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Reader’s letter: ‘Time to permanently block off’ St Ann’s Lane

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Following on from WLD‘s article about ‘the narrow road’ and how this should progress, I live on St Ann’s Lane and twice have been knocked by wing mirrors as cars try to drive down there.

It’s a beautiful ancient lane and was never designed for the heavy traffic that uses it now.  I don’t think that making it one way would solve the problem. 

It should be blocked off permanently and only used by residents who live there, cycles and pedestrians. 

I actually think that Leeds City Council need to close all ‘rat runs’ in residential areas, considering the urgency for us all to reduce emissions. 

Obviously this will upset drivers who drive in to the centre of Leeds, but hopefully will encourage them to find healthy options: public transport, walking  or cycling.   

Buses need to be very cheap, more ‘park and ride’ provision, and fewer car parks in the centre of Leeds.

I would also say that the tiny bridge over the railway by the rugby ground is really dangerous and should also be permanently closed to through traffic.

  • Judith Cain

Public meeting forms new group to champion Bramley Park

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Sun-kissed: Bramley Park during the 2022 heatwave. Photo: Susan Tellum

Bramley residents came together at a public meeting to officially form a Friends of Bramley Park group to help improve and bring investment to the park. Community reporter JEAN HOLLINGS attended Friday’s meeting, which was attended by about 20 people. Here’s her report:

Organisers couldn’t have been more surprised that on a dark cold evening in November Fairfield Community Centre was packed out for their first community meeting to ascertain if there was any interest in forming a friends group. 

Bramley & Stanningley councillors Kevin Ritchie and Caroline Gruen and a representative from Leeds City Parks were present, along with passionate Bramley folk. 

It was agreed that there was sufficient interest to form a committee. A chair, secretary and treasurer were appointed, with people offering to be on the committee. 

Issues to be look at will include: Planting flowers in the rose garden; investing in durable playground facilities; improving the changing rooms and drainage; looking at education surrounding local wildlife; a bike track and making the park safer for park users. 

Local community groups offered their support. These included: 

  • A representative from Bramley Park Bowling Club said they are happy for the newly formed group to use their facilities if required. 
  • Representative of Bramley Baths also stated their support to run potential fitness classes as did parkrun (5km and junior 2km) plus Bramley Breezers and Bramley Care Bears. 

After the meeting, Cllr Ritchie and Gruen told WLD: “We were delighted at the turnout and enthusiasm shown for starting a Friends Of Bramley Park. We look forward to the group getting established and will fully support their future activities and continue to work together to improve our much loved park”

Details on how to contact the team will be published once set up. In the meantime, contact Cllr Ritchie on kevin.ritchie@leeds.gov.uk.

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Disabled artists open new exhibition at Farsley’s Sunny Bank Mills

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A new exhibition, celebrating the work of the talented members of Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough, has opened at the Sunny Bank Mills Gallery in Farsley.

The exhibition – called .artmaker – features more than 20 artists from the Henshaws charity, which provides support, advice and training to anyone affected by sight loss and other disabilities.

The exhibition has been organised by Natalie Kolowiecki and Sonia Moran of the gallery in conjunction with Shaeron Caton Rose and Sharon Hockin of Henshaws.

Natalie said: “This is the perfect exhibition for Christmas. It is positive, uplifting, stimulating and visually stunning. When we first saw the work of the Henshaws’ artists and makers, we were blown away. The standard is exceptional.

“People who are differently abled and neurodiverse have many ways of communicating what they think and feel about the world. Through the works in .artmaker we experience the joy and beauty that this diversity brings. It is a privilege to showcase the work of Henshaws.”

Sonia added: “The Art Makers are at the core of this exhibition, with more than 20 artists with different disabilities. Their work is as unique and diverse as they are. The Gallery is now filled with bright colours, expressive shapes and intricate details with pieces ranging from a rainbow 3D robot to colourful paintings to delicate layered collages.”

Much of the artwork in this exhibition is for sale, starting from £30 and peaking at £220.

The Art Makers featured are Ann Swift, Andrew Morrison, Simon Haw, Andrew Copley, Graham Borkett, Julie H, Abbey Northers, Clare Sapherson, Celeste Rowe, Holly Fiddes, Jenna Foster, Abbie Dyer, Jacob Pulman, Jess Parkinson, Andy Hall, Vicky Pinder, Mark Wilson, Wesley Moffatt, Paul Fowler, Oliver Fawcett, Adam Flanagan, Natasha Garland and Dolly.

