Application: Papa Ginos on Branch Road, Armley. Photo: Google
The owner of a hot food takeaway in Armley has applied to extend its opening hours until 4am on weekends.
Applicant Feras Hmaidi Jalout runs Papa Gino’s on Branch Road and wants to open late to serve customers he says will be ordering primarily online.
Mr Jalout wants to open from Mondays to Thursdays from 8am to 2pm and Fridays to Sundays – including bank holidays – from 8am to 4am.
He currently has planning permission to open from Monday to Saturday 8am-11.30pm and 7pm-11pm on Sundays. The initial planning consent was granted in 2003 and Mr Jalout argues that the takeaway industry has changed since then.
The application states: “The condition for opening times was discharged when the service industry landscape and the social context was different.
“The running of take aways has changed massively in the past decade and most take aways need to open late to be able to serve customers on services such as Just Eat and Uber Eats into early hours.
“Since taking over the business earlier this year, the new lease owner is finding it difficult to compete without being able to open later than the previous condition. As such he would like to propose new opening times.
“As it is a take away the establishment will not generate noise via patrons sitting inside to eat and will not be playing any music that could disturb residents. The main visitors are expected to be delivery drivers who will are not going to create any disturbance to nearby residents.”
Applicant G&H Property portfolio has submitted proposals to transform the building into one and two-bedroom apartments. Plans also include the demolition and rebuilding of the 1979 northern extension to the building.
A heritage statement by Bowman Riley Architects says the proposals include repairs to the historic fabric of the building, and the reinstatement of historic features.
It concludes: “Overall, the proposals cause no harm to the building and seek to enhance it. In addition, the future of the building will be assured through its ongoing use.”
There is no additional parking planned with the apartments. Developers say parking demand can be accommodated within existing on-street parking within 300 metres of the site.
The plans also include private and communal amenity space with bin and cycle storage.
As first reported by WLD, the club, in Old Road, called time on August 29 last year and now sits empty.
G&H Group, which is a £35 million mechanical, electrical and public health business in South Parade, Pudsey, bought the building in April 2019. Managing Director at G&H Group, Graham Kelly, appealed last September for potential tenants and new owners to come forward.
Farsley Liberal Club is a Victorian building, built in 1899.
The Grand Strategium opened yesterday in Pudsey. Photo: Damon Sugden
Photos: Damon Sugden
The crowds have flocked to a new tabletop and miniature war game store, which officially opened in Pudsey yesterday.
Co-founders Mark Harrison and Mark Thorson are the dynamic duo behind The Grand Strategium in Lowtown and are hoping to create a hub for people of all ages to enjoy tales and tabletop battle games like Warhammer and Dungeons and Dragons, and Pokemon for younger children.
WLD spoke to the owners earlier this week – and their interview can be found here.
Community reporter Damon Sugden took some photos at yesterday’s launch. Here’s a slideshow of his photos:
Farsley Celtic won 2-0 at a wet and grey Rushall Olympic yesterday. Photo: Farsley Celtic
By John Baron
Farsley Celtic got their National League North campaign off to a flying start with a superb 2-0 win at new-boys Rushall Olympic on a soggy August day in the West Midlands.
It was a complete contrast to the opening day of last season for The Celts when a sunny trip to rural Leamington saw Farsley crashing to a 4-0 defeat against a team which was ultimately relegated.
Farsley only retained four players from last year’s squad and have a new management team, playing style and almost an entirely new set of players.
Only one player who started last year’s Leamington debacle – Chris Atkinson – started yesterday (Tom Allan was suspended last year and Lewis Turner and Isaac Assenso are currently injured).
The Celts have been looking to bed 16 new players into their ranks (five in the past two days) during a summer of massive change. And yesterday’s performance, which saw goals from Ben Atkinson and Darren Stephenson, was a welcome tonic after a winless pre-season.
The Celts were dealt a blow prior to kick off when it emerged new striker Clayton Donaldson was likely to miss the next few weeks after being kicked from pillar to post in the final pre-season ‘friendly’ at Guiseley last week.
