Police, parks and housing are on the agenda at the next public Armley Forum meeting.
Armley residents are invited to attend the next meeting, on 21 March 2023, 7pm at Armley Hub in Stocks Hill.
The latest crime statistics will be revealed by PC Laura Armstrong of West Yorkshire Police, Thuja Phillips will report on parks and countryside issues and there be a housing update from housing manager Paul Hodges.
Fran Graham will also provide an update on the work of Armley Action Team.
A study into the effectiveness of three fish passes on the River Aire has revealed that up to 100% more fish are able to successfully swim through weirs throughout the river.
Environment Agency chiefs have hailed the developments a huge boost for both the river’s biodiversity and the population of a range of fish species. thanks to fish passes at Armley, Kirkstall and Saltaire.
Carried out by researchers from the University of Hull and funded by the Environment Agency, the study began in 2018 as part of the Developing Natural Aire Project (DNAire) and involved studying a series of weirs along the River Aire to understand how passable these were to fish.
Initial results from the study showed movements between key life stage habitats, including those for spawning, feeding, resting and nursery grounds, were restricted due to these structures.
The study found that only a small proportion of brown trout were able to ascend some weirs without fish passes (except for one very small weir), but even this hardy species struggled to pass larger weirs. When a few trout did finally ascend, they often had to make numerous attempts, and could only successfully climb under high flow conditions, when there was sufficient water depth coming over the weir –one ‘successful’ fish spent 90 days below a weir before managing to make the ascent.
Due to the large migratory movements these species undertake, and the technology used to monitor their movements, this investigation was also able to show fish were able to successfully ascend fish passage structures that had previously been installed within the study area.
In late 2020 /early 2021, three fish passes were opened along the Aire, funded by a grant of National Lottery heritage and income generated from the sale of rod licences. Fish were tagged and studied to see to what extent the structures allowed for them to negotiate weirs.
The commissioned study demonstrated that fish could ascend these weirs faster and on a wider range of flows than prior to the fish pass installation. Overall, up to 100% of tagged brown trout were able to pass, taking them a maximum of just 3.28 days to make the ascent.
A 26% increase in the proportion of coarse fish tagged (such as chub and barbel) that were able to successfully navigate these obstacles was also reported, meaning many more fish were able to reach spawning, nursery and feeding habitats further up the catchment.
It’s hoped that the passes on the River Aire will also enable the Atlantic salmon to complete their mammoth migration from the sea to spawning habitat beyond Skipton and into the Yorkshire Dales, and help safeguard the endangered eel (which migrate to sea to spawn).
Thomas Somerville, DNAire Project Manager said: “It is fantastic to know that these fish passes in the upper River Aire are working as designed, and important fish species are rediscovering their key habitat
“As well as reopening rivers to fish migration and protecting ecologically important and endangered species like salmon and eel, fish passes are an amazing opportunity to reconnect river-resident species and the local community.
“Over the coming years, we look forward to seeing a growing proportion of trout, chub, barbel and salmon run spawning journeys higher up the river and a recovery in their populations.”
Neil Trudgill, Environment Agency Fisheries Technical Specialist, said: “DNAire is a fantastic project and a great example of partnership in action between the EA and Aire Rivers Trust.
“The Aire has a fascinating history, and this important work has focussed on ensuring the sustainability of the rivers fragile coarse and trout populations as well as re-establishing populations of the iconic Atlantic salmon and eel.
“By opening up these barriers along the river, we can preserve our beloved fish species for future generations while reconnecting the community with their blue and green spaces.”
High and dry: The fish pass at Newlay Weir, as photographed by Bramley History Society’s Roger Cliff last September.
Newlay Weir fish pass debated
A fourth fish pass was installed at 332-year-old Newlay Weir on the River Aire.
But as reported by WLD last month residents are calling for urgent action to demolish the fish pass at the weir, which was badly damaged during a storm two years ago.
Large parts of the weir were washed downstream in February 2021 as works to install the fish pass were carried out.
Two years on, local residents are becoming increasingly concerned over what they claim to be inaction over deciding the future of the Grade II Listed weir. And chair of Newlay Conservation Society, Martin Hughes, has said that the fish pass is no longer needed there as it has been left high and dry and inoperable due to the break in the weir.
The Environment Agency has attempted to reassure residents that they are still actively working towards a long-term solution for the future of Newlay Weir and the fish pass. They said the complexities of the location with its significant heritage, biodiversity and local value means they cannot progress this alone and are working with several other organisations.
The Larinier fish pass along the right bank of Newlay Weir was designed to allow passage over the weir for salmon and sea trout which migrate from the Humber Estuary to the headwaters of the River Aire.
