“We have lots of primary school uniform for schools with red, green and blue jumpers plus lots of plain polo shirts and trousers/skirts. There are a small amount of logo items for local primary schools plus a few blazers and jumpers for Crawshaw and Co-op Academy High schools.
“All items are free! If you’d like to give a small donation towards the Pudsey Community Project, that’d be welcomed but we want the uniform to be reused so no pressure.”
The event takes place at Pudsey Community Project at the former Christian Fellowship building in Fartown on Saturday, February 19, 2-4pm.
Reduce Reuse Children’s Clothes encourages people to reduce their carbon footprint by saving children’s clothes from landfill to be worn again.
Kirkstall Valley Development Trust would like to invite you down to its farm for an open morning – on Saturday, 19 February 2022 from 10am to 12pm.
It’s an opportunity to connect with our community, let you know about all the things happening at the farm and how you can get involved with your families.
Open: Kirkstall Valley Farm is community led.
There will also be refreshments, farm tours and a herb propagation Workshop. Come and meet the growers, and volunteers and find out how we are growing vegetables.
And information about our Harvest Share Scheme and volunteering opportunities at the farm and with Kirkstall Valley Development Trust.
Fun down on the farm.
The entrance to the farm is just off Kirkstall Road next to the ‘Ready Steady Store’, postcode LS4 2QD. No booking required – All welcome.
Kirkstall Valley farm growers and volunteers are putting together a community recipe book to share their favourite meals, snacks and bakes.
If you have a tried and trusted family recipe, something new you’ve learned to cook using produce from your share of the farm harvest, or a delicious tasty treat you’d be happy to share – please drop an e-mail at kirkstallvalleyfarm@gmail.com.
Ideas for using seasonal, local produce, and healthy ways to feed the family, without breaking the bank are especially welcome.
Multi-million pound plans to create a fleet of hundreds of new electric bikes and docking stations around Leeds – including Armley and Wortley – are set to go before council decision-makers this week.
Early plans have emerged to introduce a “docked, public electric bike hire scheme” in Leeds, meaning anyone could hire an electric bike as and when they need one.
According to a council paper, a network of 630 e-bikes would be located across 140 docking stations across Leeds city centre and inner areas.
While it has not yet been decided how users could pay for the service, the council says it wants to hire an operator for the scheme which would offer “a variety of ways to pay”, including pay-as-you-go, memberships and even using the new West Yorkshire MCard travel cards.
Bikes could be hired and collected immediately from hubs and returned to any other docking station in the city once the rider has finished using it.
It is expected the service would work on a tariff system of 10p per minute which, the council claims, “would provide a 10-minute ride for £1 which could easily cover a trip distance of two miles”, and that this would help deter short journeys being made by bus.
Such a service would be similar to the Santander cycle scheme introduced in London in 2010, which currently services around 10 million riders per year. However, unlike the London scheme, the bikes would also be power-assisted to help navigate the hilly Leeds terrain.
Each “hub” or docking station would be “within a short walk” of any area in inner and central Leeds, as well as at each public transport stop, such as bus and railway stations.
While a list of potential sites has not yet been published, a map of indicative sites appears to show locations as far out from the city centre as West Park, Armley, Wortley, Beeston, Osmondthorpe, Harehills and Gledhow.
A funding bid has been put together by West Yorkshire Combined Authority for £2.4m from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund to get the work started.
A report by council officers claims the scheme would help “normalise cycling” for more people, adding:
“Compared to conventional bikes, e-bikes have been shown to be far more attractive to a wider set of users including older people, women, people with limited physical strength and people who have limited cycling confidence or experience.
“However, e-bikes are more expensive to purchase than conventional bikes, which can exclude people from purchasing their own. This project will provide the opportunity for people to ‘try’ an e-bike and, if that experience is positive, they are likely to use one again or potentially even buy their own e-bike.
“It will provide a catalyst for an increase in cycling and help ‘normalise’ cycling by dispelling misperceptions around cycling.”
E-bikes are ordinary peddle bicycles with a motor attached to boost power at low speeds, making it easier to cycle uphill and from standing starts. The pedal-assist feature cuts out at 15.5 mph, meaning it is possible to travel faster but without the help of the motor.
The Leeds scheme would be expected to run for around five years.
Leeds City Council’s Executive Board is set to discuss the scheme at a meeting on Wednesday, February 9.
Plans for a block of 13 apartments on land behind the former housing office in Wortley have been submitted.
Thee new proposals, for an area of scrubland behind 163 Lower Wortley Road, come four months after plans for a block of 12 apartments and four houses at the site were withdrawn by developers.
