The creators of UEFA’s official mascot for Euro 2024 visited a school in Farnley to teach pupils about active play and to promote music yesterday.
Giant toy and entertainment studio Toikido – who last year released their Roblox game, Pinata Smashlings – visited Cobden Primary School with a number of vibrant character costumes from the game.
The entertainment studio is attempting to support schools in getting kids active by first using the mascot, called Albart, and by visiting schools teaching KS1 and 2 music and art, in a nationwide pilot.
Mrs Deborah Taylor, the music teacher at Cobden Primary, said: “Our students were all very excited to have Toikido and the pinata smashlings visiting our school. The children had a wonderful time with the special music lessons and Pinata Party. We are all delighted to have been involved in this special day.”
Grammy award winning producer Jason Perry, who worked intensively with the smash hit pop band McFly, is the studio’s head of music and was on hand to inspire the children to become the next generation of artists, designers, musicians, and writers.
Mr Perry, the head of music at Toikido, said: “It was a real pleasure to visit Cobden Primary School, and see the children’s excitement as they took part in our pinata smashlings themed music and art lessons as well as meet some of their favourite characters from the game.”
The creative arts studio Toikido created a beloved pinata smashlings and integrated it into 250 schools nationwide with the initiative designed in collaboration with educational expert iChild aiming to blend learning with fun through bespoke pinata smashlings lesson packs tailored for KS1 and 2 curricula. The roblox game is set in the pinataverse which is home to hundreds of playful characters.
They provided Cobden students with a free resource pack containing three lessons supporting the music and art curriculum for KS1 and KS2, as well as extension ideas for art, design and English.
Road users are being warned of further disruption as work continues on improvements at Armley Gyratory.
The construction of the new Spence Lane footbridge over the Armley Gyratory will start on Monday 13 May with footbridge works planned to end by 10am Sunday 19 May.
It will be the second of three footbridges completed around the Gyratory with new wider and more accessible footways, after the Gelderd bridge works completed last week.
Spence Lane footbridge will also have two new accessible ramps to better meet the needs of non-motorised users and people with disabilities. All the new upgraded footbridges are designed to ensure they will need less maintenance work and inspection, over future decades.
The transport of the new ramp, crane lift and complex bridge engineering means the ramps are delivered in sections and joined together on site. To reduce the amount of disruption to traffic it will be undertaken at night from 13 to 18 May. There will be road and partial lane closures with signed diversions in place. During Saturday night on 18 May the main span will be transported to the Armley Gyratory under police escort from junction 2 of the M621.
Spence Lane ramp installations
A five-mile diversion will be in place and motorists are advised there will be five night-time closures, from Monday 13 May to Friday 17 May starting 8pm until 5.30am. The A643 northbound carriageway will be closed from junction 2 (M621) to the Gyratory.
Spence Lane main works
The Spence Lane main span works will take place on Saturday 18 May over one night from 7pm to 10am on Sunday 19 May. The crane will be placed on the A643 northbound carriageway. Traffic will be running in lane four of the gyratory during this operation.
The A643 northbound carriageway will be closed. The Gyratory exit to Wellington South will also be closed. Traffic will be running in one lane around the gyratory to allow for sufficient working space. The A643 northbound carriageway is closed at the Wortley Lane junction, with access provided for traffic to Wortley Lane northbound only from Junction 2 (M621). There is a signed diversion of 13 miles in place to accommodate all classes of vehicles.
Due to the length of the main span, the delivery of this will be via M621 junction 2. This movement will be fully controlled by the police and the timing is between 8.30pm – 9.45pm.
Different generations at the unveiling of the Myers family bench. Photo: Damon Sugden
By Damon Sugden
Reunited by their long heritage which hails from the Pudsey area, generations of the Myers family gathered in Sparrow Park for the unveiling of a family bench.
Maggie Myers, wife of the late John Myers, from Australia, attended with her son and family (who travelled especially from Canada), along with more of the family from around Britain. Many others who could not attend sent their best wishes.
Maggie, who first initiated the bench project, said: “Welcome to Sparrow Park to everyone who could attend today. I know John would have loved to have been here, and I know is with us here in spirit.”
The Pudsey branch of the Myers family are spread worldwide, including in Australia and Canada.
Maggie added: “David Myers still lives in Pudsey with his wife Carol. He has been so incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. David has been my man on the ground, with his research into local connections and has been instrumental in getting today’s event up and running. To everyone here I say thank you and welcome.
“My late husband John and his brother Peter spent many years researching their family genealogy family, and that research has been passed to Pudsey & District Civic Society.”
The first Myers in Pudsey were probably Danes in the 12th century. Their ancestry can be traced to St Wilfreds in Calverley in the mid-500s, and were first recorded from 1597. The early Myers were hand loom weavers that became woollen mill workers, and have left tangible landmarks in Pudsey today:
Simeon Myers Snr was a member of Pudsey’s Urban District Council and contributed much to the town. Including the granting of the Borough Charter by Queen Victoria, the creation of the Mechanics Institute building and many other of the late Victorian public works.
