Traffic lights on two Pudsey roads are set to be upgraded after Leeds City Council announced a £2.3 million package of citywide maintenance.
The Leeds-wide programme includes traffic signal renewal, telecoms infrastructure upgrades, traffic signal control upgrades and the introduction of bus priority at various sites across the network during the 2024-25 financial year.
A council report published this week said traffic signal refurbishment would be carried out on:
Galloway Lane/Ederoyd Rise, Pudsey
B6154/Waterloo Road, Pudsey
The report says traffic signal equipment is that it has an expected lifespan of approximately 15 years. It adds: “Older equipment can also be more unreliable, leading to longer ‘down time’ in the event of failure.
“An ongoing programme of refurbishment is necessary to modernise the controller stock and replace any on-street equipment that has been identified as in poor condition following periodic inspections.”
Pudsey Allotments and Cottage Gardeners' Association held its spring show in Pudsey Parish Church.
Photo: Damon Sugden
Photos by Damon Sugden
Pudsey Parish Church was awash with colour and creativity at the weekend.
Highlights of the 49th Pudsey Spring Flower Show featured beautiful displays of spring flowers, plus plant and garden produce stalls, baking, crafts, photography and more.
With an amazing choice of 105 different entry classes, for adults and children, the standards were higher than ever. Congratulations to all the class winners.
More details on Pudsey Allotments and Cottage Gardeners’ Association can be found here.
The former headmaster's home on Farsley Town Street is Grade II listed. Photo: Google
A Grade II listed former headmaster’s home in Farsley which ‘needs to be returned to its former glory’ is available to buy at auction.
The end terrace house – on Town Street – dates back to 1840s and was awarded listed status in 1979.
It will have a guide price of offers over £130,000 at the Pugh online auction on 23 April 2024.
The property’s listing states: “With accommodation over four floors, the property would benefit from reconfiguration to realise its true potential. The lower ground floor has a separate entrance and features two rooms which could be pivotal to turning this project into a success.
“To the second floor, there is a useful loft/storage room with Velux window and staircase. Whether you’re looking to renovate to sell on, or convert into an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), this is sure to appeal to a variety of investors.”
Leeds Lord Mayor, Cllr Al Garthewaite, examines one of the displays at Fulneck museum. Photo: Damon Sugden
By Damon Sugden
The Fulneck Moravian Museum was honoured to be reopened by The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Al Garthwaite and Mayor’s consort Alderwoman Angela Gabriel.
They enjoyed their tour of the Museum and exploring its fantastic Moravian heritage, alongside Trustees who wore their traditional Moravian attire for the occasion.
Highlights of the items currently on display include the Fulneck Dramatic Society Centenary exhibition, Fulneck Street with the Fire Engine, and the Kitchen and Victorian Parlour.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Al Garthwaite commented on their visit: “It’s a privilege and an honour to be here, I’m really enjoying it. It’s so interesting.
“I’ve been hearing all about the foundations of the Moravian settlement… and also about how Moravian churches were built up around the whole world. And that’s really good… Seeing the loom that was really interesting and of course, the Moravian people would have been busily occupied doing all their trades, including weaving.
“And then, of course, all the information about the Fulneck Dramatic Society, which has been going for a hundred years, which I think is wonderful. I look forward to coming and seeing one of their productions before too long, and another time I’ll come and see the church and go on the tour.”
Alderwoman Angela Gabriel added: “We were here last year for the Vintage (Fulneck Classic) Car show, we had a cup of tea and a chat about the museum but didn’t have time to see it so we said we’d like to come again. We’ve really enjoyed it and found it interesting.
“I’m very appreciative of the flowers because usually the Lady Mayoress doesn’t receive any. The history and the effort all the volunteers have put in is fabulous. I volunteer locally and as a result of doing this job, I’ve realised that Leeds would come to a grinding halt without the volunteer contributions, thank you.”
With thanks to everyone who attended, volunteered on the day and also helped with the refreshments at the Boys Brigade.
The Museum will be open twice weekly to visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2pm until 4pm, until September 14, and is free entry though donations to help with running costs are welcome.
Guided Fulneck settlement tours are now available from the Museum every Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. There’s a spring discount until 4 May of just £2 a person (after May 4, the price goes back to its suggested price of £5 per person). To book a tour, phone Maureen Ingham on 07380 718391 to arrange a tour on the open day of your choice, and we will be happy to guide you around the fantastic Moravian settlement of Fulneck, and explore its amazing history.
Article and photos by museum trustee Damon Sugden.
Plans to install new ground source heat pumps in former stables in Farnley which date back to the 17th century have been approved by planners.
Leeds City Council submitted the plans at the stables, which now act as an existing plant room at the grade II Listed Farnley Hall. The building houses the council’s parks department alongside the Love Leeds Parks charity, among others.
A heritage statement supporting the application said: “The proposals as presented do not significantly harm the existing fabric of the listed building themselves, other than a minor service pipe intrusion to an existing plant room internally to the building. The works are in the setting of and not technically into the building.”
