Scouring works have been taking place at flood defences at Kirkstall Bridge Inn.
‘Significant progress’ has been made on the flood wall surrounding Kirkstall Bridge Inn, Leeds council has said.
Work installing one-in-200-year flood defences s ongoing throughout the Kirkstall Valley to prevent a re-occurrence of the devastating Boxing Day floods almost seven years ago. Lower parts of the pub were left in up to eight feet of flood water.
Leeds City Council has posted an update on the progress of the works, which earlier this month also saw work started in the grounds of historic monument Kirkstall Abbey.
Scour protection has recently been installed along the riverbank next to Kirkstall Bridge Inn, which will protect the new flood defence wall.
The new causeway at Kirkstall Meadow. Photo: Leeds City Council
A Leeds City Council spokesperson added: “We have also constructed a causeway in this area to give us access to Kirkstall Meadows. We are now constructing our site compound in this area.
“At our Flood Storage Area in Cragg Wood near to Calverley and Horsforth we have made significant progress on the central walls. The concrete pours are due to complete in the coming days.
“The embankments are also ongoing, using materials sources just metres away.”
Detailed updates on works throughout the Kirkstall Valley and beyond can be found here.
Around 15 miles’ (24km) worth of road a year in Leeds is deteriorating more quickly than can be repaired, it has emerged.
An average of 115 local streets are “falling into decline” each year, the city council’s highways asset manager said.
Speaking at a Civic Hall meeting on Wednesday evening, Ian Moore blamed the situation on a lack of funding.
The council categorises all of Leeds’ roads as being either red, dark amber, light amber or green, depending on their condition, with red indicating those in the worst state and green indicating the healthiest.
Mr Moore told a group of city councillors that around 24km worth of road was being reclassified downwards every 12 months.
He said: “In terms of where we want to be, despite the lack of funding we are making progress.
“We want to get to a position where we have a steady state rather than a managed decline.”
Mr Moore said smaller access roads and residential streets, which make up nearly three quarters of Leeds’ road network, were generally in worse condition than A-roads and major routes.
He added: “We need to get to a position where less than 10 per cent of those streets are in poor condition.
“We’re not quite there yet, but that’s the aspiration and it’s something we’re working towards.”
Mr Moore said that the council had to make difficult decisions to “prolong the network as best we can for as long as we can.”
In many cases, this means prioritising repairs to amber roads, which are in danger of deteriorating further without work, over roads which are already in the red zone.
He explained: “We’re carrying out more preventative works than we are refurbishment.
“That’s quite simply because we can get an awful lot more done in terms of surface dressing and those types of treatments, than we can if we do a full refurbishment.
“That does often mean that members of the public might feel we’re resurfacing a road that’s still in good condition.
“The frustration then is if there’s road in poor condition nearby, why aren’t we dealing with that one?”
Farsley Celtic will be looking to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season when we travel to Chorley on Saturday.
Goals from Bobby Johnson and Tom Allan saw the Celts defeat Kettering Town 2-0 on Tuesday, earning a first home win of the season, a win that moved Farsley out of the relegation zone.
Chorley enter this weekend having won just one of their previous five National League North outings – a run that characterises their inconsistent season so far, in which they have won four, drawn six, and last four.
They will be eager to get back to winning ways this weekend, after suffering defeat at Aggborough in midweek, losing a tight contest against Kidderminster 1-0.
For Farsley, Tuesday provided the perfect tonic after a disappointing defeat at Gloucester City at the weekend.
Kian Scales was instrumental to the Celts’ success against Kettering, and he said: “We were disappointed with Saturday, especially after how we started, we didn’t want that to happen again, even in the Southport game we played well in the first 45.
“But we wanted a full 90 minutes, where we can say we gave everything, worked hard and did the basics right, and I think that is what we did.
“It was a heck of a performance, and the lads can be happy.”
And it’s a result that instils a renewed confidence heading into the weekend, as Scales continued: “It’s massive, it gives us a bit of confidence again after the two defeats. We had the Kiddy win, and confidence shot up, but then two defeats, it’s not put us back down, but we knew we needed to put in a good performance.
“Hopefully we can back that up at Chorley on Saturday and get back-to-back wins on the board.”
