Early spring flowers at Kirkstall Abbey. Photos: Susan Tellum
Photographer Susan Tellum has been out and about in West Leeds again.
This time she’s been capturing early February catkins and crocuses (croci, if you prefer – both names are apparently acceptable!) in Bramley Park and Kirkstall.
Please feel free to share your photos by e-mailing them to news@westleedsdispatch.com.
On a chilly late February Saturday afternoon people turned out to support Wortley runner Stacy Proctor and her pink army of fundraisers.
Stalls varied from new toys, cakes, sweets, personalised gifts/chocolates by ‘Novelty Chocolates Bars & Treats’ plus face painting – and organiser Stacy was surprised by the huge support in the room.
With over 150 bottles of alcohol, the bottle tombola was a success and was the first to sell out in under 30mins. Amber is collecting bottles from today from next time.
Fundaiser: Stacy Proctor. Photo: Jean Hollings
The gift tombola just held on until the end of the event, at St John’s Church Hall.
Lisa Scully donated a bespoke cake which Helen Armitage guessed the weight.
The main raffle took 20 minutes to complete due to the generous number of donations – well done to all the winners.
Kenza Sahel having her face painted by Kelly (Kelly’s Novelty Chocolate Bars & Treats).
A staggering amount of over £1,647 was raised, it organisers say it will be greatly appreciated by Candlelighters.
Sarah Cullingworth, from Bramley, spoke how Candlelighters have supported her and her family following their worst fear of a childhood cancer affecting one of their lives.
A busy event raised much-needed cash for Candlelighters. Photo: Jean Hollings
Stacy made an emotional thank you speech to close the event which will be back in next February.
Stacy has been nominated for a local hero Yorkshire Choice award – in the volunteer of the year category. People can vote for her here.
The chief executive of the trust which runs The Farnley Academy has spoken out against ‘reckless’ adults after a second day of protests at the school.
The Chapel Lane school is facing a backlash over a policy restricting pupils to using one set of toilets during lesson time. The first protest was held on school grounds on Friday morning and the latest protest, attended by more than 100 pupils, took place on land near the school this morning (Monday).
Some pupils were holding a banner reading ‘human rights’, and the protest was also attended by some adults.
But Sir John Townsley, who heads up the GORSE Academies Trust, said a “handful of parents” and other adults with no connection to The Farnley Academy had played a role in orchestrating the protests, with some harassing children as they arrived at school this morning.
A second protest was held this morning
He said a number of threatening comments directed towards staff had also been referred to the police.
Sir John’s comments today follow on from Farnley Academy principal Chris Stokes yesterday writing to parents and guardians following threats to staff, including one to “blow up the school with staff within it”.
The school says the toilets policy was introduced due to “two very serious safeguarding events”.
Sir John’s statement in full
“All of us connected to life at The Farnley Academy are taken aback to find ourselves in a position whereby a small number of children, directly orchestrated by a handful of parents and other adults who do not and never have had children at the school, are seeking to protest in this way.
“We know that the background to this is a national Tik Tok campaign which is directly connected to events portrayed in a TV programme supposedly depicting life in schools today.
“This morning a number of adults and pupils have protested on grounds adjacent to The Farnley Academy. Again, this also included adults who are not connected to our school community.
“Sadly, some of those people harassed children who were seeking to come into school, resulting in many of our pupils arriving with us feeling upset and unsettled.
“Over the course of the weekend some of the adults involved in this action have used social media in order to act in a totally unacceptable way. This has included making very personal comments about professionals at The Farnley Academy and threatening comments which have now been reported to the police.
“To this point, we remain uncertain as to the demands of those involved in this matter. We know that nationally protests have been centred around the following areas:
the use of mobile phones in schools;
access to toilets during lesson time;
uniform standards. We wish to make clear in the most certain terms possible that we consider the professional stance that we take in all three areas to be essential in ensuring that our schools are great places in which to learn and thrive. Allowing pupils to use mobile phones routinely in school would, in our opinion, result in behaviours which are not only unacceptable but also impact upon safeguarding and child protection.Though we do, when necessary, allow children to use toilets during lesson times we strongly encourage our pupils to use the toilets before and after school and during break times. A situation which sees children going to the toilet throughout the day whenever they so choose would result in a loss of learning time across the curriculum which would be totally unacceptable. Once again, such a policy would also present major safeguarding and child protection issues.