But the Celts put in a solid performance in an open and entertaining game and deserved all three points.
Tom Allan’s header hit the crossbar after just three minutes – and this set the tone for an open first half, where both sides had chances to break the deadlock.
Rushall responded with Farsley’s on-loan goalkeeper Jan-Luk Leban called into action to make an excellent double-save from first Callum Coyle and then Samuel Mantom.
Back at the other end, Ben Atkinson picked out Marley Blair in space on the edge of the box but the forward saw his shot tipped wide by Jake Weaver in the hosts’ goal on 20 minutes.
Farsley’s Slovenian Under-21 shot-stopper Leban pulled out another top save on the 27th minute, when he showed great acrobatics to tip Jake Gosling’s shot over the bar from close range.
The Celt Army came close to opening the scoring on the half-hour mark as Allan was first denied from a corner before Connor Branson couldn’t keep his follow-up shot down and fired over the bar.
The visitors came out clearly roused from the half-time break. And on 54 minutes Mason Wilson floated a ball into the box, which was finished by Ben Atkinson on his first competitive appearance since returning to The Citadel.
And the lively Atkinson could have twice added a second when he firstly saw his cross-shot palmed over by Weaver, then on 70 minutes he headed over from George Smith’s cross from the left.
Rushall began to have the better of possession as Farsley sat deep, but the visitors’ goalkeeper was never truly tested as the game headed towards its closing stages. Kristian Green went closest to finding an equaliser, but fired over the bar on the volley from close range.
A free-kick from Farsley’s Watson stung the hands of Rushall keeper Weaver as Farsley looked for a second. And the victory was sealed in stoppage time by striker Stephenson as he looped a header over Weaver and the ball crept over the line to spark wild celebrations with the vocal travelling Celt Army.
Next Saturday Farsley entertain Chorley at The Citadel, kick-off 3pm.
Farsley Celtic: Leban, Sheridan, Smith, C Atkinson, Misambo, Allan, Wilson, Branson, Stephenson, B Atkinson (Watson 81), Blair (Robinson 87).
Subs not used: Allen, Silva, Carroll.
Referee: T Swift
Match reaction
New head coach Clayton Donaldson said he was delighted by his side’s application and fight, which secured his first-ever win in management. He hailed the players who came in to the side having only signed on Friday:
Residents in Armley are being urged to help clean-up Armley Moor following the departure of a small traveller encampment this week.
The clean-up has been organised by volunteers from the Armley Common Right Trust (ACRT) and will take place on the Moor on Sunday, 11am-1pm.
Philip Cave, from ACRT, said: “We’ve had travellers on Armley Moor and they’ve just left, but there’s a lot of cleaning up to do before the Armley Action Team can install the Playbox for kids’ games, activities and events over the summer holiday and leading up to the festival.
“We’ll provide pickers and bin bags, and we’ll lay on tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits.”
The Trust looks after six pieces of land on behalf of the people of Armley: the Moor, Far Fold, Moor Top, Charlie Cake Park and Hill Top. A further portion of land in Ley Lane was leased by Leeds City Council in the 1960s on a 99-year lease. More details here.
Farsley Celtic's Joao Silva in pre-season action. Photo: John McEvoy
By John Baron
It’s been a summer of change for a new-look Farsley Celtic both on and off the pitch.
The Celts have a new management team headed by player coach Clayton Donaldson, Celts legend Danny Ellis and director of football Pav Singh. They took the reigns after former boss Russ Wilcox – who had steered the club away from the relation trap door in a final day escape – quit in May.
This summer saw only five of last season’s squad continue at the Citadel, with The Celts signing striker Donaldson, along with – if my maths is correct – 11 other new signings and three loanees.
Off the pitch the final months of last season saw a number of new appointments to strengthen the board and the club hopes to submit a full planning application for new covered and uncovered artificial pitches for community use in the coming month – a move which could revitalise their finances.
