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In photos: Hot and dry weather blamed for Leeds and Liverpool Canal closure

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Leeds & Liverpool Canal is running dry. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield

Words: John Baron

Photos: Kelvin Wakefield

A hot summer and one of the driest springs on record has been blamed on the closure of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal through West Leeds.

The Canal and River Trust said the canal was ‘one of the most severely impacted waterways in Yorkshire’.

Locks along the canal are currently closed and some sections have almost completely dried up, leaving some boats stranded.

In a statement issued today, a spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust said: “Our canal network is feeling the effects of one of the driest springs on record and several heatwaves already this summer.  

“Our charity has been monitoring the situation closely to introduce measures to preserve water levels across those waterways most affected.

“The Leeds & Liverpool Canal has been the most severely impacted waterway in the Yorkshire region. 

“At the end of May we closed locks along several sections of the canal and reduced operating hours through lock flights, such as Bingley Five Rise Locks. At the start of July we closed all locks to save water to help keep boats afloat, protect the wildlife that lives in the canal, and safeguard the canal infrastructure itself.  

“Despite some encouraging heavy downpours, our charity isn’t yet able to reopen the locks along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. 

“The rainfall has quickly been absorbed into the dry landscape, meaning there’s unfortunately been little water making its way into the canal or its reservoirs.

“The rain we’ve seen is a great start and we’re hoping for further steady rainfall over several weeks to top up water levels to get the canal back open for boating. 

“It’s important to stress that towpaths are still very much open for walking and cycling or simply to spend time in nature.”

The spokesperson said recent repair works at Oddy Locks have been completed.

Yorkshire Water this week announced that its reservoirs are at 32.6% capacity, compared with around 73% for this period in an average year.

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Farnley residents urged to comment on planning blueprint

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Hare Park Mount Gamble Lane

by John Baron

People living in Farnley are being urged to have their say on a planning blueprint which could lead to hundreds of new homes being allocated to greenbelt land.

As reported by WLD, views are currently being sought on the Leeds Local Plan, a legal framework that will set out Leeds City Council’s vision and strategy for sustainable growth up to 2042.

The plan will guide how land will be used and developed. It influences planning decisions to ensure any developments meet the needs of the community and the environment. 

A range of potential sites included in the consultation have put forward by developers, landowners, residents and others. They are not suggestions or endorsements from the council but were put forward in a ‘call for sites’ that the council must evaluate to see whether they are suitable for development.

Last week a public meeting was organised by concerned residents and attended by more than 100 people at New Farnley Community Centre.

Campaigners have now issued an update on their efforts to raise awareness of the plan – with volunteers so far delivering more than 2,000 leaflets.

They posted on Facebook: “This evening we have had a meeting to discuss plans on what we can do over the next 12 days before the deadline to support raising awareness.

“We have been working hard in the background giving as much of our time as we can to get the message out to residents and we have actions to follow up on from tonight’s meeting, in hope to raise awareness and support for our campaign to Save Our Green Belt.

“Our fabulous volunteers are ready to get back out posting and we have received around 100 more printed leaflets tonight – thank you to all our printing volunteers.

“Huge thanks to our postal volunteers – a small but mighty team have posted around 2,000 leaflets so far, thank you for your precious time and support.

“HOWEVER, our efforts in raising awareness only support if you ACT and add your opinions on the portal, on each of the sites, anyone aged 13+ can submit an opinion.

“Please support and ACTION the submissions to try and preserve our village.”

Potential development sites in Farnley include:

A further meeting about the Leeds Local Plan will take place with council officers and Cllr Adrian McCluskey (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) at New Farnley Community Centre on Tuesday, 9 September at 5pm.

  • The Leeds Local Plan consultation runs until 15 September 2025. The on-line portal can be found by visiting the website.
  • A list of proposed development sites in inner and outer West Leeds can be found here.

Horsforth park group welcomes new ‘friends’

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Horsforth Hall Park. Photo: Lara King

A volunteer-led group in Horsforth is welcoming new ‘friends’ to help improve their local park.

Friends of Horsforth Hall Park is a not-for-profit charity where everyone involved volunteers their time and therefore all income raised is used to support the improvement of the park.

It is welcoming new members for an annual fee of £5.50.

The group said: “We want to deliver exciting activities and initiatives in the park that everyone can enjoy, however we need your help. 

“Becoming a Friend of Horsforth Hall Park helps us to cover our running costs like website fees and public liability insurance, it also helps to put on events that help to bring the community together, like our Easter Egg Hunt. These events can also help us to raise further funds. 

“We would love for you to become a Friend. Friends receive our email updates and invitations to our meeting and events, with preferential discounts for paid events.”

More details are available here.