“We are extremely proud of our uniform standards at The Farnley Academy and across the trust. Those standards are a part of our identity and of great importance to us and our parents /carers.
“We do not, under any circumstances, believe that the adults involved in organising this action are in any way representative of our community. The Farnley Academy is an extremely popular and respected school; this is reflected in the fact that well over 700 families have applied for places at the school for September 2023. Those families have made those choices based upon the values and the standards that we hold dear.
“We are absolutely determined to ensure that our standards are in keeping with all that our community seeks in a great school.
“The adults involved in this action are behaving in a truly reckless way, inciting children to act in an unacceptable manner for their own satisfaction. They do not understand how schools operate, particularly around safeguarding and child protection, and they will not impose upon us a way of acting which is irresponsible, destructive and dangerous.
“We would ask all our parents /carers to support us in having their children return to school as normal and to expressing any views that they have about how our school could be improved and developed further through the correct mechanisms, including the Student Leadership Team.”
The school this morning held an extended form time for students to write down their views on the toilet arrangements.
A school statement on Friday said one set of toilets are open during all lesson times, are accessible from all parts of the school, and a member of staff is present to ensure all students are safe.
During break and lunch, students are then able to use all of the toilets in school.
The statement added: “We actively encourage all students to ensure that they go to the toilet before school, at break and at lunch, to avoid needing to go during lesson time. However, the option to use the toilets during lesson time remains available to students where it is needed. Additionally, through feedback from our wonderful Student Leadership Team, we are investing a further £100,000 to fully refurbish some of the toilets within the school in the coming months.”
A model railway exhibition which has been pulling in enthusiasts from across the UK and the rest of the world is being held in Pudsey next weekend.
Narrow Gauge North 2023 takes place at Pudsey Civic Hall on Saturday, 11 March between 10.30am and 4.30pm.
It will feature a model of the Abbey Light Railway, which ran in Kirkstall between 1974-2012.
The event was first set up by model railway enthusiasts to help raise funds for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in 1994, and since then has gone from strength to strength to raise £110,000 for the charity.
Meeting: Pudsey Civic Hall. Copyright David Spencer and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
One of the event organisers, Peter Kirkby, who has been involved in the specialist interest show since its inception, says he is looking forward to watching exhibitors, enthusiasts and the public roll in once again.
“Last year’s event marked our return after the pandemic, and we had around 400 visitors.” he said. “This year we’re keen to build on that and welcome as many people as possible to come down and take a look.
“Model building is such a great skill to learn as it touches on so many things and really opens up a world of opportunity around design and technology, architecture, science and engineering. We’re really keen to get more from all backgrounds – young and old – into it!
“Come along and find out more about everything involved – from building the board to building the track, the stock, the scenery, the buildings or the electrical work.”
A narrow-gauge railway is a railway with a track gauge that is narrower than the standard 1435mm and is often used for mountainous or rugged terrain.
“If someone wants to see or create a model railway that’s a bit different from what might be at a standard exhibition, then narrow gauge offers that. It means that rather than copying a prototype, modellers can really use their imagination and build something unique.”
Tickets for the exhibition, which is the largest of its kind in the north of England, cost £10 for adults and £1 for accompanied children under 16. A family ticket is £15.
“Our event is open to absolutely everyone,” added Peter. “It is a real family-friendly, all-inclusive show where you are welcome to come along and look at the model railways and layouts and ask any questions you like.”
There will be lots for visitors to see, with 21 layouts, 13 traders and 9 other stalls in attendance, who are all donating their time to be there for free to help raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.
“We have selected a real variety of layouts to feature in this year’s show, ranging from those created in smaller spaces, to ones that are considerably larger and more adventurous,” says Peter. “There is a mixture of continental and British layouts and there will be an impressive model of the local Abbey Light Railway, which ran in Kirkstall between 1974-2012.
“What you notice is the attention to detail – how people capture the look and style of a place, right through to layouts which have sweeping views that you can see all the way across a valley with open green spaces, trees, rivers and bridges. It inspires people to have a go themselves and shows them what they can achieve.”
Putting on the show is a year-long labour of love, but Peter explains that support from the Kirkby family and railway friends has made it possible to put on a great show every year.
“My son Andrew took over the organising of the show in 2018, but shortly after last year’s event, he became unwell and sadly died at the start of 2023. During his illness, his son Oliver continued to support him with Narrow Gauge North and it’s really because of his efforts we can put on the show this year.”
