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In photos: Bramley and Kirkstall blossom between rain and winds

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Photo: Susan Tellum

Photographer Susan Tellum has been out and about with her camera to capture Bramley and Kirkstall in between April sunshine, wind and rain.

Here’s a slideshow of her photos:

  • Photo: Susan Tellum

If you have any photos of West Leeds to share, please e-mail them to news@westleedsdispatch.com.

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New food bank set to open in West Leeds

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St John's Church, Wortley. Photo: Katherine Turner

By Katherine Turner

St John’s Church in Wortley has stepped up to create a new food bank after nearby Farnley’s food bank closed. 

There is an increased demand for food banks, close to 3 million emergency food parcels were distributed by food banks in the Trussell Trust network in the last 12 months. Between April 2022 and March 2023 the number of people using a food bank for the first time was 760,000.

The Reverend Chris Balding told WLD: “We’re really looking forward to partnering with the Leeds North and West Trussell Trust to host a food bank at St John’s.

“It has started for two reasons, Cllr Mark Sewards approached us as the food bank in Farnley was closing and asked if we’d be interested in running a foodbank. We’re also really keen to run the foodbank as there is so much need around at the moment and the teachings of Jesus tell us to love our neighbour.”

Working together with The Trussell Trust volunteers are undergoing training on 15 April, with the food bank opening on 22 April. It will be open at St John’s church every Monday between 12pm and 2pm.

Volunteers are always welcome. The Trussell Trust said they are looking for people to be the welcoming face of the food bank, to enjoy meeting people and be friendly and caring while supporting those in crisis.

The church hopes to offer additional help to those in need. Rev Balding added: “To be able to offer our church building to be used to serve the community and provide a space for welcome and hospitality is part of our vision going forwards. We’ll be helping anyone experiencing food poverty.

“We’re also hoping to have Money Buddies come in to offer simple money skills to those who come and use the foodbank. There is so much need at the moment this is our small way of playing our part in seeking to create a more just society and ensuring that the church is serving the community around us. If people want to get involved the best way is via the Trussell Trust website.”

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Toothless Farsley Celtic crash to Darlington defeat

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Photo: Josh Makin

By John Baron

Here we go again. Farsley Celtic face a do or die final day relegation fight for the third successive season after they crashed to a 3-1 defeat at Darlington yesterday.

The Celts kept Darlington at bay during the first half, but second half goals from Jake Lawlor, Aiden Rutledge and Cedric Main secured a crucial three points for the Quakers despite a goal from Ben Atkinson to giving The Celts hope to make it 2-1.

The result secured Darlington’s place in the division but means Farsley sit fourth from bottom and in the final National League North relegation spot, level on 50 points with fifth bottom Blyth Spartans with just one game to play.

If Blyth win their final game of the season against promotion chasing Brackley next Saturday then they’re safe no matter what Farsley do due to their superior goal difference. If Blyth drop points, then Farsley need to better their result to stay up. Either way, it’s win or bust for The Celts.

Yesterday saw Darlington complete their own great escape in front of a bumper crowd of 2,261. Second bottom and seemingly destined for the Northern Premier League at the turn of the year, Steve Watson and Terry Mitchell came in and have led Quakers to an incredible 12 wins in the remainder of the season.

Darlington were simply the better footballing side yesterday in a windspoilt game against a Farsley team with a patched-up defence and who had skipper Chris Atkinson as an unused substitute due to an ongoing hip injury. Danny Ellis, who was pressed into his first start of the season on Tuesday, picked up an injury in warm up and was replaced by Ryan Watson before kick off.

The first half saw Darlington edge play and create the better chances, without really testing Zan Luk Leban in goal.

The second half, however, was one-way traffic with The Celts struggling against the home side’s movement, while looking toothless up front.

The Quakers deservedly took the lead nearly ten minutes in when Lawlor out jumped the Farsley defence and his downward header from a soft set piece found its way past Leban and into the back of the net.

The lead was doubled on the hour mark when Rutledge collected the ball on the edge of the box before unleashing a thunderous strike into the top right corner, giving Leban no chance.

Farsley mustered their first attempt on target with 20 minutes left to play when captain Conor Branson’s glancing header from a set piece was saved by Young.