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Roadworks set for busy Horsforth road

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Roadworks. LDR stock image

Parts of Brownberrie Lane in Horsforth are set to be closed overnight later this month to allow trial hole works to find buried valves.

The road will be closed in parts from 7pm on Wednesday, 17 September until 8am on Thursday, 18 September.

A notice posted by Leeds City Council states: “In the interests of public safety it is considered necessary to prohibit vehicular use of Brownberrie Lane, Leeds, in the Horsforth Ward, at its junction with Westbrook Lane.

“A diversionary route for vehicles affected by the closure will be available via: Brownberrie Lane, Long Row, Church Avenue, Church Road, Fink Hill, Broadway, Rawdon Road, Leeds Road, Over Lane, Town Street, Layton Road and vice versa.

“Essential access to and from premises and for emergency vehicles will be maintained.”

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Newlay: Consultation launched over new Forge Village development

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Venue: The Abbey Inn, Pollard Lane.

A housing developer is holding a public consultation event into early ideas for the residential-led regeneration of the former Newlay railway station and goods yard.

Acrehowe is hoping to develop the former industrial site off Pollard Lane, which is a short walk away from Kirkstall Forge Station.

The new Forge Village development would be the other side of the railway track from CEG’s multi-million pound Kirkstall Forge development.

The consultation will discuss site layout options and improving access to Kirkstall Forge Station. There are also different options surrounding building flats, town houses or a mixture of detached family homes with some town houses.

Acrehowe’s consultation document states: “A new community nestled in the heart of Newlay. Continuing the regeneration of this once heavily industrialised setting by bringing the richness and interest of a Yorkshire gritstone village.

“Striking a balance between tranquil countryside living and convenient, sustainable access to Leeds, this new community will celebrate local heritage, embrace the surrounding landscape and forge a renewed sense of place for generations to come.

“We have named the scheme Forge Village to evoke the character of an early 19th century village, reflecting a time when forge workers and management co-existed in the early industrial era, when Newlay still retained a semi rural character.”

The online consultation can be found here. The in-person consultation will be held at the Abbey Inn on Pollard Lane on Saturday, September 20 from 12.30pm to 3pm.

Acrehowe is a land promoter that specialises in securing development consents for new housing led schemes. It specialises in assembling complex sites faced with delivery impediments.

  • A community meeting will held by the Newlay and Whitecote Residents’ Association (NAWRA) on Tuesday, 9 September at 7pm at the Rock Pub. The agenda includes Acrehow’s plans, future events with the Countryside Rangers, community garden and illegal tipping on the field next to Pollard Lane. 

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Authorities ‘working together’ to tackle late-night fireworks nuisance

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Leeds City Council says it is aware of issues with late-night fireworks affecting people living in Calverley and Farsley and is working with Bradford Council and police to tackle the issue.

WLD last month featured concerns from Councillor Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley) that late-night fireworks coming from were ‘completely out of hand’ and has called for both councils and the police to work together to resolve the late-night disturbances.

“It really is time for action” he said. “The police’s reputation is not being done any good by a lack of action.”

Cllr Craig Timmins and Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) said: ““As local residents ourselves we share residents’ concerns and annoyance at the constant use of fireworks late in the evenings.

“They are often going on way beyond 11pm, which is against the law, as is setting them off in public places.

“This happens every year, so we raised this pre-emptively before the current issues started in our regular community safety meetings. We have since been liaising with the police and council’s anti-social behaviour team to push for tougher action so are therefore disappointed that the issue seems to be getting worse.

“Many of the incidents and suspected venues fall under the jurisdiction of Bradford East Police and Bradford Council. We have asked both our local police and the council to engage with their counterparts in Bradford to ensure action is being taken. It is unacceptable for this to continue, and we expect tough action to be taken and a coordinated approach.

“We encourage residents to continue to report any fireworks being set off between 11pm and 7am by calling 101 or on the West Yorkshire Police live chat, giving as much information as possible.”

Leeds City Council has now issued a comment on the late-night noise issues, which have also affected people living in Pudsey and Farnley.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are aware of reports from residents in Farsley and Calverley about noise from fireworks at night.

“‘We are working together with Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police to respond to these complaints.”

Following WLD’s last report on the issue, resident Vivienne Smith commented: “Night after night fireworks are disturbing our sleep as they begin long after the legal deadline of 11pm. No care for others with pets and babies. If no action is taken against them it will continue and get worse. What is happening to our lovely Pudsey area?”

And D Davidson added: “The real difficulty is when you try and report these issues as they ‘need to know specifically where the fireworks are being set off’ which is the difficult issue in Pudsey as you can just see that the general direction is across towards Bradford.

“It is deeply disappointing that despite the assurances given and the apparent existence of enforcement powers, the situation continues to deteriorate. Residents feel increasingly ignored and let down by the lack of visible action from those agencies tasked with upholding the law.”

