By John Baron
Councillors have approved a £9,432 scheme to install new lighting to make a Kirkstall playground and its surrounding area safer.
The Kirkstall Village Action 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 met yesterday (Tuesday, 7 July) and approved the funding application, which has been submitted by Housing Leeds.
A report considered by councillors stated: “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.”
Councillors also approved £4,000 towards ongoing CCTV provision at four sites in Armley and Kirkstall. Cllr Lou Cunningham (Green, Armley) mentioned concerns over the lack of reporting on the cameras.
Projects in Armley and Kirkstall wards which had funding approved included:
- £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.
- A revised amount of £487 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. Cllr Fiona Venner (Lab, Kirkstall) said: “We’ve had requests across the ward for provision for seven to 10 year olds.”
- £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.
The Inner South West Community Committee covers the Armley, Beeston & Holbeck, Hunslet & Riverside, and Kirkstall wards. It has seven Labour councillors and five Green Party councillors.
The full agenda and papers of the Civic Hall meeting can be read here.
The full video of the meeting can be watched here:
Sponsored content