His son, Simeon Myers Jnr served as a Ward Councillor in the old Borough for Fulneck from 1914-1938, twice being made Mayor during that time. He was instrumental in the opening of Pudsey’s first Library in 1927, the St Lawrence House childcare centre opened by the Duke and Duchess of York in 1928, the Public Baths, and was also a member of the Valley Road Methodists. He had a woollen business in Bradford from 1923, and many of the Pudsey Myers worked there, and also became wool buyers in Australia.
Maggie added: “The Myers family have such strong roots in Pudsey, that its an honour to install a bench in their memory. I hope the residents of Pudsey enjoy taking a rest on the bench in the delightful Sparrow Park.”
Councillor Trish Smith spoke at the unveiling. She said: “As an elected public official, I know not just how demanding the role of councillor can be, but also what a tremendous honour it is to represent the community of Pudsey. It is to the memory of one of our greatest public servants in Simeon Myers, who worked so hard for this community – not just in the Borough council – and in the many sports, industries and clubs that he supported and promoted throughout his very long public service.
“And it’s to the welfare of the people that we acknowledge our thanks and remember the councillor who after many years of public service became Mayor of the Borough not once…but twice. So it is my greatest pleasure to unveil this bench in the memory of Alderman Simeon Myers, so that we do not forget the past and always strive for a brighter future.”
James Robson, from Pudsey, will be embarking on this amazing adventure in memory of his wife Denise, who spent her final days at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.
Sue Ryder is calling on the people of Leeds to sign up for the adventure of a lifetime by taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to help raise vital funds.
This commanding walk, which includes 5,000ft of ascent, will take place on Saturday 1 June, with all trekkers aiming to finish within a 12-hour period. Set against the stunning backdrop of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, the route takes in the three peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent.
James Robson, 47, from Pudsey, will be pulling on his hiking boots for this iconic challenge in memory of his wife Denise, who spent her final days at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.
James will be joined on the 24.5 mile walk by sons Luke, 15 and Aaron, 13. He said: “We are walking in memory of my wife Denise. Denise was diagnosed with cancer in June 2023 and passed away two months later, aged just 43.
“She was an amazing wife and mother to our three children, Luke, Aaron and Cailtin. She was kind, fun, and loved spending time with her friends and family.”
Following her diagnosis, Denise spent time in hospital before being transferred to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley, which provides expert palliative care and support for people who are living with a life-limiting condition. James continued: “Being at the hospice made a huge difference to the family. The staff showed such kindness at a really difficult time.
“Denise was originally from Northern Ireland, so it was tricky with her family coming over. In the hospice, we found the whole environment was brilliant really. Everyone was really friendly, kind and supportive. The staff just knew how to look after you.
“It just allowed the family to relax a bit more and spend time together. At times, there would be up to seven or eight of us knocking around. The staff were always really welcoming – they’d cook for all of us – it was just brilliant. They also had the ability to inject a bit of humour at a dark time.”
James continued: “Denise went back into hospital and was then released back into Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice for about a week.
“I knew I wanted to do something to repay the kindness we’d been shown – that’s when I started thinking about doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. It’s good for me and the family to have things to focus on. We love the countryside.”
James added: “Denise and I used to do a fair bit of walking. Nothing long distance.
“We used to enjoy walking in the Dales and the Lake District and more recently, in and around Pudsey as a family. My knees aren’t brilliant, so we’re going to arrange a few walks with friends to build up our stamina. It’s a nice opportunity to get some friends involved!”
Clare Humphreys, Community Fundraiser for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, said: “Do sign up if you’d like to take on a fantastic challenge and help raise vital funds for Sue Ryder.
“You can choose to take on Pen-y-ghent on its own or if you’re feeling brave, all three peaks! You’ll be helping us continue to provide the best possible care for people when they need it the most.”
To find out more information or to sign up, visit:
A man is due to appear in court today charged with the murder of teenager Jamie Meah in Armley.
Ranei Wilks, aged 22, from Leeds, was arrested last night at Leeds Bradford Airport after arriving on a flight from Turkey.
Jamie, who was 18 at the time, was stabbed and fatally wounded in an incident in Hall Lane, Armley, on March 31 last year.
Wilks is also charged with the attempted murder of a 16-year-old boy, who was stabbed and seriously injured during the incident, and with possession of a knife.
He is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court this morning.
Detectives from West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are continuing to appeal for information to help locate three other men they have previously named as wanted over his murder.
Aquade Jeffers, Caleb Awe, and Enham Nishat, all now aged 21, are believed to have fled abroad shortly after the incident, before they were identified as suspects.
Anyone with information is asked to contact HMET via 101 quoting Operation Plunket, reference 13230180255, or online. Information can also be given online via the Major Incident Public Portal or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
It was a win-win Saturday for Bramley Buffaloes last week as the first team kicked off their league season with a fine 14-0 victory over New Earswick in a defensive-orientated 80 minutes.
Bramley’s points came from tries from Tom Langton, Keiran McFarlane and Cameron McLachlan while Connor McGill added a goal. Preventing the opposition from scoring proved that the pre-season fitness work and defensive drills had enabled the team to hit the season running.
