Armley Common Right Trust volunteers in Charlie Cake Park. Photo: Armley Common Right Trust
Volunteers picked up their shovels, clippers and litter pickers yesterday to help maintain ‘common’ land in Armley.
Armley Common Right Trust is one of the oldest charities in Leeds. Established in 1799, the community-led charity protects six public green spaces on behalf of Armley people. These are at Hilltop, Charlie Cake Park, Moor Top, Armley Moor, Far Fold and Ley Lane.
Volunteers took to Charlie Cake Park to restore the Victorian fencing off Springfield Mount to its upright position and carried out general maintenance in Charlie Cake and elsewhere.
Here’s a slideshow of photos from the day:
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Whether you’re into wombling, clearing, gardening, maintenance or administration, there’s a role for you at Armley Common Right Trust. Contact armleycrt@gmail.com.
The Friends of Bramley Park line up for their first litter pick. The group was only formed last month. Photo: Philip McConnell
UNLIKE the many unspoken heroes/heroines within our community, who go out in all weathers, I will confess I am a newbie to community litter picking.
Even so, I just had to mention how amazed I was by the amount of broken glass I come across. Why? Who does this? Is the No 14 bus stop really a good place to leave empty glass bottles?
And the amount of broken glass left lying on streets/pavements in the Bramley area, is becoming a significant health risk.
Points to remember –
• Broken glass and other sharps are physical hazards
• Broken glass also has the potential to be a health hazard if it is contaminated eg chemicals, blood, or infectious substances which could enter the body via cuts or punctures
And who, given the current state of our NHS, really wants to spend hours in A&E awaiting treatment – if they’re lucky?
It doesn’t take too long before those discarded glass bottles on tops of walls, on the ground etc, end up smashed into pieces and who knows where else. Spare a thought for our local children playing or walking to school, our older or disabled residents (especially the partially sighted) who may have difficulty walking.
Not to mention dangers to traffic swerving to miss, or going over broken glass on the road. Then, of course, there’s our pets.
Guidelines advise take to nearest bottle bank, do not place in wheelie bins. Lids can be left on bottles and jars as they’ll be recycled too. Report an untidy or overflowing bottle bank by calling or texting 07891 277226 – include the street name the bank is closest to – see Nearest Bottle Bank Near Me (near-me.store).
So, to whom it may concern: Think on – take your bottles home with you, dispose of them safely! Where practical – dispose of broken glass safely – before it becomes a risk to others. Wear suitable gloves!
Where larger amounts of glass are involved or removal is impractical, contact Leeds City Council’s Department of Environmental Health, who will advise accordingly – see Report a road, path, or cycle lane that needs cleaning (leeds.gov.uk).
Residents: If you are aware of vandalism or if anti-social behaviour is a problem, call Leeds City Council on 0113 222 4402.
Landlords: Take responsibility – advise your tenants accordingly!
Community Litter Pickers: A big thank you for the hours you put in. Noted that Litter Free Pudsey were recently nominated for an environmental achievement award – maybe Bramley next?
The number 9 Horsforth to White Rose Centre bus service WILL be axed, bosses at FirstBus have confirmed.
WLDreported earlier this week that a number of services across West Yorkshire were facing being cut completely or operating on revised timetables.
There will also be new timetable on the X11 Leeds – Pudsey – Bradford route with some early and late journeys being cut completely, and an hourly service on the number 14 service between Pudsey and Leeds.
An e-mail from bosses at Firstbus in Leeds – shared on social media by Pudsey councillor Simon Seary (Cons) – confirmed some of the cuts leaked earlier this week and said a formal announcement was due shortly.
The email said: “I would also like to stress that we have worked closely with the Combined Authority to try to maintain connectivity where possible on the impacted services.
“The changes commencing 2 April (registration deadline today) do include the withdrawal of the Horsforth – White Rose Centre 9 service. We have registered a journey 9S to cover an early morning journey used by students.
“Please note the 9A evening contract operated on behalf of WY Combined Authority, which expires at the end of April, will be revised to operate between Seacroft & White Rose only.
“From the same date we will be introducing a new timetable on the X11 Leeds – Pudsey – Bradford including the withdrawal of some under-used early and late journeys.
“I do appreciate the challenges around such changes but these actions are necessary now to ensure we move towards a sustainable network going forward.
