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.
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
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. 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.”
West Leeds Dispatch‘s Cutswatch series has been following cuts facing the city here.
Farsley Celtic are aiming for a change on fortune ion the road at the Horsfall Stadium tomorrow (Saturday) Photo: Thomas Ritchie/Farsley Celtic
By Thomas Ritchie
Farsley Celtic head to local rivals Bradford Park Avenue this weekend with a spot in the FA Trophy third round on the line.
The Celts will be looking to bounce back from their 4-0 defeat at Southport last time out, and seek to reverse their poor away form which has seen them concede 13 goals in their last three contests on the road.
Park Avenue earned a valuable point on the road at Alfreton Town on Saturday, but have experienced a similar start to the season as Farsley, having collected the same number of points as the Celts from a game more.
Looking ahead to Saturday, Russ Wilcox will be looking for a response from his short-handed side, following last weekend’s disappointing outing.
He said: “It was a different type of game, I was always worried about the physicality side of it, we’ve got three centre-halves sat in the stand and we needed them.
“It’s a freakish first goal, a mistake, and Owen knows that, and then we get done off a long throw, which again, is hard to compete with when you’re smaller.
“It’s a shocker of a day, you look back through it and it’s hard to describe it, it’s crazy.”
INJURY UPDATES
Russ Wilcox has been unable to call on three of his centre halves in the last two outings, with Isaac Assenso joining Adam Clayton and Andy Butler in the treatment room.
Adam Clayton has stepped up his recovery with running sessions, working individually on the pitch before yesterday’s game.
The Farsley manager said: “The main thing with Clayts (Adam Clayton), I think his movement is okay, I think it’s the contact, he’s still feeling pain in his back area.
“Andy Butler had an injection to remove some fluid from the back of his knee, fingers crossed he can get back into training very soon, hopefully next week.
“Isaac (Assenso) is still sore ankle-wise, we’re not quite sure what that is, there’s no swelling there, no bruising there, so we’re not quite sure, he just seems to have lost a bit of power.
“So it’s a difficult period for us, which you have to deal with as a manager and you have to deal with as a club.”
Striker Jimmy Spencer picked up a hamstring injury last Saturday and will be unavailable and Bradford City loanee Kian Scales is also an injury doubt.
TICKETS
Admission for this fixture at the Horsfall Stadium is by cash or card payment on the gate. No advance tickets are available.
Tickets are priced at £10 adults, £8 concessions, £3 12-18s, and £1 U12s.
The Celts are back in action at home on Tuesday evening when Chester are the visitors. Take advantage of our special World Cup ticket offer!
BUXTON GAME REARRANGED
Farsley Celtic can confirm that we will now host Buxton at the Citadel on Tuesday, 24 January 2023, with a 7.45pm kick-off.
The fixture was initially scheduled for November 26, but has been rearranged following the Bucks’ progression through to the Emirates FA Cup second round.
A “fitting and lasting tribute” will be created in memory of Leeds actor and long-serving Kirkstall councillor Bernard Atha, the city’s council leader has said.
James Lewis said that Mr Atha, who died last month aged 94, would be “remembered for his wit and charm”.
Mr Atha performed in the film Kes, as well as in Coronation Street, Emmerdale and All Creatures Great and Small across a distinguished acting career in the 1960s and 1970s.
He also served as a Leeds councillor for the City, Holbeck and Kirkstall wards for a total of 57 years, until his retirement in 2014.
Paying tribute to him at a full council meeting today (Wednesday), Councillor Lewis said Mr Atha had been a crucial figure in the city’s arts scene and had helped bring Northern Ballet to Leeds.
Councillor Lewis said: “Bernard was a long-serving member and played a huge part in the life of council.
“He was passionate about the health service and served on various health boards and charities linked to the hospitals.
“He wasn’t just a councillor who sat there and ticked items off the agenda. He really got things done in the city.”
Councillor Lewis said that Mr Atha had also helped to grow the West Yorkshire Playhouse, in the Quarry Hill area of the city centre.
He also recalled his year as Lord Mayor around the turn of the millennium, during which time he hosted the visit of Nelson Mandela.
He also said his 57 years of service in the council chamber is “unlikely to be surpassed”.
