The blaze swept smoke over the Stannignley Bypass. Photo: Gretl Price
Words: John Baron. Photos: Gretel Price & Jessie Wong
Firefighters have been called to a blaze at a plastics factory on Anchor Works in the Swinnow and Stanningley area this lunchtime.
At least five appliances were called to Swinnow Lane to a blaze behind a printing factory.
Police, fire and paramedics are on the scene. No casualties or injuries are reported.
One onlooker reported hearing four or five big explosions at around mid-day.
Billowing black smoke could be seen for miles around and was blowing across Stanningley Bypass, causing poor visibility. Stanningley Bypass was closed for around two hours but has now reopened.
The A647 Ring Road has now reopened to traffic. Officers are continuing to assist fire service colleagues with the management of the scene. https://t.co/EM1i6emOBu
— West Yorkshire Police (@WestYorksPolice) June 12, 2023
Swinnow Lane is also currently closed, leading to traffic congestion in Stanningley Road, Swinnow Road and parts of Pudsey and Stanningley.
I N C I D E N T | LS13 4TY
5 WYFRS appliances are currently in attendance at an incident in Bramley, Leeds, which has created a huge plume of black smoke.
🚩 Those in the surrounding areas are advised to close windows & doors due to the smoke. Please also avoid the area pic.twitter.com/FKMo7wcxmY
— West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (@WYFRS) June 12, 2023
West Yorkshire Fire Service is warning people to stay away from the area and for those living nearby to close their windows and doors to keep away from the smoke.
Here’s a slideshow of photos:
Public transport has been affected. First Bus is reporting that Stanningley Bypass has now been reopened, allowing its services to return to their usual routes. The services affected by the closure were the 4, 4A, 508, X6 and X11.
A West Yorkshire Police statement read: “We are assisting fire service colleagues at the scene. Road closures are in place around the site. Drivers are advised to avoid the area.”
"I could have gone anywhere, but I still chose Armley because of the warmth of its people" - Leon Awane. Photo: Jess Wong
In the fifthin a series of articles celebrating the traders of Armley Town Street, WLD‘s Jess Wong catches up with independent trader Leon Awane, an Armley stalwart who is looking forward to retiring…
“People do not just come to eat, but also to socialise, to meet each other,” says cafe owner Leon with a warm smile.
Nestled within the heart of Armley, Léon’s Café has become more than just a place to grab a bite to eat – it has transformed into a symbol of connection. For over two decades, owner Leon Awane has witnessed what he describes as a profound sense of unity that defines Armley, making it the perfect setting for his thriving café.
Having said that he had another cafe down the road before, Leon fondly said: “I could have gone anywhere, but I still chose Armley because of the warmth of its people. Everyone knows everyone. I can give you an example: on Facebook, each Armley person has at least 200 mutual friends. They know each other.”
Community hub: Leon’s cafe in Armley. Photo: Jess Wong
He says it is this genuine sense of familiarity and kinship that has allowed Léon’s Café to flourish as a beloved local cafe.
At Léon’s Café, the customers are not just customers; they are friends and neighbours. Leon’s deep connection with the community is shown as he warmly introduces individuals in the cafe by name. “This is Peter, and there is nothing I don’t know about him; Cath sat with him earlier for breakfast today. This is Betty, this is Mike…” he remarks, reflecting on the bonds he has built over the years.
The café has become a meeting point where stories are shared, laughter fills the air, and the Armley community finds comfort in one another’s company.
Leon added: “People do not just come to eat, but also to socialise, to meet each other.”
It’s clear Léon’s Café has become an integral part of the Armley social fabric and nurtures relationships within the community.
Leon strongly defends his community against negative stereotyping, saying that a few disruptive individuals do not define Armley. He added: “It’s a handful of people, that I can promise you; they don’t even live in Armley.”
On the other hand, he unwaveringly believes in the hardworking nature of Armley’s residents: “They are roofers and builders. They have a family; they have children. They have mothers.”
Beyond the walls of his café, Leon talked about his dream to open a new shop serving Italian cuisine for evening dining.