Some of the faded markings on the roundels at Stanningley Bottom. Photo: Darren Bullough
WLD reader Darren Bullough today sent us these photos of the junction at Stanningley Bottom, asking the question: Is this the worst junction in Leeds?
In January Leeds City Council were accused of ‘steadfastly doing nothing’ with a local councillor left “disgusted” at an apparent lack of action to repair and improve Stanningley Bottom.
The council’s outer west community committee – which consists of Conservative, Green and Labour councillors – agreed on the need for action at the junction last summer.
They said the junction needed a £100,000 scheme including full road resurfacing plus additional road markings and crossing enhancements.
Those calls were echoed a month later by Labour councillors on the inner west community committee, with highways engineers agreeing to take on board councillors’ comments about the junction and look into the issues and report back.
But nothing more has been heard on the issue since then.
WLD understands proposals for improvements are being drawn up by the council, with plans set to emerge shortly.
The owner of an independent ladies’ fashion boutique in Farsley is running her second sustainable fashion event for charity.
Former Foreign Office diplomat Dawn Farr runs Apparel Leeds, which moved into its current premises in Farsley in June 2020, following three years in nearby Stanningley.
Dawn is running the sustainable fashion event on Sunday, 26 March 2023, at Anahata Yoga Studio in Sunny Mank Mills from 12.30pm to encourage people to get involved in fashion swapping.
“Our first event was a great success,” she said on social media. “Come along, see what the fuss was about. If sustainability in fashion is important to you, you’ll love it! And remember it’s not shopping, it’s swapping!
Dawn Farr, of Farsley-based Apparel Leeds.
“Now is the perfect time to be looking at your wardrobe and having a clear out in preparation for Spring. You should really love everything in your wardrobe. Clear out anything you no longer wear and let those pieces bring a little bit of joy to someone else.
“Our event brings together two local businesses at the heart of the gorgeous community in Farsley whilst supporting Yorkshire Brain Tumour Charity.”
Access to the site would be via the drive of 3 Crowther Avenue. Photo: Google
Developers who returned with plans for housing on greenfield land in Calverley have been refused planning permission, amid concerns over the impact on biodiversity on the site.
The proposals, for four detached six-bedroom houses on land in Crowther Avenue, come after previous proposals were refused by Leeds council planners last April amid concerns over access and a lack of detail.
The land is bordered on all sides by properties in Crowther Avenue, Carr Road, Fraser Road and Ravenscliffe Road. Access to the new houses would be via the driveway of number 3 Crowther Avenue.
Nineteen objections were registered against Frankil Ltd’s proposals, raising concerns ‘over-dominant’ properties, access and loss of trees.
A council officer’s report states the principle of housing on the site was acceptable, given earlier permissions on this site.
“If the scheme is looked at without the constraints of the on-site [preserved] trees and the substantial street trees at the access point on Crowther Avenue, then there are benefits to the provision of four family houses,” the report adds.
“However, this is not a strategic housing site and the development is small, proposing only four houses. Therefore, its influence on the council’s housing supply would be limited in a supply framework, where the local planning officer can demonstrate in excess of five years’ supply.
“The potential for detrimental impact on the existing trees and biodiversity is considered to outweighs the benefits offered by this proposal, inclusive the re-planting scheme which whilst offering some mitigation for harm within the site to the existing trees, it would not mitigate for the potential harm to the welfare of the street trees.”
The refused plans and reports can be viewed in full here. the developer has the option of appealing against the decision to an independent planning inspector.
The site has a history of applications to develop it for housing. An application after was withdrawn by applicant Frankil Ltd in 2021 following concerns over the ‘over-dominant’ buildings and protected trees on the land.
Access to the proposed Tower Works site would be next to the playing pitches, off Moorfield Road. Photo: Google, 2022
A former industrial site in Armley will be transformed into 50 affordable houses and apartments after council planners gave the green light.
Applicants Yorkshire Housing are the biggest housing association based solely in Yorkshire and want to build 27 new houses and one block of 23 apartments on the demolished Tower Works site, off Moorfield Road.
They say the new development would be 100% affordable housing.
A design and access statement submitted with the application says houses would be a mix of one, two, three and four bedrooms and the apartments would have a mix of one and two bedrooms. Access would be off Moorfield Road.
There were three objections from local residents and one from civic watchdog Leeds Civic Trust.
But a council planning officer’s report concluded: “…Given that the site is an identified housing site in the SAP and permission was granted for a similar scheme in 2018, then the application is considered to be acceptable.
“The development is not considered to be harmful to the character and appearance of the area, nor would it have a harmful impact on highway safety. The development provides 100% affordable housing and this weighs heavily in the balance of considerations.”