Councillor Lewis added: “We remember his wit and his charm. He was always courteous but had a unique style in this council chamber. His whole life was dedicated to the city of Leeds.
“We are going to work with Bernard’s family on a fitting and lasting tribute to his life.”
People should seek professional help from organisations like Money Buddies before turning to dangerous loan sharks, Armley Forum members were warned last night.
Norah Gibson, a trustee of Leeds-based money advice service Money Buddies, told the forum that while loan sharks may seem friendly at first, they can be very dangerous and charge up to 130,000% interest in some cases.
She urged people to come forward if they needed help of knew of anyone under the influence of a loan shark.
“People do not know where to turn and that’s where they can turn to loan sharks,” Norah told the public meeting. “A survey of people in rented accommodation shows that two thirds had less than £100 in savings, so if your washing machine breaks down you have a problem – and that was before the pandemic.
“Many people have exhausted their savings and are choosing between heating and eating – we’ve all heard about parents going without food so their kids can eat.”
Norah said the advice and support organisations like Money Buddies can offer in confidence will be a lifeline to many.
“Very often they pose as friends and they get to know who is in trouble,” she said. “The problem is that interest rates go up and up. I’ve heard some charge interest rates up to 130,000%, so once you are in their clutches you can be in for life.
“Some are really nasty and you could end up in real trouble. We have had someone in Bestow being attacked by a loan shark with a pick axe.
“There used to be a stigma attached to getting help with your finances, but that’s just not true – demand for services like Money Buddies has gone through the roof because many are strugling.
“Unless people come forward and say they are in the grip of a loan shark it’s difficult for us to help, so please do come forward and get some support. There are people on the end of the phone to help, and remember – you are under no legal obligation to pay a loan shark.”
Norah also pointed to services like Leeds Credit Union, which can offer affordable loans.
Where to get help
If you need help with your finances or loan sharks, go to the Money Buddies website at moneybuddies.org.uk or call 0113 235 0276.
There are also more than 30 drop-in sessions available across Leeds, including these in West Leeds:
Tuesdays: Armley Community Hub, Stocks Hill, 2-4pm
Wednesdays: Bramley Community Hub, Hough Lane, 1-4pm and Farsley Hub & Library, Old Road, 1-4pm.
Fridays: Hawksworth Wood Community Hub, Broadway, 9am-12pm and Pudsey Community Hub in Church Lane from 1pm-4pm.
New play equipment at a Kirkstall playground, a new toilet at Hollybush conservation centre and sports activities in Burley and Hyde Park are three projects which could receive money from councillors next week.
Members of the council’s inner west community committee will meet at Armley Hub on Tuesday, 22 November at 6pm to discuss a raft of local issues in Armley, Bramley & Stanningley and Kirkstall wards.
These include three grant applications, including:
Leeds Hyde Park Sports Club – £3,700
To expand sport activity to the wider community, increase the number of young people involved in football and sport due to high demand in the area.
The Conservation Volunteers, New Toilet Block – £3,000
The funding would go towards a ‘fit for purpose’ toilet block, which will reduce stress around queuing for a toilet for the very young, anxious or disabled, allow handwashing after activities separate from the toilets; support further increase in site activities and replace temporary portaloos.
Sandford Play Area Refurbishment – £5,187.06
To refurbish the play area at Sandford Road, Kirkstall. Works include refurbishing the basket swing, ball wall, some fitness equipment and the safety surface under the zip wire.
Since the last Community Committee meeting in September 2022, the following projects have been considered and approved by council officers:
Bramley Baths New Pool Cover: £6,236
Sandford Road parkland boundary fence: £11,994.
Read the full meeting agenda and papers of next week’s meeting here. People are advised to double check the venue the day before the meeting following last-minute changes in recent meetings.
The inner west community committee is made up of nine councillors and community co-optees. Check out all of West Leeds Dispatch‘s coverage of the committee here.
FARSLEY-BASED The Art Rooms showcases the work of talented designer Jacky Al-Samarraie. Her work includes unique designs which are applied to a wide number of high-quality art prints, gifts, stationery and homeware.
The business, which is part of the thriving Sunny Bank Mills complex, is opening its doors for the Mills’ Magical Christmas Market weekend, which runs from Friday, 25 November to Sunday, 27 November.