The Buffaloes’ second team progressed to the next round of the YML Shield, beating Guiseley Rangers 42-24 in a very entertaining game.
Try scorers for the “Buffs” were loose forward Cameron Leeming crossing for an impressive hat-trick of tries, Liam Leather with two and others from Keiran McFarlane, Ben Blanchard and sub, Kyle Briggs. Tom Jenkins added four goals with Kyle Briggs adding the other goal.
Yorkshire men’s league results
York Acorn 32 Upton 22
Elland/Greetland 4 Dodworth Miners 16
This week’s opponents
The first of two successive away games begin as the Buffaloes visit Dodworth Miners in what should be a tight and entertaining game with both sides going into the game after winning their previous match.
The Barnsley based Miners run teams covering 11 age groups and are a very progressive community club and so the “Buffs” will need to be at the top of their game to bring the points back to West Leeds.
The council is expecting to balance its budget after digging into cash reserves and receiving a multi-million pound refund on transport spending.
Leeds City Council was required to make £58.6m in savings by the end of 2023/24 and announced job losses, building closures and new parking charges.
In February, the authority reported a £36.3m overspend as it struggled with rising costs. But it now expects to have reached a break-even position on its general fund in month 11 of the financial year.
The council’s latest financial report said £14.7m would be used from the Merrion House reserve.
A spokesperson said: “The Merrion House earmarked reserve was established to fund future unforeseen budget pressures and complements the council’s Strategic Contingency Reserve, which was established for a similar purpose.
“It is therefore an appropriate use of the Merrion House Reserve to fund the 2023/24 projected overspend.
“The current balance on the Merrion House Reserve is £22.3m and after the estimated use of £14.7m in 2023/24, this will leave a balance of £7.6m for budget pressures which may materialise in future years.”
The council also benefited from a £17.7m refund in unspent transport funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, agreed in October.
The report said that while the overall situation had improved, there was still a £12m shortfall in the required savings, mainly due to rising costs for children’s social care.
Freezes on non-essential spending, recruitment, agency and overtime spend remained in place.
The report said: “Any adverse variation to a balanced budget position at the year-end will require further savings to be identified for 2024/25.”
Councils must balance their annual budgets to avoid having to issue a section 114 notice, effectively declaring themselves bankrupt.
The report added: “This current and future financial climate for local government represents a significant risk to Leeds City Council’s priorities and ambitions.”
Decision: Leeds Civic Hall.
Funding bid for specialist therapy team
The future of a specialist therapy service for troubled families remains undecided as the council awaits the outcome of a funding bid.
The council planned to axe its Multi-Systemic Therapy Child Abuse and Neglect (MST-CAN) team as part of multi-million pound budget cuts.
The service provides intensive therapy over six to nine months for families with child protection concerns, also addressing trauma and substance misuse issues.
Fears were raised that scrapping MST-CAN, a move which would save £330,000, would lead to more children ending up in the care system.
Leeds City Council said it worked with MST UK, which provides training for specialist therapy teams, to find alternative funding for the service.
A council spokesperson said: “In the context of the extreme financial pressures the council faces, we are having to consider a number of difficult decisions.
“However in the case of MST-CAN we have actively sought out a possible funding opportunity, working with MST UK.”
MST-CAN in Leeds had the equivalent of 5.2 full-time staff, who were still being consulted on the future of the service.
The spokesperson added: “MST UK, the national lead for multi systemic therapy programmes, have submitted a bid for money on behalf of a number of local authority programmes, Leeds being one of them.
“We are still awaiting the outcome of this bid, and are currently in a period of staff engagement that will help inform our decision on the future of the programme.”
Voters in Pudsey Ward will go to the polls on Thursday May 2, 2024 for the Leeds City Council elections. One councillor will be elected.
Voters are reminded that photo ID is needed to vote at polling stations. More details here.
Your West Leeds Dispatch has attempted to contact candidates asking them for a statement of up to 300 words and a head and shoulders photograph to help you decide who to vote for. Here are their responses…
Ahmed, Riaz: Labour Party
32 Moorland Grove, Pudsey, LS28 8EP
Riaz Ahmed.
I love living in Pudsey, but I want to help us make Pudsey, Swinnow & Tyersal even better. I’m standing to be your councillor to help make a difference.
I’m a local community champion, regularly supporting local causes such as Pudsey Foodbank, regularly attending police community meetings and campaigning to get the best deal for our area, including to save local bus services from cuts and community centres.
I stood as your Councillor last year and narrowly missed out by just 159 votes. After encouragement from residents across our community, I’m standing again because I know that as your voice on Leeds City Council I could achieve so much more.
My pledges to you are:
Standing up for local residents and businesses through the Conservative cost of living crisis.
Making our streets safer by tackling anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving.
Campaigning for the best local services including better access to health services,
Fighting for more frequent and reliable public transport to ensure our bus and rail services connect our community.
Championing our local community bringing residents together and nurturing our green spaces.
