Two dilapidated flat roofs at Pudsey Police Station will be replaced.
West Yorkshire Police has successfully submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council to carry out the work on the main building and custody areas.
A council planning officer’s report approving the proposals said: “There is no reason in policy terms that the principle of the development is not wholly acceptable.”
A design statement submitted with the application stated: “These works are necessary to bring the custody area back into operational use and facilitate the future installation of PV panels onto the main station two-storey roof, as part of the West Yorkshire Police decarbonisation strategy.
“The works are to commence imminently to increase cell capacity within the West Yorkshire Police estate.”
The site and service delivery will remain operational throughout the works. The custody area affected consists of 20 cells.
The Rev Phil Arnold (second from right) with supporters. Photo: Nelson Rodriguez
By Nelson Rodríguez
An Armley vicar has swum 21 miles in 24 hours in a challenge of faith and endurance to support his community.
Reverend Phil Arnold, of Christ Church, completed his challenging swim across the equivalent of the English Channel, achieving a feat that not only proves his physical endurance but also his commitment to his community.
In total, the 21 miles took him 18.5 hours of continuous effort at Armley Leisure Centre, raising funds for the ‘Armley Good Neighbours’ project to repair the roof of Christ Church in Upper Armley.
The Rev Arnold said: “It was without doubt the toughest physical challenge I have ever faced. But it was worth it and I learned a lot along the way.
“Physical fatigue, cold water and mental exhaustion were the main challenges. Still, the solidarity of those around him kept me going.
“It was great to have the support of so many people. Dean McKenna and the team at Armley Leisure Centre have been very supportive throughout, along with other volunteers.”
During the five days of preparation and the challenge, a team of people accompanied Phil: swimmers, lap counters, volunteers from the leisure centre and others who came to cheer.
“The person who deserves the biggest thanks is Alan Miller, who has trained me for five months to get to this stage. This week he has taken 50,000 steps walking poolside. Many thanks to Alan for all his wisdom on the art of swimming,” Rev Arnold added.
So far, the initiative has raised £12,550, a sum that will help start work on the church and allow it to continue serving the local community.
When asked if he would repeat a similar challenge, he replied: “I wouldn’t rule it out, but for now I need a break. It’s been very hard, but it’s also been rewarding.”
Making a splash: The Rev Phil Arnold. Photo: Lou Cunningham
Roland Cross, Jude Woods and Suzy Russel, who co-ordinates the UK CSA Network.
By Rhian Williams
Community led Kirkstall Valley Farm is pleased to welcome Jude Woods and Roland Cross to its team.
Jude has been employed by the UK Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Network as an engagement officer. They will be supporting more and more people to get involved in the farm. This could be in all sorts of ways – if you have an idea you’d like to see happen at the farm, get in touch with Jude.
A farm spokesperson said: “Having Jude’s time and skills will be a big boost to the farm and we’re excited to see what happens next. To contact them, email kvf.growers@kvdt.org.uk.”
Roland is the new chair of the Kirkstall Valley Development Trust board. He brings a wealth of experience in managing projects and governing small organisations. Roland’s already got stuck in, both planting trees and chairing board meetings.
A spokesperson said: “We’re grateful to him for volunteering his time to do this, and appreciate the importance of all the behind the scenes work in keeping KVDT flourishing.”
Path and Cycleway blocked adjacent the Dawsons Corner Roundabout bus stop
By Neil Cullen
Early enabling activity at Dawsons Corner has started in earnest with the construction of a ‘bellmouth’ entrance off Bradford Road for the primary site entrance, and the arrival of a heavy duty bulldozer.
Pedestrian and cycle routes have been diverted to permit this work, conducted mainly at night to minimise traffic disruption.
An information event at Pudsey Civic Hall on 15 May was attended by some 150 members of the public and the expected timetable was published. Enabling works are proceeding as planned. Completion of the full scheme is expected in Winter 2026, around 18 months away.
Abstract from Leeds City Council information board and Connecting Leeds website
Residents in nearby streets have been treated to a grandstand view of machinery arriving through the temporary entrance to the former Calverley Charity Workhouse Allotment land. The latest arrival was a gigantic Caterpillar D6 machine (which has been evolving since 1935). This had to be skilfully shoehorned through the narrow entrance.
Deliveries usually occur in early morning to avoid disruption to residents. Any mud which inevitably migrates to the road is promptly cleared by a faithful contracting road sweeper machine.
“Enabling Works’ may seem a trivial term, but most civil engineering projects involve a lot of it. At Dawsons Corner this involves locating all the buried vital services: Cable TV, telephone lines and electricity cables.
