New Calverley Library opening date revealed

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January 19, 2026

616443194_1308177858021855_1074078307119744071_n — Calverley Mechanics Institute has been cleared to make way for the new library. Photo: Leeds Library Services

By John Baron

The new Calverley Library will have a phased opening from Monday, 2 February, council chiefs have confirmed.

Calverley Library is moving from its current site on in Thornhill Street into the nearby Mechanics’ Institute in a bid to save Leeds City Council money.

The last day of opening at Thornhill Street will be Saturday, 24 January, and the new library will have a phased opening from Monday, 2 February.

A spokesperson said: “We’re really looking forward to moving into this beautiful historical building, which will provide a great brand-new space for our services.”

Venue: Calverley Mechanics Institute, Photo: Anne Akers

Installation of new library furniture was scheduled to begin today (Monday, 19 January) as part of the £213,000 refurbishment.

While the library is closed, customers are being urged to access community hub and library services from Farsley or Pudsey.

As previously reported by WLD, the existing library building could fetch more than £185,000 when it is auctioned on 28 January.

Leeds City Council is selling the building as it struggles to balance its books due to rising costs in services such as adult social care, and underfunding from central government since 2010.

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Armley woman jailed for helping suspect

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January 19, 2026

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An Armley woman who fled the country with a suspect in a firearms discharge investigation has been jailed.

Rashawn Bedeau continued to financially support suspect Ellis Thornton for six months after he fled the UK despite knowing he was wanted by West Yorkshire Police in connection with a firearms discharge in Lister Lane, Halifax.

Bedeau flew out to Barbados with Thornton on January 31, 2023, while knowing that he was a wanted suspect.

She then financially supported him through to July 2023 while he moved to Suriname and Mexico.

Thornton is still wanted by West Yorkshire Police in connection with the incident. However, he is currently known to be in custody in the United States in connection with separate incidents which took place overseas.

Appearing before Leeds Crown Court for sentencing, Bedeau, aged 28, of Arley Street, was sentenced to two years.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Andrew Ellis of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “Bedeau helped Ellis Thornton leave the country and continued to fund his lifestyle for several months despite knowing he was a wanted suspect for a serious offence here in West Yorkshire.

“I hope today’s sentence sends a message out to anyone who is in two minds about hindering a police enquiry in this manner. There is a penalty to pay.”

Bramley historian explores the varied landscapes of Leeds

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January 19, 2026

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Tony Silson 2023 — Author Anthony Silson.

By Liz Bee

West Leeds features prominently in a new publication about the varied landscapes of Leeds.

Bramley historian and long time resident, Anthony Silson’s latest book – Leeds, 21st Century Landscapes, a Geographer’s Exploration – takes the reader on a tour of the city of Leeds.

From the city centre, with its towering cranes and tall buildings, through the inner city areas characterised by late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century terraced housing, out to the suburbs with their semi-detached houses and then the villas and mansions of the landscapes of prosperity.

All these give way in turn to rural Leeds with its villages and farmed land and, at its western edge, moorland.

A spokesperson for Beecroft Publications said: “lllustrated with photographs throughout, Antony’s knowledge of west Leeds is evident in the many examples he uses, including Moor Top, Armley, housing in Bramley and Kirkstall, Castleton Mills, Newlay Locks, Gotts Park, Post Hill Woods and Rhubarb Sheds in Farsley.

“Anthony provides a fascinating insight into the reasons these enormously varied landscapes exist, why changes have occurred and why they have not.

“This book will appeal to anyone who knows Leeds, whether as a resident or a visitor.”

It is available from Amazon, bookshops, or direct from the publisher Beecroft Publications.

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Horsforth’s Fergus Smith is best European Thai boxer at his weight

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January 19, 2026

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By James Bovington

Horsforth’s champion Thai boxer Fergus Smith and his family attended the first WBC Muay Thai Convention in Bangkok.

Not only did they mingle with some of boxing’s greats, but Fergus also established himself as the number one European fighter at his weight of 53.5 kg or 118 lbs.