Léon’s Café stands not only as a popular cafe but also as a testament to the connection between a business and its community. It serves as a haven where individuals can gather, share their daily lives and find their beloved friends.
Celebration time: Parkrunners in Bramley Park. Photo: Simon Cullingworth
Words: Jean Hollings. Photos: Simon Cullingworth
Bramley parkrun has been at Bramley Park on every Saturday at 9amfor 318 weeks – with the absence of the pandemic years.
The popular run now has a total of 5,800 people who have Bramley listed as their home parkrun.
Saturday saw 190 people celebrate Bramley’s eighth birthday. Every finisher who had an eight in their finish position was given a ‘piece of eight’.
There have been nearly 1,100 different volunteers at the event. Organisers know that they are so fortunate to have regular volunteers who all have their favourite spots, including Reg (keeper of the gates), Satty (Satty’s steps), Jamie (Jamie’s junction), Ian (naughty corner), Jill (Jill’s view point) and finally Carol (Carol’s corner).
Without the set up team – the two Paul’s and Alan – the event wouldn’t go so smoothly. The core team steer the event ensuring everything is safe whilst having fun with frequent themed events and celebrations with cake and fruit.
Simon Cullingworth captures moments and many people have his photos as their profile pictures or hanging on their walls.
One of the organisers said: “We don’t know why people are taking part but what we do know is that they are, and we like that.
“Our participants are diverse, most arrive nervous but are soon part of the parkrun family and return week after week. Children aged under 11 years old run with their parents and show them how it’s done!
“We have runners who somehow run with buggies (single or double) and some run with their pet dogs (small and large on hand-held fixed leads).
“Our ‘volunteer pacers’ aid people to achieve their personal bests. The volunteer park walkers encourage everyone to join in. Whilst the volunteer tail walkers ensure that no one is left behind.”
Bramley parkrun is well supported by local running groups and GP surgeries who regularly have their takeover days and bring more fun to the event. There are many tourists joining from the different parkruns. Some are visiting familiy and friends and some are completing parkrun challenges.
The feedback is testament to the volunteers at Bramley. Amongst the parkrun community the event is known as ‘Bramley is family’.
Comments being received from tourists/visitors are: “The friendliest volunteers we have seen”, “Great volunteers,” “Supportive volunteers,” and “Great atmosphere.”
At parkrun you can walk, run or anything in between to complete the 5km. Or you can volunteer, no experience is required. Y
If you’ve not tried parkrun yet register at www.parkrun.co.uk, (not forgetting your ‘in case of emergency’ details). Any queries or concerns, contact bramley@parkrun.com.
Bands in the park comes to Bramley park with the Tutti Leeds Concert Band. Photo: Paul Abraham
Words: Jean Hollings
Photos: Paul Abraham, Jean Hollings & Susan Tellum
On a warm Sunday afternoon around 100 people sat enjoying a free performance of live music playing a variety of tunes.
Bramley-based Tutti Concert Band was shaded under the trees close to the cenotaph as families and friends tried also to be shaded to enjoy a beautiful array of brass, wood wind & drum music.
The bowling club was open for refreshments, which was greatly appreciated on a very hot day as temperatures reached a scorching 28 degrees centigrade.
The concert was supported by Bramley & Stanningley councillors Caroline Gruen, Kevin Ritchie and Tom Hinchcliffe.
Here are photos taken by community reporter Paul Abraham:
Bands in the park comes to Bramley park with the Tutti Leeds Concert Band. Photo: Paul Abraham
Here are photos of people sitting in the shade by community reporter Jean Hollings:
West Leeds boxer Conor Doherty is training intensively for his seventh professional match at Elland Road on June 24 in the show titled ‘Gloved Up and Ready’ organised by promoter Mark Bateson and Doherty’s manager Danny Thornton.
Doherty, who began boxing aged 12 in 2011 when introduced to it by his father, explainsed: “I instantly fell in love with boxing and everything to do with it.”
Following ten years as an amateur winning the majority of his more than 40 fights Doherty signed as a professional with Thornton in 2021 at Camp Detox, based in Oldfield Lane Wortley.