Andrew Copley, who has been attending Henshaws for the past 15 years, said: “I particularly love painting and drawing but I have also worked with ceramics, papier mache sculpture and mosaic. I am inspired by all that I see, but particularly nature. I draw from my imagination recalling places, wildlife, monuments and memories. Many people comment that they can see I love life and find humour in my colourful work. My love of colour also spills over into my mosaic work as well.”

The exhibition runs until Friday, December 23. 

Farsley Celtic secure FA Trophy progress at Bradford Park Avenue

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Farsley Celtic grabbed an FA Trophy win at The Horsfall Stadium. Photo: John Baron

Words: Niall Togher. Video: Tom Ritchie

Farsley Celtic got their FA trophy adventure under way at the Horsfall Stadium, beating local rivals Bradford (Park Avenue) 2-1.

Farsley were forced to sit in at times, Max Dearnley making a number of important saves, but were always a threat on the break and good value for the victory. The result came despite a raft of injuries and suspensions stretching an already small squad – and the Celts were further rocked when skipper Dave Syers withdrew shortly before kick-off

Another spectacular strike from Bobby Johnson broke the deadlock in a first half of limited chances for both teams, before Kian Scales’ finish booked Farsley’s place in the FA Trophy third round.

It was the hosts who sought to dictate the game in the opening 20 minutes, controlling possession, but neither side could carve out any real chances.

However, it would be Avenue who threatened first. Jacob Blyth’s half-volley forced an acrobatic save from Max Dearnley to keep the game level, before Dearnley had to be at his best again minutes later.

Former Farsley man Will Longbottom played a perfectly weighted pass through to Brad Dockerty whose low strike was denied by the legs of Dearnley, before Richman fired over the rebound for Bradford, who were in the ascendency.

The Celts were hit by yet another injury, when striker Osadebe limped off to be replaced by Thabang Dube in the 22nd minute.

But Farsley would respond well, Lewis Butroid doing well down the left and delivering a dangerous cross that eventually fell to Kian Scales at the back post, but he couldn’t keep his shot down.

Farsley’s tails were up, and they would find the breakthrough on the brink of halftime.

Bobby Johnson’s inch-perfect free-kick nestled into the top left corner leaving George Sykes-Kenworthy in the hosts’ goal with no chance.

Farsley would continue to threaten after the interval, Kian Scales cutting in from the right-hand side onto his left foot, forcing a smart save from Sykes-Kenworthy.

Just moments later, Scales would make no mistake as he doubled Farsley’s lead. Sykes-Kenworthy lost out to Carlton Ubaezuonu in the air from Dube’s delivery, Scales collecting the loose ball and keeping his composure to drill home.

Bradford would push to get back in the game with Jamie Spencer and Blyth both going close, whilst the Celts could have put the game to bed on the break, Dube squandering a good opportunity when he hit the post when through on goal.

Mark Bower’s side would give themselves a lifeline with two minutes remaining, Dearnley unable to claim a delivery from the left, and Will Lancaster was there to make him pay and give the hosts hope for a late comeback.

However, it wasn’t to be for Bradford as Farsley took the bragging rights in the first West Yorkshire derby of the season.

Line ups

Bradford (Park Avenue): Sykes-Kenworthy, Odunston, Staunton, Spencer (Hopper 75), Lancaster, Fielding, Longbottom, Richman, Blyth, Dockerty (Church 79), Angell (Preston 56). Unused subs: Lund, Havern.

Farsley Celtic: Dearnley, Turner, Butroid, Johnson, Butler, Allan, Scales, Atkinson (c), Osadebe (Dube 22), Ubaezuonu, Parkin. Unused subs: Assenso, Clayton, Mason (GK).

Post-match reaction

Boss Russ Wilcox was delighted with his patched-up team’s performance, particularly given their recent poor record on the road which had seen them concede 13 in the last three away games.

Returning defender Andy Butler hasn’t trained since 8 October but came in at the last minute when skipper Dave Syers picked up an injury before kickoff.

He rued Farsley’s missed chances and decision-making in the final third but praised a heard-working team performance against a well-organised home side:

Tuesday sees The Celts return to league action when they entertain high-flying Chester at the Citadel. Tickets are available here.

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West Leeds planning applications: 20 November 2022

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Each week we publish a list of the latest planning applications related to the six council wards in West Leeds.

The following new applications were published on the Leeds City Council website in the past seven days:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

  • None submitted.

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward


Decided applications

Here are the planning applications decided by Leeds City Council this week:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

  • None decided.

Pudsey Ward

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Can you help fill this giant Pudsey Bear with 2p pieces?