“Please note communication to customers with further detail is planned for early next week.
“Also for the Pudsey constituents this includes some changes to the 14 service which will be revised to operate between Pudsey and Leeds only with a new hourly timetable. Customers wishing to travel to Logic Business Park will be able to connect with the PR2 ‘Temple Green’ service which will now observe stops along Pontefract Lane.”
WLD reported leaked plans could see the numbers 87, 64, 47,48, 9 and 9A be permanently withdrawn by the company. A further seven West Yorkshire services are at risk of having their frequencies slashed.
The move would also be in spite of the Department of Transport (DfT) extending emergency funding for bus operators from the end of March until June.
One Leeds councillor, whose residents would be affected by the proposed changes, said on Turesday “whole communities are at risk of being cut off” from repeated cuts.
First did not comment when repeatedly approached for comment last week. last Monday, the company said on Twitter it was “continuing to work closely with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to finalise details”, ahead of a March 3 deadline for announcing the changes.
Possible changes in full, according to the leaked plans
Services which could be withdrawn:
9 – White Rose Centre-Pudsey-Farsley-Horsforth
9A – Seacroft-Colton-Swillington-Rothwell-Middleton-White Rose Centre-Pudsey-Farsley-Horsforth
47 – Leeds-Hunslet-Middleton-Morley-White Rose Centre
48 – Wigton Moor-Moortown-Chapeltown-Leeds-Hunslet-Middleton-Morley-White Rose Centre
64 – Leeds-Cross Gates-Barwick-in-Elmet-Aberford
87 – St James’ Hospital-East End Park-Hunslet-Holbeck-Armley-Bramley
Farsley Celtic's Frank Mulhern battles against Telford's defenders in a recent 0-0 draw. Photo: John McEvoy/Leeds Shots
“It probably wasn’t one for the purists,” Farsley Celtic boss Russ Wilcox said after the final whistle of his side’s 0-0 draw at home to bottom side AFC Telford United.
While the hard-earned point lifted his side to third from bottom in the National League North and two points from safety, Wilcox is experienced enough to know that these are the games you need to be winning if you’re going to avoid the relegation trap door.
And a tired first half performance in what could prove a pivotal game in the Celts’ season will surely have concerned him.
A point apiece was probably a fair reflection of the 90 minutes, but the biggest chance did fall to the visitors’ Kai Williams in the second half, and he will probably still be wondering how he didn’t hit the target.
Telford certainly looked the fresher of the two sides in the first half having had a free midweek, but chances were limited in the early stages, as they were throughout the game.
Luke Parkin on the attack against Telford. Photo: John McEvoy
Adam Livingstone caught a volley sweetly but struck it straight down the throat of Max Dearnley, before at the other end Joe Young was quickly off his line to thwart Luke Parkin.
The biggest opportunity of the first period fell to Telford’s Montel Gibson 20 minutes in as he powered into the box and drove a powerful strike across goal, denied by a stunning one-handed save from Max Dearnley.
After the break, it was Farsley who looked to force the game open with the introduction of Dave Syers, which brought with it the Celts’ best period.
Frank Mulhern fired a long-range strike just over the crossbar, Joe Young had to be quick off his line to smother Dave Syers’ effort on the stretch from point-blank range, and Mulhern saw his lobbed effort cleared off the line by Harry Flowers.
But it would be Williams who had the best opportunity of the 90 minutes, turning his man in the box to find a pocket of space before somehow dragging across the goal and wide from inside the six-yard box.
There would be one last moment of danger for the visitors when a long ball sent Frank Mulhern charging towards goal, but Young and Flowers did enough between them to deter the Farsley forward, before Theo Williams’ attempt to head the loose ball goal-ward was cleared to safety.
The Celts – who have had four draws in the last five games – will be hoping Tom Allan’s injury isn’t a bad one, with the defender heading straight off to the dressing room after being substituted 10 minutes into the second half.
Celts boss Wilcox will surely look to rotate his small squad as his side’s relentless schedule continues and over the next ten days. They face tough trips to table toppers Kings Lynn Town on Tuesday, before Saturday’s FA Trophy quarter final at Gateshead and then a home match the following Tuesday against fellow strugglers Leamington.
