Plans for housing and apartments for this site off Whitehall Road. Photo: Google
By John Baron
Fourteen new homes could be built off Whitehall Road in Wortley after plans were submitted for a mixture of apartments and housing.
Stockport-based Kingscrown Land & Commercial wants to build six apartments and eight houses on scrubland at the junction of Whitehall Road and Dunlop Avenue.
The apartments would each have two bedrooms and the houses would have four bedrooms.
A planning statement submitted with the application states:
“The proposed development will help to redevelop a vacant and unutilised site, which is derelict and in a state of disuse. The proposals will help bring forward a partial brownfield site for much needed housing.”
Previous plans to build 22 apartments and five family houses on the site were withdrawn in March.
Apartment plans: Chapeltown, Pudsey. Photo: Google
Two empty shop units in Pudsey could be turned into flats, if plans submitted to Leeds Council are approved.
Applicant Hannah Rhodes of Horsforth-based Grovehall Estates wants to transform the shop units in 11-15 Chapeltown, Pudsey, into one-bedroom flats.
The planning application states the ground floor has remained empty since February 2018, “despite numerous attempts to attract new tenants.”
Alterations include replacing the painted timber shop fronts and replacing them with stone waling, new windows and doors, new access gate to side, new roof to existing ground floor roof.
A design report submitted with the application concludes: “It is considered that this proposal will provide a positive viable use to what is currently vacant space in a prominent location on a major thoroughfare through the town.
“It is considered that the works will significantly enhance the appearance of the building on its prominent front elevation.
“Upon completion the development will provide a positive contribution to the streetscape and local area, adding to the vitality and sustainability of the town centre, whilst improving visually the appearance of the building.”
Armley: Boys Brigade members at work. Photo: Lou Cunningham
By Michelle Corns
The boys in blue were out in force on Armley’s Strawberry Fields on Wednesday evening – no, not the police, but the 11th Leeds Boys Brigade.
Fifteen boys between five and 11 years old, were hard at work picking up litter, dressed in their signature blue jumpers. The area – very popular area with dog walkers – is situated behind St Bartholomew’s Church.
The boys, who worked in pairs, were joined in their efforts by community activist Lou Cunningham.
Darren Wilson, company captain, told West Leeds Dispatch that it was important to teach the boys that they are part of the community. The boys earn badges, just like they would in Scouts.
Some of the boys at work. Photo: Lou Cunningham
“One of the badges is ‘get involved’ so tidying up the area in which they live is a great way for them to achieve this and understand the value of working in the community,” said Darren.
Their first litter pick was in October last year. Darren added: “We started last year with the Anchor Boys, who are the youngest section aged between five and eight. But this year, we wanted to get more involved, so we’ve combined Anchors and Juniors together tonight.
“We’ve got 11 Juniors and 4 Anchors here today. This is three quarters of our number in total. We are relying on parents to bring them here tonight, so that is great support from the parents.”
Youngsters taking a pride in their community. Photo: Darren Wilson
The Boys Brigade is a Christian organisation, based at New Whingate Methodist Church, where they have been based for 100 years and with whom they are affiliated. The boys all live in West Leeds – Armley, Whingate, Bramley and Farnley.
The 11th Leeds Boys Brigade had a stall at last year’s Armley Festival so they could talk to parents about the organisation and let them know that there was a great place to send their boys on a weekly basis.
Besides litter picking, the boys learn numerous skills including first aid, cooking, arts and crafts. They learn about interesting facts like the solar system and also host themed nights.
“We even had a trip to the fire station,” Darren told WLD. “We have a whole range of activities, it’s about educating the boys in a fun way and having fun with their friends. What would they be doing otherwise? They would be on the PlayStation. This is a great way of them getting exercise tonight and doing a good service in the community.”
To find out more about the work of the Boys Brigade and how to get involved, go to their website.
Rainbows, Brownies and Guides came together for the second time for a spot of planting in Calverley’s Victoria Park.
The girls took over one of the flower beds in the park in 2022, as part of First Calverley Brownies centenary celebrations, with volunteers planting spring bulbs and winter bedding plants.
This time they returned to tackle the weeds that had sprung up and were threatening to take over the bed, as well as plant new summer perennials and some exciting edibles.
This was thanks to the generosity of Ian Short at Morley Glass, who through the Green Vision scheme awarded them a grant to cover the cost of the flowers, and Palmer Plants, who kindly supplied and delivered the plants.
