Forge Way FC took over Bramley parkrun. Photo: Simon Cullingworth
By Nikita Miller, vice chair
Photo: Simon Cullingworth
Despite the Great British weather, Forge Way Football Club had the absolute honour of taking over Bramley Park run this morning.
Huddled under rain coats and umbrellas, there were hardy members of the football club dotted around the course encouraging the runners on their way. An injured posse took on the role of tail walkers, leaving an energetic few taking on the 5k challenge.
A club spokesperson said: “From under 7s, right through to open age, there was a great turnout and it was ace to see.
“Thank you to Bramley parkrun for stepping up every weekend to provide such a great event for the community, and thank you for allowing Forge Way the opportunity to come along and show our support.”
Bramley parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event where people can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
Big tech greed, corporate takeovers and declining advertising revenues mean Britain’s independent local news providers – like West Leeds Dispatch – are facing a tough battle to get trustworthy information into the hands of communities.
Misinformation is on the rise. In the hardest-hit areas, disinformation is stoking up tension and riots are breaking out. Networks are being manipulated. Convincing, AI- generated deepfakes are fooling even the most sceptical users.
People need reliable information and shared understandings to participate meaningfully in their community. And yet, the local news crisis in the UK has left over 4 million Brits living in news deserts – areas that are entirely without quality local journalism.
No news is bad news. Something needs to change.
Local people deserve reliable information that speaks to them, for them and with them. They need news providers that live in their communities and walk alongside them, that speak truth to power, celebrate local heroes and shine a light on local issues.
Across the country, a dedicated movement of independent journalists is holding power to account, strengthening pride in place and supporting people to take part in their communities.
We need politicians to step up to the challenge of regenerating local news, so that indie news providers can continue getting information to the people who need it most for generations to come.
We ASPIRE for better news: local news that is Accountable, Sustainable, in the Public interest, Innovative, Representative and Engaging (‘ASPIRE’).
That’s why the Local News Commission, supported by the Public Interest News Foundation, has come up with a plan to solve the local news crisis by 2035, by calling on the government to support six recommendations:
A Local News Stimulation Fund of £15m for the next 10 years to help local news make the digital transition.
Incentives for philanthropists, big tech and members of the public to support local news.
A workforce plan to ensure that journalists are drawn from all backgrounds and equipped to serve their communities.
A fair deal for local news providers using the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act to level the playing field with big tech.
A new deal between local government and local news in which local communities are informed and empowered.
A new relationship between the BBC and local news at Charter Renewal in 2027 building on the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The Public Interest News Foundation is the UK’s first charity to support public interest news – ethical and impartial journalism that informs and empowers the public about the things that matter to all of us.
Indie News Week
In June 2024, PINF launched the UK’s first awareness-raising and crowdfunding campaign for independent news, with the slogan No News is Bad News. Indie News Week is currently running again for a second year.
30 outlets have registered to be part of the second annual indie news campaign to raise critical funds and awareness of local news among audiences across the UK.
More than 20 events are taking place in all four nations of the UK, from open newsrooms to panel discussions, podcasting panels and guided walks. Despite being busier than ever, journalists are throwing open the newsroom doors to let in local communities.
Join WLD at a community quiz night at Truly Scrummy on Horsforth Town Street this evening (Tuesday, 10 May 2025) at 7pm for a 7.30pm quiz start.
And on Thursday (12 June 2025) from 4pm to 7pm we’ll be throwing open the doors of our community newsroom at Bramley Lawn Social Centre, off Rossefield Lawn, Bramley where you can meet the WLD team and find out more about us over a friendly cuppa and some cake.
We’re also running a community mapping exercise, which will see us mapping community venues, groups and activities for each of the seven council wards we cover.
Care providers in Leeds have warned that the cost of looking after vulnerable people is rising faster than council funding.
Concerns were raised that residential and home care organisations may have to cut back on services in a Leeds City Council debate.
Council leaders insisted there was enough capacity in the care sector and services were improving.
In May, they decided to raise the fees paid to providers, by five per cent for home care and 3.5 per cent for residential homes.
But a scrutiny board was told the increases would not keep pace with higher National Insurance and wage costs, leaving smaller care homes at risk.
Marilou Bree, manager of family-run Alexandra Court in West Park, said: “It’s not just a business. It’s a family legacy built on care, compassion and commitment to our community.