The Celts then found a lifeline on 83 minutes when Ben Atkinson found space on the right side of the box, before pulling the trigger and beating Young in Darlo’s goal to set a few hearts fluttering among the home support.

Farsley pushed numbers up without creating anything, and in stoppage time they were caught on the break. After a superb save from Leban and a heroic goal-line clearance from Assenso, Cedric Main collected the ball and smashed in Darlington’s third to put the result beyond doubt and secure his teams’ survival.

Farsley Celtic’s fate in National League North will be decided on Saturday against Buxton and The Celts will need a big crowd behind them if they’re to pull off their own final-day great escape for the third season coming. Tickets can be bought in advance here, or you can pay on the day.

West Leeds planning applications: 14 April 2024

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

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

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward

Decided applications

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

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

  • None decided.

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

  • None decided.

Pudsey Ward

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Family homes refused planning off Rodley Roundabout

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This land next to Oaklands Hand Car Wash at Rodley Roundabout could have become housing. Photo: Google

‘Poorly designed’ and ‘inappropriate’ plans for seven new detached family houses on disused and overgrown land off Rodley Roundabout have been refused planning permission.

Mr Zaffar Iqbal applied to build the four-bedroom homes next to Oaklands Service Station, off the Outer Ring Road. 

But 35 letters of objection were received, including objection comments from Calverley & Farsley councillors Andrew Carter and Peter Carlill. The main concerns surrounded access onto the Ring Road near the busy junction, as well as overdevelopment and the dominance of the proposed houses.

A Leeds City Council planning officer’s report refused the application, stating: “The Local Planning Authority considered the proposals represent a poor design and over development with a contrived and constrained layout. The design and typology of the proposed properties is considered inappropriate for the context of the existing area.

“The proposals are considered to create excessive bulk and mass with a confused appearance providing inadequate space about the dwellings.”

Similar plans for eight detached houses were withdrawn by the same developer last August, following a number of objections.

A planning statement by the applicant accompanying the application had stated: “The proposed development site is a vacant and derelict parcel of land. It offers an opportunity to bring it into effective use by the construction of seven dwellings, which would enhance the local environment and contribute towards the Leeds strategy for housing.”

The plans and associated reports can be viewed in full here.

Armley to hold local election hustings

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Voters living in the Armley ward have a chance to put their questions to local election candidates at a special hustings event next week.

Leeds City Council elections are being held on Thursday, 2 May 2024 where residents can vote for the person they want to represent them on the council.

The hustings is being held at Denison Hall on Tuesday, 16 April. Doors open at 6.30pm and proceedings will start at 7.30pm.

One of the organisers, Cat Hyde, said: “We are a group of Armley residents conscious of the local election coming quickly. Armley is a very mixed and active community but as a deprived inner city area we face lots of issues and therefore leadership and representation are extremely important to us.

“We are keen to hear from all of the candidates in order to make an informed decision of who is the best person to help lead and shape our community. So far Lou Cunningham (Green Party) and Richard Banks (Labour) have confirmed their attendance.”

Questions can be submitted in advance via e-mail – armleyparkfriends@gmail.com – or on the night.

The hustings chair is impartial.

Full list of Armley ward candidates:

  • Banks, Richard Denis: Labour Party
  • Bettney, Warwick Charles: Social Democratic Party
  • Cunningham, Lou: Green Party
  • Martins, Rachel: Yorkshire Party
  • Walker, Dan: Liberal Democrats
  • Westwood, Adam Vincent James: Conservative Party

People need to register by midnight on Tuesday (April 16), including those who have moved home and need to register at their new address.They can do so here.

People are also being reminded that voter identification is needed to vote in person at a polling station in the election on Thursday, May 2.

If needed, a photo ID can be obtained by applying for a Voter Authority Certificate and the deadline is 5pm on Wednesday, April 24. People can apply here. Help can also be found by asking at community hubs across the city.

Special milestone for Jean, the Bramley parkrun queen

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Achievement; Bramley parkrun queen Jean Hollings

By Vickie Jamieson

Last Saturday Bramley parkrun witnessed something pretty special – the celebration of a 500th volunteer milestone.

Jean Hollings, who is the current event director for Bramley parkrun, has now volunteered at parkrun on 500 separate occasions, which is quite impressive when you think that parkrun is a weekly activity. 