TEAM NEWS
Defenders Andy Butler, Adam Clayton and Lewis Turner are all unlikely to feature through injury.
Butler is awaiting the results of a precautionary scan on his leg, whilst this game comes too soon for Clayton.
TICKETS
Cash turnstiles are in operation at Victory Park.
Alternatively, supporters can purchase their tickets online HERE.
As we head towards winter, it is both interesting and concerning that loneliness is becoming more prolific throughout the country.
The “Campaign to End Loneliness” reported last year that over 9 million people in the UK are often or always lonely and over 1.2 million older people say they’re chronically lonely. As the days get colder and the clocks go back an hour, bringing dark nights earllier, these figure will rise even more.
As humans, we’re biologically designed to need relationships. When we look back at our ancestors, close community bonds were essential for survival.
Today, our modern lives may be vastly different, but our need for human connection hasn’t changed. Chronic loneliness is one of the most unhealthy things we can experience, with the Jo Cox Commission On Loneliness reporting it can be as harmful as smoking around 15 cigarettes a day.
Whether you’re feeling lonely due to the loss of a loved one or have felt gradually more isolated due to age, disability, closure of community groups or a lack of motivation, here are some strategies and tips which may help.
1. Acknowledge your feelings
When you’re lonely, the brain can interpret people’s behaviour differently, making it harder to read people and increasing our sensitivity. This can leave you feeling distrustful of others and assuming the worst about their intentions. Researchers found that when you feel lonely, you go into a self-preservation mode, which can lead to less positive interactions with the world.
Think about your last interactions with people. Were they negative or just neutral? Did you enter the situation assuming they don’t want you around or feeling like a burden? Break yourself out of these negative thoughts by giving others the benefit of the doubt. Before your next interaction, think of three things you’re grateful for. It will switch your mindset into a more positive way of thinking and help you feel more open.
2. Reach out
Close relationships with friends, family and spouses are the key to happiness and reduces the threat of loneliness. If you’ve lost touch with loved ones, now is the perfect time to reach out and reconnect. It can feel terrifying at first, but a simple call, message or letter can make you feel more positive. We all know how special it feels to hear from a friend or loved one and by getting in touch first, you’ll not only make them feel important, but are more likely to see that positivity and effort reciprocated.
3. Develop a plan for difficult times
Do particular days of the week, month or year become almost unbearable due to loneliness? If so, it’s time to make a plan. Anticipate these moments by scheduling in a call with family or friends or taking time out to read that book or magazine you been meaning to read or treat yourself to a relaxing bubble or aromatherapy soak. These little things can help distract us from negative thoughts and break up the day.
4. Take care of something
While having a pet can ease feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression, this isn’t possible for everyone. However if you have a garden or yard you could put tit-bits out for the wild birds that visit or looking after a plant can give you a purpose and something to talk to, if its good enough for Prince Charles then it’s good enough for you!
5. Create a routine
When you feel like you don’t have anything to get up for, your routine can go out the window, but it’s actually one of the most effective ways to cope with loneliness. Get into the habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day and plan your meals to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need. Try and factor in at least one social activity a week, such a contacting friends and family or spend an hour doing a favourite hobby. A routine can give you something to look forward to and helps keep you busy.
An artist's impression of what development on the Kirkstall Road site could look like.
Detailed plans for 618 flats on the former Arla Foods site on Kirkstall Road in Burley will come before councillors next week.
Developers Glenbrook Properties is hoping to build a mainly residential-led development of five blocks of apartments with commercial space at ground floor level.
The apartments are based on a ‘Build to Rent’ model, with 308 one bedroom apartments, 248 two-bedroom units and 62 three-bedroom units. This conflicts with the council’s housing mix policy, which dictates 50 per cent of new homes built should include two bedrooms and 30 per cent should contain three.
The blocks range between seven to 12 storeys high and there would be 226 surface level car parking spaces. The proposal includes the demolition of the existing former Arla depot building which fronts the site.
The full application includes the demolition of existing buildings and structures; construction of 618 residential dwellings and flexible commercial space; landscaping, new public realm and open space.
