.
A handful of other small independent publishers also attended, along with representatives from the BBC and some of the big regional publishers, to hear Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Lucy Frazer, praise attendees for their work in challenging times for the local news industry.
Ms Frazer spoke about the ongoing closures of local titles, which connect local communities to events and activities as well as hold politicians to account.
Downing Street hosted a Local News Champions reception. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com
Although there were no firm commitments to support independent titles moving forward, we were able to put our case for more support from government. It was a useful networking meeting – and a great recognition of West Leeds Dispatch‘s work just a couple of weeks after we were commended at the Newspaper Awards in London.
Our community reporters and volunteer-led board work hard and I must say it’s nice for everyone be recognised.
As for number 10 itself, it’s a beautiful place, steeped in history. We went up the staircase with all the signed photos of the prime ministers over the years, which was quite something. We were then guided into one of the grand reception rooms overlooking the garden at number 10, which also had views of the Horse Guard’s parade.
We were invited to the event by Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew.
The new bridge in Rodley has caused much date and concern.
Otherwise, it’s been a busy couple of weeks on the WLD website. Unsurprisingly the two most read and commented-on stories we’ve been following in the past couple of weeks are the Outer Ring Road improvements (featuring the drawings of the new footbridge connecting Farsley with Calverley) and the ‘other’ bridge in Rodley.
I say the ‘other’ bridge as it’s a saga which has been running for almost 18 months, with the delayed installation of the new Moss Swing Bridge in Rodley facing delays and now ongoing technical issues. The bridge is crucial for access to Rodley Nature Reserve and the cricket club and will be essential should detailed plans for 76 houses be granted on the site the new bridge serves.
It’s time for this debacle to be resolved once and for all.
We’re already planning our local election results coverage for May 4 next printed edition next month, so please keep your eyes peeled for that.
If you have any news you’d like two share with us, or anything you think we should be covering, contact us on news@westleedsdispatch.com.
Bramley residents are being asked to have their say on an idea to design a mural on the side of Full Circle funeral directors.
The mural would be ‘an artistic representation of the feelings and emotions of our local community in relation to death, dying and bereavement’ and follows on from artwork created by members of the local bereavement support group, which can be viewed here.
A public consultation on the proposals has now been launched and a Full Circle spokesperson said: “Many people that we have supported have told us that they have found different ways to express their emotions, share their feelings and have used creativity to help support their wellbeing after loss.
“As an extension to this project as part of Leeds 2023, we would like to create an artistic representation of the feelings and emotions of our local community in relation to death, dying and bereavement, on the side of our Bramley premises.
“We know ‘The Globe’ holds a lot of historical value here in Bramley and we don’t take this privilege lightly. As we are the current caretakers of the building, we don’t want to even start the process of creation without finding out your views, on what you may like to be included in the art, what type of style this would be produced in, and whether you even feel this is something that is appropriate for the building!”
Opinions can be expressed via the Google Form here, or in person at The Villagers Community Club on May 2 between 6pm and 8pm – attendees can sign up here.
Farsley Celtic Women celebrate promotion. Photo: John McEvoy
Photos: John McEvoy/Leeds Shots
Following last night’s 3-1 victory over Wortley, Farsley Celtic Women have been promoted from the West Riding County Women’s Football League Division 3.
Photographer John McEvoy was on hand to capture the celebrations.
A newly formed parks ‘Friends’ group is invited West Leeds residents to its first event of 2023.
The Friends of Wortley Recreational Ground group was set up last year by a group of local residents who want to help improve the parkland, off Oldfield Lane.
Chair of Friends of Wortley Recreational Ground, Ian Cyhanko, said: “We are excited to invite you to our first event of the year, which will be taking place this month on Saturday 22nd April from 10am to 12pm.
“Come and join us as we do a litter pick and tidy up and make the Rec a cleaner and safer space to enjoy this spring!”
New Wortley Recreation Ground has Friends. Photo: Google
E-mail friendsofwortleyrec@gmail.com if you would like to get involved.
A socially conscious person with knowledge of governance and human resources is being sought to chair a Leeds-based housing organisation.
Unity Homes and Enterprise is recruiting a group chair and new board members onto its operation.
Unity Homes and Enterprise owns and manages 1,350 properties for tenants from all communities and ethnic backgrounds across Leeds, including in Armley and Pudsey.
In addition to its role as a landlord and provider of housing services, Unity helps people set up and run their own businesses, enter employment, and access training, education and volunteering opportunities.
The new group chair will take over from Shruti Bhargava, who steps down later this year after holding the post since 2015.
Whilst previous non-executive experience is not essential for the successful housing board members, they should have first-hand knowledge of either governance, human resources, legal operations or health and safety.
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “These roles offer fantastic opportunities to shape and support Unity Homes and Enterprise’s vital work and make a real difference to people’s lives.
“Our services are improving, we are attracting regional and national recognition for our work, and we are working with partners to develop creative solutions to problems in local communities.
“The Group Chair is a key position in our governance structure, helping to ensure Unity’s progress continues, the board fulfils its regulatory responsibilities, the organisation stays on course with its financial plans and we manage risks.
“The new housing board members will bring their own particular areas of expertise together with an unwavering commitment to succeed on behalf of the tenants whose needs we strive to meet.”