Applicant Paul McFadden, of Redcote Lane, has resubmitted proposals. The flats would be in a two to four-storey block containing nine two-bedroom and four one-bedroom apartments.
The proposals would be based behind the former housing office, but do not include the building itself. Photo: Google
A planning statement submitted with the application states:
“The proposed development of the site to form residential units is a considered response and will provide a high-quality development in a sustainable location.
“The design has been developed with the benefit of continuous dialogue with the local planning authority and has sought to incorporate local residents comments where practical and appropriate within planning policy.”
Problems: St Ann's Lane in Burley. Photo: Mark Stevenson
Words & photos: Mark Stevenson
I noticed a sign the other day at St Ann’s Lane, just off Burley Road, that said ‘Stupid Thin Road’.
Seeing it I thought ‘there must be ‘thinner’ roads around West Leeds’. I was going to go off to look for the ‘thin roads’ but as I was looking up St Ann’s Lane I came across what I thought to be more interesting info.
Dennis Hoban once lived on St Ann’s Lane, he died in 1978 at the age of 51. Det Chief Supt Hoban was part of the police team that investigated the Yorkshire Ripper.
It is said that Dennis was one of the first to realise that all the Ripper murders were connected. Some even say the Ripper may have been caught sooner had Dennis not died.
Dennis seems to have been quite the character and criminals would be proud of the fact that they were in Armley (the prison) because of him. He also had a good relationship with the press, using them as a tool to help him do his job as he also helped them (with the exchange of information).
The plaque you see in the picture is in Lawnswood Cemetery where his wife Betty’s funeral was held. She was in St Luke’s Caring Home in Calverley for a time.
Bramley Mini Market offers art at affordable prices. Photo: Paul Abraham
Photos: Paul Abraham
Bargain hunters braved the wet and windy weather to attend the eagerly anticipated return of the Bramley Mini-Market at Bramley Community Centre.
The market caters for every taste, requirement and pocket, with stalls including hand-made items and gifts, toys, books, sweets and everyones favourite, a cake stall!
Photographer Paul Abraham was on hand to capture the event with his camera…
Farsley Celtic twice fought back from a goal down to draw 3-3 with promotion-chasing Chorley, as Russ Wilcox’s managerial reign began positively.
Conditions were atrocious throughout, worsening as the afternoon progressed, but they didn’t hinder the entertainment on show, with five goals arriving inside the opening 36 minutes.
But it would be Adam Clayton’s second-half effort that secured the Celts a point, bringing a run of five straight league defeats to an end.
Farsley actually got off to a perfect start and were in front inside 10 minutes. Luke Parkin slipped in Jimmy Spencer, the forward beating the offside trap before keeping his cool to slot home past Matt Urwin in the Chorley goal.
A golden opportunity to double that advantage arrived after a period of sustained pressure, the ball falling at the feet of Lewis Turner six yards from goal, however, he could only strike the crossbar.
The Celts would be left to rue that missed opportunity within minutes as the visitors levelled, ex-Leeds United man Billy Whitehouse picking out the bottom corner from just outside the box.
Just like in the fixture at Victory Park, the Magpies would come from a goal down to lead. Just after the half-hour mark Connor Hall got in between Turner and Trenerry, and with the latter off his line, had time to pick out a finish that nestled in the back of the net.
Unlike at Victory Park, Farsley would respond to falling behind, and did so almost immediately.
Lewis Baines brought down Luke Parkin in the box as he attempted to fashion a shooting opportunity, allowing Will Hayhurst, on his return to the side, to level from the spot for his fourth goal of the season.
The goalscoring in a hectic, end-to-end first-half wasn’t finished there, as the visitors went ahead for a second time. Will Tomlinson took a short corner on the left to Adam Blakeman, who had time to compose himself and loop a delicious strike into the top-right corner.
As the rain and wind continued to batter The Citadel, the chances arrived much more sparingly after the interval – an interval which saw Sam Walker introduced as a substitute, returning to action for the first time in 168 days following a serious injury.
But 20 minutes into the period, Farsley struck. Urwin punched Hayhurst’s corner from the right clear, but the goal scorer was given a second bite at the cherry, whipping in a superb cross for Adam Clayton to plant past the Chorley shot-stopper at the far post.
Both sides suffered scares in the remaining minutes without either ‘keeper really being tested, Urwin having the most to do when he pushed a Luke Parkin cross-cum-shot to safety.