Each day, more than 50 local makers and artists will be showcasing their wares and Jacky is opening the doors of The Art Rooms, which nestles upstairs at Red Lane Mill.
Jacky prides herself on the quality and durability of her products, all of which are designed and manufactured to high standards in the UK.
“Quality and durability are so important to me,” Jacky says, “My aim has always been to create high-quality timeless products which will last for many years.
“I still use the very first mugs I created almost 15 years ago.”
Jacky is an image-based graphic artist whose signature style features silhouettes with striking block colour. Her UK landscapes include local trees in Armley, Calverley & Yeadon as well as city landmarks including London’s Tower Bridge, Liverpool’s Liver Building and the Angel of the North in Gateshead.
As well as mugs, placemats, coasters, tea towels and cushions, Jacky’s distinctive products also include cards, recycled cotton throws and framed prints.
Her passion for creating striking images shines through as soon as you visit her atmospheric and beautiful workshop at Sunny Bank.
“I’ve always had a passion for creating and making things ever since I was young,” Jacky says. “I worked in Social Services for 21 years but I always spent my spare time being creative.”
The idea of running her own business first started on New Year’s Eve 2007 when she drew up a list of things she wanted to achieve in 2008. Within weeks she had booked a stand at a trade fair in Harrogate and the rest, as they say, is history.
Experience Jacky’s passion and love of creating unique art by popping in to see her as part of the Magical Christmas Market weekend, or visit her website. You can also e-mail Jacky at info@theartrooms.co.uk.
With ambitious plans to expand its offering, was this the Old Woollen’s big break?
A concert originally booked for Leeds Beckett Uni, the Yorkshire leg of the Soul Asylum / Everclear double header was moved last minute to Farsley due to strong demand for tickets needing more space.
It’s not every day you get a Grammy winning American rock band roll up in their tour buses in your back yard. And the venue was perfect for this genre of in-yourface alt rock – normally fan access to this kind of band is at a distance behind crowd control, but here it is touching distance with the mic stands the only barrier to the artists.
Everclear open the evening with an hour of their high energy punk playing notable tracks ‘Father of Mine’, ‘AM Radio’ and ‘I Will Buy You a New Life’.
Everclear at the Old Woollen in Farsley. Photo: Damon Sugden
They had a decent number of their own hardcore fans along to enjoy them, and got the whole crowd warmed up for the multi-Platinum alternative rock legends that are Soul Asylum.
Soul Asylum’s extensive catalogue of songs are often visceral, punchy and full of the spirit that was to influence the grunge scene of the 90’s.
Most noted for their 1993 hit ‘Runaway Train’ from the Grave Dancers Union album (there were three original versions of the song’s video in the United States, featuring 36 missing children – 26 of the children were eventually found).
They kicked off with ‘Got It Pretty Good’ then went full throttle through 21 of their best songs, finishing with ‘Looking at You’ and ‘April Fool’.
The demographic of the crowd was definitely Generation X biased but there were plenty of younger music fans there too enjoying the evening.
This was my kind of music and a great chance to get to know this band in a way that cannot be replicated with downloads or streaming.
Curious to know the opinion of fans that had not been to the Old Woollen before, WLD asked some of them what they thought of it as a venue, and how they got there.
Emma, Steven, Jules, and Kenny at The Old Woollen.
Emma, Steven, Jules, and Kenny enjoyed Everclear and had even given them a preview listen before the gig, “they got better as they went on”, the sound was rated as a bit of a challenge (for the style of music – the Old Woollen is on a learning curve and this will only help) “its a nice venue though – much better than where they were supposed to be” (Leeds Beckett).
So do you think it was a good switch? – “Yes, more welcoming”
Is this the first time you’ve been down to Farsley? – “Yes!”
Where have you travelled from? – “We live in Farnley and Wortley, and have driven down” (there is plenty of car parking) “but are definitely here to see Soul Asylum”.
WLD did meet another fan who had traveled in via train to the nearby New Pudsey Station.
Becky and her tattoos
A long distance award goes to Becky who lives in Dundee and travelled down specially, and said: “This is the first time in my life I have ever seen them and the only chance. My dad got me into them when the Dancers Union album came out and I’ve been a lifelong fan. Depending on circumstance and tour times I would love to see them again.”