Clayton Donaldson in action for Farsley Celtic against Guiseley. Photo: John McEvoy
Combined with a new home and away kit and a summer which has seen a small band of volunteers tidy the ground, cut back trees and add a splash of colour to the tired main stand, it’s clear to see why there’s a cautious air of optimism at the club.
Even the much-maligned pitch – often cited as the worst in the league by visiting supporters – has received some TLC and in good condition. I’d argue Peterborough Sports was the worst I saw last season.
Pre-season was always going to be a challenge, bedding in so many new players, a management team and new possession-based playing style. Three draws and three defeats didn’t set the world on fire, but there have been signs that the team is gelling and there have been some plus points.
Emerging Talent Squad player Joao Silva in particular has impressed, getting on the scoresheet against Brighouse Town and York City. The Portuguese prospect will now be looking to make his mark in the National League North.
Farsley Celtic’s Tom Allan challenges for the ball with two Guiseley players. Photo: John McEvoy
And signings like Conor Branson, Rudy Misambo and Ryan Watson are likely to play a key part if Farsley are to avoid the final-day scramble to avoid the drop.
Four new signings today – including young goalkeeper Žan-Luk Leban from Premier League club Everton – add much-needed depth to the squad.
Farsley head coach Clayton Donaldson said of the season ahead: “The group is as ready as they can be. All the preparations are just about there, the games have given me the opportunity to see the players and to try a few things out also.
“On a personal note, I’m very excited to take charge of my first competitive league game which will make me so proud. A lot of blood sweat and tears have gone into this.”
With so much change Farsley will be aiming to avoid a slow start to the season.
Farsley are a small village club punching above their weight in National League North. Russ Wilcox and the players worked wonders to keep the cash-strapped club in the league last season and enjoy a club-record FA Trophy tun to the quarter finals.
Time will tell whether the winds of change bode well for The Celts.
The Citadel is the home of Farsley Celtic.
Rushall Olympic preview
Farsley Celtic face newly promoted Rushall Olympic on Saturday on the opening day of the 2023/24 season.
It’s back to business for the Celts as Clayton Donaldson’s new look Farsley make the trip to the West Midlands to take on a side who earned promotion to the National League North for the first time ever after winning the Southern League Premier Division Central playoffs.
It will therefore be a special occasion at Dales Lane, with Rushall looking to mark their first match at this level with all three points.
The Celts most recently faced local rivals Guiseley AFC in their final match of pre-season at Nethermoor Park which finished 1-1 after Ryan Watson’s stunning free-kick was cancelled out by Kallan Murphy’s second half equaliser.
Rushall most recenlty faced Southern League Premier Division Central members Leamington Town in a friendly where they lost out 2-0, however they have still enjoyed a successful pre-season with wins over the likes of Stourbridge, Hednesford Town, West Bromwich Albion XI, Walsall Wood and Birmingham City XI.
TEAM NEWS
Donaldson will be hoping to shake off the knocks he sustained in last Saturday’s bruising friendly at Guiseley. Defenders Lewis Turner and Isaac Assenso remain sidelined.
Head coach Donaldson said: ”In terms of injuries, we have a few that have been out for a couple of weeks but they seem to be recovering well and hopefully they’ll be able to be with the squad sooner rather than later.”
TICKETS
Tickets can either be purchased on the gate for this match, or in advance by clicking here.
All of the important supporter information can be found here.
Farsley Celtic have completed the signing of Slovenian U21 international goalkeeper Žan-Luk Leban on a season-long loan from Premier League side Everton.
Leban appeared for The Celts in pre-season against York City and impressed the management team with his ability and attitude in that game as well as the subsequent training sessions.
Chairman Paul Barthorpe commented on the arrival of Leban, saying: “We need strong competition across the entire squad for places in the first team.
“The fact we are looking at players of the highest standard and pedigree by exploring opportunities at Premier League teams shows how far we have come in terms of our ambition, and determination to progress.
“I know [director of football] Pav Singh has been working particularly hard to get this one over the line, and it’s a real signal of intent for our ambition.”