We all rely on these to run uninterrupted. So credit is due to the contractors who have been carefully locating these, delicately digging them out and relocating them away from harm.
To this end, a huge remote controlled vacuum cleaner was deployed each night to scoop up the fragments of concrete and soil as they were dislodged from shovels and drills, and loaded into a waiting dump truck for disposal. Dentistry on an industrial scale.
To facilitate safety of road users, the pedestrian and Leeds-Bradford Cycle Superhighway on the south side of Bradford Road were blocked off, including pedestrian crossings on the Stanningley Bypass.
This caused a significant extra distance and time for users heading to and from ASDA, New Pudsey train station, and the X6 bus stop. Cyclists were advised to dismount and use the Bradford Road pedestrian crossing and the north side cycle route.
Longer-term planned pedestrian and cycle diversion routes for the full scheme have been promised to all residents in the next couple of weeks, and the plans will also be available on the Leeds City Council website.
Friday walking group with John Battle. Photo: Rebecca Hunter
By Rebecca Hunter
May marked National Walking Month, and New Wortley Community Centre organised a variety of enjoyable walks.
They kicked off the month with the Men’s Group, which strolled to The Royal Armouries to soak in some history.
The Thursday Lunch Club enjoyed a delightful walk along the canal spotting baby ducklings as they went.
The History Group explored the local area, mapping out what New Wortley looked like in the past.
Meanwhile, the Youth Group embarked on a Nature and Sensory Walk, where they spotted bugs, sketched leaves, and learned about the wildlife surrounding us.
Pat and Audrey meet at the centre for a stroll round the park. Photo: Rebecca Hunter
On the last Friday of the month, John Battle’s walking group ventured into town, crossing the new bridge and visiting the Art Gallery.
Back at the centre, Pat, Audrey, and Monika have been meeting every Friday for a walk after forming connections in a previous walking group.
Pat said: “Returning to nature is a walk in the park at New Wortley Recreational Ground! There’s an abundance of sights and experiences to enjoy.
“The rewilding areas have allowed wildlife and flowers to thrive, and we can identify numerous trees. We encounter incredible wildlife, including squirrels, birds, insects, and cute bees!
“We also take the time to chat with people and their dogs. All are always welcome! We’re thrilled to have continued our group after first meeting in Fiona’s walking group. If anyone is interested in joining us, come to New Wortley Community Centre at 10am every Friday!”
Terry ponders at the Royal Armouries. Photo: Martin Hackett
If you want more information about any of New Wortley Community Centre‘s groups, pop into the centre, at 40 Tong Road, and pick up a timetable or e-mail Rebecca.hunter@newwortleycc.org.
Check out WLD‘s what’s on section for more local events, activities and groups.
Every fortnight we publish a list of the latest licensing applications related to the seven council wards in the West Leeds Dispatch patch.
The council’s licensing department regulates activities that require a licence, such as selling alcohol, providing entertainment, event notices and taxi licence applications. They also ensure that licensed premises and individuals comply with the law and protect the public
The following licensing application was published on the Leeds City Council website in the past 14 days:
Julio Tulaman is the owner of Hooleos. Photo: Jill Stocks
By Jill Stocks
A Horsforth businessman and town councillor is encouraging residents to take advantage of West Yorkshire Police contact events in the town.
The drop-in sessions at Hooleos on Town Street are free and offer a chance for residents to raise concerns, report a crime, or ask advice in confidence. No appointment is necessary and refreshments are available.
Julio Tulaman is the owner of Hooleos. He said: “As a town councillor and also a member of the Horsforth community, I feel pleased that our local PCSOs are really making an effort to maintain their presence with the public and be reachable for face to face consultations within a walking distance.
“We started these contact points at Hooleos cafe over 12 months ago so people can have an informal conversation about any issues or concerns within a relaxed environment as this is a free service and no purchase is necessary while calling-in.
“We have had a huge success when the contact point is on and lots of Horsforth locals have approached them to report crimes or address concerns.
“I think people should take advantage of these dates posted and just pop in as no appointment is required.
“I’m proud that WY Police have chosen our venue to support them in this community service.”
Local PCSO Julie Richardson will be present at the sessions, with the next one taking place this coming Monday, June 2. Each session takes place on a Monday between 11am and 12pm.
The June dates are then the 9th, 23rd and 30th, with two more planned for July on the 7th and 21st.
Horsforth Climate Action hosted a number of events for Walk to School Week, encouraging children and their families to walk, scoot or cycle to school.
