Leeds Civic Hall. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com
Independent candidate Peter Allison has been disqualified from next month’s Farnley & Wortley by-election.
Mr Allison, of Tong Road, Farnley, took to social media to confirm his disqualification, which is connected to his job as a youth worker with Leeds City Council.
He wrote on Facebook: “It is with regret that I have to inform you that I have been disqualified from the local elections on 10 October.
“I was always aware that I would have to resign from my role within Leeds City Council as a youth worker but I was unaware that my resignation plus notice period would have to have ended by the time I submitted my nomination papers.
“I imagine there will be some other happy candidates today, just unfortunately not myself. Nonetheless, I will endeavour to do what I can to continue supporting our community and who knows what the future will hold.
“Thank you to everyone who showed their support since I announced my candidacy.”
The remaining candidates are:
Richard Andrews – Liberal Democrat
David Blackburn – Green Party
David Dresser – Reform UK
Al Garthwaite – Labour Party
Richard Riley – Social Democratic Party
Lalit Suryawanshi – Conservative Party
The by-election has been called following the resignation of Labour’s Mark Sewards, who was elected MP for Leeds South West and Morley in July.
A Grade-II listed former school will be auctioned off to raise funds for the cash-strapped council.
The Hough Lane Centre in Bramley is currently used as council offices, but could be turned into residential following the sale.
A Leeds City Council report said the 1,494 sqm building had been declared surplus to requirements and was being vacated by staff.
It was placed in the authority’s Capital Receipts Schedule following an executive board decision in February 2023.
The report said: “It is assumed that the new owner will develop the property potentially for residential use.
“This will mean that the local area will see an increase in housing provision and it will have a direct impact on inclusive growth as the investment could create new job opportunities in the local area for people and businesses.”
Because the site has a Grade-II listing, planning permission for future use would depend on the building and adjoining railings being preserved.
The report said no operational reason could be found for the council, which faces a £273m budget gap over the next five years, to keep the property.
It said: “The Hough Lane Centre is Grade II listed and so will be costly to keep in a state of good repair.
“It is also a very large site which requires a lot of energy consumption to keep in occupation. Disposal of this will also alleviate these costs.”
The building was likely to be a popular listing at auction, the report said.
A reserve price would be advertised after being agreed with an appointed auctioneer.
Last week WLD reported that the former South Pudsey Community Centre was finally set for auction following delays, and that former changing rooms in Western Flatts Park in Wortley could be demolished unless an investor is found.
Follow WLD’s Cutswatch series, which is chronicling local government cuts, here.
Flashback from a previous Open Afternoon with people enjoying free drinks and ice creams on the adjoining grassed area.
By community reporter
Leeds City Mission is making the most of this week’s hot sunny weather. It is organising an end-of-summer open afternoon this Saturday (21 September).
They are throwing open their doors at their premises in Mistress Lane (end of Town Street) in Armley to visitors.
They are organising another social event and sale. There will be tables displaying a variety of second-hand books and DVDs. A similar event at the beginning of the summer proved to be highly popular.
Visitors can take their choice on a “give as you feel” basis. There will be also be a hybrid pop up charity shop for the afternoon featuring bric a brac and clothes. All monies raised will go towards the various compassion projects undertaken by the City Mission amongst needy people in West Leeds.
Complimentary ice creams, plus free teas, coffees and soft drinks will be available throughout the afternoon, which runs 2.30pm to 4pm.
Leeds City Mission community development worker Andy Dalton explained that the City Mission Compassion Centre in Mistress Lane is becoming a popular destination for local people.
Refreshments will be served in the Compassion Centre and also on the adjoining grassed area where people can mingle. People can chat and enjoy the sunshine around tables on the grass as well as browse inside the centre.
Mr Dalton concluded: “This week is proving to be exceptionally hot. This is a social event where people can linger, chat, relax, enjoy an ice cream and pick up a bargain. Everyone is welcome.”
Leeds City Mission is a multi-church Christian agency which has worked with marginalised people since 1837 and seeks to meet the physical, social and spiritual needs of Leeds residents.
Further details available at Leeds City Mission on 0113 345 3118.
Age UK’s Leeds Abbey Dash 10k is taking place on Sunday 13 October 2024 – and the charity is encouraging people to sign up to the popular fun run to help support older people.
Teacher Clare Sharkey is gearing up to run in honour of her father and regular participant, Keith Sharkey, who stepped back last year at the age of 86, having run in every Leeds Abbey Dash since it started in 1986.