Everyone involved in the show is thrilled with the huge amount that has been raised for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.
The crash scene on Stanningley Road. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com
A petition calling for an urgent review of a junction on Stanningley Road has passed the 650-name mark – as renewed calls for static speed cameras have been made.
The petition follows an incident at the junction of Stanningley Road and Cockshott Lane last Wednesday morning (22 February), which saw the death of 28-year-old Athira Anilkumar Laly Kumari.
Ms Kumari was one of two pedestrians who suffered serious injuries in the collision, which involved a black Volkswagen Golf and caused damage to a bus stop. She is the fifth person in Leeds to be killed in a road traffic collision so far this year.
Thepetition was set up by Councillor Lou Cunningham, (Green, Armley) and calls for an “urgent review of road safety measures Stanningley Road/Cockshott Lane.” and says “one life affected or lost is too many”.
Victim: Athira Anilkumar Laly Kumari
Armley’s Labour councillors, Jim McKenna and Alice Smart are also renewing appeals for static speed cameras to be installed on the busy stretch of road having previously been told by theWest Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership that it did not meet the necessary criteria.
The issue of cameras on the A647 has been regularly raised by local residents attending Armley Forum meetings over a number of years.
Cllr McKenna said: “Any death or injury on our roads is one too many, and Cllr Smart and my thoughts are with the loved ones of those suffering from this horrific event.
“Whilst there is a police investigation ongoing to determine what has happened, we have written to highways officers and the executive member for infrastructure and climate to urgently discuss this junction and put residents views forward and reiterate the need for the safety of pedestrians.
“We have previously requested additional safety measures on this stretch of road. This included fixed speed cameras on the A647 but it did not meet the criteria they set out by the West Yorkshire after Camera Partnership. Under the new camera criteria published last Monday, we are returning to officers to re-review the A647 in line previous commitments and again requesting fixed camera be installed.”
A 25-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following Wednesday’s crash and has since been released on bail as enquiries continue into the collision.
Police enquiries have established that the Golf had travelled on the Armley Gyratory before it was driven down Stanningley Road towards Bradford.
Anyone who has footage of the vehicle prior to the collision, or who can assist the investigation, can contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 101 or by using the 101LiveChat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website. The log reference is 290 of 22 February.
Calverley and Farsley Labour Party and Leeds Co-operative Party have announced Peter Carlill has been re-selected as their joint candidate for the local elections in May.
Cllr Carlill lives in Farsley and has been a ward councillor for the last five years. He has championed issues such as community and road safety, improving public transport, protecting our environment, boosting local economies and providing opportunities for our young people.
He has brought investment in parks, events and neighbourhood improvements, rolled out little free libraries, and created forums and ‘friends of’ groups to connect residents and make the area an even better place to live.
Peter said: “I love my job! It’s an absolute honour to represent the area I live in, and it gives me the opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of people right across our ward every day.
“The last few years have been tough for our communities. I was proud to take a leading role in supporting our residents through the pandemic, ensuring people could access food and support. As we have emerged I am ready to get back to delivering my programme of big ideas I want to see in our area that will improve lives for everyone.”
Shadow Chancellor and Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves welcomed the news. She said: “As a Calverley and Farsley resident, Peter knows the communities well and has proved he has what it takes to make a difference. I’m proud to see the benefits Peter has achieved in Calverley and Farsley, and I’m sure will continue to do so if re-elected.”
As well as speaking to residents through monthly surgeries and on the doorstep weekly, he is encouraging people to let him know about their priorities in his community survey which can be completed online.
Farnley Academy’s principal has criticised ‘highly abusive’ adults who have ‘threatened violence’ to staff following Friday’s student protests over school policy which has led to some toilets being locked during lesson time.
As reported by WLD on Friday, pupils are being asked to use one set of toilets during lesson time, which is leading to queues.
Some parents also say children are being denied permission to use the toilets during lesson time – a claim denied by the school, which is run by the Gorse Academies Trust.
In a letter to parents and guardians, principal Chris Stokes this evening (Sunday) said he had ‘done a great deal of reflecting over the weekend, as well as reading of the various forums and news outlets that are reporting /discussing our academy’.
“Whilst many of the comments are supportive of our academy, it has brought me no joy to read some of the highly abusive, upsetting, and frankly abhorrent comments that some adults in our community have made,” he added.