Continue to stand for the protection of green belt areas, such as Tyersal and Tong village which are in Bradford district. I will use the influence of Labour Party and mine to protect green belt.
I promise if you elect me on the 2 May, I will be a strong, local champion for Pudsey, Swinnow & Tyersal. I will be a hard- working Councillor all year round, not just popping up at election time. I will hold regular surgeries to be open and accessible to residents, and keep you updated with regular newsletters.
Together with Rachel Reeves, your Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Leeds West and Pudsey, we will always fight for you.
On so many doorsteps you’ve told me you want and are ready for change in Pudsey ward. Only avote for Labour (Riaz Ahmed) can bring the change.
Glover, Christine: Liberal Democrats
3 Harker Terrace, Stanningley, Pudsey, LS28 6BL.
Christine has been a long-term local resident.
Her involvement in local conservation groups and as a school governor has led her to appreciate the need for local communities to have a bigger say in how their environment and services are delivered.
Liberal Democrats’ commitment to localism and putting communities in control led Christine to volunteer to be a candidate for the party.
Seary, Dawn: Conservative Party
4 Victoria Rise, Pudsey, LS28 7SU
Dawn Seary
It’s been a privilege to represent my home town for the last three years. In that time we’ve made real progress.
We have secured funding for leisure centre upgrades with new equipment, invested in all our parks and green spaces, our playgrounds have been completely transformed and I’m looking forward to the ice cream hut in Pudsey Park reopening soon.
If re-elected I’ll keep backing our residents, our hardworking volunteers and our amazing businesses who all make our area what it is. My job is to challenge the decisions that are made by the council, protect our green spaces, and make sure our voices are heard!
I’ll hold the Mayor to account, making sure we get police back on our streets; working with and investing in youth services and tackling those shops which contribute to the anti-social behaviour in our bus station.
Being a councillor is about so much more than just the ‘glitter’; I’m supporting vulnerable families across the ward needing help with special educational needs, and demanding answers from the council when they’re ignored. I’m assisting with housing repairs, getting potholes fixed, and supporting school applications so that children can attend their local schools.
We now have diggers in the ground, with new council housing to be built on the brownfield site off Hough Top – building the houses we need without destroying green spaces, and listening to local residents to make sure we build it right first time.
You have a big decision to make in May. Another Labour councillor in Leeds ready to toe their party’s line or to support my plan for lower Council tax and meaningful investment in our area.
I’ll continue to remain open, honest and transparent. So, let’s keep our community on the right track; vote Dawn Seary on May 2.
Ward, Suzanne: Green Party
Address in Leeds.
Whitehead, Andrea: Reform UK
Address in Leeds.
Andrea Whitehead
My name is Andrea Whitehead and I’m proud to be standing for election as a councillor for the Reform Party in Pudsey.
I am a retired business woman and in recent years have been interested in politics. I’m truly dismayed by the state of local services and the woefully inadequate city councils, mostly run by Labour.
I’m especially concerned about policing and the crime level in Pudsey and the police force’s apathetic attitude towards petty crime and the rise in crime amongst young people. Reform have a zero tolerance towards crime.
The state of the roads seem to be another area of concern, which seems to be not just a local issue, and I would work hard to keep the motorist on the road and speak out against anti-motorist policies.
Wasteful council spending is out of control, council tax just goes up and up and Labour Leeds City Council focuses on vanity projects that cost the hard-working tax payers dearly. There needs to be more transparency and accountability.
Pudsey already has a good community spirit and I would hope to make a difference to the people of Pudsey. I think it’s important to listen to people’s concerns and do the best to try and find a solution to them.
Thanks for reading, please vote Reform – and don’t forget your ID!
Voters in Armley Ward will go to the polls on Thursday May 2, 2024 for the Leeds City Council elections. Voters will be electing one councillor.
Voters are reminded that photo ID is needed to vote at polling stations. More details here.
Your West Leeds Dispatch has attempted to contact all candidates asking them for a statement of up to 300 words and a head and shoulders photograph to help you decide who to vote for. Here are their responses…
Banks, Richard: Labour Party
2 Middle Cross Street, Armley, Leeds LS12 1NR
Richard Banks.
Armley is my home. It is where I was born, went to school and where I raised my family.
My name is Richard Banks and I am standing as the Labour candidate for Armley Ward in the 2024 local elections.
After leaving school I became an apprentice plumber and, as a result of my experience at work, I became involved in the trade union movement. I became a full-time union representative because I wanted to stand up for working people.
Now retired, I am standing as your councillor because I want to give back to the community that has given me so much.
I am making five pledges:
To support local residents and our local economy through the Conservative cost of living crisis.
Campaigning for better housing and holding rogue landlords accountable. I am fully behind our local Labour campaign to introduce selective landlord licensing in Armley.
Making our streets safer by working with the police and local groups to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving,.
To fight for more frequent and reliable public transport to ensure our buses and rail services connect our community.
Championing our community – bringing local people together and nurturing our green spaces. I am determined to clean up our streets of litter and fly tipping and make Armley a place to be proud of.
