By John Baron
Armley issues were debated by local residents attending last night’s Armley Forum meeting.
The meeting, chaired by Councillor Andy Parnham (Lab, Armley) saw speakers attend from the council and police – and gave residents the chance to have their voices heard.
Here are five points discussed at last night’s meeting.
1. Crime causes concern
Sgt Sam Naylor said there had been a ‘significant increase’ in burglaries from commercial premises in the Armley Town Street area. He said police were trying their best to tackle the issues and had identified a suspect.
He also said Armley was mirroring a national increase in shoplifting, which he said was ‘rife’. He said police were working with businesses to tackle the issues and he encouraged owners to report all crimes to the police so they can pick up on trends.
2. E-scooter trial debated
E-scooters are now available to hire on the streets of Leeds as part of an expansion of the city’s LNER Beryl Bike scheme into parts of Leeds, including Armley.
The move sparked concerns at the forum over increased accidents involving e-scooters in the area such as Armley Town Street, which is earmarked for a £2.9 million improvement scheme.
Highways officers said that people hiring e-scooters must be aged 18 or over and have a provisional or full driving licence. The scooters are traceable, with registration plates, and are not allowed in pedestrian areas.
One local resident raised concerns that legal e-scooters could increase the number of illegal ones on footpaths.
“A lot of us in this room are worried about being hit by e-bikes and e-scooters,” added Cllr Parnham. He wondered whether measures to stop e-scooters could be factored into the new Armley Town Street project.
3. Pride in Place
Residents received a short update on the government’s Pride In Place initiative, which will see £20 million given to Armley and New Wortley for improvements.
Residents are being encouraged the new local Neighbourhood Board, which will decide how the money is spent.
The meeting heard that the Reverend Phil Arnold, from Christ Church, (pictured above) had been appointed chair of the board.
To apply to be on the Armley & New Wortley Neighbourhood Board, completed Expression of Interest forms can be sent by e-mail to PrideinPlace.Armley@leeds.gov.uk.
A link to the expression of interest form can be found here alongside the PiPP Board Member role description, which can be found here.
Hard copy completed forms can be sent to: Armley Community Hub & Library, Customer Services Desk, FAO Communities Team, 2 Stocks Hill, Leeds LS12 1UQ. The deadline is 10 April 2026.
4. Victoria Park traffic scheme
Long-running plans to introduce traffic calming measures to reduce rat running and speeding in the Victoria Park area could be introduced in late spring or early summer, council highways officers said.
Officers said a revised scheme was almost completed and that there would be communication with residents ahead of work starting.
5. Centre for Warmth
Rhea Bentley, from New Wortley Community Centre, spoke about work to help vulnerable residents stay warm while minimising household expenses.
She said the Centre for Warmth team at New Wortley Community Centre are here to offer free, friendly advice on anything energy-related, whether that’s tips to save money on your bills or expert support with energy debt.
Contact Rhea or Sarah via phone, text, e-mail or pop in to the centre, off Tong Road.
- Contact Sarah on 07707 777989 or Rhea on 07415 784063 or e-mail centreforwarmth@newwortleycc.org.
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