It could have been more, but a first point since January 2 will certainly be seen as a step in the right direction for Russ Wilcox and his side.
Bramley pantomimers at a recent bench protest at Bramley Shopping Centre.
Words: Linda Birch
Did you miss them last year? Following the success of their 2020 production of Beauty and the Beast, Bramley Parish Theatre Players are back this year, both bigger and better than ever before and in a brand new venue.
Like many other theatre companies, they were very disappointed last year that they were unable to put on any sort of live production.
All areas of the arts have suffered greatly during the past two years with many groups struggling to survive, especially with the financial challenges.
The committed members were determined that Bramley Parish Theatre Players (BPTP) would survive.
Keeping in touch with each other over Zoom with quizzes, dancing, play readings and even a mini panto, it nowhere near replaced the excitement and anticipation of a live production.
This year they are thrilled to be back in business and are currently busy rehearsing ‘Sleeping Beauty’ for the entertainment of the Bramley community and beyond.
Due to the closure of St Margaret’s Church on Newlay Lane, the first challenge was to find a new venue. St Margaret’s had been home for over 60 years and finding a suitable replacement wasn’t easy.
But fortunately, the annual pantomime will be performed inside Leeds West Academy’s auditorium during Leeds February half term. The experience of moving the production to a larger and more modern venue is proving to be a welcome distraction to the sadness felt at having to leave the old home behind.
The group have also had to find new rehearsal venues and storage spaces. Fortunately, they have been made very welcome at both Trinity Methodist and Venerable Bede churches in Bramley, which have enabled them to continue to function.
The Players greatly appreciate the community support they have received as they would have really struggled to survive without it.
BPTP have encountered many challenges over the years but this has possibly been the most demanding year to overcome.
But they were very committed to maintaining Bramley’s Pantomime tradition as 2020 marked the anniversary of 100 years of panto history within Bramley Parish. Due to the pandemic, they had to postpone the planned celebration of this incredible milestone but this has been rescheduled for May this year.
BPTP includes a wide range of ages and experience as they aim to be as inclusive as possible. This year they have been fortunate to welcome some exciting new talent to the group to work alongside the existing cast and crew.
They are bringing to life a fairy-tale favourite set in a medieval court with fairies good and bad, and lots of magical surprises!
Incredibly, they have managed to keep ticket prices the same as in 2020 and are offering fabulous family entertainment at excellent value for money. Although Covid restrictions have been somewhat eased, please be reassured that the safety of all is still a priority and reasonable precautions will still be in place.
BPTP look forward to seeing you at Leeds West Academy Theatre, between Thurs 24 and Sat 26 February for our 2022 production of ‘Sleeping Beauty’. There are four performances and you can book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/bptp .
Fly tipping next to the former Rising Sun pub in Burley back in 2019.
Words: Richard Beecham, local democracy reporter
Leeds City Council is set to scrap bulky waste collection charges in its upcoming budget, in a move described as “an overdue U-turn” by a West Leeds opposition councillor.
The controversial charges, first introduced in February 2018, saw a £20 charge introduced for collection of large household items from people’s homes. This later rose to £30.
The so-called “DIY tax” has long been an issue for opposition parties, who have argued since its introduction that it has contributed to a huge rise in flytipping across the city.
Leeds City Council has said it wants to make the change, which is expected to lead to a loss of income of £300,000 a year, due to the likely additional demand for collections in the future.
Leader of Leeds City Council’s Conservatives group, Coun Andrew Carter (Calverley & Farsley) said:
“These charges never made sense and I’m glad the administration is finally proposing to remove them. The charges placed an unnecessary financial burden on Leeds residents, one which we repeatedly argued should be scrapped.
“It is disappointing that our proposed amendments, over successive budget rounds, were always voted down. This U-turn on the charges is welcome but certainly overdue.”
Leeds City Council’s proposed budget papers, set to go before the decision-making executive board next week, stated:
“The budget reflects the proposal that the Council removes the current charges for collections of bulky waste from residents. In anticipation of additional demand, an additional crew will also be added to the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team. The total cost, including the loss of budgeted income, is £308,000.”
A motion brought by the council’s Conservatives group last year had called on the scrapping of the charges, claiming government statistics showed a rise of 776 per cent in fly tipping incidents across Leeds between 2012 and 2020.
It followed the rise from £20 to £30 for bulky household waste collections that was introduced by the council in 2021.
The scrapping of the charges comes as part of the authority’s annual budget report, which is set to be discussed by members of the council’s decision-making Executive Board on Wednesday, February 9.