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A lot of 2 pences are needed to fill this bear at Pudsey Leisure Centre! Photo: Dawn Seary/Twitter

It’s Children in Need today – and the ‘birthplace’ of Pudsey Bear is once again doing its bit to support the charity.

The 2p Challenge is returning to Pudsey Leisure Centre today, with organisers hoping to put together a magnificent Pudsey Bear mosaic of 2 pence pieces.

People can drop off their 2p pieces at the centre until it closes this later this evening.

The popular annual event was originally the idea of Pudsey councillors Simon and Dawn Seary.

The first 2p challenge was held in 2018 and made headlines thanks to its cheeky – but sadly unsuccessful – bid to lure singer Rick Ashley to Pudsey and in 2019 raised more than £4,400.

pudsey 2p challenge
Flashback to the first Pudsey 2p Challenge in 2018.

Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear was created in 1985 by BBC graphic designer Joanna Lane. The bear was named after her hometown of Pudsey, where her grandfather Irvine Ball was borough councillor between 1936 and 1955 and town mayor in 1950.

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Bramley band ‘gives youths something to belong to’

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By Christian Lee

A Bramley brass band is giving young people the chance to learn a new instrument and join a band.

Bramley Youth Brass aims to “give something for children and youths to belong to,” according to their musical leader, Joelle Braithwaite. 

Speaking about the inspiration for the project, Joelle said: “Bramley can be an area where kids can become disenfranchised.

“Youth services do what they can but this is another way for kids to learn a new skill. Music can be good for academic and social development and playing in a band can be good for learning about teamwork, discipline and following a leader.

“We want to give something to Bramley that they can be proud of, and get around young people and make them feel valued.”

Band leader Joelle Braithwaite.

They are following in the footsteps of previous brass bands who played in Bramley throughout the 20th century. Yorkshire is described as a brass band county and Joelle cited the lack of community brass bands in Leeds as a reason for starting the project.

The band started in February 2022 thanks initially to funding from the Leeds city of culture funding group. They were then able to continue once this funding finished due to support from the Salvation Army who pay for the hire of the practice space they use.

One of the historic line ups of Bramley Brass Band.

As well as financial aid, the Salvation Army also helped to provide the equipment the band uses. “The instruments have come from the Salvation Army at Bradford. When kids join they don’t have to pay anything and they get an instrument and a folder of music,” explained Joelle.

Joelle believes that the band can have a positive impact on the local area, and added: “One parent said it is really good that something like this is happening. He grew up playing the trombone and now there is an opportunity for his daughter to play. The fact the kids turn up every week is proof enough that they are getting something out of the opportunity.”

In the future the band hopes to become part of community events. Joelle said: “We want to play in and represent the community. We want to be part of Remembrance Day events and play at Christmas as well as be able to play in the park in summer.”

The band meets every week on Tuesdays between 3.45pm and 5pm at Trinity Methodist Church in Bramley. They currently have 15 members between the ages of seven to 13 but are open to anyone up to the age of 18, and even young adults who want to learn.

If you want to get your children involved or want more information you can contact Caroline Heward on caroline.heward@salvationarmy.org.uk or 0113 256 9211.

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Flats and offices planned for vandalised former sports and social club building

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West Leeds sports and social club
Site: West Leeds Sports & Social Club, off Redshaw Road. Photo: Betty Longbottom, CC BY-SA 2.0

By John Baron

The future of a vandalised former social club building has taken a new twist after plans to transform it into apartments and office space were submitted this week.

West Leeds Sports and Social Club, on Redshaw Road, Armley, closed in 2019 and has been the subject of vandalism and fly tipping.

Developer Pattenden Enterprises Ltd has applied to change the empty building into nine flats and offices, including side and front extensions to house new staircases to access upstairs accommodation. The building would be rendered and there would be parking for 64 vehicles in the existing car park, along with electric vehicle charging points.

A planning statement accompanying the application states: “The existing vacant property is not fit for purpose in its current form and requires considerable refurbishment and investment to provide habitable space.

The former West Leeds Sports and Social Club has suffered from vandalism and fly-tipping. Photo: John Baron

“The proposed scheme has been carefully designed to be sympathetic to the existing appearance of the building while incorporating newer additions which allow the scheme to work.

“The proposal for conversion into office space and nine apartments respects the existing architectural themes of the area and provides adequate parking facilities to accommodate an increased number of residents.”

There have been several planning applications for the site in recent years. Plans to transform it into offices were withdrawn in April.

Almost two years ago developers West Leeds Working Men’s Club withdrew plans to demolish the club and build ten houses in the area. The withdrawal followed concerns by the council over the loss of a building used by the community.

Follow WLD‘s ongoing coverage of the building here.