A West Leeds-based arts project is one of five organisations across the city to scoop a £10,000 funding boost targeted and bridging the digital divide.
Armley-based The Highrise Project shares the experiences of social housing through participatory art projects. It is run by Louise Atkinson and Victoria Kortekaas and has carried out work across the city, including the high rise blocks in New Wortley and the Gamble Hills.
They’ve netted one of five grants from funds raised at last year’s Leeds Digital Ball, which raised money for The Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund.
Embedding digital art skills into the group’s core creative storytelling projects, where local people use photography, filmmaking, and animation to tell their stories.
Victoria Kortekaas, co-director of The Highrise Project, said: “The ability to provide digital arts workshops to Leeds residents has opened a wide range of new tools to our participants, from those with some digital experience to people who have never picked up a tablet before.
“It’s great to see the people we work with get excited about digital art, and learn ‘everyday’ digital skills along the way.”
In total, £50,000 was invested through the programme. Other organisations awarded funding include Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, Smart Works Charity (Leeds), Burmantofts Senior Action and Your Back Yard for its work in Headingley Holt Park and Beeston.
By supporting community organisations to embed digital inclusion work throughout what they do, the Fund will mean people in Leeds will have the skills, support, and equipment to be active online, now and in the future.
Steph Taylor, Strategy and Programmes Director and Deputy CEO of Leeds Community Foundation, said: “Partnering with Leeds Digital Ball is vital to bridging the digital divide and creating a more equitable city to ensure that everyone in our local communities have access to the same quality of digital resources.
“We’re grateful of this city’s thriving tech and digital sector and great to see such energy and enthusiasm to make a difference genuinely and collectively in our city and create opportunities for those that need it most. A vision that is shared by Leeds Community Foundation.”
The Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund is a new partnership between Leeds Community Foundation and Leeds City Council 100% Digital Leeds. The Fund supports community organisations to incorporate digital inclusion in their day-to-day work, in sustainable ways.
The Leeds Digital Ball returns this year on Thursday, 11 May 2023, at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, from 7pm onwards. Tickets are available to purchase here.
Dave Syers on the attack for Farsley Celtic against Blyth Spartans. Photo: John McEvoy
By John Baron
Farsley Celtic fell into the National League North relegation zone with just two games of the season remaining following a 2-0 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Blyth Spartans.
Defeat leaves the Celts occupying the final relegation spot, with Blyth leapfrogging them thanks to their superior goal difference.
In truth Farsley only have themselves to blame for their latest defeat. Missed chances in a tight first half came back to haunt the home side, who then gave away a sloppy goal at the start of the second period.
The Celts will need to be better in both penalty boxes if they’re to avoid the drop, although their fate is now out of their hands as they enter the final ten days of the season.
It was the away side who started the game brighter, with Cedric Main coming close minutes in after getting a shot off from the left hand side.
Moments later, a free kick for Blyth almost left Farsley a goal behind after Nicky Deverdics’ delivery bounced just wide of the top corner.
Russ Wilcox’s side slowly found their footing in the game, with the lively Frank Mulhern sending a ball in behind the Blyth defence, Theo Williams latched onto it but his effort dribbled wide of the post.
Farsley came close again after Danny Devine’s strike from outside the box whistled wide of the post.
Unsurprisingly it was a cagey first half, with the game having so much at stake for both sides in the relegation battle.
Devine was proving the danger man for Farsley in the first half, coming close again but Alex Mitchell was there to make the save. Minutes later the home side had another great chance however Kian Scales’s effort flew past the bottom corner when he should have hit the target.
A moment of magic from Mulhern almost saw Farsley take the lead, after a couple kick ups and a weaving run his effort was parried back into danger, but Williams and Lewis Turner got in each others way to squander a huge chance.
But for all of Farsley’s chances late in the half the sides went into the break 0-0.
It was the worst possible start to the second half for Farsley as Blyth made it 1-0 straight after the restart, following some sloppy defending which saw the home side fail to clear their lines. Main put a ball across the box and Jordan Hickey tucked it away into the bottom right corner.
There was almost an instant response for Farsley as Tom Allan rose highest from the corner but his effort crashed off the crossbar.
The second half went from bad to worse for the home side, after a great delivery from the left-hand side found Hickey, whose header flew into the back of net to score his second and put Blyth 2-0 up.
Farsley were beginning to look frustrated after the second had gone in, creating a very limited amount of chances and being wasteful in the final third with about 25 minutes to go.
There was a mix up at the back for Blyth as miscommunication between the keeper and defender saw the ball bounce out to Adam Clayton but his lobbed effort went just wide of the open goal.
It was so almost three for Blyth, as some fantastic footwork from Main saw his right footed strike smash off the crossbar. A huge let off for the home side.
Wilcox’s side were pushing with 10 minutes to go, causing Blyth problems from set pieces, but just missing that clinical touch in the final third.
Blyth almost got their third after Spellman had a great chance, but his strike was tipped over by Max Dearnley.
Farsley entertain Gloucester on Saturday in the final home game of the season. The game is now a must-win for Russ Wilcox’s side as the trap door leading to the Northern Premier League inches open.