“But for the first time in our history I am seriously concerned that we won’t be able to continue.
“The proposed 3.5 per cent uplift is simply not viable for small homes like mine.”
Care funding was debated after opposition councillors filed a formal “call-in” request for the fee increase decision to be re-considered.
The request, led by Conservative Harewood member Sam Firth, raised concerns over whether care providers were properly consulted.
It said: “We are concerned that the fee uplift proposals are insufficient and will ultimately impact on vulnerable service users as providers struggle to meet financial challenges.”
The request was defeated in a vote by councillors on the Adults, Health and Active Lifestyles scrutiny board on Monday.
Cllr Fiona Venner
Fiona Venner, Labour’s executive member for health and well-being and Kirkstall councillor, said there was an over-supply of care home places.
She said: “It’s really not our view that choice for people looking for a care home place is being compromised.”
A council report said a fee increase of 1.6 per cent was first proposed for home care. But that was raised to five per cent after some providers said they may pull out of running services.
An extra £3.7m was found for the budget for fee increases, bringing it to £13.5m.
Leeds Civic Hall
Council tax write off
More than £650,000 in council tax is to be written off after it was decided the cash could not be recovered.
Leeds City Council decided it would not be able to collect some funds still outstanding from the financial years 2010-11 and 2011-12.
Some of the cash was owed by people who had been made bankrupt, along with others who had died, a council report said.
The report said: “Each individual debt has been individually reviewed and revenue management considered that there is no realistic prospect of collection.”
Some £311,300 was outstanding from 2010-11 and £344,000 from the following year.
The report pointed out that the amounts to be written off represented a small percentage of the council’s total liability – around 0.1 per cent for both years.
Outstanding council tax remained payable when a householder had died. But the debt sometimes had to be written off if they had no assets.
Enforcement agencies were used if a council tax payer had disappeared without paying, but some could not be traced.
The report said “There are occasions when residents abscond leaving debts. In all cases concerted efforts are made to trace the debtor.”
In cases of financial hardship, debts were cancelled when recovery action had been exhausted.
The report said: “For bankruptcies, these debts are only written off if the insolvency practitioners report that there are no assets out of which the creditors can be paid.”
Council tax in Leeds was increased by 4.99 percent this year as the authority sought to make more than £100m in savings.
The annual increase councils are allowed to make includes a “social care precept” to help cover the cost of looking after vulnerable people.
Last week was Volunteers Week and as always volunteers were busy around Horsforth doing various jobs for community organisations.
The week in Horsforth starts at Mondays Community Cafe. The pay as you feel cafe is open every Monday except bank holidays from 10 am till 2pm, with lunch served at 12pm. Surplus food from various sources is used by volunteers to create a variety of meals.
MHA Communities Horsforth hold their busy Bacon Butty Club on Tuesday mornings and volunteers provide delicious bacon butties with a cup of tea.
It’s just one of many MHA activities for people over 55 at Central Methodist Church throughout the week. You can find out more through WLD’s What’s On section.
Walk of Art volunteers gathered in the Town Street Tavern on Wednesday night to discuss future plans.
Horsforth In Bloom volunteers also meet on Wednesdays and this week were weeding the planters on New Road Side in the afternoon.
And more green fingers were put to good use as volunteer Sue tended to the planters outside Horsforth Arts Society.
Horsforth Litter Picker Reggie can often be seen out and about clearing detritus with his dad Dave.
Volunteers are invaluable for charity shops, doing all sorts of jobs from working on the till, to steaming garments and sorting donations for sale. Here are some of the volunteers from the Leeds Women’s Aid shop on New Road Side.
Cragg Hill Drop In has been running at Cragg Hill Church every Friday morning for almost 20 years, and volunteer Jill, seen below on the far right with fellow volunteers, has been an ever present in that time.
The drop in is open every Friday morning from 10.30am to 12pm, providing free bacon butties and hot drinks as well as a chit chat and a social.
There were lots of volunteers at Horsforth Beer and Music Festival at St Margaret’s Church this weekend, pulling pints and rolling barrels.
The first Saturday of every month in Horsforth sees Horsforth Farmers Market in full swing, running smoothly with the help of many volunteers greeting visitors, and setting up and taking down the stalls. Thanks to volunteer Carl Purkiss for these photos.