The girls – from First Calverley Rainbows, First and Second Calverley Brownies, and First and Second Calverley Guides – took part in the planting as part of the North East England chief commissioner’s #growshoutandshare challenge for 2023. This looks at GROWing up through guiding; SHOUTing about guiding, and learning to SHARE with communities.
A spokesperson said: “Meeting together as all of the different age groups within guiding helped to show the girls what their time in guiding could look like, taking part in an activity within the community to raise the profile of guiding helps them shout about it.
“And as part of the promise every girl and volunteer takes to be a member of Girlguiding to give something back to the local community and in learning to share they planted two fruit trees, a cherry and a damson, and four blueberry bushes – including an exciting pink variety – in the hope that members of the community will come and help themselves to some of the fruit in the bed when it ripens for years to come.”
First Calverley Brownies have also taken part in a challenge from the Leeds County 50th birthday challenge 2023.
They completed three activities in one by going to the highest accessible point in the area, Woodhall Hills, and learning about how many landmarks they could identify from the board there, before collectively travelling 67.2km on a bluebell walk down the public footpaths onto Shell Lane in Calverley and back to the Brownie Hut.
They also learnt about sustainable foraging with some of the girls taking home some of the wild garlic growing along the footpaths.
The girls will be doing further challenges this year including the Leeds Owl trail, donating 50 items to a local foodbank, and completing 50 random acts of kindness within the community.
Appeal for volunteers
Guiding in Calverley only happens because of the kindness of the volunteers and helpers who give up their time to run the units and provide opportunities for girls to become Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.
Currently waiting lists for each of the units are stretching into the end of 2024 and beyond, and there is a real risk that without more volunteers that girls will miss out.
As well as people to help at sessions they also need people with skills or professional expertise who can give up some time, such as for help with unit accounts, gardening, building, painting, fundraising, anything you can offer they will find a use for.
If you know anyone who can help, e-mail Calverleyguiding@gmail.com.
PROPOSALS to bring West Yorkshire’s buses under greater public control will take a major step forward today – and two towns will see £4m worth of improvements to existing services.
A review looking at the best ways to improve local bus services has concluded that franchising would be the preferred option.
Bus franchising would mean West Yorkshire Combined Authority would have control over fares and routes – with services operated by bus companies under contract.
It would mean service frequency, cost and routes would no longer be determined by bus company profits.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin believes franchising would be the best way to improve uneven local bus services, saying she is “sick to death” of waiting for buses that never come.
However, the process will prove a lengthy one, with the first franchised services unlikely to roll out until around 2027.
Today West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin will announce a £4.23m boost in funding to existing services to improve bus patronage in the here and now.
Among services to be enhanced from September are several routes in Keighley, and routes linking Shipley and North Bradford through West Leeds to the city centre.
Speaking ahead of a meeting where the recommendations of the assessment will be discussed, Ms Brabin said:“It is really important people know that I’m a commuter too, and I’m sick to death of waiting at bus stops from buses that don’t come.
“I feel the frustration of the public – the majority of public transport users use buses.”
She said the recommendation that the franchising option should be pursued was a “seismic moment” for public transport in West Yorkshire, and any improvements to bus services would hopefully get more people out of private cars.
The Authority says the current deregulated system has seen a decline in usership over the years.
The assessment that suggested franchising was preferable to the current system – where the taxpayer subsidises routes run by commercial companies, will next go out to audit and public consultation.
The decision whether to move ahead with the process is likely to be made in March.
Members of the Combined Authority will discuss the assessment at a meeting in Leeds today (Thursday).
Aireline number 60 boost
There will also be improvements and more frequent services on the number 60 Aireline route between Leeds and Keighley, which includes stops at Shipley and Greengates and runs through Calverley, Rodley, Bramley, Kirkstall and Burley. Details are still being finalised, but it would likely see services run every 20 minutes rather than the current half-hourly service.
Cllr Peter Carlill
Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee Cllr Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley and Farsley) has welcomed the additional funding.
“This is great news for residents in Calverley and Rodley in my ward, as well as all along the route,” said Cllr Carlill
“Increased frequencies on the Aireline route are desperately needed to make journeys by bus more attractive, and to ease overcrowding at peak times.
“As previously noted, I am also discussing options with the Mayor and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to use some of the extra frequencies on this route to replace some of the connectivity lost from Farsley due to the rerouting of the 508 service – I would hope to be able to confirm more on this as discussions with operators continue.”
“Alongside the reduced fares, this helps towards our aim of more reliable, cheaper and sustainable bus services across the region.”
Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe was elected last month. Photo: David Spereall
Bramley & Stanningley councillor Tom Hinchcliffe added: “More frequent number 60 services are vital to local residents who want to travel to Kirkstall and the city centre, and will go some way to preventing the overcrowding we have seen since the 508 service was cut in March.