Nearby changing facilities and sports pitches used by West Leeds Eagles rugby club are unaffected by the plans.

From the Bramley Rugby League Archives: “Bramley in need of spectators”

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ernest humphreys bramley rugby league

Curated by Paul Abraham

The Rugby Leaguer – October 31 1953 Edition

Bramley in need of spectators By Airedale

As I have mentioned on previous occasions an absolute pre-requisite to any further large-scale recruitment by the Bramley management must be an increase in the permanent body of support at the Barley Mow.  

The team has done at least as well as anyone could expect it to do – in fact in the number of wins as compared with previous seasons (and more particularly in the quality of the football produced) it has done better than anticipated at last season’s end.

It is good when a side begins to develop “personality players” too, and in the Maoris Nepia, Wilson and Smith, Bramley have at least three men now deserving of that tag.  

But costs of running professional are high – probably higher in several respects than a year ago. And home “gates” of under £200 are woefully insufficient as pay out-and-home expenses plus the other “incidentals” that are likely to arise.  

Johnny Wilson

The £1,000 ex-gratia payment for playing in the Lancashire League helps, of course, but there is unlikely to be a huge margin left from that source either when the season’s balance is struck.

So it’s “spectators we want” at the Barley Mow, and with a November programme that brings Wigan and Leigh as visitors the fare is surely attractive enough. Let’s hope the Clerk of the Weather is more kindly disposed than it was at the season’s commencement, as so much can hinge upon the climatic conditions at this season of the year.

The injured list is clearing up, with Ernest Humphries now the most prominent absentee.  It is stated that “a new type of operation” is likely to cure the shoulder dislocations which have kept this winger out of the game for two lengthy spells recently.  

If this eventuates it will indeed be good news as Humphries is probably the speediest and most penetrative wingman on the books at present, and there has been a deficiency on his usual flank since he was again put out of action.

I saw that the Villagers pack is again being criticised for lack of force and drive. Well the management know the position well enough, and if men to remedy this need become available on terms within Bramley’s reach I am sure that action will be forthcoming.  Meanwhile it is a case of “make do and mend” with the material available and it all boils down to the hard economic cycle of “no success without support” in preference to no “no support without success”.  

Local fans have seen what Bramley have done already – what they can still aspire to is an ever-present possibility on the minds of the management, coach and players.

The matter of the claim for some compensation to Bramley in connection with the clash between the Villagers’ home game with Featherstone Rovers and the Yorkshire Cup Final at Headingley on Saturday has produced the decision that the League Management Committee have no power to intervene. The question of any such compensation being a question solely for the County Committee as cup-ties took precedence over league matches.

Another case, surely, of the dividid system of control that in recent years have caused so much criticism to be levelled at RL game, and against which Bramley’s chairman, Councillor TL Bennett, has campaigned strongly in recent seasons.

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Fresh ‘co-living’ plans at Burley Library building to be discussed by councillors

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Burley library closed
The former Burley Branch Library. Copyright Adrian Smith and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Early plans to turn the Grade II Listed former Burley Library building into a co-living scheme with communal facilities will be discussed by councillors next week.

Applicant Parklane Group wants to retain and refurbish the historic library building by creating a co-working hub and seven duplex co-living units, with a six-storey extension to the rear to create 71 co-living units and communal living space.

A report to be considered by councillors on the south and west plans panel says residents would live in studios and that co-living is an emerging product within the housing market which is targeted at the recent graduate market.

This includes consultancy-type workers who only need to be in a particular location for a few months, key workers who work in city centres, and also recent incomers to cities who don’t necessarily want to rent on their own or know anyone to house share with.

Councillors will provide a steer for planning officers and the applicant on how the proposals should be developed. No final decision on the scheme will be made next week.

In 2019 Leeds City Council approved plans by Parklane Properties to turn the building into work hub office accommodation for young professionals, and a five-storey extension containing 60 one-bedroom and studio flats built behind it.

A report to be considered by councillors next Thursday says: “The listed library building was designed to be at the heart of the design proposal and this remains exactly the same in the current proposal as that previously approved.

“The prominence of the original building on the streetscape remains as approved and there are virtually no significant changes to height, massing, finishes or fenestrations.

“The proposal seeks to retain all the historic elements of the scheme as previously approved. This means the library largely serves as a co-working space as previously approved. The proposal involves restoring and refurbishing the historic library building which will create a distinctive create a historic point of interest in the streetscape.”

Civic watchdog Leeds Civic Trust supported the principle and broad aims of the scheme as presented in a previous application and note that the latest proposal is little changed from the previous scheme – we are particularly keen to see listed Burley Library building back into use. In this regard, our position remains unchanged.