If you’re looking to escape the inclement weather on Saturday mornings why not pop into the Central Methodist Church for a hot drink and a cake courtesy of church volunteers.
There are lots of volunteers across all of these events and organisations in Horsforth doing a great job but more volunteers are always welcomed.
Why not get in touch and put your time and skills to use in the Horsforth community?
Gary Lemal, chair of green side Greenway CIO, discusses mass transit with Rachel Reeves MP.
By community reporter
Leeds West & Pudsey MP Rachel Reeves has visited the Greenside Greenway, which could be used as a line for the mass transit tram system linking Leeds and Bradford.
During her visit she told volunteers how she had met with West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and they had spoken about a mass transit system, which will pass through her constituency. Ms Reeves said she understood about the different route options.
Ms Reeves, in her capacity as Chancellor, last week released funding for transport in the city regions. West Yorkshire received £2.1 billion towards a new tram system.
The Greenside Greenway utilises the former railway line through Pudsey, with aims to improve the route by making low energy travel such as walking and cycling easier for all.
Greenside Greenway Community Interest Organisation has plans to reinstate some benches, add waymarking signs and improve access at various points.
They also have long-term plans to improve the surface for all, and if mass transit is to follow the greenway then all this will be done.
Mass Transit from Leeds has two options, the first following the A647 trunk road through Armley and Bramley Town End, then continuing along the Stanningley Road close to Bramley Station and towards the Fire Station at Swinnow.
The second option from Leeds follows the railway line from the gyratory crossing Tong Road close to the petrol station then through Whingate, crossing Henconner Lane close to the top of the hill then over the bypass through Bramley train station and towards the Swinnow fire station.
From Swinnow there are two route options into Bradford one continues along the 72 bus route towards Dawsons Corner then straight into Bradford along Leeds Road.
The second option crosses Stanningley bypass and is likely to follow parts of the old Pudsey railway line towards the Greenside Tunnel over the old railway embankment to Tyersal and then down Bowling Back Lane into Bradford City Centre.
It is expected that the decision about which Route options have been chosen will be made in October this year. Details of exact routes will then be explored into next year.
Balsam bash
Greenside Greenway volunteers have removed litter and widened paths over recent years. The next activity will be a balsam bash, this is where the invasive weed Himalayan balsam is pulled from the ground.
The weed grows from seed each year, growing quickly particularly in damp conditions. It then smothers less vigorous plants and because of its high amount of nectar attracts pollinators at the expense of other plants.
There are only a few pockets of Himalayan Balsam on the greenway however because each plant can have up to 800 seeds which explode from seed pods when touched they can quickly spread through an area.
Any volunteers wanting to help can meet at the Fox & Grapes on Smalewell Road, Pudsey, LS28 8HU at 10am on Saturday, 14 June. Stout boots, gloves and a garden hoe are recommended.
Urgent Northern Power Grid works starting today which will lead to delays on the Ring Road at the Calverley Lane junction between Rodley and Horsforth.
The works started today (Monday, 9 June) for approximately three days due to a low voltage mains cable fault.
A council spokesperson said: “In order to carry out the works safely there will be contra flow in use on Broadway, a right turn ban into Calverley Lane and a reduction to the speed limit from 50mph to 30mph for the duration of the works.”
Community reporters, trustees and supporters at our AGM at Sunny Bank Mills in November. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield
by John Baron
Your West Leeds Dispatch is joining independent news providers across the UK to mark the second annual Indie News Week – and we would love YOU to join us at two events we’re holding this week.
Independent news outlets like WLD – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts. The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.
Indie News Week is organised by the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) and is returning to help champion the independent local news sector, comprising hundreds of small but dedicated publications around the UK just like us.
While we are all unique publications, what unites us is our motivation to provide a proper local news service for the communities we serve, on a not-for-profit basis.
WLD, which last month celebrated a decade of providing community news, is holding two events which you are very welcome to attend.
Venue: Truly Scrummy, Horsforth. Photo: Google
Community quiz night
Join us at a community quiz night at Truly Scrummy on Horsforth Town Street tomorrow (Tuesday, 10 May 2025) at 7pm for a 7.30pm quiz start.