Becky is sporting a fantastic Rupert Bear tattoo on her back, but also showed me her ‘Runaway Train’ Soul Asylum tribute tattoo underneath it. That’s exceptional support both for the pilgrimage and the tattoo!
Overall a great showcase for both bands, the Old Woollen venue, and Farsley as a destination.
Application: Town Street News, Armley. Photo: Google
By David Spereall, local democracy reporter
An Armley newsagents has been denied permission to sell alcohol by Leeds City Council, following a backlash by the local community.
Town Street News, on Town Street, had applied for a licence to sell booze for 16 hours a day, but 35 neighbours signed a petition against the idea.
Objectors cited fears about the impact on crime in the community, with one saying he’d been threatened by drunks in the street.
At a licensing hearing on November 2, the shop’s representatives insisted crime in the area was “remarkably low” and that residents’ concerns were “well meant” but “misguided”.
The shop lies just 0.3 miles outside of Leeds’ cumulative impact zone, which places restrictions on new premises licences.
No decision on the licence was revealed on the day of the hearing, but now the council has confirmed the application was rejected.
It has not explained the reasons why, however.
Armley Labour councillor Lou Cunningham, who spoke out in opposition to the application at the hearing, welcomed the news.
She said: “I’m delighted that the committee were in agreement with the objections placed and also to the members of the Armley community who voiced their concerns and attended the hearing with me.”
Safeguarding at Leeds West Academy has been classed as ‘effective’ by Ofsted inspectors carrying out an ‘urgent’ inspection at the Rodley school.
A team of five inspectors visited the school, on Intake Lane, Rodley, after concerns had been raised with Ofsted about the behaviour and attitudes of pupils.
Inspectors carried out a detailed review of safeguarding procedures during their visit in September.
This included scrutinising all documents relating to safeguarding and child protection. Inspectors also met with the principal, the deputy chief executive officer, the chair of the board of trustees and also met with groups of pupils and staff.
Inspectors observed pupils’ behaviour and conduct at different times during the school day and reviewed the responses to Ofsted’s parent survey, minutes from local advisory board meetings, headteacher reports and local authority safeguarding audits of the school’s work.
Ofsted inspector Richard Jones said he found safeguarding to be effective. His monitoring report, which was published last week, noted a recent decline in the number of suspensions and highlighted ongoing safeguarding training and support for staff.
His report praised pupils’ behaviour and added: “Leaders encourage pupils to talk to each other in a respectful manner. During the inspection, we saw pupils engaged in polite and constructive conversations at breakfast and lunchtime.
“Pupils arrive in a positive and controlled manner to their first lesson.
“Leaders and staff have high expectations of behaviour. Pupils are aware of what is appropriate and unacceptable behaviour. As a result, disruption in class has reduced.
“Classrooms are purposeful places to learn. Most pupils behave responsibly and with respect for others. They are aware of teachers’ expectations.”
Pupils report that bullying and prejudice are infrequent and records support this, the Ofsted report added.
Mr Jones said leaders have created various approaches to interact with families and motivate pupils to attend school more often, but said while there have been improvements in pupils’ attendance of late, further improvements can be made. He recommends leaders should keep working with families and pupils who do not attend as often.
West Leeds Dispatch contacted the White Rose Academies Trust’s press office both yesterday and today, but has so far had no response to our requests for comment.
Leeds West Academy last full inspection in 2019 rated the school is ‘good’ overall. All of the school’s Ofsted reports can be read in full here.
WLD editor John Baron in our community newsroom in Bramley. Photo: Sara Thornhurst
Leeds Creative Skills Festival is an exciting range of events across Leeds showcasing the range of opportunities available in the creative and cultural sector in the city – and West Leeds Dispatch is delighted to be playing a small part.
The week-long festival will includes a main showcase event on Thursday, 17 November 2022, 2pm-7pm at Leeds First Direct Arena.
Visitors to the event will be able to speak with over 60 exhibitors on the day including a range of training providers and employers offering information and advice about pathways into the creative sector.
Our editor John Baron will be sharing a table with our friends at fellow independent news publisher South Leeds Life, along with representatives from a community newspaper just setting up in East Leeds tentatively called East Side Story.
There will also be a range of performances and information sessions from industry leaders, offering a unique insight into the sector for festival attendees.