The site has seen a series of planning applications over the past six years.
As reported by WLD in 2017, developers KMRE Group – which also owns the land – received planning permission to build an access road with 25 apartments and 26 three and four-bed family homes on the site.
But the three-year planning consent has since lapsed thanks, in part, to the Covid-19 pandemic, so Yorkshire Housing has returned with fresh proposals for the site, supported by KMRE.
Planning permission was also granted for the construction of 53 flats and 9 houses on the site in December 2009.
The former Tower Works in Armley demolished several years ago. Photo: Google Street Map
Tower Works used to house the now demolished Leeds Meter Company, which was formed in 1931. It later became Kent Meters and then ABB Kents.
Farsley Celtic's Theo Williams on the attack against Gateshead last week. Photo: John McEvoy
Farsley Celtic exited the FA Trophy in heart-breaking fashion as they suffered a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to National League side Gateshead.
Russ Wilcox’s men had already achieved the club’s best-ever run in the competition by reaching the quarter-finals, and they pushed the higher-ranked Heed all the way in a goal-less 90 minutes.
In fact, it was James Montgomery in the host’s goal who was the busier of the two goalkeepers, particularly in the first half when the Celts carved open Gateshead on a number of occasions.
Farsley almost took the lead in spectacular fashion after just three minutes when Montgomery was spotted off his line by Bobby Johnson, with the midfielder’s long-range effort landing on the roof of the net.
Mike Williamson’s side would dominate possession, particularly in the second half, but the Celts were a consistent threat on the break, particularly through the speedy Theo Williams.
Carlton Ubauzuono in action at the Gateshead International Stadium. Photo: John McEvoy
Williams linked up with Kian Scales as the two burst forward following a Gateshead corner, with the Sheffield United loanee shooting straight at Montgomery.
Carlton Ubaezuonu then came close to opening the scoring as his half-volley from 25-yards out flew just wide of the upright, before at the other end Keaton Ward and Aaron Martin linked up in the box, with the former lashing over from 10-yards out.
On the stroke of half-time, Williams once again troubled the Heed defence with his burst of pace, tearing down the left and breaking into the box only for Montgomery to make another vital stop.
As the half-time whistle blew, the 131 travelling Farsley Celtic fans were left wondering how their side wasn’t ahead and whether they would rue their missed chances.
Farsley Celtic fans gave vocal backing to their side at Gateshead. Photo: Megan Fleming
After the break, Gateshead began to push the Celts deeper as they looked to force the action, but the occasions on which they actually troubled Max Dearnley in the Farsley goal were rare.
Oli Thompson got his volleyed attempt from 12 yards out all wrong, whilst Ward forced Max Dearnley into a low save to push the ball away from the bottom corner.
Yet it was Farsley who came closest in the second half, with Frank Mulhern almost scoring a sensational goal, even by his ridiculous standards.
The ball bounced midway inside the Farsley half and he launched a booming strike towards the Gateshead goal, with the backpedalling Montgomery just about managing to claw off his line and to safety.
Ultimately, the tie would need penalties to find a winner, and although Gateshead’s Aaron Martin failed to hit the target, two fine saves from Montgomery allowed Kamil Conteh to fire his side into the semi-finals.
Match reaction
Celts boss Russ Wilcox said he was proud of his team’s performance in a match he felt they would have won in the 90 minutes. He hailed the huge achievement of being the last National League North club in the competition and admitted his side were ‘gutted’ by the defeat.
Mast plans: Littlemoor Gardens, Pudsey. Photo: Google
Plans for a ‘utilitarian’ 55ft tall mobile phone mast on community green space in Pudsey have been rejected by council planners.
CK Hutchinson (UK) Ltd had applied for the pole, which would support six antennas and associated cabinets on the council-owned community green space at Littlemoor Gardens Pudsey.
A petition containing 74 signatures and an additional 26 individual objections received saying the mast would have been unsightly and unacceptable on green space land which is used for recreation.
A planning officer’s report refusing the application stated: “The external appearance of the proposed development, is by the very nature of the installation utilitarian, and it is considered that the bulk and massing of the radio equipment housings, the proportions of the monopole is completely out of keeping in this location, which is designated for protection as open green space.
“The height of the mast bears no relation to the height of the adjacent residential buildings that are predominantly two storey in scale.
“The green contributes significantly to the character of the area and the proposal due to its scale, bulk, design and massing, is not in keeping with the area, and thus the external appearance of the installation as a whole is recommended to be rejected.”
