Councillors are being asked to approve a £9,432 scheme to install new lighting make a Kirkstall playground and its surrounding area safer.
The Kirkstall Village Action residents’ group would like to make the children’s playground and its surroundings on the Gilbert and Sandford estate safer for residents and their children.
They say additional lighting and increased visibility would deter any unlawful activity and anti-social behaviour (ASB).
Councillors on the Inner South West Community Committee will meet on Tuesday, 7 July to decide whether to approve the funding application, which has been submitted by Housing Leeds.
A report to be cnsidered by councillors states: “The Sandford and Gilbert estate is known for having issues with drug users and other anti-social behaviour, but the new lampposts will make residents feel safer outside and in their own homes.
“The lighting will also benefit residents, visitors and passers-by who use the public footpaths leading from Argie Avenue and Kirkstall Hill, making them feel safer due to the increased light. This area is very dark and can be frightening for people in the area, creating a brighter area will make a difference to all residents and visitors.”
Leeds City Council is currently asking residents for their opinions on the lighting proposals in a consultation, which can be found here.
Other projects in Armley and Kirkstall wards asking for funding include:
- £3,701 to Interplay Theatre for Wyther’s Way Wednesdays to provide access to creativity and the arts following a successful pilot project last year.
- £1,000 for planters in Kirkstall for the council’s Communities Team.
- £1,315 towards funding five new grit bins. Bins would be places in Spring Valley Close, Armley and in Kirkstall ward at Eden Crescent, the corner of Station Parade and Glebe Place, the corner of Vicarage Terrace and Abbey Court and Vicarage Terrace near the underpass.
- £5,052 to Barca Leeds for Kirkstall Play space, to provide children and young people aged seven to 10 years old in the Queenswood area the opportunity to play, connect and be supported by trusted adults.
- £8,000 from BEAT Junior Youth Club to establish a weekly, child-led youth group for 7–11-year-olds in the Hawksworth Wood estate.
Projects approved for funding since the committee’s last meeting in March include £1,500 for New Wortley Festival, £693 for Burley Park Community Tennis Programme, £11,550 to Breeze in the Park events in ‘inner south west’ and £7,000 to the Kirkstall Valley Development Trust for an electricity supply at Kirkstall Valley Farm.
The Inner South West Community Committee covers the Armley, Beeston & Holbeck, Hunslet & Riverside, and Kirkstall wards.
The full agenda and papers of the meeting, which is being held in Leeds Civic Hall, can be read here.