“I was selected for a four-man tournament,” explained Fergus, 19. “I defeated a Thai boxer while a fighter from Mauritius defeated a Mexican. I defeated the Mauritian fighter in the final.”

This was his second victory in Thailand in less than three months.

In October he’d won his debut bout on the ONE championship show at Bangkok’s Lumpini Stadium, with a stunning knockout earning him a sizeable bonus from the promoter.

Finlay Smith was also in action during the convention. “The result was close, but my opponent got the decision and went on to be the overall winner at our weight.”

Richard Smith, from Bad Company Gym, said: “We enjoyed the convention as a fitting conclusion to Bad Company’s first year in Bramley.

“It’s rewarding to see that finally Muay Thai has found its rightful place in the combat sports family. There have been 63 WBC boxing conventions and now this first one for Muay Thai with boxing legends like Roberto Duran in attendance.”

“Fergus had a fantastic 2025. They want him back fighting in Thailand soon. Meanwhile both our sons will be competing on the Manchester HITMAN show on 28^th February.”

Contact Richard Smith on 07885 270267 for information about Bad Company located in Waterloo Way, Bramley, LS13 2EF.

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Review: Singing, dancing and thigh-slapping fun in Pudsey

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January 19, 2026

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Panto time in Pudsey. Photo: Dianne Craven

Review by Dianne Craven

On 17 and 18 January 2026 St Joseph’s Theatre Company brought pantomime magic to Pudsey, with their production of ‘Dick Whittington and His Cat’.

The pantomime was written and directed by Janice Whitworth, and was performed at
St Joseph’s RC Church Hall, Pudsey.

The panto was about Dick and his travels to London to seek fame and fortune and pavements of gold; only to find love (in the form of Alice) be forced to work with pirates, and ending up at a ‘faraway island’.

We were told to expect lots of audience participation, fun and laughter. There was singing and dancing, and the traditional thigh slapping, along with the truly bad
pantomime jokes. But the star of the show was Kevin, the talking cactus!

Leigh Rainford took the lead as Dick Whittington, with Chiara Edwards as Alice. We could not forget Daz the Cat – played by Kerry Higgins. But the whole cast were terrific.

If you are interested in becoming a member, either on-stage, behind the scenes (costumes, set design, lighting) or front of house serving refreshments etc, contact Janice Whitworth on 07758 334013 and Freda Mortimer on 07721 312677.

Review: Jack Carroll brings joy, warmth and laughs to Old Woollen

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January 19, 2026

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Comedian Jack Carroll at The Old Woollen. Photo: Gary Lemal

Review by Gary Lemal

“I’ve just searched What’s On and there’s comedy in Farsley. Do you fancy it?” Asked my wife. “Jack Carroll, is at the Old Woollen tonight!”

We arrived at Sunny Bank Mills and were warmly welcomed into The Old Woollen, which has a lovely bar with a range of beers, ales and ciders as well as spirits and non-alcoholic choices for those who prefer.

Jack Carroll came to fame when he appeared on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, reaching the final.

On a wet, gloomy Sunday night in Farsley, Jack had one mission: to prove that laughter is the ultimate antidote to January. Mission very much accomplished.

Kicking off his warm-up gig on 18 January, Jack’s humour was anything but bleak. Proud of his Yorkshire roots (and rightly so), he delivered sharp, self-aware, and genuinely heart-warming anecdotes about disability and the way the world views it — turning what could be uncomfortable into effortlessly funny, thoughtful moments.

In a room of around 50 people, he built instant rapport, drawing the audience in and keeping us there. The laughs came thick and fast, with several genuine out-loud moments — the kind where you look at the person next to you just to confirm, “Yes, that really was that funny.”

His observations on everyday life and the challenges we all muddle through “these days” absolutely brought the house down. On a cold Sunday evening, it felt like exactly what we needed: a communal dose of joy, warmth, and belly laughs.