“Freedom of speech does not extend to threats of violence towards members of staff, myself included, nor does it extend to a desire to, in one case, blow up the school with staff within it. All such comments will continue to be reported to the police.
“In partnership, we must work together to raise young people to recognise that whilst yes, everyone has the right to have their views heard, this does not extend to taking matters into their own hands and causing deliberate harm to others.
“At The Farnley Academy, we have several mechanisms to put forward student feedback. The Student Leadership Team is a fantastic group of students who actively seek to put forward the views of their peers, and genuinely want to make a positive difference.
“These students were at the centre of changes to rules on haircuts, trousers, the increase to 12 negative comment boxes and the half-termly verbal warning resets around equipment, uniform and being late to school. They are also currently putting together a proposal for changes to our rules on earrings. These students make a difference in the right way.
“The request made to students to use only the Bronte toilets during lesson time is not new and it was discussed with our Student Leadership Team at our last meeting. Student leaders reported that it made no difference and they were still able to visit the toilet when they needed to.
“If it is the view of a wider group of students that on this occasion, the Student Leadership Team has not accurately represented their views, then I am very happy for further discussion to take place.”
Mr Stokes said that on Monday morning, there will be an extended form time that will run from 8.30am to 9.10am where all students have the opportunity to write down their views.
“The Student Leadership Team will then take the time to review all responses and discuss with me their collective views on how we can improve things,” Mr Stokes added. “Once I have received the views of the Student Leadership Team, I will address the matter with students, parents and carers, and will let you know what, if any changes we will be making.
“I hope that you will agree that the above approach is sensible and will allow appropriate and constructive dialogue to take place. I look forward to writing to you again in the coming weeks to provide you with an update on the matter.
“In the meantime, I would ask all parents /carers to support our work by ensuring that students express their views through the correct forums and not be encouraged to act by parents /carers in a manner which puts themselves, or others at risk.”
The school says the policy not to have all toilets open during lesson time was taken following two ‘very serious safeguarding events’.
But pupils protested against the policy before school on Friday morning and several Facebook groups have seen pupils’ parents vent their concerns, with claims students had been excluded for going to the toilet without having a note.
Some parents on social media this evening accused Mr Stokes of trying to shift the blame onto the student leadership team and called on him to take responsibility for the issue.
Another parent said on Friday that pupils who need to pay a visit must get a written note from teachers in their planners, permitting them to use the facilities and then hand that note to the staff member outside the toilet. Once the pupil enters, the member of staff allegedly remains outside close to the door and hands the pupil toilet paper. “It’s disgusting they are treating kids like this. It leads to queues of 20 minutes or so.”
Youngsters in action at Blue Hill Lane. Photo: Antony Wilkinson
By Katherine Turner. Photos: Antony Wilkinson
Saturday saw West Leeds RUFC mini and junior ‘Lions’ section take over the senior team’s match day.
The aim of the day – as described by junior chairman Dave Wilson – was to “bring the rugby sections together, both senior and junior. Creating an experience for the whole club.”
Blue Hill Lane was packed to the rafters as the mini section did pre-match training, the under 7’s and 8’s had a tag game and the under 10’s a match against the day’s visiting team Huddersfield Laund Hill. There were player mascots and a guard of honour for the first XV fixture.
Proud youngsters line up on Saturday in Wortley. Photo: Antony Wilkinson
Parent Jo Hall, whose twins Seth and Archie play for the under 7/8’s team, said: “The day was fantastic, it brought the first team and the juniors together as they usually play on different days. My boys loved walking out with the first team for their match.
“It gave the kids a real sense of the rugby community, a real family atmosphere. I’d say it’s given my boys more drive to keep playing and getting better. The club house afterwards was brilliant, it had a great buzz of excitement.”
The event saw the West Leeds team come out victors in a thrilling 54-13 win over Huddersfield. Activities for the kids involved a bouncy castle, spin the wheel, sweet sale and a raffle. There was also a special 1st XV player of the match trophy presentation with the winner chosen by the children.
Wheel of fortune: Youngsters having fun in the clubhouse. Photo: Katherine Turner
Dave Wilson added: “The day was incredibly successful with circa 70 kids playing pre-match and taking part in the player escorts and guard of honour. Smiles on faces throughout tells its own story!
“Through the raffle, wheel of fortune etc a few hundred pounds have been raised however the day wasn’t about the money, it was about having a great day down at the lane, player (junior/senior), coaches and parents.”