On 2 May, you have a chance to send a message to this failing Conservative government that it is time for change. Only a vote for Labour can deliver the change we need.
A vote for me is a vote for a strong, local community representative. I will work hard, all year round, to serve residents across Armley, New Wortley, Victoria Park and the Spring Valleys. I want to do you proud. Please elect me as your councillor.
Bettney, Warwick: Social Democratic Party
44 Salisbury Road, Armley LS12 2BH.
Cunningham, Lou: Green Party
8 Arksey Terrrace, Armley, LS12 2NQ.
Lou Cunningham
I am delighted to be standing as the Green candidate for Armley. Last year I came within 185 votes of being elected.
I love Armley. I have lived on the Aviaries for almost 20 years, made it my home and raised my son here. I work part-time as a nurse for the NHS and I have been an active campaigner for local communities in Armley for many years, working alongside local voluntary groups and organisations including Friends of Armley and Gott’s Park and the Armley Action Team.
Issues that matter to me, especially as a mum and a nurse, are health and social care, family and youth provision and the environment. Other areas which I feel are at the heart of community wellbeing are housing and community safety.
I have remained active within our community on the issues which you have told me matter the most, including:
• Community Safety
• Housing
• Cleaner Neighbourhoods
• Road Safety and measures to reduce speeding
• Protecting our green spaces
If you vote for my return as an Armley councillor, I would be able to have a direct impact on these issues.
I have a proven track record for making a difference in Armley and hope that you will trust me to continue the work that I have started. I promise that I will continue to be available to hear your concerns and ideas and to work with and for our community.
As a Green councillor I would be free to be a strong, independent voice for our area and to speak up and put Armley ahead of party politics on Leeds City Council.
Armley is my home and my heartland and I still have more to give.
If you would like me to be your councillor, working in the best interests of Armley for the next four years then please vote to elect me on 2 May.
Martins, Rachel: Yorkshire Party
Address in Bradford.
Armley has the second-highest crime rate in Leeds. I support more frontline police to crackdown on anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, road offences and all crime. Tory cuts nationally and Labour’s mismanagement locally, have let Armley down.
Armley demands focused attention to improve essential services and enhance residents’ quality of life. To lower prices and rents, we need the right homes in the right places with new infrastructure – GPs, dentists, transport and schools. We need more social housing, starter homes and retirement homes. I support help for insulation and solar power for new and existing homes to help lower energy bills.
The Yorkshire Party wants to introduce a Yorkshire Travel Pass, to reduce fares across buses and trains, and end cross-border penalties and peak-time hikes. We need more bus services with better reliability.
I also support a West Yorkshire Metro with elevated and underground sections to cut through congestion. London got Crossrail, West Yorkshire deserves a metro.
Please support me and the Yorkshire Party, to pave the way for a brighter future rooted in Yorkshire values of community, fairness, and prosperity.
Walker, Dan: Liberal Democrats
Address in Leeds.
Dan Walker, Liberal Democrat
I came to Leeds from Leicester in 1996 for University, and loved it so much I stayed. I am committed to equality, and passionate about liberty and social justice.
I want to serve on the council to improve transport, education and housing for Armley and the rest of the city. I am also keen that successful community-led projects such as the New Wortley Community Centre are supported and encouraged by the council.
On a wider level, the political system needs to take decisions nearer to the people, and proper devolution to the regions and a fairer electoral system are important elements of that. People must have some control over the decisions that affect them.
I have lived in West Leeds since 2007 and currently live in Armley. I work at the University of Leeds for the National Centre for Atmospheric Science as a computer programmer.
Westwood, Adam: Conservative Party
Address in Leeds.
Adam Westwood.
As we approach the upcoming local elections, I’m humbled by the opportunity to represent you as the Conservative candidate for Armley. Having been part of Leeds since 2018 and having worked within Armley, I’ve witnessed firsthand the untapped potential and the pressing needs of our community.
I stand before you with a sincere commitment to serving your best interests and ensuring that Armley flourishes under responsible governance. The decision to run to represent you stems from my deep belief in our community’s resilience and the boundless opportunities that lie ahead.
It’s imperative to acknowledge the challenges we face, particularly in the wake of seven Labour-run councils across the country declaring bankruptcy since 2017. This is a stark reminder of the importance of sound fiscal management and effective leadership at the local level. Conservative-run councils have consistently demonstrated their ability to deliver essential services while keeping council tax down, ultimately easing the burden on hardworking residents like yourselves.
As your representative, I pledge to prioritise three key areas:
Cleaner and safer Armley: Implementing proactive measures to enhance cleanliness and safety in our neighborhoods, ensuring that every resident feels secure and proud to call Armley home.
Regeneration and redevelopment: Spearheading initiatives to revitalise our community, breathe new life into neglected areas, and create vibrant spaces where families can thrive.
Investment to bring in local jobs: Championing policies that attract investment, foster entrepreneurship, and pave the way for sustainable economic growth, thus creating more opportunities for local employment.