This was the penultimate tour preview, with the final preview in Halifax in a couple of weeks.

Jack begins his nationwide tour in March. My advice? Grab a ticket — or two. You’ll leave lighter than you arrived, and that’s a rare and wonderful thing.

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Wortley: Car wash plans next to convenience store

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January 18, 2026

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The development is on land behind the existing convenience store on Lower Wortley Road. Photo: Google

Plans to install two self-service car wash bays next to a convenience store in Wortley have been submitted to Leeds City Council.

Applicant Paul McFadden, of Burley-based McFadden Developments, wants to build the car washes on part of the store’s car park off Lower Wortley Road. All seven parking spaces will be retained.

In November, WLD reported that Mr McFadden’s plans were approved for block of 15 flats for young adults with assisted living needs on scrubland behind the store.

The car wash proposals can be viewed in full here.

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Miles for Memories: Calverley care home’s cycling challenge

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January 18, 2026

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Residents at a Calverley care home will take part in a virtual cycling challenge to raise awareness of dementia.

Staff, residents and families at St Luke’s Care Home, in Upper Carr Lane, are taking part in the Miles for Memories virtual cycling challenge.

From 19–30 January 2026, all ten Mariposa and Papillon care homes across the UK will take part in a sponsored virtual cycle, collectively pedalling the road distance between the care group’s most northern and southern homes.

Each care home will complete a distance of 31 miles over the two-week period, with all residents, staff and visitors welcome to take part. Using an adjustable pedal exerciser, participants will be able to turn the pedals with their legs or arms if preferred, and the distance will be tracked automatically.

Those unable to take part physically will still be encouraged to get involved by cheering on participants, tracking progress and creating decorations to celebrate each milestone.

Chris Beastall, development director for Mariposa Care Group Ltd, said: “It brings me immense pride to see our homes come together to raise awareness for such an important cause.

“Dementia and other memory loss conditions affect so many lives, and this virtual cycle is a wonderful way to show how, by uniting together – we can really make a difference.

“To further show our appreciation to our homes for always being willing to go the extra mile, the company will be donating £1 for every mile cycled to Dementia UK, supporting an organisation that does such vital work.”

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West Leeds planning applications: 18 January 2026

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January 18, 2026

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Each week we publish a list of the latest planning applications related to the seven council wards in West Leeds.

The following applications were published on the Leeds City Council website in the past seven days.

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Erection of 2no self serve jet wash bays to car park, 163 Lower Wortley Road, Lower Wortley, Leeds LS12 4PP.

Horsforth Ward

Tree works, 2 Wellroyd, Knott Lane, Rawdon, Leeds LS19 6JW.
Tree works, Cragg Wood Allotments, Outwood Lane, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4HS.
Consent, agreement or approval required by conditions 4 (Tree Protection) and 5 (Replacement Tree(s)) of Planning Application 23/05201/FU, Acacia Lodge, Apperley Lane, Rawdon, Leeds BD10 0PQ.
Tree works,19 Hopwood Bank, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5AW.
Single storey front, side and rear extension – NON MATERIAL AMENDMENT TO 21/03002/FU – Extend the porch our further, 18 Stoneythorpe, Horsforthm Leeds LS18 4BN.
Tree works, 1 Craggwood Road, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4RW.
Installation of extraction/ventilation system for coffee roaster, Unit 2 Low Hall Industrial Estate, Low Hall Road, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4EG.
Works to install a pole mounted transformer which will be supported by a short leg H Pole, Balfour Beatty Compound, Calverley Lane, Leeds LS13 1NP.
Consent, agreement or approval required by conditions 5 (phase I desk study), 6 (remediation statement), 7 (verification report) and 8 (EV charging) to planning application 25/03190/FU , Rear Of 83 Featherbank Lane, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4NW.