The documents to be considered by councillors can be viewed in full here.

History

The building is classed as ‘listed’, which marks and celebrates a building’s special architectural and historic interest, and also brings it under the planning system so it can be protected for future generations.

Burley Branch Library was designed by Gilbert Burdett Howcroft of Uppermill and was opened on 15 June 1926 by Alderman Sir Percy Jackson, Chairman of the West Riding Education Committee, and a trustee of the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust.

The library cost £8,338 to build, with most of the funding coming from the Carnegie Trust and the rest from Leeds Council.

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Airport ‘fully co-operating’ with probe into alleged night flights breach

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Leeds Bradford Airport. Picture from Google Maps.

By David Spereall, local democracy reporter

Leeds Bradford Airport is “fully co-operating” with an investigation into claims it ran too many night flights this summer, local councillors have been told.

Campaigners Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) alleged earlier this month that the airport breached strict limits around night-time activity during holiday season.

The limits are in place on take-offs and landings between 11am and 7pm to protect residents living under the flight paths going to and from the airport.

But GALBA claims there were 600 more take-offs and landings than was allowed between March 27 and October 30.

Leeds City Council has started an investigation into the allegations, which were raised at a full council meeting on Wednesday by Liberal Democrat Chris Howley.

The local authority confirmed it was aware of the allegations and that the probe was ongoing.

But Helen Hayden, the council’s executive member for infrastructure, said: “It would be premature to comment on the details at this stage other than to say we are investigating.

“The council is working closely with Leeds Bradford Airport, who are fully co-operating with the process to obtain the necessary flight information, in order to assess the complaints and ascertain if any breach has occurred.”

When the allegation was first reported, Leeds Bradford Airport said it took its responsibilities “seriously” and that it would continue to report data on its flights openly and transparently.

Leisure centre opening hours may be ‘juggled’ as costs rise

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pudsey leisure centre
Pudsey Leisure Centre. Photo: Google

By David Spereall, local democracy reporter

Swimming pools across Leeds may be shut for hours at a time this winter in a bid to save public money and energy.

Leeds City Council leader James Lewis said some leisure centres may have their opening hours “juggled”, in response to the authority’s stretched public finances.

Spiralling energy costs and inflation have left the council with a near-£20m black hole to fill before next spring, which is set to be partially plugged by reserves.

The decision could affect council-run leisure centres in Armley, Kirkstall and Pudsey.

Interviewed on Thursday, Councillor Lewis also warned that council tax for Leeds residents was likely to rise steeply again in April, blaming what he described as government’s “pay more, get less” approach.

Although leisure centres around the city have been made more energy efficient in recent years, swimming pools in particular still guzzle huge amounts of fuel.

Budget concerns: Council leader Cllr James Lewis.

Asked if some may have to close during off-peak hours this winter, Councillor Lewis said: “We’ve had a big programme of solar panels and heat pumps to try to reduce our CO2 emissions as an organisation, so that means we have a reduced demand for energy for our swimming pools.

“We’ve reduced our costs but they are big users of energy and it may be we look again at how some of them run.”

Councillor Lewis said that Kippax Baths, which lies in the area of ther city he represents, was already opening at irregular hours to save money.

He suggested similar moves were likely to be commonplace around the rest of the country.

armley leisure centre
Armley Leisure Centre

He said: “The hours (at Kippax Baths) have juggled around over the years. It’s not open from 7am to 9pm seven days a week anymore as it has in the past.

“So yes, there’s a possibiliity of juggling hours around (at other swimming pools).

“Not every council has done what we’ve done in terms of energy efficiency, so it may be less stark than in other area.”

In what’s thought to be an unprecedented move in Leeds’ recent history, Councillor Lewis said the authority will have to use reserves to balance its books this year.

kirkstall leisure centre
Kirkstall Leisure Centre. Photo: Google

Other cost-cutting measures, helped by an increase in working from home among council staff, will see its city centre office estate reduced to just two buildings. In 2010, by contrast, it had 17.

Fees for council services used by individuals and businesses are also set to go up.

In the Autumn statement announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on Thursday, the limit on how authorities can raise council tax by without a referendum was lifted to five per cent.

Councillor Lewis said: “I’m not aware of us having to use general reserves on this scale in the past and it really underlines how stretched council finances have got, because clearly we can’t keep spending reserves forever.

“The government have put the whole sector into a position where it’s pay more, get less and I don’t think we’ll be able to escape from that.”

WLD cutswatch

West Leeds Dispatch‘s Cutswatch series has been following cuts facing the city here.