There were two letters of objection, with concerns including the impact on a green belt site and noise affecting neighbouring properties.
But a council report approving the application stated: “The proposed location of the heat pump and associated acoustic fencing is considered to be acceptable by the conservation officer as it will have a low impact upon the heritage significance of the grade II listed building.”
The grade II listed former stable block, a probable 17th century building, was rebuilt in 1806. The air source heat pumps will connect to the plant room and provide hot water and heating for the council-run Farnley Hall, a grade II listed country house with 16th century origins and major phases of development in 1806 with later 19th and 20th century alterations.
A new vicar has been announced for Pudsey Parish Church – and he’ll be a familiar face to some people in West Leeds.
The Reverend Gareth Howles, who is currently serving as Priest in Charge of St John’s Church, Farsley, is set to take over in June. Pudsey Parish Church has been without a priest in charge since Richard Dimery left to run Pudsey Community Project last year.
Pudsey Parish Church. Image courtesy Pudsey Parish Church
Mr Howles was licensed as Priest in Charge at St John’s during the pandemic in December 2020. A St John’s spokesperson said: “Since then he has done some great work leading our church, bringing in new members of the congregation and particularly the many young people who we enjoy welcoming to our services each week.
“Gareth’s departure is sad news for us because he has been such a good vicar here, and he will be missed by many. We wish to congratulate him on his new appointment and he and his family will leave us with all our very best wishes for the future. He will continue working in Farsley until starting his new role in Pudsey in June.
“We do not yet have any further details on who will be leading our services when Gareth leaves us while we begin the process of appointing a new vicar. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks on how we plan to say a fond farewell to Gareth and his family. We will make sure there are plenty of opportunities for us all to celebrate the ministry he has shared with us over the past three and a half years.”
A Leeds Diocese spokesperson said: “The Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Rev Nicholas Baines, is pleased to announced that the Rev Gareth Howles has been appointed as Priest in Charge of Pudsey Parish Church in the Leeds Episcopal Area. The licensing service will take place in June 2024 with the date yet to be confirmed. Bishop Arun Arora, the Bishop of Kirkstall, will be officiating.”
Sir;- I’m writing to share information about an opportunity through the Leeds City Council Migrant Access Project (also known as MAP).
The MAP project will be facilitating an eight-week training programme in the Armley Community Hub and Library (2 Stocks Hill, Armley, Leeds LS12 1UQ) from Monday, 22 April. It will be held every Monday morning from 10am-12.30pm (avoiding school holidays and bank holidays).
The aim of the programme is to connect new and emerging communities with key services, to help navigate life in Leeds. There will be guest speakers from organisations and services such as West Yorkshire police, Public Health, Department of Work and Pensions, the Lifelong University and more, and sessions will cover topics such as housing, community safety, work and money, education and ESOL, healthcare and vaccinations, and advocacy.
People who have attended the training held in Beeston last year have shared their experience in a short film.
If you or anyone you know would like to know more about the opportunity, or express interest to attend, please email: migrantaccessproject@leeds.gov.uk
Fareen Hassan, Migrant Access Project Team Email: migrantaccessproject@leeds.gov.uk
Are you interested in learning more about holistic living? Then make a visit to The Healing House at St Catherine’s Mill, Broad Lane, Bramley on Saturday, 13 April.
The impressive and calming venue will be hosting an open day where you can meet some of the facilitators who work there and ask them about the many varied treatments and workshops which are available.
Should you wish to take part in any of the activities between 12pm and 5pm all that is asked is for a donation, however small or large, to help towards the costs of hosting of the event. These “sampler sessions” include Crystal Reiki, Head Massage, Hand Massage, Card Readings, Group Meditation, Mindfulness Workshop and Delete Technique. Accompanied children are welcome and encouraged to attend the event.
The Healing House is going from strength to strength as they have now recruited a wellbeing lifestyle expert and plan to have health and healing experts and a spiritual enrichment expert added to the already impressive list of trainers and healers by the end of April.
The ethos of the Healing House is “created by the community for the community”.
The access to the site off Henconner Lane. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com
Plans for five family homes on a plot of land between Henconner Lane and Greenhill Primary School in Bramley have been approved.
Applicant John Cliff, of Rawdon-based EP Homes, has applied to build three three-bedroom houses and alter existing cottages to form two four-bedroom houses on the site. All properties would include driveways and garages
The plans include access via a private drive access road off Henconner Lane, and there would be parking for 16 cars.
There were five objections to the plans, with residents highlighting the loss of green space, overshadowing of existing properties and safeguarding concerns at Greenhill Primary.
A design and access statement submitted by designers DEN Architecture said the proposal made a ‘positive contribution to its locality and added: “The site makes best use of a unused derelict site to create a high quality residential development which is sympathetic to and consistent with the context of the surrounding area. The proposal provides a much-needed mix of house types in this location.”