Kirkstall Ward

Consent, agreement or approval of condition 3 (Submission Report + Remediation Strategy), 9 (Vehicle Space to be Laid Out) & 15 (Protective Tree Fencing) of planning application 23/04330/FU, Land To North Of Foxcroft Road, Leeds LS6 3NJ.
4.40m single storey rear extension, 3.95m to ridge height and 2.60m to eaves, 165 Burley Wood Crescent, Burley, Leeds LS4 2QJ.

Pudsey Ward

Retrospective application for replacement of existing rear basement window with door; lowering of ground level and erection of retaining wall, 3 Crawshaw Road, Pudsey, LS28 7UB.
Demolition of conservatory to the rear; Single storey rear extension; Porch to the front; Decking and landscaping to the rear, 4 South Parade Close, Pudsey, LS28 8HY.

Decided applications

Here are the planning applications decided by Leeds City Council this week:

Armley Ward

Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for a dormer window to the rear, 66 Whingate, Armley, Leeds LS12 3HZ.
Tree works,Interplay Community Theatre, Armley Ridge Road, Armley, Leeds LS12 3LE.
Relocation of existing fire exit staircase to rear, Rear Of 10 Town Street, Armley, Leeds LS12 3AB.

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Consent, agreement or approval required by conditions 6, 9 and 10 (Submission of Verification Report(s)) of Planning Application 21/09964/DPD, 230A Stanningley Road, Leeds, LS13 3BA.

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Consent, agreement or approval required by conditions 5 (Basement Flat Boundary Treatments), 8 (Cycle Parking) and 9 (Bin Store Provision) of Planning Application 23/07537/FU S, 1 Laburnum Street, Pudsey, LS28 7JT.
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for the demolition of existing extension and outbuilding; erection of two single storey side extensions; detached outbuilding to the rear, Wadlands Lodge, Priesthorpe Road, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5RD.
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for a single storey extension to the side, 58 Cotefields Avenue, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5EE.
Dormer window to the rear, 5 Rawdon View Crescent, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5YJ.
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for an extension to the gable, dormer window to the rear and rooflight to the front, 39 Springbank Road, Farsley, Pudsey, LS28 5LS.

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Raising the roof height forming a new floor with dormer windows to rear; new second floor windows to both sides; cladding to match existing roof/windows and tiles to match existing, 11 Ashdene, New Farnley, Leeds LS12 5QR.
Variation of condition 5 (removal of garden store) to previously approved planning application 24/04127/FU, Uplands Cottage, Back Lane, New Farnley, Leeds LS12 5HL.
Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) to previously approved planning application 22/03064/FU (Demolition of existing house and construction of three detached houses) for alterations to approved plots to include one detached garage per plot , Hillycroft, Gildersome Lane, Gildersome, Morley, Leeds LS27 7BL.
Construction of agricultural storage unit to house machinery, Starr Holme Stables, Back Lane, New Farnley, Leeds LS12 5HN.

Horsforth Ward

Tree works, 7 Newlay Lane, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4LE.
Single storey rear extension; demolition of existing garage, 76 Newlay Grove, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4LH.
Tree works,4 Bridge Wood View, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5PE.

Kirkstall Ward

Tree works, 256 Burley Road, Burley, Leeds LS4 2LA.
Consent, Agreement or Approval of Condition, 5 (absence of Cycle/Motorcyle Facilities), 6 (Provision For Contractors), 7 ( Footpath Crossing), 8 (Bin Stores), 9 (Submission Study – Report – Strategy), 10 (Amendment of Remediation Strategy), 11 (Submission of Verification Reports), 13 (Protective Fencing), 14a (Arboricultural Method Statement), 14c (Protection Measures) and 15 (Hard and Soft Landscaping) of Planning Application 23/05490/FU, 47 Beechwood View, Burley, Leeds LS4 2LP.
Certificate of Existing Lawful Development for Use as a house in multiple occupation, 2 Beechwood Grove, Burley, Leeds LS4 2LT.