Officers from the Calverley and Farsley neighbourhood policing team last month said they were tackling the anti-social use of fireworks in the area, working alongside partner agencies to take action against repeat offenders.

Article updated 4 September 3.09pm to include quote from Cllrs Timmins and Carlill.

New construction training course launches in Pudsey

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Vocational training provider Building Futures Together (BFT) has welcomed its first cohort of students onto a new advanced construction course for 16 to 19-year-olds.

Pudsey-based BFT, which supports young people, including students who are struggling in school or are missing from education, gain hands-on construction experience, has introduced the new provision due to a shortage of further education opportunities, especially apprenticeships. 

The launch coincides with post-16 specialists Think, reporting that high demand for college places, especially in Leeds, risks hampering efforts to reduce the number of 16 to 18s not in education, employment or training (NEETs). 

Students on the course will gain extensive knowledge of electrical and plumbing skills. The programme covers an introduction to health and safety in construction, site preparation, and practical tasks such as installing lighting circuits and sockets, removing and refitting radiators, and bending, joining, and connecting copper pipes.

On completion, students will achieve the City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Construction. Those who have attended BFT through the school’s engagement programme will achieve the Level 1 Diploma in Construction Skills.

John Thornton, BFT managing director and co-founder, said: “We launched BFT to support students with an interest in pursuing a career in the construction industry and to engage with pupils struggling with the curriculum, or missing from education. Our aim has always been to help prevent young people from becoming NEET. 

“We have witnessed first hand the difficulties our young people have faced when it has come to taking the next step. The lack of apprenticeship opportunities, especially for 16-year-olds, means that there are limited routes into construction careers. 

“Our new 16 to 19 provision gives students practical, real-world learning and the skills to take their next step into employment. With strong industry links, we can connect students directly to employers looking for new talent.”

BFT operates from a purpose-built training facility within mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) provider G&H’s head office. The facility includes eight bays providing 24 individual training spaces, a project room, and a classroom to support the delivery of entry-level qualifications in mechanical, electrical, plumbing and air conditioning services.

Parents, schools and students interested in construction careers can find out more about BFT here.

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Housing plan next to Barley Mow withdrawn

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The Barley Mow pub. Photo: John Baron

Plans to build two semi-detached properties on land next to the Barley Mow Pub in Bramley have been withdrawn by the applicant.

Kelly Shaw wanted to build the three-bedroomed properties in part of the garden area next to the pub.

The land would have its own access from Lower Town Street and the applicant said the new properties would ‘‘blend in with the street scene’.

The council’s conservation team raised concerns that the proposed development site was in the immediate setting of a grade II listed building.

The withdrawn plans can be viewed in full here.

New diversion revealed as Dawsons Corner work continues

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Work is under way at Dawsons Corner

Road users are being urged to prepare for delays as fresh works begin next month as part of the £44.179m Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass improvement scheme.

The works will include the realignment of the junction as part of the final layout which will include a new footway and cycleway, making it easier for people to travel in more sustainable ways.

For six weeks between Monday, 8 September to Friday 17 October, there will be a 24/7 lane closure on Bradford Road towards Stanningley (the eastbound lane of the Dawsons Corner roundabout) and vehicles will be diverted along the ring road.

Some footways and cycleways will also be closed, but alternative routes will be provided.

Some bus stops will be affected by the works. More information about affected bus stops and services can be found here.

The changes to the junction aim to reduce congestion, improve bus journey times, provide safer crossing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, and help to support the economic growth across Leeds and Bradford.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “We thank everyone for their ongoing patience while we continue to work hard at Dawsons Corner.

“We have done lots of work to try and minimise the disruption these works will create, but whatever the amount of planning there may be some delays.

“Starting from Monday, 8 September, please plan ahead when travelling between Bradford and Leeds (A647) or using the (A6120) outer ring road through Dawsons Corner. You will need to allow extra time for your journeys and follow the signed road diversions in place.”

For more information, see the Dawsons Corner project website.

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Bargain hunters set for return of Farsley Yard Trail 2025

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by Noah Roberts

The popular annual Farsley Yard Trail is back this weekend.

More than 30 homes have signed up to open their yards up to sell preloved items to the public. It’s a free event where you can walk, drive or both around homes in Farsley and pick up some great second-hand bargains. 

The organisers of the event, Project Farsley, are a group of volunteers who meet and organise community and arts projects. 

Their meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month in the Bobbin Room at Sunny Bank Mills. You can contact them and get up to date information from their Project Farsley Facebook page.

One of the organisers who helped to come up with the idea of a yard trail was Charlotte Topliss, who has a passion for thrifting.

‘Thrifting’ is originally an American term used to describe people shopping at second-hand shops, garage sales and flea markets, has become a popular hobby with many after social media influencers shared their hauls online. The trend for thrifting and shopping for second-hand goods has continued to grow in popularity as people choose to shop local, be more sustainable and save money. 