For Keith, it has always been more than just a run—it’s a way to stay active, connect with the vibrant local community, and challenge himself year after year.
Clare said: “Running the race with my dad, Keith, and my cousin two years ago was a day filled with joy and cherished memories. It was my first and his last Leeds Abbey Dash. All the other runners cheered us on as they passed us on their way back – it was really emotional. I’m not a natural runner, but this is for him.”
Keith, who now enjoys walks with friends, will be there at the finish line, cheering them all on. The family of runners, consisting of Clare, her cousins, and their partners—a total of seven—will draw inspiration from Keith’s enduring passion for running.
Clare said: “The support and encouragement from my dad as we run means the world. It’s going to be a lovely day.”
Kath Blaize-Smith, Senior Community & Mass Participation Fundraising Manager at Age UK, said: “We have been deeply inspired by stories like Clare’s and will be cheering for her and her family.
“Clare’s dedication is a testament to the incredible spirit of our participants. For anyone touched by Clare’s story, we encourage you to come and join us at Age UK’s Leeds Abbey Dash.
“It’s a fantastic event for runners of all levels, and your participation helps make a significant impact in the lives of older people.”
Key information
When: Sunday 13th October 2024, 9:30am Where: Millennium Square, Leeds, LS1 3HE Distance: 10k event for adults (ages 15+), 2k Junior Dash run for 8 -14-year-olds, 10k Wheelchair Race
The course: Flat – perfect for both beginners and experienced runners Registration fee: £30, or £28 for UK Athletics members. The Junior Dash is £10 to enter and the Wheelchair Race is £30. (All costs exclude a processing fee*).
St Wilfrid’s Church in Calverley will be hosting their third annual Beer Festival on Saturday, 28 September 11am-11pm.
All proceeds split equally between the church, Andysmanclub and The Millie Wright Children’s Society.
This is a community event and is usually well supported and includes 15 locally brewed beers and a variety of other drinks including gin, prosecco, soft drinks, food and music. Children under 14s allowed in until 8pm.
St Wilfrid’s Church, Calverley. Photo: Mark Stevenson
Tickets £12 (pre-booked) or £15 (on the door) includes four half-pint beer tokens plus beer guide.
Ryan Taylor with 'Titch', who is head coach at BV.
By James Bovington
Bramley boxer Kalem Pickles defeated Castleford’s Alex Evans to win the Haynes Promotion’slight heavyweight 80 kg title belt.
Leeds boxing promoter Tristan Haynes expressed delight that the main event on his show at Leeds Anglers Club on Saturday (14 September) was ‘an exciting and enthralling battle over five rounds’.
“It was everything a fight should be,” said Haynes. “Two young, courageous boxers proving just exactly what they’re made of in an aggressive punch-up with both keen to demonstrate the skills they’ve learned in training but also show just how physically and mentally fit and tough they are. Everyone loved it.”
Kalem Pickles.
“I’m proud to have won the title on the main event,” said Pickles, 19, who attended Leeds West Academy and now works as an electrician.
“Boxing on Tristan’s shows gives us the chance to gain valuable experience against tough, experienced opponents like Alex.
“It was a pleasure to share the ring with him and there was nothing personal about the cut he received over his left eye.
“I fell in love with the sport when I went to a boxing club when I was just six. Boxing has taught me discipline and improves self-confidence. Next year I’m hoping to start in England Boxing’s amateurs and become a professional boxer in my early twenties. In time I hope to bring championship titles to Bramley.”
Ryan Taylor, 34, won the Haynes Promotions 65 kg novice title belt and like Pickles trains at Bramley Villagers Boxing Club and uses the sport to raise awareness of autism and values the friendships made with a ‘great set of lads all helping each other make progress.’
He added: “We need to promote awareness and develop understanding of these situations which complicate life. Both my children are autistic. One has Asperger’s. I was myself brought up in care. The boxing is therapeutic helping me and so many others deal with the difficulties and hopefully the shows make people feel better about life.”
Haynes, 31, began his shows in 2021 to give West Yorkshire boxers a good platform to showcase developing skills in the three or four events we have each year.
“Some boxers are going through their own struggles as they develop their boxing career. Participation helps them focus and gain confidence. The shows are boxing entertainment at its best and we’re looking forward to welcoming back fighters and friends such as Kalem and Ryan to the final show of the year on 14 December.”