The aim of the week was to reduce air pollution, highlight sustainable forms of transport, promote a healthier lifestyle and to get children to travel to school by means that did not include a vehicle – by foot, cycle, scooter or even skateboard!
The week’s activities were part of a number of city wide events for Walk to School Week funded by Climate Action Leeds.
Prior to the week’s events HCA organised a bike fix by Oddbikes at Horsforth Farmers Market where children could take their bikes for service or repair in readiness for Walk to School Week.
Across the week there were also some fabulous postbox toppers from Horsforth Postbox Toppers across the town celebrating the local area and nature for children and parents to try and spot and enjoy on their way to school.
HCA were joined by Freelance Hub Worker Etty O’Toole, funded by CAL, who brought together all of the schools for the week’s activities. One school, St Mary’s, were unfortunately unable to take part due to prior engagements but would have liked to have done so.
Throughout the week, as well as for the week before and after, pollution monitoring took place outside the participating primary schools.
The pollution monitors were purchased with support from the Leeds Together Fund and will be available for schools and other groups to use in the future.
Etty, assisted by volunteers, organised a number of outdoor lessons for pupils from all of the schools involved where they could learn more about nature, pollution, climate change and how to prevent climate change.
On Thursday year 2 pupils from Broadgate School took part in activities in Hall Park in the morning identifying trees and bark rubbing.
In the afternoon year 5 pupils from Newlaithes did a tree aging survey which gauges the efficiency of the trees to capture the CO2 produced.
In addition pupils from all the schools will use the data from these activities, which were designed to look at biodiversity in the park and the part trees play in the reduction of CO2 gases, as well as the pollution monitoring data, in maths, science and English lessons.
Families were encouraged to sign the walk to School Week Pledge which asked: “Can you imagine if every family worked together to keep cars away from the streets near our schools? We know the morning is such a rush, and it’s not possible for everyone. But will you give it a go? For one week?
“You can pledge to leave the car behind OR to park in a designated Park and Stride area. Make the school streets safer for walking, cycling and scooting. Reduce congestion and air pollution, and give our children a healthy start of the day.”
It is intended to survey those who signed in due course to see how or if their behaviour has changed as a result of the week and if they have continued to walk, cycle or scoot to school.
Pupils also submitted entries for competitions. One was to design posters about reducing car use and how our behaviour can affect the environment which will be made into signs for outside the schools.
Cllr Emmie Bromley (Lab, Horsforth) was part of the team choosing the winners. She said: “Several poster designs were chosen, with such striking messages and artistic layout. Really looking forward to seeing these out and about around Horsforth.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to be asked to even be a small part in this, meeting the fantastic Etty and reminiscing on Newlaithes.”
They also created designs for a Walk to School Week mascot and a badge. The badges with the winning design will be distributed to pupils who took part in the week along with a certificate.
Jenny Morgan from HCA was keen to acknowledge the work that had gone into the week’s events.
“Etty has done an amazing job of galvanising the schools and the community to get involved,” Jenny said.
“We’ve had support from some amazing volunteers, we literally would not have been able to do something this big without them.
“We also need to acknowledge the time and commitment of the schools and the teachers in helping to get this off the ground.”
HCA has several events coming up in the next couple of months for all ages, including the Kidical Mass Ride on Saturday June 7 where there will be a display of the posters designed for Walk to School Week.
HCA is one of several hubs across the city committed to helping Leeds become carbon neutral by 2030.
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A former doctors’ surgery in Stanningley could become a state-funded school for children with special educational needs.
The school would accommodate 55 pupils and will provide trauma-informed, therapeutic education for children aged 11 to 16 at the former Sunfield Medical Centre building.
Plans to change the use of the building by Burnley based Helm Academy would see the school run from 8.30am-3.45pm Monday to Friday. The school would employ round 20 staff.
A planning statement submitted with the application said: “The intention is to create a nurturing and stable environment where every interaction is underpinned by empathy, understanding and evidence based practice.
“There remains a clear need for SEND places in the area to meet the diverse and complex needs and ultimately improve outcomes for such pupils.
“The teaching staff will specialise in working with students who have special educational needs or disabilities staff and, in particular, will be trained to recognise and respond to the impact of early trauma, attachment difficulties and neurodiversity ensuring every pupil is met with compassion and a tailored approach.”
The applicant says school drop offs would take place on site.
Leeds City Council planners will now consider the application, with a decision due by mid July.
As previously reported by WLD, the Sunfield Place site has been empty since the surgery merged with Hillfoot Surgery in Pudsey in 2023. Plans to transform the building into flats were withdrawn last October.