“This seemed natural,” according to Doherty, “because I’d been there since I started and everyone there is like my second family. Danny knows the game. He was a pro boxer himself. I get along well with him and he gave me my boxing moniker ‘The Relentless’ which sums up my aggressive fighting style and determination.”
Conor Doherty.
25-year-old lightweight boxer Doherty, who lives in Stanningley, doesn’t yet earn enough from boxing so works in the family roofing and driveways business.
He has won all five bouts staged at Elland Road but lost fighting in Scotland at short notice last Autumn.
“It was valuable experience,”was Doherty’s verdict. Like other determined young contenders Doherty is keen to fight boxers higher up the lightweight rankings. “I want longer, harder fights to show everyone just what I can do. I believe that I have lots of potential. Just need the opportunity to prove it. Hopefully at the Leeds Arena.
“I’m committed to making a career out of boxing. The sport can benefit everyone as it’s an excellent way for improving fitness and helping people mentally or physically.” concludes Doherty. “I’m also supporting Candlelighters to raise money so that poorly children can have the happier life they deserve.
“I was delighted to run the Leeds half marathon in May on their behalf. Working with a charity helps sportspeople contribute to the very community that has helped us get where we are.”
Doherty has several local sponsors who assist with ongoing expenses like medical bills and insurance but would appreciate greater support from businesses and individuals in West Leeds. He is best contacted via Facebook at Conor Doherty.
Mr Rossi's ice cream van in Bramley Park. Photo: Susan Tellum
Photographer Susan Tellum has been out and about in a sunny West Leeds with her camera, this time capturing the Mr Rossi ice cream man tribute in Bramley Park and watersports on the canal.
Also captured are St Peter’s Church with giant bee and Kirkstall Abbey Gardens.
Here’s a slideshow of Susan’s photos:
Do you have a photo of West Leeds you would like to share? E-mail them to news@westleedsdispatch.
Releatives, supporters and signatories at the June Hancock blue plaque unveiling. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com
Report and photos by John Baron | Additional reporting: Jess Wong
“No matter how small you are, you can fight – and no matter how big you are, you can lose.”
The words struck a poignant chord as a blue plaque marking the remarkable and courageous life of Armley asbestos campaigner June Hancock was unveiled at the end of the back to back terrace where she once lived.
Dozens of people gathered in Armley for the unveiling of Leeds Civic Trust’s 189th blue plaque – and to remember the victims of the Armley asbestos tragedy.
The June Hancock blue plaque was unveiled today. Photo: John Baron
It was fitting the that the plaque, on the gable end of Salisbury View at its junction with Armley Lodge Road, was unveiled by June’s children Kimberley Stubbs and Russell Hancock.
June lived as a child near to the JW Roberts asbestos factory, and was one of many people who were exposed to asbestos dust even though they never worked there, innocently playing in the lethal white dust as a child.
Russell Hancock and Kimberley Stubbs officially unveiled their mother’s blue pl;aue. Photo: John Baron
Former Leeds West MP John Battle, who did so much to support the Armley campaign during the 1990s, paid a special tribute to June and thanked Leeds Civic Trust for honouring her courage and determination with a plaque.
“June did not choose to be a campaign leader, or a champion or a political activist, the circumstances were forced upon her when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma,” Mr Battle said.
Former Leeds West MP John Battle spoke at the event. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com
“She had a courageous choice to make. She could sit quietly in her home and accept the situation, or she could do something about it. She stepped forward, led the challenge against a big company which accepted no responsibility for its actions and courageously carried the torch for everyone.
“Sometimes we quote facts and figures about the tragedy, but we should always remember the names, faces and their stories. This blue plaque allows us to remember the brave legacy of June, her fellow campaigners and all the families affected.”
Before she died, June successfully sued JW Roberts, the company responsible for her exposure. This was the first case brought by a person who had not worked with asbestos, and paved the way for many more asbestos victims like her to obtain justice.
Mr Battle also paid tribute to the work of former Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Richard Taylor who investigated the high number of cancer deaths in the area.
