Parade plans: Upper Town Street, Bramley. Photo: Google
By John Baron
Forecourt improvements to a shopping parade in Bramley have moved a step closer to reality after council highways chiefs approved the design of the scheme.
The £50,000 proposals include new surfacing, cast-iron street furniture and bollards, new surfacing and a tree pit with planted tree, which would act as a focal point at the parade.
WLD understands Leeds City Council will also consult traders and residents over specifics of the design.
Initial proposals have been drawn up for the area, off Upper Town Street. Image: Leeds City Council
A council report published this week says: “By providing benches for all users, the project is inclusive and may provide those with limited mobility a destination where they know they will be able to sit.
“Local residents and the businesses will be consulted upon approval of this report and any views taken into account and accommodated within the scheme where appropriate. Any substantial changes to the approved project will be communicated to the chief officer accordingly.”
The project is part of Leeds City Council’s £2.3 million local centres programme, which seeks to support local businesses by making the area more aesthetically pleasing, offering a higher quality of environment for visitors. The council’s contribution of £50,000 is set to be approved in a separate report.
All three Bramley & Stanningley ward members support the project, which the council hopes to deliver this year.
Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves has written to the Government calling for extra police officers and PCSOs following recent knife attacks in Armley.
The letter – also signed by councillors Alice Smart and James McKenna – demands increased police officers in Armley following the death of 18-year-old Jamie Meah last Friday.
During the attack, another 16-year-old male was also stabbed and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred just two weeks after 17-year-old Jordan Gangata died in a knife attack while attending a house party in Armley. Four people have been charged with murder.
Some of the floral tributes left on Hall Lane/Strawberry Lane. Photo: Connor Briggs
Today’s open letter to Home Secretary Suella Braverman reads: “We are writing to you to raise our serious concerns about a recent spike in knife crime in the Armley area of the Leeds West constituency.
“In March alone, two young people tragically lost their lives having been stabbed, whilst a sixteen-year-old remains in hospital with serious injuries. As we are sure you can imagine, this has been the cause of understandable anxiety for the local community.
“For too long, anti-social behaviour and low-level crime has continued to blight the lives of many residents in Armley. We are clear in our view that this is a direct consequence of cuts to neighbourhood policing under the Conservative government.
“Residents in Armley want assurances that West Yorkshire Police are equipped to tackle knife crime and other instances of violent crime.”
The plea demands the Home Secretary recruit 13,000 additional neighbourhood police offers and to “ensure that communities such as Armley see the benefit of this recruitment as soon as possible.”
Towards the end of the letter, the strength of the Armley community is recognised: “We would like to take this opportunity to pay testament to the hard work and dedication shown by officers from West Yorkshire Police, and to recognise the strength of the community in Armley which has seen the area come together to urge young people to put down the knives.”
Deputy leader of the Green Party, Zack Polanski, yesterday called for “real investment” in youth services to tackle knife crime during a visit to Armley yesterday (Monday, 3 April).
WLDreported today how floral displays have been left Armley in tribute to the murdered teenager, Jamie Meah.
Tributes have been paid to 18-year-old Jamie Meah. Photo: Connor Briggs
By Connor Briggs
Floral tributes have begun to pile up for the 18-year-old man murdered in Armley.
Jamie Meah was stabbed near the junction of Hall Lane and Brentwood Terrace in Armley on Friday. A 16-year-old was also attacked but his injuries were not life-threatening.
Flowers and cards can be seen alongside the greenery on Strawberry Lane and on side streets Brentwood Grove and Brentwood Street.
One message reads: “To Jamie, long live my bright savage. I love and miss you, I’m sorry this happened to you.”
Some of the floral tributes left on Hall Lane/Strawberry Lane. Photo: Connor Briggs
Another tribute says: “Jamie I don’t even know what to say. I can’t believe we were talking that day and that happened later. Such a nice lad taken far too soon.”
Further down, on Brentwood Street, tributes have amassed outside a house. A message written on a balloon reads: “Love you our Jamie boy”, with another tribute saying: “RIP JM FROM BDON LOVE BRO.”
Police are still appealing for information about the attack. A 30-year-old man was arrested at the weekend and has since been released on police bail.
This is the second stabbing seen in Armley in the past month, after 17-year-old Jordan Gangata was killed on 12 March at a house party.
Luke Parkin struggled with injuries last season. Photo: John McEvoy
Farsley Celtic play the first of three games in six days tonight, when they host play-off hopefuls Brackley Town.
It’s a run of fixtures which could well decide the fate of Russ Wilcox’s side, who will be looking to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat to Kidderminster Harriers – their first league loss at home since November.