Bernie, Wade's Trustees, family and MPEC staff and disabled rider Rachel Harker
‘Bernie’ the horse has had his first trot round his new home after being officially named in memory of former Kirkstall councillor and sports champion Bernard Atha.
Bernie, who is 12 years old, was bought by Middleton Park Equestrian Centre with a grant from Leeds’ oldest charity Wade’s. A versatile horse, he had been specially trained to work with riders with a variety of disabilities.
One of Mr Atha’s key charitable achievements was helping set up Middleton Park Equestrian Centre back in the early 1990s, which provides riding opportunities for the disabled and disadvantaged people in Leeds.
The connection to the centre continued after Mr Atha’s death in 2022 with his family nominating the charity to receive donations in his memory.
Bernard Atha
The centre hosted members of Mr Atha’s family, along with representatives of Wade’s charity, to meet Bernie and unveil a plaque to mark his official naming.
To celebrate the occasion Bernie got a special grooming before being taken into the centre’s arena for a trot with one of his favourite riders, Rachel Parker, a wheelchair user.
Mr Atha’s niece Liz Carter said: “The Middleton Park Equestrian Centre and Riding for the Disabled were very dear to Bernard.
“He knew how beneficial and therapeutic it is for youngsters and people with disabilities, or disadvantaged in some way, to learn to ride and develop a trusting relationship with the horses. It literally changes lives for the better for both young and old.
“Bernie is fabulous horse, very handsome! He is a great tribute to Bernard’s memory. He would love the idea that his namesake will make people happy. Our thanks go to Wade’s Charity for sponsoring the purchase of Bernie and for naming him in Bernard’s honour.”
Wade’s chairman Mark Pullan said: “Bernard was a naturally gregarious and generous person, who gave his time freely to Wade’s and to the equestrian centre. He was never lost for words, chosen with care, and had an indomitable sense of humour. By donating Bernie to Middleton Park Equestrian Centre we are helping Bernard’s legacy live on.”
Bernard Atha served a record 57 years as a councillor in Leeds, was deeply involved with Northern Ballet, West Yorkshire Playhouse, paralympic sports and numerous health and arts bodies. He received an OBE and later CBE.
He also had a sideline in acting, playing a careers officer in the iconic film ‘Kes’. Mr Atha was also a Trustee of Wade’s Charity – Leeds oldest charity – which owns many green spaces in Leeds which are now managed by Leeds City Council.
The Trustees also manage monies left in trust and the income helps to provide grants to Leeds-based charities and community groups.
A pet crematorium will help people mourn the loss of their cats and dogs after planning permission was given.
Pets and Peace Crematorium Services sought consent to convert an existing building on Railsfield Rise in Bramley.
The former cadet training centre will house a cremation facility, chapel of rest and office space.
Leeds City Council gave permission for a change of use of the vacant site.
A planning report said the cremation machine was designed not to emit fumes or odour. The EU-regulated technology would be around nine metres from the nearest house.
The report said: “A noise assessment has been submitted and environmental health have concluded that the crematorium plant is unlikely to cause adverse noise impacts.”
A design report from the applicant said the site would have capacity for seven domestic pet cremations a day.
Retrospective planning permission refers to seeking approval for a development or alteration to a property after the work has already been carried out without prior permission from the local planning authority.
The sign has drawn criticism from some Pudsey residents on social media, alongside concern from Pudsey’s councillors.
One commenter posted: “Pudsey is, supposedly, a historic market town with some amazing town centre buildings. These vulgar signs are totally out of character for the buildings and destroy their architectural and historic aesthetic.
“If you want to live in Benidorm, Blackpool or Magaluf, then move there.”
But some people have spoken in support: “Honestly, some people are never pleased. You see complaints all the time about people taking from the system without working, but when someone tries to open a business there are objections over trivial things like a shop sign or shutters.
“With everything going on these days, there are much bigger issues to worry about.”
The plans are due to be decided by 29 October 2024.
Vape Masters application
Vape Masters on Lidget Hill, Pudsey. Photo: Simon Seary
Meanwhile, a retrospective application for an internally illuminated fascia sign at Vape Masters on Lidget Hill, Pudsey, have also been submitted. The plans can be viewed in full here.
A Pudsey-based company has welcomed its latest cohort of new apprentices as part of its ongoing commitment to developing future industry talent.
The nine apprentices have joined G&H Group’s engineering services, building services, and Maintenance divisions. Over the next three to five years, they will receive hands-on, on-the-job training at the Leeds-based firm while pursuing their academic studies.