Pudsey Ward

Single storey front and side extension, 38 Priestley Drive, Pudsey, LS28 9NQ.
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for a single storey extension to the rear with a flat roof; single storey side extension with pitched roof; dormer window to the rear and rooflights to the front, 1 Priestley Close, Pudsey, LS28 9NJ.
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for a dormer window to the rear and rooflight to the front, Buttercrambe House, Roker Lane, Pudsey LS28 8NU.
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for a single storey rear extension, 25 Round Hill Road, Pudsey, LS28 8BJ.
Consent, agreement or approval required by condition 6 (Refuse) to planning application 23/06611/FU, 59 Chapeltown, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 7RZ.
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for a single storey rear extension, 3 Ambleside Gardens, Pudsey, LS28 7NW.
Alterations to landscaping at front and new hard standing to form additional parking space; associated alterations to boundary treatments, 10 Earlswood Mead, Leeds, LS28 8QY.

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Community meeting discusses Farsley planting projects

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January 16, 2026

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A community meeting will discuss planning a series of planting days in Farsley – and local residents are being invited to attend.

Farsley Climate Action is a registered charity dedicated to environmental projects in and around Farsley.

Palmer Plants have donated hedgerow and native trees to support the wildlife in the green area around Farsley Community Orchard.

“Along with donations from TCV and The Woodland Trust, we now have enough plants to plan a few fun planting days,” the group said on social media.

Farsley Climate Action is holding a community meeting on Thursday, 22 January at Farsley Library from 6.30pm.

Planting is due to take place on Sunday, 8 February (10am-12pm), Sunday, 15 February (10am-12pm) and Monday, 23 February (10am-12pm).

For more information, email farsleyclimateaction@gmail.com.

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Volunteers needed at new Pudsey ‘Teapot’ group

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January 16, 2026

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pudsey house — Venue: Pudsey House. Copyright Betty Longbottom and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

An organisation supporting older people in Pudsey is appealing for volunteers to help at a new group.

MHA Communities Pudsey and Farsley is looking for a few friendly volunteers who can spare a couple of hours to help at The Teapot group.

The group offers a calm space to sit, chat, relax and access a range of information and support at Pudsey house. No appointments, just pop in for a brew.

A MHA social media post said: “You’d be helping with things like making tea and toast, washing up, clearing tables and having a chat with people who pop in.

“Nothing complicated — just a warm welcome and a helping hand. No experience necessary and you’d be provided with full training and the opportunity to develop further skills if you’d like.

“If you’ve got a little time and enjoy being part of a community, we’d love to hear from you.”

For more information, contact Lainey at MHA on 07521 433436.

For more local events and groups, check out WLD‘s what’s on section here.

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Man jailed after causing Wortley house evacuations

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January 16, 2026

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A man has been jailed for causing a gas leak which led to the evacuation of a number of houses in Wortley.

Austin Reed, aged 43, of The Elms, Bramley, pleaded guilty to one charge of criminal damage – recklessly endangering life. He appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Tuesday (13 January) where he was sentenced to three years and six months imprisonment.

At 9.37pm on 21 October 2023, police received a report that Reed had locked himself, a woman and three children inside an address on Roderick Street, Wortley. It was reported he had threatened to blow up the house, with the caller reporting a smell of gas within the property.

On police attendance, the woman and children had been let out of the property by a family member, but Reed remained inside and had barricaded himself within the address.

Due to concerns about wider public safety, a number of nearby properties were evacuated.

A specialist negotiator was deployed to the scene but shortly before 11.30pm due to lack of further contact from Reed and increased concerns for his welfare, entry was forced into the property. Reed was taken to hospital to be checked over before being taken into police custody.

It was established by a gas engineer that intentional damage had been caused to a boiler within the property, causing a gas leak.

Police Sergeant Clementine Brown, of Leeds Domestic Abuse Team, said: “Thankfully this incident was resolved safely, but Reed’s actions that evening put himself and others, including children, in serious danger.

“A large-scale emergency services operation was put in place with significant disruption caused to those living in the area.

“I hope those affected are reassured by the custodial sentence that Reed has been given.”