It was a result that left the Celts one point above the drop zone, but a win over Brackley in their game in hand would send Farsley four points clear of 21st-place Leamington.
Farsley’s Theo Williams runs at the Kidderminster defence on Saturday.
Photo: John McEvoy
The Celts welcome a side in Brackley whose promotion push has stalled in recent weeks, although they remain firmly in the playoff positions.
The Northamptonshire outfit have won just one of their last nine, and they are without a win in their last six, their last success coming against Southport on March 4.
Roger Johnson’s men have struggled on the road this season and, despite sitting fourth in the league, have just the 14th-best record away from home.
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s game, Russ Wilcox said: “We just do what we’ve done, we rest up, we stay together, that’s our first defeat at home I think for 12 games.
“That’s a magnificent record to say where we are in the league as well, fifth bottom in the league, to go that long since November, and the first defeat’s against a full-time team as well.
“We get ready for Tuesday, we keep our spirits high because the second-half performance gives us massive hope going towards Tuesday.”
Farsley Celtic’s influential midfielder Bobby Johnson will miss the rest of the season. Photo: John McEvoy/Leeds Shots
TEAM NEWS
Bobby Johnson and Luke Parkin have both been ruled out for the remainder of the season through injury.
On-loan midfielder Connor Dixon has also now been ruled out for the season following an injury picked up prior to his signing for the Celts, alongside fellow loanee Nathaniel Wallace.
In more positive news, Isaac Assenso is nearing a return from an injury picked up in his loan stint at Guiseley.
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Police have named the 18-year-old who was fatally stabbed in Armley as Jamie Meah.
Jamie died in hospital after being fatally stabbed in an attack at the junction of Hall Lane and Brentwood Terrace in Armley on Friday, March 31. He was with a 16-year-old male, who also suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries.
Detectives from West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are continuing to investigate the incident and are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have phone or dashcam footage of what took place.
The victims had been in a taxi when they were stopped by suspects in another vehicle. They were then attacked on the street by the suspects, who were carrying bladed weapons.
Incident: Hall Lane, Armley. Photo: Google
Detectives and colleagues have carried out a number of operations in Leeds over the weekend as part of enquiries and arrested a 30-year-old-man on suspicion of murder.
He was later released on police bail pending continuing enquiries.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Damian Roebuck of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team said: “A number of wide ranging enquiries remain ongoing into this very serious offence by detectives and I want to thank residents who have come forwards with information so far.
“I can promise that all necessary resources are being employed to investigate the murder of Jamie and the attack on a 16-year-old.
“I would like to renew our appeal for anyone who has information about the attack or footage which could assist our investigation to contact us.
“If you saw the attack on the victims, have footage of it or of suspects arriving at or leaving the scene then please get in touch with detectives here at the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.”
Information can be given to HMET via 101 or by using the live chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus quoting log 1331 of 31 March. Information can also always be given anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Blooming lovely: Kirkstall Abbey in springtime. Photo: Susan Tellum
By Connor Briggs
In a study led by GO Outdoors, Kirkstall’s very own Abbey has finished as the sixth most “Instagrammable” free attractions to visit in the UK.
The study identifies #KirkstallAbbey achieved 31,900 hashtags via Instagram. This places it above the National Rail Museum and Glasgow Cathedral.
Kirkstall Abbey lost out to top-of-the-table Durham Cathedral, gaining 76,000 posts with the hashtag, #durhamcathedral. The Imperial War Museum finished second with 73,300 posts, and Windsor Great Park came third, with 66,900 posts.
In another study, Leeds Art Gallery is named the fourth highest number of TikTok views for a free attraction, with a total of 102,800,000. Coming in first for this was the High Lodge Thetford Forest in Suffolk, reaching 8.4 million TikTok views.
GO Outdoors produced the study with the aim of finding the most popular cost-effective activities to try.
Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski (centre), with West Leeds party activists including Lou Cunningham, Ann Forsaith and Ed Carlisle. Photo: Connor Briggs
By Connor Briggs
The Deputy Leader of the Green Party has called for ‘real investment’ in youth services following the recent knife crime which has seen two people die in Armley.
Zack Polanski was visiting Armley today to back his party’s local election campaign.
On Friday night an 18-year-old man was stabbed to death on Hall Lane, and a 16-year-old boy seriously injured.
The incident came a fortnight after 17-year-old Trust Gangata was killed at a house party in Armley. Four men are awaiting trial after being charged with his murder.
Zack Polanski visited Armley Town Street today: Photo: Connor Briggs
Mr Polanksi called for more money to be spent on youth services to tackle the issue. He said: “[The] violence is horrific and it’s something that needs to be taken incredibly seriously.
“When people haven’t got places to go, that’s when problems can start to happen in terms of anti-social behaviour. So making sure there are places to go, good community networks.