In total Jean has volunteered at Bramley parkrun 325 times, Bramley junior parkrun 157 and volunteered at various other parkrun locations across the UK and Ireland including Temple Newsam, Catterick, Fulham Palace, Vogrie in Scotland and Queens in Ireland. 

Jean has been managing parkrun at Bramley almost seven years, and with the exception of shutting down for Covid-19 and closure while the park facilities were renovated Jean has lead the Bramley parkrun team since 2017. 

In that time there have been some memorable experiences such as hosting ‘Cowfest’. Due to another Leeds parkrun having to cancel Bramley had two weeks’ notice for Cowfest North 2022 – May. (This is where many parkrun tourists visit a specific venue.) It was a tight deadline but the Bramley team rose to the challenge and loved having the tourists and a life size yellow cow.

And there was St Gemma’s Santa dash December 2023 which saw a huge crowd of Santas (volunteers and participants dress in Santa suits) running around the park – whilst having fun and raising money. 

But that’s not it. Jean is involved in a number of other local groups and causes such as Bramley Elderly Action and BrAmazon deliveries (she’s also. community reporter for WLD). And she has been privileged to receive a few awards, including the WLD Good Egg winner for January 2018, Parkrun UK volunteer of the Month June 2018 and Morrisons (Horsforth) nominated Jean for being an inspirational woman at Bramley parkrun and Bramley Junior parkrun March 2022.

Jean makes sure that she also gets involves in parkrun as a participant having completed 53 parkruns at 21 different locations; she really is the Queen of Parkrun. 

Parkrun has made a big difference to Jean’s life and she says that Saturday mornings are not the same when she’s not at Bramley.

She said: “The runners and volunteers make such a difference and make the whole experience so enjoyable. Seeing people arrive quiet and reserved and in a few weeks we help them celebrate their achievements as one of our own. I love to hear stories of how parkrun has changed their lives, giving them confidence to try different things or supporting them through difficult times.”

In fact there’s a saying at Bramley parkrun – that ‘Bramley is family’ and Jean says that is often echoed by visitors who regularly mention how friendly Bramley parkrun is.

Jean adds that she feels lucky that Bramley has such a dedicated group of regular volunteers who make up the parkrun team: “The parkrun team (volunteers and runners) are like an extended family, if truth be told I see them more than my own family.”

Thank you Queen Jean – from all your loyal parkrun subjects – long may she reign!

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Kirkstall: ‘No severe traffic impact’ from new Burger King drive-thru plans, says report

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The corner plot at Kirkstall Retail Park.

Council highways officers say plans for a new Burger King drive-thru restaurant won’t result in severe impact on an already congested road network in Kirkstall – subject to traffic signal improvements being implemented in the area.

As exclusively reported by WLD last year, real estate investment trust NewRiver Retail has submitted the single storey 190 sq m plan for the disused corner plot at Kirkstall Retail Park, next to Matalan, which previously had planning permission for two new retail units.

Developers say the new restaurant, off Savins Mill Way, would create 40 new jobs, but there are currently 19 objections to the proposals, mainly expressing concerns over it exacerbating existing traffic problems in the area.

One local objector said: “The road that provides main access to the whole site … is swamped by traffic on most days and gridlocked during rush-hour traffic. This development, if allowed, would further burden the collapsing local road network bringing further misery to Kirkstall residents.”

And civic watchdog Leeds Civic Trust says: “The proposal exemplifies everything the city is trying to discourage through its various strategies: reducing unnecessary vehicle traffic and encouraging active travel; reducing vehicle emissions which contribute to climate change; reducing air pollution; and improving health and well-being.”

WLD reported last week on a spate of crashes at the nearby four-way junction that connects Kirkstall Road, Abbey Road and Kirkstall Lane. There are going-stanidbning concerns over traffic congestion in the area.

A highways engineer’s report published on 4 April says: “It is considered that the development would not result in a severe impact, subject to mitigation being implemented to improve the junction’s signal timings / operation and technology.”

The report says a contribution of £30,000 is required by the developer for the signal improvements off Savins Mill Way.