Volunteers at the farm on a Saturday morning. Photo: Anna
By Rhian Williams
We know everyone has been enjoying the warm, dry weather we’ve been having recently. Here on the farm, it’s been great for getting plants in early, but now we need some rain.
According to the Environment Agency, it’s been the driest January to April since 1929! When you compare this to last year, when it rained consistently until mid April, the difference is marked.
Such unpredictability in weather patterns is likely a feature of climate change that is here to stay, and something that farmers in other countries have already been experiencing for several years.
To combat this, we carefully select varieties of veg that can cope well in a variable climate, and work with the Leeds Seed Savers to help save seed that is especially adapted to grow well in Kirkstall. Small farms that aim to work with nature have a better chance of providing food into the future than big ones growing only a couple of crops and relying on lots of artificial fertilisers and pesticides.
Freshly planted pumpkins. Photo: Lim
You may also have heard recently about cyber attacks on various big food retailers and the wholesalers that supply them. Perhaps this is a reminder of the value of short supply chains – we know each of our customers and could continue to provide food each week even if a rogue hacker fancied having a go at our website (seems unlikely…..).
People are at the heart of everything we do at the farm and we’ve been pleased to welcome lots of new volunteers, visitors and staff this spring.
The Community Supported Agriculture Network have employed an Engagement Officer to work with us and other CSAs in West Yorkshire to expand our capacity for community outreach – you’ll be hearing from Jude soon!
We also hosted a visit from Better Leeds Communities recently, where everyone enjoyed digging up garlic, potting up mint and tasting lettuce and broad beans. Spending time in nature and learning about growing food is so important, and we want as many people as possible to enjoy this at the farm. It’s always fantastic to see so many kids’ groups using the social space and forest school area.
As always, check out our website for more info on volunteering and veg boxes!
Kirkstall Valley Farm’s annual fundraising party!
Celebrate four years of community-supported agriculture with Kirkstall Valley Farm on Saturday, 5 July from 3pm until late. We’ve been proudly providing fresh vegetables to over 130 families in Kirkstall every single week and are excited to share this milestone with you!
This year we’re raising funds to build our third polytunnel and support our work with volunteers. So all ticket sales, proceeds from the bar and food and prize draw sales will go towards this
Help us grow by celebrating with us…
Festivities for all ages! From 3-6pm enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with various stalls, craft activities, and play equipment for the children. Relax with tea and cakes while enjoying musical performances and hopefully some great British weather – all in an alcohol-free setting.
As the evening progresses, we have delicious home-cooked meals available for purchase and our bar will open at 6pm, selling a range of alcoholic and soft drinks. Stalls will also remain open until 8pm.
Don’t miss out on Kirkstall’s finest musical talents, including live bands and a DJ to dance the night away. Music from 4.30pm brings together local artists and a range of musical tastes – something for everyone and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talent in Yorkshire.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you can’t attend, please consider supporting the event by buying a “pay it forward” ticket – this makes a free ticket available for someone who is low on funds.
Blessing Muanza is at the front with cup, and Lewis Horman is fourth in from left with pink gloves.
By James Bovington
All 11 kickboxers from Bramley-based Valor Martial Arts (VMA) who attended the WKO Ringsports European Championship at Barnsley Metrodome returned to Leeds with a medal.
The team scooped two golds, five silvers and four bronzes.
Coach Matthew Alderson said: “We had competitors aged from 11 to 42. The whole team showed heart, resilience and determination well beyond their experience.
“For some it was their first-ever competition and for the others their second. All proved they’ve mastered the fundamentals of K1 kickboxing and displayed a relentless drive to win.”
Lewis Horman, 23, won a gold. He said: “I’m delighted to have done so well. Every rep, every round, every drop of sweat brought me closer to the win I worked so hard for.
“I trained for the European Opens and came ready so my children could see their dad go out there and give it everything.’”
Fellow gold medal winner Blessing Muanza, 17, explained that ‘this isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. I was able to win through Christ who strengthened me along with the sleepless nights of hard work I put in. I’m coming for everyone who wants to fight me’.
Alderson, 42, has a military background and opened VMAin Westfield House on Broad Lane Bramley in 2022. “We’ve built our own kickboxing community. This is our first year entering regional competitions. These results reflect the hard work every kickboxer puts in pushing their limits both physically and mentally.”
If you are interested in training at Valor or sponsoring the kickboxers contact Alderson via social media, visit the website or call or text 07845 805624.