“Also, investing in local public services. The best people to know about youth difficulties are social services or youth services.
“13 years of austerity, both at the national level but also cutting local council’s budgets, means these problems have been exacerbated. Ultimately these problems can only be solved both through investment but also by making local community voices be embedded in local communities to work with young people or adults being involved in this anti-social behaviour.”
Mr Polanski’s visit follows Cllr Lou Cunningham switching from a Labour councillor to a Green councillor last December.
He said: “I’ve come to Armley to support our local candidates. A vote for Green is a vote for the local community, whether it’s speaking up for green space or making transport more affordable and accessible. Having a Green in your community is someone who will be a vital person speaking out on behalf of residents.”
Armley Green Party candidate Lou Cunningham was also present for Mr Polanski’s visit. She told WLD: “When you’re a Labour candidate, there’s probably more resourcing and more funding and things like that. With the Green Party, it’s more about building on the grassroots work I’ve already been doing and working in a more collaborative way.
“For me, it’s not about campaigning against anyone, it’s about continuing to be here for the community and having that real desire to carry on the work I’ve already started.”
The council elections take place on Thursday, 4 May 2023.
Armley Labour Party have selected local resident Andy Parnham as their candidate to stand in the ward at next month’s election.
WLD will be approaching all election candidates to write about why they feel they should be elected closer to 4 May.
The proposed site is between Henconner Lane and Greenhill Primary School in Bramley. Photo: Google
By John Baron
Plans for five new family houses have been submitted for a plot of land between Henconner Lane and Greenhill Primary School.
Applicant John Cliff, of Rawdon-based EP Homes, has applied to build three three-bedroom and 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.
The access is via a former private driveway which the applicant has bought from 122 Henconner Lane. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com
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.”
There are currently two houses on the site, one of which is extensively fire damaged.
Applicant EP Homes is behind the new housing development next to Greenside Tunnel, off Carlisle Road in Pudsey.
Litter pickers off the Ring Road in Wortley. Photo: Katherine Turner
By Katherine Turner
This weekend saw hundreds of West Leeds residents join the annual Leeds Goes Purple event to collect litter in their local neighbourhoods.
Numerous local events have been organised with purple bags now dotted about by council bins across West Leeds.
Created by Litter Free Leeds with a goal to encourage people to join in and clean up in communities, keeping Leeds looking beautiful. Litter picking equipment and purple bags were provided to volunteers.
Taking a break after bagging lots of litter in Wortley.
Litter Free Leeds works closely with Leeds City Council and has seen volunteers, businesses and organisations join forces to remove tonnes of rubbish across the Leeds area. It is estimated that in 2021 over 60 tonnes of litter was collected by the 3,000-plus army of volunteers across Leeds.
Litter picking is growing in popularity with people hoping to restore a sense of pride in their communities.
Wortley resident Kev Bowles told West Leeds Dispatch: “My aim with litter picking is to enhance our local area and meet great people who have pride in where we live. The more people we have picking up the trash, the better our lovely LS12 will look. Give it a go, you’ll meet some brilliant folk.”
Kev explained how Leeds Goes Purple has helped the community in Wortley. “I think it’s just one word, pride,” he said. “Pride in where you live and seeing loads of purple bags everywhere.
“I have been to Bingley and back today and there have been absolutely loads of people about litter picking, it makes a difference.”
Sonia Moran (left) and Millie Rothera exhibited at Ones To Watch and now work at the gallery at Sunny Bank Mills.
By Connor Briggs
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, The Ones to Watch 2023 exhibition is promising to showcase Yorkshire’s emerging talent in Farsley.
Running until 30 April, the event takes place at the Sunny Bank Mills Art Gallery.
This year features 38 emerging artists who are studying in or living in any part of Yorkshire showcasing painting, sculpture, and film among others.
The showcase explores themes such as politics, the environment, social issues, and sexuality as well as the increase of ostrich farming in South Yorkshire.
Previous artists to feature on the exhibition have gone on to exhibit or work at the gallery, including current gallery employees Sonia Moran and Millie Rothera.
Creative Director, Jane Kay said of the Yorkshire talent: “There are 38 artists involved this year, selected from a record number of nearly 200 applications, and the standard is very high indeed.
“For the past three years we have invited professional curators and arts practitioners to help us select the exhibiting artists from the applications received on Curator Space. This helps provide a balanced choice, gives the students exposure to creative professionals outside Sunny Bank Mills and broadens the experience of our own curatorial team.”
Photographer, set designer, film-maker and art director Camille Hewitt. Photo: Teigen Bashford
By Damon Cooper, Leeds 2023 correspondent
The juggernaut of Leeds 2023 continues to empower our communities with a calendar of culture to see and embrace from our suburbs right through to the city centre.