“There are two lanes that would be over-saturated as a result of the development,” the report adds. “However these would not result in gridlock or exacerbating the conditions on the A65. The queues / delays would be concentrated on Savins Mill Way and the development access at Morrisons signalised junction. The future model includes altered timings, with the aim of tipping the balance of capacity towards maintaining service on the highway network.”

It also lists a number of other highways issues which are still to be resolved.

A planning statement submitted by the developers with the application states: “The scale of the building is able to facilitate take away customers, both an indoor and outdoor seating area for visitors as well as an adequately sized back of house area for staff to enable efficient service. 

“The proportions of the facades have been designed to provide a contemporary style building with more glazing, and therefore light, into the newly created spaces to create a modern and pleasant environment.”

The plans and reports can be viewed in full here.

It is un known when the application will be determined by Leeds City Council.

New project to help young entrepreneurs unlock their potential

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Sami Lovett, working with young people as part of a recent PIECES Project programme at a school in Leeds

A programme of activities and courses that will give young people in West Leeds and beyond many more opportunities to develop their creative and entrepreneurial skills has been launched.

The not-for-profit PIECES Project, which stands for ‘Positively Inspiring and Empowering Creative Enterprises with Sustainability’, has been developed by Sami Lovett, the founder of Just Lovett Design – which will be moving from Farsley to Rodley – and the woman behind the Creative Enterprise Challenge. 

This school holidays-based programme has, for the past two years, given young people between the ages of 11-18 the opportunity to work as a team to conceive a new sustainable product idea, learn the skills to make it, and create a business plan for it in the space of just five days.

Now, Sami is hoping to build on the success of this challenge with the PIECES Project by providing an expanded range of activities and programme format. She believes the new model will remove many of the practical barriers to children taking part in the extra-curricular initiative, giving parents and carers greater flexibility, and increasing inclusivity.

The concept of the Creative Enterprise Challenge, whereby young people work in small teams to create a start-up business and a product, will continue. But Sami will now be providing the programme in the community, rather than at her workshop in Farsley, and at various times throughout the year.

Sami said: “In the space of two years we have helped nearly 400 young people develop and helped to inspire the creation of 38 businesses!⁠ But we know we can do much more, and this is why I wanted to develop the Creative Enterprise Challenge in line with feedback from those who have taken part, as well as those who wanted to but couldn’t.

“The key to being able to take the project to the next level has been the support of our sponsors and the schools and businesses who have agreed to let us use their premises across the Leeds area. This means we are taking the programme into the community, making it more convenient for young people to take part.”

In addition to new locations for the programmes, Sami has developed a number of different courses and formats, and linked up with local Scouting groups to create a special programme for their members. 

The new structure means young people will be able to develop their creative and entrepreneurial skills in after school clubs and through six-week introductory courses, which will run over the first or second half of a school term. Courses that are accessible for younger children and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) children will also be planned into the calendar to ensure the barriers for taking part are removed.

Sami added: “I’m passionate about entrepreneurship having set up my own business at a relatively young age, but I don’t believe the regular school curriculum can support those young people who may want to start their own businesses. That’s why we’re working hard, supported by our generous sponsors, to provide extra-curricular activities to inspire young people, help them develop as individuals and thrive in their adult life.”

A variety of local businesses has been instrumental in providing funding and hands-on support to help the Creative Enterprise Challenge succeed, and they will continue to do so as it evolves into The PIECES Project. 

One major supporter is Morley Glass, a manufacturer of integral blinds for windows and doors. The company has funded free and subsidised places on the programmes for children from disadvantaged communities, and it donates hundreds of wooden boxes every month that would otherwise go to waste, which the children use as the main raw material to make their new products.

To find out more about the programmes and courses available within The PIECES Project, visit the website or e-mail sami@thepiecesproject.co.uk.

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Council: ‘No decision’ taken over future of Pudsey Civic Hall

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Under threat: Pudsey Civic Hall. Photo: Ivor Hughes

By John Baron

No final decision has been taken over the future of Pudsey Civic Hall, Leeds City Council has said today.

As previously reported, 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 venue, which was used by over 49,000 people in 2022-23, makes a ‘modest surplus’ but the council says it is consistently failing to meet income targets and is a “financial strain”.