“We are continuing to have discussions with bus companies to return more bus services to our community – services which are reliable, affordable and operate in the interests of people, not profit.”
These improvements are being funded through the Bus Service Improvement Programme, a £70m pot of cash awarded to the Combined Authority to work with bus companies to improve services.
It has already led to the introduction of “Mayor’s Fares” – a £2 cap on bus fares for a single trip, a scheme which is expected to be extended until next year.
Ms Brabin said the capped fares have helped increase bus patronage, which was suffering post-lockdown.
She added: “It is encouraging people to take more bus trips, and in the cost of living crisis it is helping them choose the bus over a car.”
Speaking about the public frustration over current bus services, she said: “people we have spoken to are very unhappy about the lack of connectivity, and about ghost buses – buses that the signs say are coming that then disappear.
“it is important for the public to know we feel their pain, and we are doing everything in our power to get them a better bus network.
“Bus companies are cutting routes and franchising would give us that greater control. We’re already paying bus companies to keep socially necessary routes – that is coming from the taxpayer.”
The former chief whip of Leeds City Council’s Labour group has been promoted in a minor reshuffle of senior positions.
Councillor Jess Lennox, who was responsible for party discipline, has become the authority’s executive member for housing, which oversees the running of the council’s housing stock in the city.
Her old job of chief whip has been taken by Weetwood councillor Emma Flint.
The identity of the council’s frontbench otherwise remains the same, although some councillors have taken on new duties as part of their roles.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, who was previously in charge of housing, now has responsibility for the council’s climate change policy, as well as environmental matters.
Councillor Helen Hayden, who was previously in charge of climate change, remains the executive member for infrastructure and sustainable development.
Elsewhere, responsibility for social care in Leeds has now been split between two councillors.
Councillor Salma Arif now has had adults’ social care added to her duties, while remaining in charge of the city’s approach to public health issues.
Councillor Fiona Venner has kept her portfolio as executive member for children’s social care and health partnerships, which oversees links between the council and the NHS.
The reshuffle follows a successful local elections for the Labour group, who made a net gain of five seats to leave the party with a majority of 23 – it’s biggest for nearly a decade.
Council leader James Lewis said: “Many Leeds residents are struggling with the national cost of living crisis making life harder for lots of people, so I’m pleased to announce a team of executive members to provide political leadership for the council to do all we can to help people through the crisis by tackling poverty and inequalities.
“We know that many residents are also suffering because of the national crisis in housing, including the shortage of good quality affordable housing, so I am pleased to appoint a new executive member for housing to lead our work in this area.”
The executive board in full
Councillor James Lewis – council leader
Councillor Debra Coupar – deputy leader and executive member for resources
Councillor Jonathan Pryor – deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education
Councillor Salma Arif – executive member for adult social care, public health and active lifestyles
Councillor Mary Harland – executive member for communities
Councillor Helen Hayden – executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure
Councillor Jess Lennox – executive member for housing
Councillor Mohammed Rafique – executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space.
Cllr Dawn Seary with the new play equipment remembering Mr Rossi in Pudsey Park.
By John Baron
A lasting tribute to a popular West Leeds ice cream man has been unveiled in Pudsey Park.
Vittorio Di Mascio, known to many as ‘Mr Rossi’, has been a familiar and popular sight in the Pudsey and Bramley areas for over 50 years until he passed away last year, aged 81.
A piece of role playing equipment in the shape of Mr Rossi’s ice cream van has been installed next the the children’s playground.
It follows the installation of a similar piece of play equipment in Bramley Park last month.
Councillor Dawn Seary (Cons, Pudsey) said: “Everyone was talking about Mr Rossi after he’d passed away.
“He served the community for such a long time and touched so many lives that we wanted to do something as a lasting memorial for the generations who remember him and bring his legacy to a new generation and spark discussion.”
Cllr Seary said a plaque providing more information on Mr Rossi could also be installed.
The new Pudsey Park play equipment, which cost £1,720, has drawn a huge response on social media.
West Leeds legend: Mr Rossi
“What an amazing man he was!” one posted. “Remember him parking up near our street every summer as a child and teen, and smiling whilst serving. What a legacy, serving and making many young children and youth happy.”
Another added: “Vittorio would be so overwhelmed. I can just see his face grinning as he admires it. I hope he’s always shining down watching with a smile. An absolute perfect tribute to make sure he is never forgotten.