Match reaction
Ross Wilcox praised his side’s commitment and togetherness and felt his side edged the second half. He was also pleased by three straight clean sheets at home but said his side needed more quality up front to transform draws into wins.
Council chiefs have said that parts of Stanningley Road DO now meet the criteria for permanent speed cameras following years of campaigning by local residents.
Attendees of Armley Forum meetings have long been calling for speed cameras to tackle problems connected to the A647 Stanningley Road in Armley amid concerns about the number of accidents in the area.
Now, following a meeting with police and senior highways officers, local councillors have had confirmation that the road now meets more relaxed criteria for static speed cameras which was announced in January by the West Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership.
Council officers hope the cameras will be installed later this year as part of a project which includes adding average speed cameras along the Outer Ring Road and Stanningley Bypass.
Speaking on social media yesterday, Cllr Lou Cunningham (Green, Armley) said: “I advised [the meeting] that we would be presenting the petition, which has now been signed by around 700 people. Let’s continue to work together.
“Thoughts and prayers to all affected by the tragic road traffic events this year and in previous ones.”
here is an update following the calls for a review of safety on Stanningley road following a meeting with senior highways officials and police.
The petition – signed by over 700 people in a little over a week – calls for an “urgent review of road safety measures Stanningley Road/Cockshott Lane.”
The junction of Stanningley Road with Cockshott Lane has come under the spotlight following the death of 28-year-old Athira Anilkumar Laly Kumari killed while standing at the bus stop near the former Church of the Venerable Bede. Another man, in his 40s, was seriously injured.
A statement from Cllrs Jim McKenna and Alice Smart (both Lab, Armley) – who had both backed calls for speed cameras – said: “We are pleased that the police and highways officers have heard and noted our concerns and are responding accordingly.
“Currently, due to the ongoing investigation we cannot comment further. We will give a fuller statement and updates when it is appropriate to do so.”
A 25-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following Wednesday’s crash and has since been released on bail as police enquiries continue into the collision.
Frank Mulhern leaps high for Farsley Celtic at The Citadel. Photo: John McEvoy/Leeds Shots
By Thomas Ritchie
Farsley Celtic welcome AFC Telford United to the Citadel on Saturday, looking to return to winning ways in a significant game in the fight to avoid relegation.
The Bucks are currently bottom of the National League North, 14 points behind the Celts, and a win for Farsley, depending on other results, could see them move out of the relegation zone.
Tuesday evening saw Russ Wilcox’s side’s seven-game unbeaten run come to an end with a 3-1 defeat at AFC Fylde, but they will remain confident heading into this weekend having gone unbeaten at home since November 22.
Kevin Wilkin’s side are without a win in their last 10, but their most recent success did come on the road when they defeated Buxton 2-0 in January.
It is just under a month since we made the trip to the New Bucks Head Stadium, leaving with a point thanks to Andy Butler’s first-half leveller.
Ahead of Saturday’s fixture, Russ Wilcox said: “They’re all big games, and we know our home form is going to be key.
“Our away form’s been great, five unbeaten before tonight (at Fylde), they’re top of the league now so it was always going to be difficult.
“I thought we were excellent, it could have gone either way. I’ve seen teams go 3-1 and crumble, but no, we went the other way and put the foot on the gas and looked by far the better team in the second half.”
TEAM NEWS
Dave Syers is nearing a return for the Celts, which would leave Russ Wilcox with a fully-fit squad to select from. Defender Isaac Assensio left the Celts for Guiseley on a month-long loan earlier this week after starting only one game in 2023.
The global petition is encouraging people to adopt a vegan diet.
By David Spereall, local democracy reporter
Leeds is undecided over whether or not to join other councils in backing a global petition promoting vegan diets.
The local authority says its reluctant to “dictate” what people should and shouldn’t eat and “hasn’t reached a view” on whether or not to back it.
Edinburgh recently became the first capital city in the world to support the Plant Based Treaty, which is encouraging people to move away from meat-based products in an effort to fight climate change.
Backing the treaty in full would effectively ban new animal farms and slaughterhouses opening in Leeds, end meat consumptions in local schools and see plant-based diets actively promoted by the council.
Haywards Heath in Sussex and Los Angeles are also among the 20 local governments around the world who’ve signed up to the pledge.