Leban is one of four new signings for The Celts which have been announced on the eve of the new National League North season.
With Farsley defenders Issac Assenso and Lewis Turner suffering ongoing injuries, The Celts have brought in two young defenders in loanee Mason Wilson from Harrogate Town, and Harry Sheridan in a permanent deal from Trafford FC.
They have also added versatile forward Isaac Robinson on loan from Bradford City’s youth setup.
Farsley Celtic kick off their season tomorrow (Saturday) with a trip to the West Midlands new-boys Rushall Olympic.
Inside the new cafe at Kirkstall Abbey. Photo: Susan Tellum
Photographer Susan Tellum has captured inside the new cafe at Kirkstall Abbey while out and about with her camera.
The cafe has relocated from Abbey House Museum to the visitor centre at Kirkstall Abbey.
Susan, who also captured the old cafe at Abbey House Museum last month, said: “It’s good to take in the sun between the showers at Kirkstall Abbey café once more – now moved over the road to the Abbey grounds.”
WLDreported last year on Leeds City Council’s plans to relocate the café, with the aim of making an additional £90,000 per year from 2023. The proposals came at the same time as the council decided to start charging non-Leeds residents for entry to the Abbey ruins.
Here is a slideshow of Susan’s photos from her Kirkstall walk:
The trip to Scarborough was, as predicted a thrilling and tight encounter with the Buffaloes coming away with two very hard-earned points.
First half tries from Jamie Donnelly and Cameron McLauchlan saw Bramley go in to the half-time break trailing 8-10 to the impressive Pirates.
The Buffs coaches team-talk worked immediately from the re-start and the dominant Buffs went in to a 20-10 lead through two tries from Keiran Foster Matthews which were both converted by Martin Loveridge.
The Pirates however would not surrender and fought back impressively to shock the Buffaloes and storm into a 22-20 lead.
With play going from end to end Bramley regained the lead as Martin Loveridge stormed over for a try which he duly converted, before Sam Marshall scored which Loveridge again converted.
With the clock running down Scarborough came fighting back and with a converted try brought the teams within four points of each other. The Buffs held firm and with the final play of the game Connor McGill coolly dropped a goal to secure a nail-biting 33-28 victory.
We caught up with winger Ben Blanchard (Sponsored by www.headingonwards.com) after the game to get his thoughts on the hard fought victory over Scarborough.
He said: “Today’s game was a tough one, a big battle throughout the 80 mins, fair play to Scarborough gave us a good game was scrappy in parts but we never gave in.
“The game today is the kind of game we would have let slip through our fingers in the past but we have found that extra grit and determination when it matters this year.”
This week the Buffaloes visit Westgate Common in a match which could have a huge bearing on who finishes as champions at the end of the season.
Despite holidays and suspensions the weakened Buffs are going with confidence with two excellent training sessions completed this week
Meet the players – Kieran Foster-Matthews – Available to be sponsored
Keiran first donned the amber and black of the Buffaloes in July 2017 in a 50-22 home victory against King Cross Park where he celebrated by scoring a try.
Another four appearances followed which included a try in the 32-10 play-off victory versus Hunslet Parkside.
The 2018 season resulted in Kieran scoring five tries in seven matches including against New Earswick All Blacks (won 52-6), East Hull in which he also kicked a goal in a 12-24 home defeat and also scored his first hat-trick for the club in the 50-16 demolition of the Nottingham Outlaws.
Kieran’s 2019 season was a hugely successful one for him. His 10 starts brought him six tries and 22 goals. Tries came against 4-18 loss at Hunslet Parkside, in the 36-10 home win versus Wibsey Warriors, the 32-6 victory at home to arch-rivals Stanningley, a try and six goals in the 33-10 home victory v Cutsyke Rangers, the 12-20 home loss to Siddal and in the thrilling 28-24 home win versus Queensbury.
For various reason Kieran only made four appearances over the next three seasons but burst back onto the scene this season in which to the first of August he had crossed the whitewash 11 tries in 12 starts and two substitute appearance.