I urge you to consider the track record of responsible governance and the vision for a brighter future that the Conservative Party represents. Your vote on May 2 will shape the trajectory of our community for years to come, and I am dedicated to earning your trust and delivering results for Armley.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to serving you with integrity, diligence, and a steadfast commitment.
Voters in Calverley & Farsley Ward will go to the polls on Thursday May 2, 2024 for the Leeds City Council elections. One councillor will be elected.
Voters are reminded that photo ID is needed to vote at polling stations. More details here.
Your West Leeds Dispatch has attempted to contact candidates asking them for a statement of up to 300 words and a head and shoulders photograph to help you decide who to vote for. Here are their responses…
Carter, Amanda: Conservative Party
15 Clarke Street, Calverley, Pudsey LS28 5NH
Amanda Carter.
Local elections should be about improving our communities and looking after constituents’ interests, what you do in the community you live in, not politics.
My priorities are directed by local residents and what they want to see, for example: the average speed cameras on the A647/Ring Road, Ring Road improvements, a bridge between Farsley and Calverley, the new Parklife development at Woodhall will see better pitches for sport and relieve parking problems, saving Pudsey Civic Hall – but most importantly standing up for local residents with individual issues and going the extra mile, to try and resolve them.
Road safety – I am determined to do my best to make sure the council takes measures to stop speeding and rat running through residential areas. We can’t afford any more bad accidents, near misses or fatalities.
Young people – Through my work with disabled children and young people with learning difficulties, I understand the problems parents and carers face. I will always fight to get children the help they need, whether that is with Educational Health & Care Plans, school appeals or other support.
Anti-social behaviour and crime – I will continue to work with the Police and urge them to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and criminality. Our area must be safe for all age groups.
Protecting our environment– I will continue to speak out and oppose unnecessary development on our Green Belt and green fields. The Council will be publishing sites they want to see developed over the next 15 years. We must preserve our green environment to pass on to future generations and house building should be on brown field sites, of which there are still plenty.
Protecting our basic services– road repairs and refuse collection are issues where the Council performs badly and I will hold them to account.
Graham, Ellen: Green Party
Address in Leeds.
Ellen Graham.
I am happy to be standing in this ward again as your Green Party candidate. I have lived in this ward for the past seven years and it would be an honour to represent this area on the council.
The Greens have more than quadrupled our number of councillors around the country in the last few years and expect more gains on 2 May. We seek community-led initiatives and solutions that deliver for residents, the environment, and the local economy. More and more voters are recognising the positive difference that Greens can make in local decision-making.
For me this includes:
improving public transport by protecting and restoring key bus routes through our ward, and promoting well-planned active travel options
influencing local planning decisions to ensure that our communities can develop in a sustainable way with the right housing in the right places, properly connected to public services and businesses
building safer communities by working effectively with the police and others to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
Green councillors are committed to working collaboratively with different stakeholders and other political parties to put our communities first.
Greens will never be forced to toe the party line and I will always be free to be a strong voice on Leeds City Council able to stand up for what is best for the different areas of this ward.
McLeod, Stuart: Liberal Democrats
107 Old Road, Farsley, LS28 5BR.
I moved to Yorkshire in 2015, and I have lived in Farsley since 2019.
I currently work in energy and sustainability, having previously held operational and project management roles in retail. However, I started my career as an aircraft technician in the RAF, during which time I served in Afghanistan and on exercise in the UK and Kenya.
I am also a keen runner, cyclist and swimmer, but importantly Dad to a six-month-old son. I am committed to equality, environmentalism, community and internationalism.
I want to serve on the Council to improve public transport, education, protect green spaces and provide a voice for local communities in times of austerity.
Too often we are told ‘there is no money’, however this is often used to conceal a lack of political will to make the decisions that will benefit the many over the few.
I personally fund a bursary scheme for mature students at Lancaster University, I am a member of the environmental action group for the Catholic Diocese of Leeds, I sit on a committee of the Energy Institute and I have recently been appointed to a voluntary role on the board of governors for Leeds Trinity University.
If elected, I would leverage my passion for voluntary community participation to champion policies that encourage grassroots community-led projects across the Leeds City Region.
I have lived in and been involved our community for many years – as former landlord of the Calverley Arms for 10 years, as well as being active in many local community groups and campaigns.
My wife and I love our home here. We enjoy walks along the canal through Rodley, spending time with our son in Calverley Park, and frequenting the fantastic independent businesses on Farsley Town Street.
This is the place where we are proud to raise our son who attends one of our local schools, where I am also chair of the PTA.
I am not a career politician – I want to be your councillor because I love our community and I want to make it an even better place to grow up, work and live.
I have spent countless hours speaking with residents right across the ward to discuss their ideas for making our area better.
If elected as your councillor my priorities will be:
Supporting our local economy by encouraging local businesses to create jobs and attract investment – especially in those areas with fewer facilities.
Working to combat crime and anti-social behaviour; and to make our roads safer.
Fighting for better services for all in our community, from youth services to groups for older people, to transport links.
Campaigning for the right housing locally – alongside investment in local infrastructure such as local healthcare facilities, well-maintained roads, and our parks and green spaces.