He also said “the campaign is not over” and pointed to the schools, hospitals and other 1960s legacy buildings that still contain asbestos.
Current Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves spoke at the unveiling today. Photo: John Baron
Current Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves also spoke at the event, which drew dozens of people to the streets of Armley.
“When people think of Armley they think about this tragedy and this injustice and it is right today that they remember the courage of June Hancock and her campaigners,” Ms Reeves said. She also paid tribute to the work of Mr Battle on the issue.
Leeds Civic Trust director Martin Hamilton also spoke movingly about how he had lost his dad last year to mesothelioma (unrelated to the Armley tragedy) and that the two would often speak of the tragedy and its impact.
He read a note from June Hancock’s doctor, which spoke about her modesty and resilience and that how she left an ‘indelible’ memory he would never forget.
Attendees at Salisbury View/Armley Lodge Road. Photo: John. Baron
As well as June’s family, the blue plaque unveiling was also attended by Leeds lord mayor Al Garthwaite and mayoress alderman Angela Gabriel, along with Leeds council leader James Lewis and Armley councillors Alice Smart and Andy Parnham.
Lawyers from Irwin Mitchell, who led the legal team to secure a landmark victory for the Armley Asbestos Campaign, were also present at today’s unveiling.
Adrian Budgen, the national head of the Asbestos-Related Disease Team at Irwin Mitchell, represented June in her landmark battle for justice.
He said: “Sadly we still see many cases where people have developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos through no fault of their own. We will continue June’s campaign to raise awareness of this terrible disease and the dangers of asbestos.”
Armley asbestos campaigner June Hancock.
Background
June Hancock was born on 21 June 1936 in Leeds, to parents Frank and Maie Gelder. Her mum has a sweet shop on Canal Road in Armley, and her dad was a commercial traveller. Her two siblings Barry and Dawn sadly both died as young adults.
June grew up in the shadow of the JW Roberts asbestos factory and attended Armley Park School, where she and other young children would play in the asbestos ‘snow’ before and after school. These innocent playtimes would prove to be catastrophic for June and her family. This became known as The Armley Asbestos Tragedy.
June had a strong work ethic and worked hard all her life, predominantly in payroll and business administration. She was the most loving, kind, and selfless mum to her two children, Russell and Kimberley who wanted for nothing. When she became a single parent, she worked five jobs to ensure they had a happy, ‘normal’ life, and a home to be proud of.
In 1994 everything changed. June became ill. She developed Mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, just like her own mum before her. June was a very dignified, quiet and unassuming lady, however the devastation caused by innocent exposure to asbestos could not be allowed to go unchallenged – she wanted justice.
That was June – quietly determined.
She didn’t shout, she just did what she knew she had to, which she did unfailingly despite being very ill.
The impact and enormity of June’s legal challenge was felt and broadcast locally, nationally and internationally. June was brave and fought to the end to achieve justice for innocent families. Her friends and family are still extremely proud of June.
June Hancock’s blue plaque was unveiled today. Photo: John Baron
Research fun continues her work today
To this day ‘The June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund’ continues funding high-quality research to improve outcomes for mesothelioma patients.
Since its inception in 1997, it’s raised over £2.3m, and last year £523,000 was awarded for mesothelioma research. June’s legacy lives on. She is still fighting and helping other people. Her legacy also lives on through her three grandchildren that she never got to meet.
The impact of June’s death on her family was and still is immeasurable. The plaque by Leeds Civic Trust reflects the impact that June Hancock’s ‘David v Goliath’ legal precedent had for so many mesothelioma sufferers in this country. Fellow Armley resident, playwright Alan Bennett paid tribute to her courage, saying “Those of the calibre of June Hancock are heroes.”
To find out more about The June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund, visit its website.
Leeds Civic Trust
Leeds Civic Trust is a voluntary, non-political body open to everyone who wants to participate in and influence the planning and development of the city.
Since 1987 Leeds Civic Trust has been installing blue plaques throughout the city of Leeds, commemorating people, events and buildings.
They each tell a story that shapes the history of leeds, and are nominated by members of the public. More details here.