The highlights being a hat-trick in the 66-8 away smashing of Leeds Akkies and two tries in each of the following away matches at Crigglestone All Blacks (66-4), Scarborough (33-28) and in the 42-0 home victory versus Upton.
If you would like to sponsor your favourite player, become a club member or join the clubs lottery then please email the club at info@bramleybuffs.com.
Services run every 20 minutes rather than the current half-hourly service and aim to make journeys by bus more attractive, as well as ease overcrowding at peak times.
The new 60A will join the current Aireline route and will run every hour and take a slightly different route in Rodley, running along Bagley Lane, Coal Hill Lane and Calverley Lane to replace the old 508 bus route lost earlier this year.
Cllr Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley). Photo: David Spereall
The changes were welcomed by Calverley & Farsley Councillor Peter Carlill. He said: “I’m really happy to see these improvements, and it’s something I’ve been campaigning for.
“This will lead to more frequent services for Rodley and Calverley, as well as an adjusted route for a new 60a service that goes via Coal Hill Lane and Bagley Lane.
“Thanks to the Mayor and WYCA for agreeing to fund this route as part of their bus Improvements.
“I’ve been working with the operator on trying to get it to cover as much of the lost 508 route as possible, but unfortunately issues around the ring road meant it can only come as far as Coal Hill Lane/Bagley Lane.
“I hope it will be an improvement for some passengers in that area who can no longer get the 508, but such a shame they couldn’t replace more of the route.
“Many thanks to Transdev/Keighley Bus for working with us to try to solve the issue, and I will keep looking for any other solutions to replace the connections still lost.”
Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe was elected in May. Photo: David Spereall
The move was also welcomed by Branley & Stanningley councillor Tom Hinchcliffe. He added: “This is a welcome improvement to our bus service in Bramley and goes some way to replacing the 508 service, which was cut earlier this year.
“We’re making good progress on reinstating the services we lost, but as your local Labour Councillors we’re committed to campaigning for better connectivity for every single local resident in our community.”
2019's Bramley Park Bonfire was the last one to be held. Photo: Simon Cullingworth
By Jhanvi Charkhawala
Leeds City Council’s six annual bonfire events will not take place in 2023, it’s been confirmed this week.
The annual bonfires attracted thousands of people to Bramley Park, East End Park, Middleton Park, Roundhay Park, Springhead Park and Woodhouse Moor and the council took the initial decision to axe the bonfires, which cost £215,000 annually, earlier this year.
The results of a subsequent public consultation into the decision were released this week and showed almost 70% of respondents raising concerns over the impact of the events on local wildlife habitats, a similar number worried about litter and 66% concerned about the impact on domestic animals, including pets.
A council report says: “Some participants expanded on the point of the events’ impact on air quality stating that the reduction around the time that these events take place has health implications for themselves or family members with respiratory issues such as asthma.
“A frequent point raised by survey participants was the concern that members of the public having multiple unregulated home displays would be more detrimental for the environment than having large council run bonfires. Those participants who did not have environmental concerns and expanded upon this outlined that it was due to the event only happening once a year.”
There were around 3,000 responses from across the city to the consultation.
The report concluded: “There are increasing cost pressures associated with holding council bonfire and firework displays which are not sustainable given the financial position that the council faces.
“Significant environmental concerns were raised during consultation and these, coupled with the climate change ambitions of the council would not reflect well given the issues associated with holding large-scale public events of this nature.”
Owing to budget issues and responses to the consultation, the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment this week gave the approval to cease the bonfire and firework events held across various parks of Leeds.
Due to the current increased cost of electricity, gas and fuels the events would cost in excess of £200k for the council.
The report says the Safer Strong Communities Team of Leeds City Council will collaborate closely with communities around the city to reduce any possible negative effects of fireworks and related anti-social behaviour in the days leading up to and on Bonfire Night.
The last events were held in 2019 but have been cancelled in the past three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and rising costs.