New plans: The former Arla Foods on Kirkstall Road. Photo: Google
A planning officer’s report is recommending councillors on the City Plans Panel next Thursday approve the application. The report concludes: “This scheme represents an opportunity to regenerate a mostly cleared brownfield site on the southern side of Kirkstall Road.
“The proposals provide 618 residential units contributing to housing supply as well as associated employment uses, large areas of open space and connectivity to the waterfront with a new section of riverside walkway in a highly sustainable gateway location.
“It is considered that the scale, form and detailing of the proposal would enhance the character of this part of Kirkstall Road and help to deliver an identified housing need in the development plan. On balance the proposals are supported by national and local planning policy.”
Outline plans for more than 630 flats on the site from a different developer were originally approved in principle by councillors in January 2021, despite concerns on the impact of extra traffic on the already busy A65.
Farsley Celtic have once again been targeted by vandals, after troublemakers trashed toilets at the club’s Citadel stadium
The club, which is run on a voluntary basis and supports more than 300 children each week, have had to bring in the police after a number of incidents in recent weeks.
The latest vandalism in the toilets meant the facilities were closed for last night’s visit of Kettering Town, with supporters being asked to use facilities in the clubhouse instead.
Toilets at the ground have been targeted.
A club statement on social media said: “We are saddened to announce that we have been subjected to further vandalism, with our toilets smashed up.
“If you have any information, please contact the police on 101. We are now looking to increase our security measures – if anyone is able to assist, please get in touch.”
Seats in one of the team dugouts were damaged by vandals last Friday. Photo: Farsley Celtic FC
Farsley Celtic earned their first three points at home since April against Kettering Town
By Niall Togher
Farsley managed to snap their two-game losing streak and earned their first home win of the season following an outstanding performance in a 2-0 win over Kettering Town.
Farsley were free-flowing in spells during the first half, and defended well as a unit to preserve a well-deserved clean sheet, particularly for goalkeeper Owen Mason.
A superb volley from Bobby Johnson and a tap-in from Tom Allan, after superb work from Kian Scales, was the difference between the two sides at the Citadel.
Kettering had no answer for the wingbacks of Farsley Celtic as front-men Jimmy Spencer and Frank Mulhern managed to link up well with Scales and Lewis Butroid respectively.
Farsley’s third win of the season ensures they leapfrog Kettering in the league and climb up to 19th and out of the relegation zone.
It was a bright start for the Celts, with Kian Scales repeatedly finding joy down the right-hand side in the first ten minutes.
The first real opening arrived when Johnson’s corner was met by Tom Allan, who should have given Farsley the lead, but his header went slightly over.
Kettering’s first chance came when Ben Sault’s lofted ball into the box found Sam Bennett, but his header was easily claimed by Mason.
The visitors then threatened again as their skipper Gary Stohrer found himself through on goal, only to be denied by the outstretched arm of Mason.
Farsley then came close at the other end, a great attacking move seeing Butroid find Spencer at the back post, as his header forced a great save from Harrison Foulkes.
However, the breakthrough would come for the hosts, and it came in spectacular fashion. As the ball dropped 20-yards from goal, Johnson delivered a thunderous volley into the top left corner.
Owen Mason was called on again after the break to deny the visitors an equalising, producing a strong hand to deny Keaton Ward low down after the forward broke through on goal.
Kian Scales, causing problems for the Poppies’ full-backs all evening, would be at the centre of the action as the Celts doubled their advantage.
The wing-back tore down the right, and skipped past his man before his low ball across the box was swept home by an unmarked Tom Allan with just under twenty minutes to go.
Farsley would have to produce one more moment of heroic defending, Mason tipping a Kettering attempt onto the bar before Ward’s follow-up attempt was cleared off the line by Dave Syers.
From that moment on it was Russ Wilcox’s side who looked the most threatening, with Mulhern coming close on two occasions late on, with Foulkes making a brace of fine saves.
However, it wasn’t to matter, and Farsley will look to continue their momentum in their next fixture away at Chorley on Saturday.
An artist's impression of how the pub will look following refurbishment
New signs could help breathe new life into a landmark Pudsey pub which closed more than two years ago.