The long-term futures of nearly 30 bus services across West Yorkshire will likely hinge on the outcome of next week’s Budget, councillors have been told.
Treasury chiefs might unveil a bus funding package which would offer long-term stability for the industry after months of uncertainty, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA’s) director of transport said on Friday.
Operator First West Yorkshire announced a raft of service cuts and timetable changes earlier this week, mostly affecting buses around West Leeds.
If no funding emerges in next week’s budget, a further 28 or so routes are set to be either pulled or altered in some form by the company.
Those services were due to have been cut next month when emergency funding from the Department of Transport (DfT) was due to expire, but a last-minute extension has given them a reprieve until the end of June.
Speaking at a WYCA transport committee, transport director Dave Pearson said: “Bus services are still operating under emergency funding arrangements.
“Government have extended their bus funding until the end of June and so the cliff edge with some services we were expecting has been put back three months.
“The reality of the situation is that it’s just been extended a little.”
Mr Pearson added: “We will watch, with interest, the Budget next week. There’s some indication there may be some work ongoing around longer term funding for buses, but we’ll need to see.
“If there’s nothing in the Budget arrangements, we can reliably assume that the current funding will end in June and we’ll have to work through the consequences of that.”
Councillors across West Yorkshire, as well as regional mayor Tracy Brabin, have been heavily critical of the government for the piecemeal nature of emergency funding for buses over the last year, which they say has caused uncertainty for passengers and operators.
But the DfT, which began propping up the sector at the start of the pandemic when passenger numbers crashed, insists its handed out more than £2bn across the UK to keep communities connected.
Councillors Kevin Ritchie, Caroline Gruen and Peter Carlill called on the operator to reinstate the number 9, which is one of the routes set to be withdrawn next month. Changes to the 508 and 14 were also raised.
They wrote: “The number 9 bus serves many young people and commuters who travel to Elliott Hudson College and the White Rose Centre every morning.
“Removing the number 9 service leaves them with little choice when it comes to public transport, which will have a direct impact on their income and, if more cars are used, our environment.”
Work is continuing on the Farnley Falcons clubhouse, off Butt Lane. Photo: John. Baron/westleedsdispatch.co,
Players at Farnley Falcons rugby club are celebrating after they helped raise £25,000 to buy new floodlights as they look to revamp their facilities.
More remarkably, the amount was raised in just eight weeks – and means the facilities used by the club are set for a major revamp, with a new clubhouse currently being built on the Butt Lane site.
The Falcons are a community rugby league club, running 11 teams which offer the game to boys and girls aged three to 15 as well as an open age men’s team for 16+ and men’s and women’s masters teams for those aged over 35.
The club posted on social media: “After eight weeks, and a lot of hard work from so many people, our crowdfunding campaign had ended. We raised an incredible £25,161.
“Thank you to everyone who walked, ran, donated, raffled, baked, sponsored, shared, and liked anything and everything that was posted.
“Thank you to those who donated their time and money, offered their business services and asked friends for favours, and thank you to everyone who has supported us with words of encouragement and those who went above and beyond to help us smash our £20k target.”
Their successful appeal will see them be able to offer year-round training on two floodlit pitches and help save the club up to £1,000 a week for six months of the year.
The money saved by the club could be reinvested back into the facilities and offer reduced membership fees. More than 200 people train, watch and support different teams at the club each week.
Farnley Falcons had been without a permanent building since Farnley Sports and Social Club closed in late 2014 and was then demolished after an arson attack in 2015 and replaced with houses.
Labour and Conservative politicians in Bramley and Farsley have today condemned cuts to bus services which they fear will leave some communities isolated.
As revealed by WLD on Sunday, the number 9 Horsforth to White Rose Centre service, which goes through Farsley, Rodley, Pudsey, Farnley and parts of Wortley, will be axed.
A petition against the loss of the number 9 – along with the 87 St James’ Hospital-Holbeck-Armley-Bramley service – has been launched by Pudsey Labour Party and can be signed here.
A journey 9S, to cover an early morning service used by students to Elliott Hudson College, will be introduced by First.
There will also be new timetable on the X11 Leeds – Pudsey – Bradford route with some early and late journeys being cut completely, and an hourly service introduced on the number 14 service between Pudsey and Leeds.
WLD readers have already reacted with anger and concern to the cuts and there are also growing concerns over the decision to change the 508 Halifax to Leeds service, which will be rerouted to operate along the ring road and Stanningley Bypass so miss out Farsley, Rodley and Bramley.
Bramley councillors Kevin Ritchie and Caroline Gruen have written to First West Yorkshire to oppose the cutting of several services from Bramley, Farsley, Stanningley and Rodley. In their letter, they say: “While we understand the costs to First Bus have increased, we believe that these cuts are the wrong decisions for our community.