The final budget is expected to be approved at a full Leeds City Council meeting later this month.
Dumped rubbish on Gamble Lane, Farnley. Photo: West Leeds Dispatch
Council to set up ‘environmental crime team’ to tackle dumpers
Leeds City Council is expected to set up its very own team of officers to “focus on serious and organised environmental crime”, according to new documents seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Sweeping reforms set to take place in the council’s waste disposal service also include increasing opening hours at municipal tips and a new anti-littering campaign.
The plans, set to be discussed by council decision-makers next week, come alongside budget proposals to scrap charges for household bulky waste collections.
A paper, set to be discussed by the council’s Executive Board, proposes to establish a “Serious Environmental Crime Team”, claiming this would:
“Provide a more effective deterrent to those who commit organised environmental crime with an increased success rate and publicity of prosecutions.
“The current capacity and expertise within Cleaner Neighbourhoods Teams is limited and requires a more dedicated approach.”
It added that this would initially be led by one manager and an extra four environmental team posts, transferred from the council’s cleaner neighbourhoods team “to develop specialist capabilities and expertise”.
Kirkstall recycling centre opening extended
Other plans include increasing the opening hours for commercial disposal of household waste at Kirkstall and Seacroft household waste recycling centres, to allow people to dispose of waste during the weekends.
It added:
“The council provides facilities for commercial/trade waste disposal at these two sites but is currently closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays. By increasing the opening times this will help those carrying/collecting waste to dispose of their waste legally and responsibly all weekend. The increase in income will pay for the increase in opening times.”
Other proposals include introducing a scheme to make it easier for Leeds residents to find a local waste company to allow them to dispose of waste, as well as a new anti-littering campaign for 2022.
It added: “This growing social action movement promotes and encourages residents to take action in their neighbourhoods to do something about litter/waste. It plays an important role in helping bring about behavioural change and increased personal responsibility.”
The paper will be discussed by Leeds City Council’s Executive Board on Wednesday, February 9.
The TV Harrison ground off Oldfield Lane in Wortley.
A Wortley family is set to visit 20 Premier League football stadiums in 24 hours to raise money to buy two lifesaving defibrillators for their community.
The Westerman family are looking to raise £2,400 towards defibrillators to be stored at the Queen pub for the TV Harrison Sports ground next door and another for Wortley FC Colts u11s to use home and away.
Mum Lea Westerman, one of the TV Harrison campaigners fighting to stop the ground being turned into housing, said the idea came from her 11-year-old son Caleb – and admitted the trip would be a real challenge in the timescale. Lea said:
“Caleb is football mad and said to me that he wanted to visit every Premier League Stadium in the country. I thought about it for a few days and thought ‘why not raise some money
“In these times where it seems heart problems seem to be more common than ever it seems the way to go to have defibrillators easily accessible – God forbid anyone should ever need one.”
Lea and Caleb will be joined on their journey with dad Dave and their 10-year-old son Blake.
“We were plotting the route last night” added Lea. “It’s going to be a real challenge to do it in that time but it is just about do-able. We’re going to start in Newcastle and work down the country but split the 24 hours into two 12-hour days so it’s easier for the kids.
“We will be videoing ourselves at each stadium and doing a video diary for a bit of fun.”
The challenge will take place on 23 and 24 February 2022.
Asda has announced it will be the first supermarket to trial automated age verification at self-checkouts which aims to make it easier and quicker for customers to buy alcohol.
From this week, customers in Asda’s Pudsey and Stevenage stores can use privacy preserving age estimation technology when purchasing alcohol, which works via a camera in the self-checkout screen to accurately estimate a customer’s age.
The initiative is part of a Home Office test to allow the trial of technologies that can assist in the requirement for age verification in the retail sale of alcohol.
Shoppers at the Owlcotes Centre store can simply look at a camera to verify their age before completing their purchase. If the system detects a customer looks younger than 25, they can prove their age through the Yoti and Post Office EasyID apps.
Those who do not wish to use the digital system at the self-checkouts have the option to show their ID to an Asda colleague, who will be on hand to help.
It will run until the end of May and the technology will only be used for the purchase of alcohol products during the trial.
Geri Hebberd, senior director of retail innovation at Asda, said customers would be able to prove their age ‘in seconds’:
“We know how time pressed some of our customers are, so we always want to make things quicker and easier for them when they shop with us.
“We are excited to be the first retailer in the UK to test this new technology and are looking forward to seeing what our customers think of the trial. The use of this software will enable colleagues to focus on serving customers and make sure they have an excellent experience whilst in store.”