WLD recently reported that prospective licensee is interested in taking on the Bankhouse Inn, in Fulneck, Pudsey – two-and-a-half years after it last closed its doors.
This week plans for new illuminated and non-illuminated signage at the pub were given approval by Leeds City Council planners. New electric lanterns and floodlights for the pub’s beer garden were also approved.
A planning officer’s report concludes: “The signage would sit appropriately within the site and within characteristics of the immediate area and for this reason it recommended that consent is granted.”
The plans were submitted earlier this month by Bankhouse owner Star Inns and can be viewed in full here.
Stanningley Rugby League Club could be boosted by two new changing rooms if plans to extend existing facilities are approved.
Stanningley Sports And Amateur Rugby League Club, based at the Arthur Miller Stadium in Coal Hill Drive, Rodley, has applied to Leeds City Council for permission to build a single storey side extension to existing facilities on site. The extension would house two additional changing rooms.
A design and access statement accompanying the application states: “The existing car park spaces on the site are considered adequate with the proposed extension not proposed to increase the number of visitors to the rugby club.
“The appearance of the proposed extension will match the existing building and will not look out of place with the surrounding area.”
Fresh plans to demolish a residential home in Farsley have been given the green light by Leeds City Council.
The council closed the former Richmond House care home last year in a bid to save money and are looking to build some form of local authority housing in its place.
However, plans to demolish the existing buildings were initially withdrawn in September following a delay with a bat survey before being resubmitted earlier this month.
A council report approving the demolition states: “The building that is proposed to be demolished was built in the early 1970s and is generally in good condition. However cuts to council budgets in recent years resulted in the closure of the care home as elderly care is increasingly outsourced to private providers, and an options appraisal was unable to identify an alternative use.
“Holding the building in a vacant state pending a suitable use is unviable due to the ongoing costs of security / maintenance and the risk of anti-social behaviour.
“The only consideration in this instance is therefore whether the method of demolition is appropriate. It is considered that based on the submitted information, the proposed methods of demolition and site restoration are considered acceptable.”
Contractors plan to manually soft strip the inside of the building, which dates back to 1971. The demolition of the main building would be carried out in a controlled manner.
Richmond House was a 20-bed residential service in Richmond Road, Farsley. It offered short-term care and support to people who require convalescence following a hospital admission. Council officers last year said average occupancy since 2018/19 was 55 per cent and its gross budget was £742,000..
An area of land outside Pudsey Parish Church will be revamped. Photo: Google
Delayed plans for a new pocket park on land unoffocially used for parking in Pudsey have moved a step closer to reality.
Leeds City Council wants to replace the parking area on waste land next to Pudsey Parish Church with a small garden featuring planting and benches marking the platinum jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
But some local residents and businesses are objecting to the proposals, saying it will increase parking problems for nearby residents and businesses.
A petition with almost 200 signatures was collected and handed into the council earlier this year.
Pudsey councillor Simon Seary (Cons) said the project was now close to being signed off: “Previously LCC shared designs before obtaining a quote for the works and we were adamant that we would not increase the funding available for this area.
“They have now come back with a new design and I’m pleased to say that it’s been agreed by the LCP Programme Board, but needs to go to the Highways Board before work starts.
”It will be an improvement to the local area and will link in nicely between Pudsey Park and Sparrow Park.
Each council ward in Leeds has been allocated £50,000 by the council as part of a programme to support local town centres.
Bramley fundraisers Susan Wright with daughter Katie
By Anne Leng
Fundraiser Susan Wright from Bramley was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992.
She had a recurrence in 2013 and a further setback early last year. She is undergoing chemotherapy at the present time.
Inspired by Jane Tomlinson, Susan began to take on the Leeds 10k along with her daughter Katie and in the last 15 years they have raised a grand total of £36,592.88. Susan has undertaken nine of the challenges whilst under cancer treatment.
Fundraisers extraordinaire: Mum Susan (left) and daughter Katie.
Katie says she is extremely proud of her mother and she is her inspiration. To mark this achievement Susan and Katie have been awarded a Certificate of Recognition from Leeds Hospitals Charity.
All funds raised by Susan and Katie have been donated to Breast Cancer Research Action Group (part of Leeds Hospitals Charity) charity registration no. 1170369.