“In particular, we are worried that the complete removal of the number 9 bus and rerouting of the number 14 and number 508 buses will have serious consequences for local residents and our local economy.
“The number 9 bus serves many young people and commuters who travel to Elliott Hudson College and the White Rose Centre every morning. Removing the number 9 service leaves them with little choice when it comes to public transport, which will have a direct impact on their income and, if more cars are used, our environment. By rerouting the number 508 and number 14 buses, it’s clear that they will bypass our community completely which will reduce access to employment for working people in Bramley, Farsley and Rodley and access to our transport hub at Bramley Shopping Centre.”
Councillor Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley) today said in a statement that for a city where the ambition is to be a place where you don’t need a car, the reality is far different.
“The government has invested millions of pounds in bus services over the last few years to keep them going,” he said. “As a city, we are in serious danger of being dragged down by reduced and axed bus services. Many residents will not be able to get to or from work because morning and evening services have been stopped.
“And what about visitors to Leeds? City Square is a complete shambles for buses and cars, so the council encourages people to use park and ride services. Except two out of three of them won’t operate on Saturdays, none operate on Sundays, and on weekdays, the last bus will be at 6.30pm or 7.30pm in the evening. Not helpful if you want to go out in the city centre shopping, or to the cinema or theatre, or even if you just happen to be working late.
“I would like to know what the Mayor, WYCA and Leader of Council have done to address these concerns. Park and Ride? Park and walk more like!”
Leeds City Council Executive Member for Highways Cllr Helen Hayden and Lead Member for Sustainable Transport Cllr Peter Carlill have expressed dismay at more bus routes being withdrawn in Leeds. Bus operator First have given notice to withdraw a number of services across the city, predominantly impacting communities in the west and south of Leeds.
The news comes following services being previously saved at the last moment last October following dedicated local campaigning – but not before many other routes across the city were axed.
With lower patronage numbers, increasing fuel costs and other financial pressures, operators have been reliant on Government support to keep valuable community services running. But operators are beginning the withdrawal of services – with more likely to come in the future.
Cllr Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) added: “Buses form a crucial link for many of our communities and it is vital that we don’t see any reductions that will sever those connections. It’s the most frequently used form of public transport, is more sustainable, and often the most affordable for people.
“Leeds is losing vital community connections, with many of the routes pulled being orbital or inter-community. City centre routes are important, but we want to see companies investing more into these local routes between nearby communities such as Horsforth to Pudsey or Morley to East Ardsley.”
“Now more than ever people need to know their bus is going to be able to get them to work so they don’t lose wages or, worse, their position. We’re calling on the Government to provide sustainable long term funding for buses in Leeds, as they receive in London, to allow us meet our ambitions to grow and improve the network.”
Councillor Helen Hayden said: “I can’t believe we are here again. We know that the situation for buses is difficult at this moment no matter who is running them. Its mind boggling the Government hasn’t learnt the lessons from only a few short months ago and got a grip on this situation.
“Whilst this list of routes is shorter than it could have been, for some further routes it is at best a temporary stay. We are seeing a wide raft of service reductions and withdrawals due to the Government’s continued dithering over funding. This is more short-term sticking-plaster solutions at the 11th hour and the Government needs to get its finger out and put in place some long term funding for buses so we can all have some long term certainty, rather than facing this problem again in June.
“This comes on the back of 30 years of decline since deregulation of the bus sector put the power to choose routes into the hands of the operators. We may have made different choices to address this funding shortfall, helping protect those communities most in need, but private operators will always choose to focus on financially profitable routes.
“This is just one of the reasons we continue to support the Mayor’s pledge to bring buses back into public ownership.”
First’s response
First West Yorkshire said earlier this week that passenger numbers remain lower than pre-pandemic levels and although many services are showing good growth, a very small number haven’t shown signs of attracting sufficient users to cover their costs.
Kayleigh Ingham, commercial director of First West Yorkshire, said: “We have worked closely with the Combined Authority to maintain connectivity where possible. Unfortunately some of these journeys are no longer viable given low levels of utilisation and increased operating costs, whilst WYCA has chosen to revise or withdraw some of these expired contracts for the same reasons.
“We appreciate that some amendments will be disappointing for customers affected. First West Yorkshire has carefully reviewed these, together with WYCA, in order to limit changes.
“This action is necessary now to ensure we build a sustainable network into the future and that we balance customer demand with available resources, where there is a clear need for additional capacity.
“It would not be prudent for any organisation, private or public, to continue to operate the same services knowing that the demand across the bus network has changed.”