Anyone who would like to get involved in playing, coaching or supporting the team can contact Mr Wilson on 07976 682894 or e-mail davidwilson2301@gmail.com.
Frank Mulhern returned to the team following injury and scored a screamer. Photo: Simon Cullingworth
By Niall Togher. Additional reporting: John Baron
Farsley Celtic extended their unbeaten run to seven games at Banbury United – but were left frustrated by a 93rd-minute equaliser in a game they will feel they should have won.
The Celts were moments away from bringing all three points back to Farsley, but were pegged back to 2-2 at the death as Jack Stevens inexplicably found space in the Farsley penalty area from a set-piece.
Earlier, Farsley had fought back from a goal down to lead through Carlton Ubaezuonu and Frank Mulhern, with the latter adding another spectacular goal to his collection.
Farsley started promisingly in the opening five minutes and Chris Atkinson was able to slide in Kian Scales who had made a darting run inside from the right wing, but Jack Harding stood strong in the Puritan’s goal to keep the game level.
Banbury managed to create some chances of their own and came close within the first 15 minutes.
Henry Landers managed to find half a yard of space to get his shot off from a tight angle inside the Farsley box and it rattled the outside of the upright.
Harding would be called into action once again just before the half-hour mark when he tipped over Bobby Johnson’s attempt from the edge of the box.
The hosts then managed to break the deadlock on the verge of halftime. Banbury broke quickly down the left-hand side and Ben Acquaye managed to get to the by-line, with his cut-back met by Jack Stevens who swept home from close range.
Farsley replied instantly in stoppage time to ensure they went into the break level. Carlton Ubaezuonu cooly picked out the bottom corner after the ball fell to him following a long throw-in from Tom Allan.
The Celts then completed the turnaround within six minutes of the restart through a moment of Frank Mulhern magic.
The Farsley attacker controlled a bouncing ball 30 yards from goal, before unleashing a dipping half-volley that nestled into the top corner, leaving Harding with no chance.
After taking the lead, Farsley were able to restrict their hosts to limited chances, albeit not really threatening the Banbury goal much either.
This changed in the 90th minute when Stevens’ ball in was met by substitute Slavi Spasov, but he blazed his attempt over the bar.
However, as the game headed deep into added time, the hosts would strike. Jack Stevens rose highest at the back post to thunder his header past Max Dearnley to claw the Puritans level.
There was still time for Banbury to be reduced to 10 men, as Henry Landers was dismissed after a lunging tackle on Bobby Johnson.
And in the final moment, Farsley thought they had stolen all three points as Harry Jessop directed the initial scuffed attempt by Scales into the back of the net, but he was flagged offside and both teams had to settle for a point.
The result leaves the visitors fourth from bottom in the final relegation spot, and the Celts’ unbeaten run – which includes five away games – faces a stern test on Tuesday with yet another trip, this time to second-placed AFC Fylde.
Match reaction
Celts boss Russ Wilcox admitted he was disappointed to drop two points late on, but said the players’ disappointment was testament to how far the club has come and the spirit in the side
Leading by example. West Leeds’ Captain Lewis Bromley.
Photo: Ivor Hughes
By Karen Breakwell; Photos Ivor Hughes
Before the first team kicked off in their Counties Yorkshire One league game against Laund Hill we saw the future talent on show from both sides from the U6, U7, U8, U9 and U10 age groups taking part in our club takeover day.
It was a great event and created a good feel around the club heading into kick off.
The match started with a few scrappy exchanges, with Huddersfield very much on the front foot and taking the lead with a penalty from the boot of Huddersfield’s full back Tom Egan, who continued to cause West Leeds issues all afternoon.
After the first five minutes West Leeds soon started to show their ability to play from anywhere and with a well-worked passage of play moved the ball up the field for Mark Calderwood to take three defenders over the line with him to score in the corner. Conversion missed.
This second half attempt by Huddersfield LH was frustrated by the West Leeds defence. Forward Ben Hill was prevented from grounding the ball. Photo: Ivor Hughes
After the restart Huddersfield were back in control, keeping the ball well but struggled to make yards. The mounting pressure in defence showed as Sam Neave intercepted on the half way and ran in to score under the posts with Keir Breakwell adding the two.