Quizmistress Jill Stocks will be hosting the evening, entry is free and all quizzers are welcome to enjoy the social occasion. But be warned the questions can be a little tough!
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages will be available and snacks. And the team will be there to answer any questions about who we are and what we do.
West Leeds Dispatch editor John Baron marks Indie News Week. Photo: Katherine Turner
Community mapping at open newsroom
And on Thursday (12 June 2025) from 4pm to 7pm we’ll be throwing open the doors of our community newsroom at Bramley Lawn Social Centre, off Rossefield Lawn, Bramley where you can meet the WLD team and find out more about us over a friendly cuppa and some cake.
We’re also running a community mapping exercise, which will see us mapping community venues, groups and activities for each of the seven council wards we cover.
We are aiming to put together interactive maps to act as community guides to what’s on in the area to run alongside our existing what’s on section.
We’d love to tap into your knowledge of the area to help us put the maps together, so please do come along and help us map where you live!
Some of the attendees at a community reporters’ training course at Bramley Lawn. Photo: John Baron
Your Dispatch
WLD is a community-led media organisation. We have a board of six volunteers who are all local people, and a team of community reporters who volunteer their time to report what’s happening in their local communities. They’re led by myself, editor John Baron, and supported by worker Jean Hollings.
Our aim is to connect people to what’s going on in their communities, connect people to local community groups and activities, encourage people to become more active in their communities and hold those in power to account. We aim to give people a voice which might not normally be heard in mainstream media.
Local people deserve reliable information that speaks to them, for them and with them. They need news providers that live in their communities and walk alongside them, that speak truth to power, celebrate local heroes and shine a light on local issues.
Across the country, a dedicated movement of independent journalists is holding power to account, strengthening pride in place and supporting people to take part in their communities.
But more than ever, local news outlets need our support. They are fighting to keep local news alive.
Please do join us at one of our events.
If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly donation here. One-off donations or standing orders are also welcome – e-mail us on accounts@westleedsdispatch.com.
From left: Cade, Lisa Smith, Cole, Logan , Keevah, Fergus, Richard Smith.
By James Bovington
Seven teenage fighters from Bramley’s Bad Company gym are looking forward to taking part in an international Thai Boxing tournament in the northern Italian city of Verona.
The young people will be competing over four days from 25 June having been selected for Team England, with gym owners Richard Smith and Lisa Houghton-Smith again being chief coaches.
Brothers Logan and Cade Smith attend Crawshaw Academy in Pudsey and competed in Venice last year.
Dad Alex said: “They’re both training daily to prepare and they’re mixing boxing training with strength and mobility coaching.
“Logan’s taking GCSE exams at present so it’s tricky juggling everything, but their teachers are helpful giving the boys time off when needed. Cade has got a wall of fame at school celebrating his world titles in Brazilian jujitsu and Thai Boxing.
“Logan also helps coach the younger fighters. Cade’s training in both kids’ and adults’ classes in preparation for Verona.”
Also bound for Italy are Bramley’s Cole Chapman, 12, who won a British title at 34 kg on the recent Leeds Hitman show where he apparently kicked the show off in style.
Cole’s moving up to compete at 36 kg. The self-funded team also includes fellow Hitman champion Fergus Smith along with Charlie Bedford, Keevah Render and Harper Render.
Richard Smith added: “These youngsters qualified by winning their categories in last October’s Muay Thai GB British Open Championships here in Leeds and then passed selection with a panel of experts,
“They’re now looking forward to being part of the 46-strong Team England who’ll form a sizeable contingent amongst the 900 or so participants in Verona from approaching eighty countries.”
Demolition plan: Oddfellows Hall pub in Pudsey. Photo: Google
By John Baron
A ‘dangerous’ former Pudsey pub could be demolished, if an application is approved by council planners.
Applicant Verma Developments wants to demolish the former Oddfellows Hall Public House, off Richardshaw Lane, pointing to its ‘dangerous/unsafe’ structure.
It’s hoped demolition work will start on 1 July 2025. Demolition would be carried out by high-reach excavator.
Horsforth Walk Of Art group is looking for contributors towards a heritage architecture trail planned for September this year.
WOA was recently awarded a grant by Leeds Civic Trust and will be using the funds to work with Horsforth Museum to create a heritage architecture trail “with a twist”.