The local authority’s statement follows a post widely viewed on social media which wrongly suggested that a decision taken at February’s full council meeting to approve the authority’s budget for the 2024-25 financial year meant that the facility would definitely close. The post has since been slightly amended.

In a statement issued to WLD, a Leeds City Council spokesperson said the council is still to study the findings of a public consultation into the future of the building, together with any additional correspondence with users and stakeholders of the building.

The spokesperson said: “The council first published initial budget proposals for the 2024/2025 financial year in December 2023 and agreed to start a series of consultations including on the proposed closure of Pudsey Civic Hall.  

“The vote in full council on Wednesday 21 February gave approval to proceed with the various reviews and consultations that are currently under way. No amenities or services will immediately close following the budget vote. 

“The decision to close a service or amenity will be taken in accordance with the council’s constitution via delegated decisions by chief officers, directors, or through a decision report presented to the executive board.

“Pudsey Civic Hall will continue to remain open and honour all existing and any new bookings made until the end of December 2024, which is the earliest point it could close. Before a final decision is taken, the council will study the findings of the public consultation, together with any additional correspondence with users and stakeholders of the building.

“If the final decision to close is taken Leeds City Council staff will work with booking holders and service users to ensure there is a plan in place well before the building closes.”

Tuesday’s amended social media post can be found here. A response from Councillor Peter Carlill can be found here.

WLD covered a lengthy debate on the future of Pudsey Civic Hall from the Outer West Community committee in February here, highlighting both criticism and concerns over the proposal as well as the council’s position.

WLD cutswatch

WLD has also been tracking council budget cuts in its Cutswatch series here.

You can also follow our coverage of the forthcoming May 2 local elections here.

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Forward Leeds launches cannabis edibles awareness campaign

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Campaign: Hannah Trevisani of Forward Leeds

Armley based alcohol and drug support service Forward Leeds is embarking on a campaign to raise awareness about cannabis, with a particular focus on cannabis edibles.

The campaign aims to help people understand what edibles are, the risks and to offer some advice around staying safe.

Hannah Trevisani, Team Manager at Forward Leeds said: “Cannabis edibles are increasingly in the news and there is a lot of information and misinformation out there. 

“Cannabis edibles can present challenges due to their discreet nature and potentially unpredictable potency. Some people may be wondering what they are, what the risks are and how can people keep themselves safe. We’re hoping to bust some of the myths, allay some concerns and increase people’s understanding.”

The campaign running this month employs online messaging and a series of in-person events held at various locations across Leeds. The major event will be a stall on Lands Lane in the city centre on the 20 April.

Through these Forward Leeds seeks to reach individuals of all ages and backgrounds, fostering open dialogue and promoting harm reduction strategies.

Hannah continued: “We hope people from across the city Forward Leeds will participate in the campaign, whether by attending our events or joining the conversation on social media using the hashtag #RespectTHC. By working together, we can promote informed decision-making and safeguard the well-being of our community.

For more information about the campaign and upcoming events, please visit the Forward Leeds website.

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Buffaloes bulletin: Bramley look to get season under way

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Buffaloes forward Elliot Carter.

By Paul Abraham

After having the first two matches of the season postponed the Bramley Buffaloes are looking forward to finally getting their season under way.  

With training sessions hitting new peaks of fitness and skill levels, the home match on Saturday, 13 April against New Earswick All Blacks should be a good guide to the progress the players have made during pre-season training. Kick-off is at 2pm at the West Leeds Rugby Union ground on Blue Hill Lane.

The visitors run junior teams from U7’s to U18’s playing in the Yorkshire Junior & Youth League and an Open Age team playing in the Premiership of the Yorkshire Men’s League at their impressive home ground of New Earswick Sports & Social Club.

Buffs going green!

Saturday’s match will see the “Buffs” playing in their new and impressive looking green kit for the first time. It is believed to be the first time Bramley have turned out in a green first team kit since the late 1970s, early 80s when they played a number of matches ina plain green shirt.

Elliot powers his way to the title

Congratulations to the Buffaloes forward Elliot Carter won his first “Strongman” competition recently. Elliot has been at the club for two seasons and has featured in the first team on five occasions.  

The “Buffs” and Elliot are both looking for a strong 2024 season as they both go from strength to strength!

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