I want to take you on a dive into a unique event happening next week at a famous venue and celebrate the interwoven links from West Leeds to the rest of the city.
WAKING THE ARTIST EXHIBITION
Dates: Weds 5th to Sat 8th April Times: 12pm till 8pm Location: Wade House, 41 Merrion Street, Leeds, LS2 8NG.
A couple of studio holders, Rosie and Archie, are based at The Assembly in Armley. They have been working on beautifying this week’s ‘Waking the Artist Exhibition’ taking place over two floors of disused office spaces at the Merrion Centre.
Rosie Vohra has produced large-scale blocking on the floor, collarged poetry, photos, and illustrations. She has also created incredible lettering and helped with the decor for this event.
Archie Brooks has created an installation of old TVs that will feature media/film footage provided by the public in the style of old VHS home videos.
“Both are extremely talented artists in their own right, and we have been extremely lucky to have them amongst our deeply talented team,” Sammy Gooch, co-curator of Waking the Artist Exhibition, told WLD.
Sammy Gooch. Photo: Camille Hewitt
In another West Leeds link, materials to make mushroom bases have been sourced from Scrap Creative Reuse Arts Project Ltd, at Sunnybank Mills in Farsley.
Photographer, set designer, film-maker and art director Camille Hewitt adds: “We have split the artworks into different themes to allow us to really highlight them in the best way.
“Visitors will be able to check out the Wall of Self – full of selfies and portraits; explore an immersive landscape of animals and magical creatures and leaf through a Book of Love, where there will be examples of poetry and drawings.
“We hope that those whose submissions have been included enjoy seeing their entries here and that all visitors enjoy spending some time in the exhibition, making themselves at home in this celebration of creativity from across the city.”
It will showcase 215+ curated artworks from residents of Leeds based on the themes of love, nature, self and more for visitors to marble at in all its glory!
A pop-up bottle bar will be open during the show to encourage visitors to linger and watch the sun set amidst 360 degree views of the Leeds skyline. We never got the second DoubleTree by Hilton Sky Lounge in this part of town but you’ll get to enjoy this at much more affordable rate with no obligation to pay for anything!
This free and family friendly happening will take place everyday on Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 April from 12 noon until 8pm.
Blink and you’ll miss it, so get yourselves down for something totally unique.
A balcony view at the Hilton Bankside for the 2023 Newspaper Awards. Photo: John Baron
By John Baron, editor
West Leeds was represented at a glitzy awards ceremony in London’s South Bank on Tuesday night as the Dispatch was nominated for Community Newspaper of the Year at the prestigious Newspaper Awards.
The national awards recognises quality in print – and it was lovely to join the ‘big boys’ such as the Guardian, Financial Times, Daily Telegraph etc at the Hilton Bankside – it was certainly very posh!
We didn’t win – many congrats go to Mark and his team at the excellent Peckham Peculiar – but we were one of eight shortlisted titles for the awards, with more than 30 brilliant publications across the UK entering. It was an achievement for us just to be there.
Proud: WLD editor John Baron
It’s also a throughly deserved recognition for our volunteer community reporters, who put in so much work to contribute words and photos and help to tell the stories of their community, connecting people to local achievements, community groups, news and what’s on. Our volunteer-led board of directors also put in so much unseen work behind the scenes.
And we were commended! The judges said: “A fantastic community-led publisher that’s grown… in the seven years since launch and has empowered local people with a voice.”
West Leeds, take a well-deserved bow! And congratulations to all the titles who were nominated.
Judges added: “It is clear that the hyperlocal market is growing fast, and while a number of titles struggled during the two years of Covid-19, these highly targeted newspapers are gaining traction and revenue and stepping up big-time to engage communities in areas now underserved by traditional weeklies.”
Worth noting that when I returned to my hotel room at 11pm, I was straight back on the laptop preparing content for the next day’s online WLD – no rest for the wicked as news never stops!
Proud moment: WLD flashes up on screen!
Last month saw WLD’s online operation enjoy almost 131,000 page impressions – our largest monthly readership since the height of the pandemic a couple of years ago.
The past couple of weeks have been busy ones – the bus cuts which start from tomorrow have caused particular consternation among readers. It’s good to see the number 9 being saved, but concerns remain over the re-routing of the 508 away from Farsley and Bramley and over other services. We’ll keep an eye on what’s happening with those.
Last week’s article on plans for a drive-thru restaurant near Kirkstall Morrisons was also very well read – and has again highlighted concerns over the horrendous traffic problems in that part of West Leeds. We’ll continue to follow that proposed development as it goes through the planning process.
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