New accessible toilets have opened at TCV Hollybush following a fundraising appeal.
More than 60 volunteers and supporters cheered the opening of a new accessible toilet block at TCV Hollybush Conservation Centre in Kirkstall.
Jon Towler, Chair of The Conservation Volunteers, assisted by Richard and Ann from the Hollybush Project, declared the new toilet block open as part of a gathering to mark the conclusion of national Volunteers Week.
Assistant director for Yorkshire Caroline Crossley said: “On our busy site this will be a very welcome facility for those with limited mobility especially people who use walking frames or wheelchairs, we are truly grateful to all our funders.
“A big thanks to everyone, to our architect and project manager Mark Larham of Airedale Architects and Five Rise Contractors. We now have some smart toilets in a lovely timber framed building with a green roof.”
Almost £100,000 has been raised to fund the construction of the detached three-cubicle toilet block, which has an additional hand wash area as an essential facility.
This comprises over £8,000 in individual donations, £75,000 from Veolia Environmental Trust (Landfill Communities Fund) matched by Leeds City Council’s Inner West Community Committee, ASDA Green Tokens,Liz and Terry Bramall Charitable Trust, Charles Brotherton Trust, Arnold Burton 1998 Charitable Trust, RE Chadwick Charitable Trust, Beatrice Laing Trust, Sir George Martin Trust, Charles and Elsie Sykes Trust, and Wades Charity.
TCV Hollybush, which is a busy environmental volunteering centre and the increasing number of volunteers, many with mobility needs.
The site of the proposed development on Mistress Lane, Armley.
By Lucy Meredith
Find out more about the new affordable homes coming Mistress Lane!
Leeds Community Homes will be hosting an information event on the site of the new proposed affordable homes near Westerly Rise on Mistress Lane on Tuesday, 13 June at 3pm.
The event is an opportunity for local people to find out more information about the project and also how to get involved in supporting and shaping how the scheme is built.
Members of LCH’s team, including board members, will be on hand to talk about the plans, and will take people on a guided walk around the site.
LCH wants to form a local stakeholder group to help advise on key decisions as the scheme progresses.
Jimm Reed, Director of Leeds Community Homes, said: “We want local people to be involved all the way through the process of developing Mistress Lane.
“These are going to be affordable homes for the community of Armley. We also want to make opportunities for local training and employment, for making a shared community landscape and for people to get involved in shaping and managing these new community homes.”
The event takes place at Westerly Rise, Mistress Lane, between 3pm-5pm, on Tuesday, 13 June 2023. Free refreshments will be available.
Leeds Community Homes was granted planning consent for a scheme of 34 affordable homes in May 2021 and hopes to be building on site early in 2024.
Leeds Community Homes is a charitable Community Benefit Society and a Community Land Trust for Leeds and Yorkshire. Find out more about them here.
In the fourth of a series of articles celebrating the traders of Armley Town Street, WLD‘s Jess Wong catches up with independent trader Kim Grace, an Armley stalwart who is looking forward to retiring…
“If I wasn’t retiring, I would have just renewed my lease and carried on here,” says cake shop owner Kim Grace, expressing her deep affection for the Armley community.
For 43 years, Cake Craft Etc has been an integral part of Armley’s bustling neighbourhood, delighting customers with its decorating supplies.
However, this beloved cake decorating business, owned by Kim Grace since 2016, is set to close its doors at the end of August as she embraces retirement. Despite the closure, the connection between Cake Craft Etc and the Armley community serves as a shining example of the neighbourhood’s friendly nature.
Kim’s shop, located outside a bus stop, has led her to meet so many different people from all backgrounds.
“Lots of people stand at the bus stop every day, and they always have a little word with you. People are just nice; they won’t ignore you,” she says as she praises the friendly nature of Armley residents.
“I run cake decorating classes at night. And so when we’re leaving at 9pm at night, particularly in winter, it’s dark, but nobody feels frightened,” added Kim.
You don’t see as much antisocial behaviour on Town Street as you used to do due to more patrolling police and regulations like no drinking on streets.”