Championing our community spirit by supporting local groups, events and activities.
I promise to be a strong voice for all our areas across Calverley, Farsley, Pudsey, Rodley, Stanningley, Thornbury and Woodhall. I will work hard for you all year round, not just at election time. I hope I can count on your support.
Organisers of the popular Pudsey Doll and Teddy Fair have cancelled their events at Pudsey Civic Hall this year amid uncertainty over the venue’s long-term future – and have moved to Brighouse.
Leeds City Council is proposing to close Pudsey Civic Hall in a bid to save money, but has said no final decision has been taken while officers analyse the responses to a public consultation on the issue. Should the decision to close it go ahead, the facility would not close before December.
But the situation appears to be affecting future bookings. Organisers of the Pudsey Doll and Toy Fair have posted an announcement on their website stating that council has not been clear on what is happening to the venue. As a result organisers have cancelled the event scheduled for Saturday, 20 April, and moved their scheduled October event to a venue in Brighouse. They also – wrongly – state that the Civic Hall will definitely close.
“As many of you are probably already aware, the Pudsey Civic Hall will be closing towards the end of this year!” the organisers wrote. “It has been made very difficult, as the council has not been very clear on what is happening, causing us much confusion. So we feel we cannot safely run the April show.
“It is still unclear as to when The Pudsey Civic Hall will definitely close. Therefore, we have made the difficult decision to move the fair as of now!
“This has been a very difficult time for the Doll and Teddy team, but we do feel it’s the right decision.”
One local resident aware of the situation contacted WLD this week to say that the proposed closure will become an ‘inevitable self-fulfilling prophecy’ unless the council deals with bookings effectively.
A Leeds City Council spokeswoman told WLD: “As we have said previously, Pudsey Civic Hall will continue to remain open and honour all existing and any new bookings made until at least the end of December 2024, which is the earliest point it could close.
“We have been liaising with booking holders and service users to make them aware of this, and will ensure we have a plan in place ahead of time if a final decision is taken to close the building.”
Last week WLD fact-checked a misleading social media post which originally suggested that the decision to close Pudsey Civic Hall had already been taken due to last month’s vote to approve the council budget.
The council is proposing to close the facility as it seeks to slash £60m from its overall budget this financial year. The proposals have been met with local opposition.
The Pudsey Doll and Teddy Fair will feature 45 stalls at Bailiff Bridge Community Centre, Victoria Road, Bailiff Bridge, Brighouse HD6 4DX on Sunday, 20 October 2024, from 10am-3pm. More details here.
Voters in Kirkstall Ward will go to the polls on Thursday May 2, 2024 for the Leeds City Council elections. One councillor will be elected.
Voters are reminded that photo ID is needed to vote at polling stations. More details here.
Your West Leeds Dispatch has attempted to contact candidates asking them for a statement of up to 300 words and a head and shoulders photograph to help you decide who to vote for. Here are their responses…
Kirkstall, Burley and Hawksworth deserve a committed local advocate who is prepared to challenge a Labour Party which takes our communities for granted.
I have lived here and been involved in the community for several years, including volunteering for the Kirkstall Festival, so I have seen the problems facing our area first-hand. If elected, I will fight for a fair deal for local businesses, better public transport, and a big push to end homelessness in our city.
Our high streets have been hit hard by the pandemic, and now suffer skyrocketing energy costs. That is why I am proud to join the Liberal Democrat campaign to end unfair business rates, giving our shops, hair salons and pubs a much-needed boost. Instead, commercial landlords, who benefit from rising property values, will pay their fair share.
It is well-known locally that Leeds is the largest city in Western Europe to not have a metro system, forcing commuters onto roads. As I have for years, I will continue to call for the reintroduction of trams, but in the meantime I will explore every option to solve the traffic chaos at our busiest junctions and stop back streets being used as “rat runs”.
Homelessness is a blight which shouldn’t affect Leeds in the 21st century. The Liberal Democrat solution is simple: we have a national target to build 150,000 new social homes. In Leeds, we will replenish our council housing stock and get desperate families off waiting lists.
The Liberal Democrat record in local government is exemplary. For example, nine out of the top ten councils in England for recycling are run by Lib Dems. Labour-run Leeds, by comparison, ranks a terrible 253rd place. Where Liberal Democrats are elected, we work hard and get results for our communities, and that’s what I will do.
Long, Stuart
4 Stanmore Grove, Leeds, LS4 2RJ.
Stuart Long. Photo: David Spereall
I’ve lived in Kirkstall for over 40 years, attending the old Beecroft Primary and Kirkstall Middle Schools locally. I’ve known the great beauty that Kirkstall has and the amazing places like the Abbey that we have on our doorstep with its glorious greenspaces and am proud to call Kirkstall home.
As with any area, however, it does have issues.