“He was such a special part of the community and I for one definitely miss the tune of that van shouting to the kids ‘Rossi’s here!!’ What an incredibly kind generous man, a true gentleman. We miss you Vittorio.”
The Bramley Park climbing equipment, which cost £10,506, opened earlier this month and was funded by councillors on the inner west community committee and a crowdfunding appeal.
A Pudsey school is set to boost its green credentials and lower its energy bills after receiving planing permission to install 471 solar panels.
Leeds City Council has granted planning permission for the new panels, which will be sited across the roof across the Crawshaw Academy campus off Robin Lane.
An artist’s impression of solar panels at Crawshaw Academy
A council planning officer’s report says: “The proposed panels are to be positioned on pitched roof elements of the school, set back from the public highway and predominantly orientated to face away from residential properties.
“Given the separation distances to nearest public vantage points, visually the panels will be indistinguishable to the wider roofscape given their low profile.”
Solar electricity panels, also known as photovoltaics (PV), capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity that you can use in your home. By installing solar panels, you can generate your own renewable electricity.
The number 9 bus route will soon include extra stops.
By John Baron
A Leeds bus operator has confirmed that it will re-connect bus users left without a service along Calverley Lane and Leeds and Bradford Road, following a local campaign.
The controversial rerouting of the 508 service in March as part of a series of cuts by First Bus left Calverley Lane and parts of Leeds and Bradford Road with little or no bus service.
But public outcry and a campaign by Bramley & Stanningley and Calverley & Farsley councillors Tom Hinchcliffe, Kevin Ritchie, Caroline Gruen and Peter Carlill has led to the reintroduction of a service.
Independent company Yorkshire Buses, which recently took on the number 9 route after it was axed by First, has come to the rescue. It has announced that it will add Calverley Lane and Leeds and Bradford Road to the number 9 route from Monday, 3 July 2023
Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe was elected last month. Photo: David Spereall
Responding to the announcement, Cllr Tom Hinchcliffe said the move was a ‘significant step in the right direction’ to return a reliable bus service to bus users in Bramley, Stanningley, Farsley and Calverley.
“This is great news for our community, who have been left without a bus service to Horsforth on Calverley Lane and Leeds and Bradford Road since the beginning of March,” Cllr Hinchcliffe added.
“Local residents have been let down by First Bus, which shamefully withdrew its number 14 and 508 services from Bramley and Stanningley, but I’m pleased our campaign to restore some services is beginning to be heard.
“I’d like to thank Yorkshire Buses for their support in arranging this new service and look forward to working with them to secure more services for Bramley and Stanningley in the near future.
“While this is only a partial victory, there is still much more work to be done and our local Labour team will continue to campaign for better connectivity for local residents.”
A spokesperson for Yorkshire Buses confirmed the move.
The company said: “Having recently taking on the number 9 service, our management team has constantly been gathering information as to how this service could potentially be improved also improving the overall feasibility.
“Timetable adjustments have had to be made in order to accommodate these changes however, to make this process easier, we have funded a timetable drop for at least 25,000 homes along the route – and because some of you definitely need an excuse to ‘get out more’ we have also included a free journey voucher attached to the timetable so you can trial the new changes free of charge.”
The extended number 9 service will also now include Horsforth Vale and Horsforth Train Station.
YEAR 5 pupils at Whingate Primary School have recently turned their attention to journalism as part of a scheme run by The Guardian Foundation and are launching a community newspaper.
The idea comes from Newswise, which is the primary school version of Behind the Headlines, a programme for young people that offers a range of news and media workshops with supporting resources.
Head of Year 5, Carol Newton said: “The project was a really valuable opportunity for our children, particularly in the way it allowed them to engage with local issues and to critically evaluate the media; including what they see on social media.”
As part of the project children have been learning how to spot fake news, identify newsworthy stories, how to structure reports and articles and how to identity and create a balanced report.
They have also had the opportunity to interview several people who are active and well-known in the Armley community.
These include former councillor Lou Cunningham, school governor Michelle Gittins, school headteachers Miss Beswick and Miss Loney and West Leeds Dispatch editor, John Baron.
Year 5 student Sophia Hurley was chosen to be editor of the newspaper. When asked what she most enjoyed about her role, Sophia replied: “Interviewing people and finding out about the news.”
The publication date for the newspaper is still to be confirmed and WLD will share more once further information becomes available.
WLD editor John Baron added: “It was great to meet so many enthusiastic budding journalists at Whingate – they had so many great questions! “I can’t want to see the finished newspaper. Perhaps we may even publish some of the articles on the Dispatch.”