Charlotte often travels for work and leisure and she will seek out local flea markets and sales where she can pick up unique and vintage items. 

On Sunday, 7 September between 10am-3pm there will be a trail of people’s yards and gardens open where treasures can be found. 

A map will be published online of all houses taking part. You can buy a printed maps on the day from the yard sale trail hub, located at the Samuel Marsden Garden, on Farsley town street. 

If you live in Farsley and want to take part you can it is a free event, all you have to do is fill out a simple form, although organising cannot guarantee you will feature in the printed map. 

Fill out the form to book your sale at this year’s trail here.

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Replin by Hainsworth marks 80 years of manufacturing transport textiles

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Replin by Hainsworth, a manufacturer of premium fabrics for aviation and transport interiors, is celebrating 80 years since the business was founded in 1945 by Dr Maurus Banyai, a Hungarian refugee who specialised in textile innovation. 

The company was formed in post‑war Britain and is known for revolutionising machine‑woven wool textiles.

It historically supplied fabrics to Cunard liners, Heathrow Airport terminals, and the UK Houses of Parliament. Over time, Replin established itself as a global leader in bespoke transport interiors, collaborating with longstanding aviation and rail brands such as British Airways and the Orient Express.

In 2015, Replin was acquired by 242-year-old textile mill and woollen cloth manufacturer, AW Hainsworth, merging decades‑long innovation and craftsmanship into a unified design and production facility. 

Specialising in premium fabrics for aviation, Replin by Hainsworth crafts durable and visually pleasing fabrics that meet and surpass rigorous safety and performance standards – made at parent company AW Hainsworth’s vertically-integrated mill.

The West Yorkshire mill is one of the few left in the UK that can process a product from raw fibre to finished cloth entirely from their site, managing the full textile lifecycle from design, production, finishing and testing at their in-house UKAS-accredited lab in Stanningley. 

As part of the AW Hainsworth group, Replin carries forward over two centuries of British textile excellence, combining traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art production techniques. The company specialises in designing and engineering fabrics that meet rigorous safety, flammability and performance standards.

Ellie Parkes, International Sales Manager at Replin, said: “Over the last 80 years, the Replin brand has developed side by side with some of the biggest names in aviation, becoming synonymous with quality and style in the global cabin-design industry.

“As part of the AW Hainsworth group, this reputation is enhanced by over 240 years of textile innovation. Our fabrics help to elevate the onboard experience,  enhancing the airline’s brand aesthetic and ultimately improving the way people feel when they’re travelling by air.”  

Replin is a trusted supplier to international airline clients, and counts British Airways, Lufthansa, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Virgin Atlantic among its customers.

With sustainability at the forefront, Replin’s focus today is to create and supply seating and vertical-surface fabrics to international brands, while reducing the environmental impact of transport textile production through methods that limit water consumption and chemical use in the dyeing process.

It has recently joined the Green Cabin Alliance, committing to mindful manufacturing and reducing the environmental impact of aircraft cabins. 

Earlier this year, Replin launched a new collection of trend-led fabrics, harnessing the natural beauty of undyed fibres, and continues to invest deeply in more sustainable production techniques, with a long-term goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

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Become a volunteer with Horsforth Climate Action

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Horsforth Hall Park. Photo: Friends of Horsforth Hall Park

A community group aiming to make Horsforth a greener, more sustainable and equitable place has appealed for volunteers.

Horsforth’s first Green Festival, produce show, clothes swap and apple picking are just some of the September events being organised by Horsforth Climate Action (HCA).

The group always welcomes new members and volunteers are is encouraging people to get involved at the following events:

Creative workshops for the Green Festival community

HCA are planning workshops and other community events. If you are interested, please contact HCA volunteer Josh at joshdaadams@gmail.com.

Green Festival Volunteers

Would you be able to help out at HCA’s Green Festival on 21st September?
We need people to help with the set up and take down, placing signage and guidance, marking out stall pitches and lots more! If you are able to help in any way, email info@horsforthclimateaction.org.

Poster Volunteers

Do you like getting out and about around Horsforth? Would you be interested in spending some time each month delivering poster for HCA events to local shops and businesses? If the answer is YES, get in touch via info@horsforthclimateaction.org.

Horsforth Farmers Market

Do you have some time to volunteer on an HCA information and craft stall at Horsforth’s monthly farmers market? The market takes place on the first Saturday of each month and we are looking for volunteers to help staff a monthly HCA space at the event.

Steering group

HCA would welcome interest in joining the Steering group. The Steering group meets every sis weeks and is responsible for governance, funding and keeping us going.

Contact volunteer@horsforthclimateaction.org if you can help with any of the projects or require more information.

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