Headline sponsors of the festival Channel 4 Skills and Leeds City College will be showcasing the wide range of opportunities both organisations offer on the day. Other key exhibitors on the day include Leeds 2023 and Leeds Heritage Theatres, who will also be in attendance as friends of the festival.
Speaking ahead of the event Councillor Jonathon Pryor, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “Leeds has some of the nation’s most prominent cultural institutions and the sector is an important part of our economy, so it is really pleasing that the council are able to host the Leeds Creative Skills Festival and increase access to and awareness of opportunities within the sector for residents across Leeds.
“I would really encourage anyone who has ever been curious about a career in the creative field to attend and engage with the exciting range of exhibitors.”
The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome. Tickets are available to book online at:https://bit.ly/LCSFbookings.
Problems: St Ann's Lane in Burley. Photo: Mark Stevenson
By Christian Lee
Signs warn of a ‘stupid thin road’ and a 20mph speed limit on St Ann’s Lane in Burley. Photo: Mark Stevenson
Residents are renewing calls for action to tackle a ‘dangerous’ Burley road amid concerns the council would only take action if there’s a fatality.
St Ann’s Lane in Burley will only change if there is a ‘fatality’, one angry resident has claimed. Described as a ‘stupid thin road’ by a street sign in the area, the road connects busy Burley Road to Kirkstall Lane.
Joelle Braithwaite posted a video on Twitter captioned: “My street is too narrow for such a big truck to use. No-one cares to do anything about this street until there’s a ‘fatality’.”
The video shows traffic coming to a standstill as the lorry makes its way up the street.
My street (a *lane*) is too narrow for such a big truck to use. No one cares to do anything about this street until there’s a ‘fatality’. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NQ8Wag5op1
Speaking to WLD, Joelle said: “It’s an ongoing problem. As a driver I’ve seen people can’t judge the distance with their cars. They either have to drive on the footpath or stop so bigger cars can around them.”
She has also experienced problems as a pedestrian: “One night walking up St Ann’s Lane while pregnant I had to pin myself against the wall because a van was driving on the footpath and he probably couldn’t see me.”
Some of Joelle’s neighbours have suggested fully pedestrianising the area but she doesn’t think that would be practical.
She said: “Probably one way is the best option and definitely stop large vehicles using the lane. You get slightly larger vehicles down there and the traffic stops.”
This issue has been ongoing throughout Joelle’s time living on the lane and she has been in contact with the council about the issue on numerous occasions.
“In letters from the council it says because there have been no fatalities they don’t see it as a problem. Why does it have to be reactionary? Who has to die before something is done about the street,” added Joelle.
Fellow resident Mark Ford agreed. He said: “I remember it being an issue in a council election around 30 years ago! I’ve always avoided going along it – neither drivers nor pedestrians have room to pass in the allocated space.”
And @salbots Tweeted: “Total nightmare, we walked down it twice today and I very much kept the kids on the wall side rather than the kerb side. It feels such a dangerous street to walk down.”
The road narrows at the brow of the hill which can make it hard for cars to pass each other safely and lead to congestion during rush hour.
Sonya, who also lives on the road, added: “On an evening when it is busy cars are queuing up the road and it is hard for cars coming down. I’ll avoid it if it’s busy.”
In 2016 WLD ran a poll, with 76.1% of respondents in favour of the road being changed to a one-way system.
“With so much pressure to introduce low and active travel neighbourhoods you’d think the road would be a prime candidate,” added Marcus Houlden.
Historic: St Ann’s Lane in Burley. Photo: Christian Lee
Historic route ‘doesn’t meet today’s standards’, admits council
A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “St Ann’s Lane, like other parts of Leeds’ highway network, is a historical route which is narrow in places and one which would not meet today’s highway design standards.
“Consequently, the council periodically receives complaints associated with heavy goods vehicle usage, the narrowness of the pavement and the option to make the route one way.
“However, when each of these concerns has previously been investigated, the surveys, the highway limitations and analysis did not justify engineering intervention at that time.
“When the options to make St Ann’s Lane one way was last investigated and consulted upon, there was a significant level of objections from those residents who would be negatively impacted by the proposals and the proposal was not progressed any further.
“If there is now much wider community support for this option, then the council would be happy to review this request again.”