For the very first time, G&H Group is offering a five-year, Level Six Electrical Design Engineering degree apprenticeship. In addition, this year’s intake includes Level Three/Four junior Revit technician, plumbing, engineering, electrical and accounts assistant roles.
The successful candidates – Edward Slough, Corey Taylor, Jack Walker, Louis Kelly, Ellen Paul, Zac Russell, Charlie Barton, Theophilos Papadakis, and Thomas Dargue – were chosen from a highly competitive pool of 70 applicants.
Apprentices combine practical hands-on experience with academic, vocational learning. This year’s apprentice cohort will undertake their studies at Leeds Beckett University, Leeds College of Building, Choice College in Dagenham, Bradford College, and Leeds City College.
Paul Churchill, operations manager at G&H Group, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome our 2024 apprentices. They’ve chosen G&H Group as the launchpad for their careers, and we’re committed to providing them with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship they need to excel and become future leaders in our industry.
“Apprentices are essential to the sustainability of our sector, especially in light of the current skills shortage.”
Charlie Barton, apprentice engineer said: “I applied to G&H Group’s apprenticeship scheme as it is renowned for making great engineers who go on to build successful careers.
“After hearing I was selected, I was excited and relieved as I really wanted to undertake my apprenticeship with G&H Group, as I feel that it’s a better pathway for me than solely studying at college.”
This year’s cohort brings the total number of apprentices currently training at G&H Group to 22.
Established in 1998, G&H Group is an innovative MEP provider. Its 180-strong experienced team design, manage, deliver and maintain every aspect of MEP schemes.
Pudsey COmmunity Project, left, are pictured receiving their money from Mayor Tracy Brabin
Community projects making West Leeds safer have been boosted by a share of more than half a million pounds seized from criminals.
The funds, which were handed out by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin at Dewsbury Minster, will support 68 projects across all of the region’s five districts.
Domestic abuse project Behind Closed Doors in Armley, but works across Leeds.
Amongst the grant recipients was The Pudsey Community Project, which supports people in Pudsey, Calverley, Farsley, Swinnow, Tyersal, Rodley and Woodhall. It offers a range of services including food aid support, a children’s clothes reuse scheme andmore.
Director of the Pudsey Community Project, Richard Dimery, said: “Pudsey Community Project exists to transform Pudsey and its surrounding areas, with and for the local community, especially those who are most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
“We are thrilled to be receiving funding from the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund to help us bring together our youth provision with a new programme for mentoring year 6 and high school students to prevent them being led into antisocial behaviour or complex mental health problems.
“We will be training and supporting volunteers to support some of the fantastic young people in our community and the funding we have been given from WYCA and the Police simply makes this new scheme a reality.”
The latest round of the Mayor’s Safer Community Fund, which uses cash and assets seized from criminals by police and prosecutors under the Proceeds of Crime Act, saw groups and organisations awarded grants of up to £10,000 from a total pot of up to £581,541.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “It is humbling to be able to support so many fantastic organisations working to make our region a safer, fairer place.
“The reason we choose to reinvest this money taken from criminals is the huge difference these projects can make to the lives of people they support in our communities.
“I look forward to visiting more of these organisations over the coming year to find out more about their work and want to thank West Yorkshire Police once again for helping to make the fund possible.”
The money is made available largely thanks to the efforts of the force’s Economic Crime Unit, which is responsible for tracking down criminal ill-gotten gains through offences such as fraud and drug dealing.
West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable John Robins QPM DL, said: “Our officers and staff work hard to reduce crime across West Yorkshire and seizing assets from convicted criminals is a way of making them realise that crime does not pay.
“I am always delighted to see these ill-gotten gains being put back into our communities to make them safer places, and would encourage local groups and projects to apply for this funding which can help to bring their plans to fruition.”
The fund’s next grant round is due to open on November 11. For more information, visit here.
Santa is coming to help West Leeds RUFC on Blue Hill Lane in Wortley early this year – 15 November 2024.
The club wants to do something special with its Christmas market and wants to encourage and support local craftspeople and artisans to be able to show their skills in homemade products/produce etc.
Are you an inspiring artisan? Do you dream of being able to show your skills at what you can produce and then sell as great/unique Christmas presents? – or do you know someone who can?
If you want to know more – or are just simply ready to go with your new business ideas then contact k.breakwell1@btinternet.com.
Please note that we have, if the weather is inclement, there is limited internal stall capacity so don’t leave it too late to contact the club.