Sadly, Kirkstall has been let down over the last 14 years and with little to no investment in the road infrastructure we can all see the roads straining and groaning across the ward that has led to many accidents at major junctions in the centre of Kirkstall, development of housing to private land developers has been prioritised rather than correcting the traffic issues that are so badly needed to be addressed, I have been campaigning on this matter with seniorofficers
I have also led a bus campaign for better services across Leeds since the Fairer Fares campaign that led a petition to Parliament in 2011, I’ve been campaigning all year for the re-establishment of the water levels to the Goit running through the ward as well as speaking with senior council officers to clean up drastically neglected streets in and around local schools and nurseries to provide improved access for families as well as elderly residents to local chemists and doctors.
I continue to campaign for Radon gas levels to be addressed in social as well as private housing across Leeds to improve the health of all, this led to referrals to the council’s Environment, Housing & Communities scrutiny board for investigation.
This election day, make your voice heard and your votes count. I have a proven track record of helping local families with local issues and am passionate for a better Kirkstall for all.
Smith, Victoria: Green Party
Address in Leeds.
Victoria Smith.
Hello Kirkstall and Burley.
I’m privileged to be your Green Party candidate on Thursday 2 May. I love Kirkstall and have lived here for 19 years. In 2022, it was special to be married in Kirkstall Abbey.
If elected, I will work to improve our area for the needs of local people.
Bin collections have become an increasing frustration. This is due to a combination of on-street parking and cuts to local council budgets. Bin lorries should be able to access local roads.
Drivers idling outside schools remains problematic. I will work with councillors of all parties, teachers and parents to address this.
Leeds-Bradford Airport have lost its application to expand night flights. I miss flying, but have been active in securing this as part of a local group for four years.
For our energy needs, I will back solar panel installation on all new build homes and push for retro-fitting. This will help with the cost of living and produce well paid sustainable jobs.
We are lucky to have amazing NHS staff. Many live in our ward and I would publicly like to say thank you. They deserve proper working conditions and pay. I support NHS strikes.
We live in a lovely part of Leeds and that includes access to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath. We need more benches and bins along our popular Kirkstall and Burley stretch. Thank you.
Tival, John: Trade Unionist And Socialist Coalition
19b The Village Street, Leeds LS4 2PR.
John Tival
I have lived in Leeds for several years and have been an active member of the community during this time. This includes my involvement with the Socialist Party (Leeds branch), which led to my involvement in the Palestinian demos recently in Leeds.
TUSC are campaigning against the ongoing austerity facing residents in Leeds – yet again we are being asked in this year’s council budget to pay more for less.
There is a crisis of local government funding, which needs radical change. But saying this is not enough – the council needs to act. It should work with trade unions and community groups to demand the funding for the services we need, and in the meantime use its reserves and borrowing powers to maintain services in the short-term rather than putting an extra £3m into council reserves in this year’s budget.
I am particularly supporting the campaign to Save Little Owls nurseries established by parents across the city. Teo Little Owls nurseries in Kirkstall ward are under threat of transfer to other providers, including potential privatization. These are Hawksworth Wood and Burley Park Little Owls – I would encourage everyone to sign the parent’s petition – www.change.org/savelittleowls.
Unfortunately – none of the opposition parties on the council even tried to put amendments opposing these cuts in the Labour council’s budget.
I have also been taking part in demonstrations against the brutal onslaught on Gaza. The tragedy of innocent civilians in Israel being killed on the 7th October, has been compounded by the over 30,000 now dead in Gaza. The opposition of political leaders like Sunak and Starmer to a ceasefire until recently, and still supporting arms sales to Israel, shows the need on this issue as well for political change.
Venner, Fiona Elizabeth: Labour Party
12 De Lacy Mount, Lirkstall, Leeds LS5 3JF.
Fiona Venner.
As a long-term Kirkstall resident, I’m delighted to be standing for re-election as your Labour candidate.
Since being elected in 2014, I’ve been a passionate and energetic campaigner. This has included campaigning for the new playground on West Park fields and the refurbishment of the Wolsley Road playground, fighting for new zebra crossings on Queenswood Drive and Spen Lane and the new crossing point on Morris Lane/Spen Lane and working with residents to set up community groups and improve local green spaces.
Much councillor casework involves supporting families on the front line of the housing crisis and I’m an effective and determined advocate.
I’m the Cabinet Member on Leeds City Council for Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships, having previously led Adult Social Care. This involves being a champion for some of the most vulnerable people in Leeds. My role includes being the lead for looked after children and care leavers, Children’s Centres and Children’s Social Care.
I’m particularly interested in mental health and worked in mental health services for 25 years, including 15 years as the Chief Executive of Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service.
I love cats and dogs and am often found running in the Abbey grounds with my neighbours’ dog, Dookie.
My pledges are to continue to:
support individuals, children and families in need of housing or rehousing and campaign for a better deal for renters,
work with colleagues and local residents in tackling the Climate Emergency, including campaigning for better public transport,
develop our green spaces including better playground and play facilities at Kirkstall Abbey and on Queenswood Fields,
work with colleagues and local communities in tackling graffiti, fly tipping and dog fouling,
run regular surgeries and attend meetings of Kirkstall residents’ groups, so I can accurately represent your views.