A council report approving the application states the site is currently derelict and consists of grassland and scrub, with three traditional stone built cottages north-east of the site, one of which has suffered extensive fire damage. The cottages are identified as non-designated heritage assets.
Luke Johnson from Bramley enjoys watching the UFC but on Sunday, 14 April he’ll be a novice fighter in the cage at Headingley’s Village hotel as he competes in an Ultra MMA charity event.
“I’ve always wanted to experience a combat sport once in my life and test myself. See how tough I can be physically and mentally and set an example for my son. He’s just seven months but will grow and I need to show him you can challenge yourself and overcome fears and anxieties,” explained 26-year-old Johnson.
“About 40 people have volunteered are we’ve been training for a couple of months at two gyms in East Leeds twice a week. The bout is scheduled to last six minutes with three two-minute rounds. I’ll be wearing just shorts and shin guards. We are allowed to strike the head when upright but not when down unlike in professional MMA where you can continue to punch the downed opponent hard until they tap out.
“I’m supporting Stray Aid, which looks after strays in the north-east. I’m a big animal lover at heart. We’ll only get to know our opponent shortly before the bout, but we’ll have completed some sparring to create good matches.
“I love the UFC with all the different fighting styles combined and my favourite fighters are Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall. There’s also Drew Dober because you know there’ll be a war even a potential bloodbath every time he steps into the octagon.”
Luke with some of the other novices. Photo: James Bovington
Johnson used to compete in judo as a teenager and is the cousin of west Leeds professional boxer Josh Wisher.
“I’ve done a few sparring sessions at Wisher’s gym The Ministry of Boxing in Armley and also at Combat Base. All of us novices are preparing mentally day by day knowing that for everyone nerves will be normal, but the intense training has helped me gain confidence that I can show what I’m made of. If I enjoy this first experience who knows, I might take it more seriously and see where I could go with it.”
The event is organised by Richard Smith’s Bad Company gym on York Road.
Farsley Celtic's Michael Coulson powers home the winning goal against Peterborough Sports. Photo: John McEvoy
By John Baron
Farsley Celtic boosted their survival chances as they ended a nine-game winless run in a dramatic afternoon against Peterborough Sports.
Michael Coulson’s first goal since December was enough to guide The Celts to victory in blustery conditions at The Citadel.
Peterborough dominated the first half and will feel the game would have been out of site by half time but for the heroics of Farsley keeper Zan Luk Leban. Farsley had the better of the second half in a much-improved display before the visitors smashed a last-minute penalty against the post.
The win leaves The Celts still occupying the final National League North relegation spot but within touching distance of six sides above them with three games remaining.
The first half belonged to Zan Luk Leban, who denied Sports striker Michael Gash first with his feet and then produced a stunning save to parry an effort from the same player.
Farsley’s best chance of the first half came when Darren Stephenson’s strike from a tight angle narrowly missed the post of Sports keeper Peter Crook.
Conor Branson’s crucial intervention kept the scores level before Leban produced a world-class save just before half time to somehow keep out a header from Brandon Njoku that seemed destined to hit the back of the net. The save would prove a pivotal moment in the game.
Early in the second half the Celts were hit by a double defensive injury blow to add to their troubles at the back, with Rudy Misambo and Lewis Turner forced off, leaving 38-year-old coach Danny Ellis to make his first appearance of the season. He was joined on the pitch by midfielder Jack Evans.
Slowly the home side clawed their way back into the game and forward Michael Coulson had a goal ruled out for a foul on the Sports keeper.
While chances at both ends were harder to come by, Farsley played some of their best football for some weeks and the breakthrough came when they won a corner with a little over 20 minutes to go.
Michael Coulson rose highest to power his header home from 12 yards and spark wild celebrations from the home support. It was the forward’s third goal for Farsley since his move from Scarborough in December.
Dan Lawlor hits the post with his last-minute penalty. Photo: John McEvoy
Chris Atkinson then shot wide when well placed as The Celts looked to add a second. However there was late drama in the 89th minute when Farsley conceded their third penalty in four games after an ill-timed challenge in the box. Captain Dan Lawlor stepped up but crashed his penalty against the right-hand post and the ball flew away for a throw in, much to the relief of the home support.
There was still time for Rory McAuley to miss another chance from close range for Sports deep into stoppage time, but Farsley held on for a vital three points.
Danny Ellis said the wind played a critical part in the game, but hailed a gritty performance which gives the team confidence going into the reverse fixture against the same opponents.
Next up
The Celts face a trip to Peterborough Sports in a rearranged fixture on Tuesday evening at PIMS Park (7.45pm) looking for back-to-back wins to push them out of the National League North relegation zone.
Farsley will go into the game on a high, but face mounting injury and suspension problems with up to five potential absentees at the back.
Tom Allan is suspended following his sending off for two yellow cards against Southport, and centre half Isaac Assenso and left back George Smith both missed Saturday’s game. Both centre half Rudy Misambo (knee) and full back Lewis Turner (hamstring) came off injured on Saturday.