But at a scrutiny meeting on Thursday, Leeds’ chief officer for sustainable energy, Polly Cook, said there were concerns the council would “lose dialogue” with some people over the climate emergency.
The council drafted a food strategy last year, which is aimed at shifting the city towards sustainable eating, but its proposed measures are not as radical as if it signed up to the Plant Based Treaty.
Asked by Green councillor Ed Carlisle if Leeds was considering following Edinburgh, Ms Cook said: “I have seen the treaty. I don’t think we’ve reached a view on it.
“When we did the food strategy we were cautious as a council in terms of dictating what people should eat and we focused more on providing the right information allowing people to make a conscious decision.
“If you were to follow health recommendations you would naturally reduce your carbon footprint from food significantly and that’s about eating less meat, but better quality meat as well.
“We’ve not gone as far as saying it’s ‘plant-based or nothing’ because we want to reach out to everyone.
“There’s a risk if you go down that path that you lose dialogue with a certain part of the audience. You want to be able to appeal to a wide spectrum.”
Furious WLD readers have spoken out against the possible axing of some bus services and cuts to others.
As reported earlier this week, bus services – including routes serving West Leeds – could be axed in April by the operator First, and others face cuts to their frequency.
The numbers 87, 64, 47,48, 9 and 9A might all be permanently withdrawn by the company, according to leaked plans.
A further seven West Yorkshire services are at risk of having their frequencies slashed, including numbers 14, X11 and 508.
The planned changes have not been confirmed, but if they go ahead, they are likely to take effect from April 2.
The proposals have been met with anger on social media by bus users in West Leeds.
Eve Fox says her son and a ‘bus full’ of students catch the bus to college and would be left unable to get there.
“9 is the only bus to White Rose Centre also the only bus to Elliott Hudson College … how are students meant to get to college and non drivers to White Rose Centre?” Eve asked.
“I am so cross they may remove this service, my son is at Elliott Hudson college, he already gets the 7am bus because the 8am was always late. not getting him to college until 9.15am. Yesterday and today the bus hasn’t come at all. He’s had to get a bus to Leeds and then to White Rose… he tells me the 7am bus is always full too, so there will be a lot of annoyed people!”
Rhonda Meadmore added: “First Bradford have been actively avoiding picking up waiting passengers on the 508 route on an evening for a while now, they clearly are trying to show there’s no need for the service (been forced to walk home alone at 9/10 pm unexpectedly a few times or wait another hour).
“It’s wonderful living on Leeds & Bradford Road, yet not having a first bus service to Leeds nor Bradford!”
Elaine Trees simply asked: “9 is the only bus from Pudsey to Horsforth. Why?”
Jo Herbert added: “Please don’t change the frequency of the 14! It’s just about the only service from Bramley that consistently gets into the city centre before 9am!”
And Marlene Harwood of Pudsey expressed her frustration. She said: “Annoying [as] not everyone can drive. As a pensioner I don’t want to rely on lifts but it is only 9/9A that connects us to the White Rose and what about people that work there and to Horsforth? Also 14 and X11 will be missed. May as well pull the bus station down because of the trouble it causes with youths.”
“Farnley doesn’t have a lot of buses at the best of times, losing the number 9 is a blow,” said another bus user. “We’re being left high and dry.”
Around 30 more First services were believed to be at risk of changes or withdrawal had the extra DfT funding not been announced, although questions remain about their long-term futures after June.
The move would also be in spite of the Department of Transport (DfT) extending emergency funding for bus operators from the end of March until June.
One Leeds councillor, whose residents would be affected by the proposed changes, said earlier this week that “whole communities are at risk of being cut off” from repeated cuts.
Possible changes in full, according to the leaked plans
Services which could be withdrawn:
9 – White Rose Centre-Pudsey-Farsley-Horsforth
9A – Seacroft-Colton-Swillington-Rothwell-Middleton-White Rose Centre-Pudsey-Farsley-Horsforth
47 – Leeds-Hunslet-Middleton-Morley-White Rose Centre
48 – Wigton Moor-Moortown-Chapeltown-Leeds-Hunslet-Middleton-Morley-White Rose Centre
64 – Leeds-Cross Gates-Barwick-in-Elmet-Aberford
87 – St James’ Hospital-East End Park-Hunslet-Holbeck-Armley-Bramley
Simon Carlisle (centre left) with Cllr Peter Carlill and members of the Bramley depot team celebrate the Zebra funding success.