While acknowledging that Armley still has some challenges, Kim believes that the negative aspects are often magnified. “It is because of the negative press, the good things about Armley are never really discussed. It’s only the negative bits. It’s just that people do seem to focus on the negative, instead of the positive.”
Kim praised organisations that have worked tirelessly to address community needs.
She said: “There are a lot of people who do good work in Armley. It’s a caring community because there are people like the Armley Action Team and Armley Helping Hands. There is a lot of community spirit here.”
Kim highlights the unity within the community: “During the pandemic, the bakery aside worked with the Armley Helping Hands to make sure that pensioners and people who couldn’t come out could get the fresh bread deliveries. That was so nice.”
Transforming her beloved hobby into a thriving enterprise, Kim and Cake Craft Etc have become a destination for cake-decorating enthusiasts, attracting visitors from nearby towns such as Wetherby and Featherstone and even as far as Rochdale.
She mentioned that her customers’ loyalty and the community’s support have enabled her business to thrive.
“If I wasn’t retiring, I would have just renewed my lease and carried on here,” she added. “I know I’m closing, but I’m not closing because of Armley; I’m closing because it’s time for me to retire.”
Although a new chapter awaits both Kim and Armley, the memories made between Cake Craft Etc and the community will last for many years to come.
Cllr Peter Carlill is pictured, centre, with council youth workers
A youth club will be returning to Farsley in a bid to keep youngsters occupied.
Based in the back room at Farsley Library, the club will feature activities, games and snacks for young people aged 11-16 every Friday (4.30pm-6pm) from 30 June. It will be run by Leeds City Council’s Youth Service.
This joins the recently started Calverley Youth Project which runs at the Calverley Mechanics Institute every Thursday at 6.45pm, and has been hugely popular with 20-30 attendees per session.
The club was encouraged by local Councillor Peter Carlill (Labour and Co-operative, Calverley & Farsley), around a lack of activities for older children and young people in the village.
“One of my key pledges when first elected was to work to provide a fixed youth club in all areas of our community,” said Cllr Carlill. “There is often little for young people in our area to do in the evenings, leaving the only option hanging around in streets and parks which they are often criticised for.
“Following discussions with the Youth Service a youth club was started in Farsley before the pandemic, but unfortunately fell by the wayside due to lockdowns.
“I’ve been working with the Youth Service to bring this back, and discussing with young people what they would like to see. Many thanks to the Youth Service for organising, and please do encourage any young people to attend so that this can be a success and continue to grow.”
A man responsible for a stabbing attack in Armley that left a man fighting for his life in hospital has been jailed.
Akwia Bryant chased after and repeatedly stabbed the 28-year-old victim during an incident in Town Street, Armley, at about 10.40pm on November 21 last year.
The victim received serious wounds to his neck, chest, back, and abdomen and was rushed to hospital after going into cardiac arrest.
He underwent emergency surgery and was in a critical condition.
Doctors told officers he was lucky to survive having received a stab wound to the neck which had gone through his jugular vein.
The incident was caught on CCTV and Bryant, who lived at the same flats as the victim nearby in Wesley Road, was quickly identified as the suspect.
Extensive enquiries were carried out to find him and he was arrested the following day when he handed himself in.
He was initially charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife in public place and subsequently pleaded guilty to Section 18 wounding with intent.
Bryant, aged 24, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court today to an extended sentence of 15 years and eight months, consisting of a prison term of 11 years and eight months with an additional extended licence period of four years.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, who heads Leeds District CID, said: “Bryant inflicted such serious injuries on the victim in this targeted attack that he was incredibly lucky to survive.
“The seriousness of the victim’s condition saw the incident treated as attempted murder from the outset, and a comprehensive investigation by detectives built up a clear evidential picture that identified Bryant as the suspect and resulted in his arrest and charge.
“There is understandable public concern around violence involving knives and we want to reassure people that we will always treat these incidents very seriously and do everything we can to make sure that dangerous offenders like Bryant are brought to justice and taken off our streets.
“We hope the significant prison term that he has received will send a very clear message to those who think they can carry and use knives without having to face the consequences, and also provide some reassurance to the community.”