Artists specialising in maps and local historians are particularly welcome to bring their knowledge and skills to the table.
It is also hoped to make part of the trail permanent by creating geocaches for people to find.
The trail will be part of Heritage Week which runs from 15th to 21st September.
Check out the WOA facebook page for more information and to get in touch to volunteer.
Last weekend’s Community Sports Day at Drury Avenue Recreational Ground in Horsforth has been hailed a great success.
And it’s hoped that there will be similar events on the ground in the future.
Organised by a group of local volunteers, PCSO Julie Richardson and with the support of Horsforth Community Assets Project the event was for all ages and had a host of activities available from football to rounders as well as a number of activities for younger children.
The event was funded by a grant from the Leeds Together Fund and supported by HCAP and Leeds Community Anchor Network.
Here’s some of the photos from the day, provided by Jill Stocks, Claire Evans and Dawn Carter, to whet your appetite for the next one.
Our bi-monthly free printed newspaper is hitting the streets of West Leeds today.
Issue 15 features the latest on efforts to reinvigorate Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall after the facility was saved from potential closure earlier this year.
We also shine the spotlight on a consultation in Wortley over plans to expand Elland Road football ground, as well as feature the latest at Bramley Baths, a community award for top teens in Armley and the latest local events on our what’s on page.
Our team of volunteers are busy delivering the newspaper over the next few days. Copies can be picked up at:
Armley
Armley Helping Hands, Strawberry Lane Community Centre
New Wortley Community Centre
Armley Library
Stylistics Hair Salon
Interplay Theatre, Armley Ridge Road
Leeds City Mission.
Bramley
Bramley Community Hub
Broadlea Community Centre
Bramley Community Hub
Bramley Baths
Bramley Lawn Social Centre
Full Circle Funeral Parlour
Trinity Methodist Church
Branley Band WMC
Copper Tree Hub
MNoorside TARA Community Centre
Black Lion Pub
Kate Elizabeth Funeral Parlour
Raynville Superstore
St Gemma’s Charity shop
West Leeds Activity Centre
Barca: Northside
Burley
Left Bank
Cardigan Community Centre
Burley Lodge Community Centre
New Burley Club
Cardigan Arms
Dave’s Pies
Sheesh Mahal
Calverley
Calverley Library
The Calverley Arms
Farnley
Farnley Community Centre
Farsley
Sunny Bank Mills
Farsley Library
MHA Communities Farsley
Horsforth
Queens Arms
Hardakers
Number One
Lion and Co, Top Cuts Barbers
Total Being
Linley and Simpson
The Old Ball
Queens Arms
Brownlee Arms
Granvilles
Malt Brewhouse
Broadgate Lane Surgery
Horsforth Community Hub
Kurdish Barbers
Courtyard cafe
Town Street barbers
Truly Scrummy
Squire Hair, Conservative Club, Town Street tavern
Rony’s Barbers
Kings Arms
Black Bull
Woodside Micropub
Aj Barbers
Headhouse Salon
The Bridge
Fleece
Dawn’s
Horsforth Brewery
Hop Shack
Hocloco
Horsforth Hotel
Regent Chippy
Time and Tide
Three Swords
Crooked Crown
Top Men’s Barbers
Slow Rise
Horsfotth Parish Centre, Horsofrht Museum, Central Methodist Church
Grove Methodist Church
Leeds Women’s Aid charity shop
Kirkstall
West End House
Kirkstall Leisure Centre
Kirkstall Bridge pub
Kirkstall Valley Development Trust, St Stephen’s Church Hall, Norman Street
Butlers, Kirkstall Forge
Hollybush
Cancer Research charity shop
Fish Oil
Vesper Gate
Kirkstall Brewery
Queenswood Social Club
Pudsey
Pudsey Community Hub
Pudsey Wellbeing Centre
Pudsey House
Pudsey Community Project, Fartown
Scrumdiddlyumptious
Swinnow Community Centre
Bearded Sailor
Rodley
The Owl
Rodley Nature Reserve
The Barge
Swinnow
Swinnow Community Centre
Wortley
Lower Wortley Community Centre
New Wortley Community Centre
If your business/community organisation would like to stock some copies of WLD, drop us an email on news@westleedsdispatch.com. We’d be delighted to add you to the list.