A third of the First Bus fleet at its Bramley depot in Leeds will be fully electric by 2024, bus bosses have confirmed today.
As First Bus and the Combined Authority (WYCA) have been successful in securing Department for Transport (DfT) approval to boost their existing Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) project.
This means the company will co-fund an additional 25 double-decker electric buses in Bramley with 58% of the funding provided by First Bus and the remaining 42% from the Government’s ZEBRA scheme.
Additional investment from First Bus totals £8 million and will accelerate the full zero emission transformation of the depot.
Green plans: The FirstBus Depot on Henconner Lane will host a new fleet of electric vehicles. Photo: Google
WLD reported last November that £2.3m plans to install electric charging points at the Henconner Lane depot has been approved by council planners.
Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee Cllr Peter Carlill (Calverley & Farsley) said: “Greener buses are always a welcome sight on our road, so I welcome this funding to increase West Yorkshire’s fleet of them.
“People living in our region have a right to expect clean air, which is why the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has targeted a net zero carbon economy by 2038, with a focus on transport.
“We still have plenty of work to do, but these new buses, as well as the improvements we’re making to the Bramley depot, put us well on our way to achieving a greener and healthier future for our region.”
Simon Carlisle, Engineering Director of First Bus in West Yorkshire, said: “This sets us on a clear path to transforming Bramley and expanding our electric bus fleet in Leeds.
“We are delighted to be accelerating investment, supported by co-funding from the Department for Transport. As leaders in sustainable mobility, we are fully aligned with the Government and Combined Authority ambition for a net-zero carbon transport system.
“We are excited to take our people on this journey with us and look forward to the Bramley project coming to fruition and the first vehicles going into service for our customers.”
This latest boost represents a total investment from First Bus in Leeds of £15.8m, alongside ZEBRA funding of £12.6m. It follows First Bus’s ZEBRA success last year, which saw the operator place an order for 32 electric buses for Bramley as part of the largest purchase of EV buses to date with a total of 193 vehicles from British manufacturer Wrightbus.
Playing fields in Burley have been listed as assets of community value in a bid to preserve them, council documents have confirmed.
Elida Gibbs Playing Fields, on Stanmore Street, has been listed as an asset of community value, following a nomination from Leeds Hyde Park Football Club, which is an unincorporated group.
The Elida Gibbs playing fields are currently used as full sized football pitches by nominator, Leeds Hyde Park Football Club.
A council report said: “The nominator advises that these playing fields are the only site within the immediate locality that offer full-sized football pitches for the use of their teams.
“These teams have proven very popular, with interest growing significantly over the last year, and it is anticipated that this membership will increase further over the next few years, generating more subscription fees and further income for the club, bolstering its viability, and that of the use of the site, in the long-term.
“The nominator advises that should the use of the Elida Gibbs playing fields become unavailable as a sporting facility for the local community, there would be no alternative site in the local area with the same facilities that would be able to be used by the club.
“This would be insensitive to the social interest needs and capabilities of the local community who use the site, some of which would be unable to travel the distance to and from this site. The club also acts as a crucial part of integrating new arrivals into the community.”
The report adds that the Elida Gibbs playing fields are also used regularly by other members of the local community for informal leisure activities and dog walking.
“As such, the designation of the site as an Asset of Community Value would serve to protect the social wellbeing of the members of the local community that currently use it,” it adds.
Parts of the ground are regularly used by Leeds Rhinos fans for parking.
According to Kirkstall.net, the sports pitches off Stanmore Terrace in Burley were acquired by the Council around 1983 though a land swap promoted by the Kirkstall councillors and engineered by George Mudie when he was council leader.
The ground originally belonged to Taylors Drug Company, whose original premises can still be seen on Burley Road nearby. In 1935 this firm became the retail chemists Timothy Whites and Taylors. They were subsequently taken over by Boots, and finished as part of the Elida Gibbs toothpaste and cosmetics conglomerate, which is now part of Unilever.
There is a local myth that the name marks some bequest or trust, but these were ordinary commercial transactions. Elida Gibbs were moving to Seacroft and tried to sell their sports ground in Burley for house building. They were persuaded to pass it to the council, but acquired another council site in exchange.