Within minutes West Leeds were back punching holes in visitors line and strong carries from Barney Carter and Dave Sidebottom created space for West Leeds captain to crash through the defence on the 22 and barrel over to score. Breakwell added the conversion.
The last five minutes of the half saw Huddersfield controlling the scrums and retaining the ball.
Tom Egan slotted another penalty before going over for a try just before half time and adding the conversion for a half time score 19-13.
The second half started with West Leeds dominating possession and were now playing attacking rugby from everywhere.
Sam Neave again pounced on a mistake from the visitors’ tired attack and ran in to score his second try of the afternoon converted by Breakwell.
That was the the bonus point score and the floodgates opened with Eliah Chityo – on at half time – running around the Laund Hill 13 as if he wasn’t there to set up three quick scores for Sam Marshall, Mark Calderwood. Eliah started and finished the third after receiving the ball back from Sam Neave to score in the corner.
All three were converted by Breakwell. The final try was a great team score worked edge to edge orchestrated by Keir Breakwell and Sam Neave who combined well all afternoon and after a rampaging run from Barney Carter who was stopped inches out Adam Newton popped up to collect the ball and score his first try for the first team. Final score 54-13.
A great game to watch for the home supporters as West Leeds move on to Beverley at home next week. Star man and man of the match: Keir Breakwell.
Athira Anilkumar Laly Kumari, aged 28, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which occurred at the junction of Stanningley Road and Cockshott Lane just before 8.30am on Wednesday (22 February).
Athira was one of two pedestrians who suffered serious injuries in the collision, which involved a black Volkswagen Golf and caused damage to a bus stop.
The second pedestrian, a man in his forties, is continuing to recover in hospital.
Police cordoned off the crash scene this morning. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com
The Golf driver, a 25-year-old woman, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has since been released on bail as enquiries continue into the collision.
Enquiries by The Major Collision Enquiry Team have established that the Golf had travelled on the Armley Gyratory before it drove down Stanningley Road towards Bradford.
Anyone who has footage of the vehicle prior to the collision, or who can assist the investigation, can contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 101 or by using the 101LiveChat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website. The log reference is 290 of 22 February.
A former Kirkstall Road pub which has suffered from floods, fire and vandalism is set for a new lease of life
Council planners this week approved plans to change the upper floors of The Rising Sun to six apartments and altering the ground floor pub into a coffee bar and lounge – five years after the proposals were first submitted.
A council report says the application has been ‘revised in some detail’ since the original proposals in 2018 and shows a car park with a total of 25 spaces split between staff and customers of the coffee bar and the residential apartments.
“A new active and sustainable use in the short, medium and long term is critical to ensure this prominent and important asset in the Burley community can be enjoyed for many more years to come,” the report said.
“The use as a public house has been abandoned a number of years ago but importantly this commercial re-use of the building would retain an ability for conversion back into this original use if ever desired again.”
The report says that the new uses are sympathetic to the original layout and configuration of the former public house. The plans, submitted by Nottingham-based Nick Ackroyd, were approved subject to a raft of 28 planning conditions.
The building has been previously on the Leeds Listed Buildings ‘at Risk’ Register.
The Rising Sun pub in Kirkstall Road. Photo: Google maps/Google Street View
Building’s history
A Joshua Tetley Heritage Inn built at the turn of the 19th century, The Rising Sun was once a busy pub at the heart of the local community. The Grade II Listed landmark pub closed in 2009.
The Rising Sun was severely damaged by fire in 2013, has suffered from vandalism and drug use and its downstairs was left under several feet of water when the River Aire flooded on Boxing Day 2015.
The pub, which dates back to around 1895, reopened as a second-hand furniture shop in 2011.
Plans to de-list the late Victorian pub’s historic internal features and transform the building into six flatswere refused by Leeds City Council planners in 2017. Planners said at the timethe proposals to remove internal fittings would cause ‘substantial harm to the special character and significance of the listed interiors’.
There have been a variety of plans to resurrect the Grade II Listed building over the years, including one – refused by the council in 2017 – to de-list its interior and turn it into apartments.
In photos: Gorgeous early Spring flowers in Kirkstall
Photographer Susan Tellum has been out and about in West Leeds again.
This time she’s been capturing early February catkins and crocuses (croci, if you prefer – both names are apparently acceptable!) in Bramley Park and Kirkstall.
Please feel free to share your photos by e-mailing them to news@westleedsdispatch.com.
Here’s a slideshow of her photos: