Meet the young couple breathing new life into Stanningley Park Bowling Club

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February 3, 2022

Stanningley park bowling club — Alyssa and Andy enjoying their bowls in Stanningley. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch

Words: John Baron

A Stanningley couple are on a mission – to raise the profile of a much-loved crown green bowling club and ensure it thrives into the future.

Alyssa Randell and her partner Andy Marshall, who are in their early 30s, joined Stanningley Park Crown Green Bowling Club last year so they could have something they could do together outside in the fresh air and meet new people at the same time.

They joined just after the council performed a U-turn on proposals to close half of the city’s local authority-maintained bowling greens.

Alyssa, 32, is encouraging people young and old – and families – to take up the sport, and described the green in Stanningley Park as an important community asset. She said:

“Trying to join the club was a challenge in itself as finding out contact information or even how to join was not readily available, and this is a problem that these clubs have in gaining new and younger members which, in turn, keeps the sport of crown green bowling going.
“There are so many benefits of the game as it is suitable for ages eight-80+, requires very little equipment, is low cost, quick to learn, is gentle exercise and, importantly at the moment, is very Covid safe due to it being outdoors and naturally socially distanced.
“After reading through some of the old minutes from club meetings, some going back 60 years, it was apparent that the bowling club was a real community hub with people of all ages getting together to play and socialise. my intention is to try and restore that as much as I can for Stanningley and prove to the council how invaluable bowling greens are to the wider community.”

Her partner, Andy Marshall, 33, has always loved bowls, ever since he used to pass the green in Pudsey Park with his friend as a child. He said:

“If you’re working, it’s always been very difficult to join. Although it appeals to older people, it’s great fun for young people as well.
“You can’t beat the game – it’s like an outdoor version of outdoor snooker. Why would you want to be in a dark and drab snooker hall when you could be outside in the sun and fresh air? The green is particularly lovely in summer.
“We’re a friendly bunch, people are welcome to come in and talk to us. We want to make it easier for people to get involved.”

Alyssa said the club was planning some open days when the warmer weather comes to make it more accessible, and added: “We’re hoping to get some funding for more equipment, particularly that younger members, like our juniors, can use.

“I’d encourage people to come along and give it a go. I’m not a sporty or competitive person. It was something I could pick up easily and have a go at. More importantly, it was something I could do where I could get out of the house and meet people.”

The couple are helping to bring the club into the 21st century by setting up social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram which have proven quite popular so far.

The cost is £45 for full members. If you do not wish to be a full member, you can join as an associate (social) member of the club for only £10. Just ask for more details.

The club can be contacted through social media or by e-mailing stanningleybowlsclub@gmail.com.

A community clean-up is being held at Stanningley Park Crown Green Bowling Club.

Join bowling green community clean-up

Don your marigolds and join volunteers for a morning of sprucing up the green ready for the new season.

Come down any time between 10am and 12pm on Saturday, 5 February, and grab a brush and help with tasks such as litter picking, clearing twigs and leaves, weeding, jet washing paths, cleaning and organising the clubhouse. Cake and refreshments will be available.

The club is also on the look-out for donations of anything to improve our outdoor space such as plants, decorative pots, tables, benches etc.

Green light for ‘vital’ after-school club at Swinnow caretaker’s bungalow

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February 3, 2022

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Pupils at a school in Swinnow are set to benefit from new after-school facilities in a former former caretaker’s house after council planners approved the proposals.

Proposals – first reported by WLD in December – include extending the superintendent’s bungalow at Park Spring Primary School, in Swinnow Lane, and converting it into an after-school club with a hall, office, kitchen and toilets.

A design and access statement published by developers NPS stated there would be minimal impact on the community:

“The site has a total 454 places including 28 for nursery children. A need for the proposed after-school club has been identified due to the number of pupils and appropriate areas available.
“The proposed works will provide and fulfil a vital requirement for the school for children.”

It added that the area around the building would be a ruberoid play surface, with artificial grass.

Capacity would be no more than 25 children at any one time and the hours of use would be between 3pm to 6pm.

Leeds City Council planning officers approved the plans, saying they had no issues with the proposals.

The plans can be viewed in full here.

Mini-market returns to Bramley this Saturday

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February 3, 2022

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mini market bramley — The mini market is returning to Bramley Community Centre. Photo: Paul Abraham

Words & Photos: Paul Abraham, www.theartfulrambler.com

Saturday, 5 February brings the welcome and eagerly anticipated return of the Bramley Mini-Market at the Bramley Community Centre, on Waterloo Lane.

The event runs from 10am until 2pm and features local small businesses.

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!

Entry is free and there will be tea and coffee available for only 50p and excellent and belly filling hotdogs (speaking from experience!) for a give-away £1 a roll.

Organiser and the driving force behind the market, Wendi Halthwaite has done an amazing job by bringing such a varid array of stalls to the market so early in the year.

As one regular stallholder remarked: “Without doubt, this is my favourite market to attend as there is always a lovely welcoming feel at this event. The stallholders are all friendly and approachable to fellow stallholders and visitors alike and so creates a real “community” feel. It’s a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday.”

So please support this local market run by local people for local people, you won’t be disappointed!

Electric charging point plans at Butt Lane McDonalds

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February 3, 2022

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Bosses at McDonalds in Butt Lane have applied to install two electric vehicle charging bays in the restaurant car park.

The proposals, in two parking bays at the front of the building, also include associated equipment. A design statement submitted with the planning application by suppliers Instavolt says:

“The two proposed Electric Vehicle charging units at McDonald’s, Bramley will provide essential infrastructure for the area and will utilise the latest DC rapid charging technology which is accessible for all EV drivers to use.
“Countries across the world are making a move away from fossil fuels and towards the electrification of the transport system and the UK has binding climate agreements to reduce the levels of CO2 emissions. With the planned increase in electric vehicle usage the infrastructure must be implemented at a larger scale.”

The planning application submitted to Leeds City Council can be viewed here.

West Leeds sites among 46 to be sold next year by council

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February 2, 2022

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abbey mills 1 kirkstall — Abbey Mills. Photo: Mark Stevenson

Words: Richard Beecham, local democracy reporter

Additional reporting: John Baron, WLD editor

Leeds City Council has made £44m from selling numerous buildings over the past year, a new document has revealed.

The paper, set to go before the council’s decision-making executive board next week, also listed a further 46 sites from across Leeds the authority plans to sell next year.

These include historic Abbey Mills in Kirkstall, a 30,000 sq ft Grade II listed mill that lies just south of the Abbey and is owned by the council.

WLD reported in November 2020 that the council wanted to speed up the sale of the building, which had previously been the subject of a proposed community takeover – but the sale has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearby St Ann’s Mills is also also earmarked for future sale.

Other buildings on the list include South Pudsey Community Centre on Kent Road. The sale was rubber-stamped by the council’s executive board a year ago.

Shops and a car park on Burley Road will also be sold off – as first reported here. Buildings in Rodley, Wortley and the Hawksworth estate Kirkstall are also due to be sold, according to there list.

It forms part of the council’s Capital Receipts programme, which has generated around £550m since 1990, and is expected to raise a further £133m by 2025.

The document stated:

“In the current financial year capital receipts totalling £44.5m have been realised.
“The Council’s Estate Management Strategy which was approved by Executive Board in November 2021 sets out the principles which guides our estate provision, but one of the key considerations is around ensuring that our estate is well utilised and that surplus properties are released in a timely way.”

Sales that have taken place over the past few months include Skelton Moor Way (the site which includes the Amazon warehouse), The Leonardo and Thorseby buildings in the city centre, and the East Lodge at Temple Newsam.

Among the sites targeted to be sold before the end of the current financial year, in March, are Micklefield House in Rawdon, Bramley Housing Office, and Millshaw Offices.

For the next municipal year – which runs from April 2022 to March 2023 – The council has already agreed to sell land at Sovereign Street, Halton Moor and Seacroft Crescent.

Plans are in place to sell dozens more, including the former Leeds International Pool site, the former Eastmoor School, the ASDA at Holt Park District Centre and Peckfield Business Park.

The plans are set to be discussed at a Leeds City Council Executive Board meeting on Wednesday, February 9.

Sites the council has agreed to sell in 2022/23
– Sovereign Street Plot B
– Miles Hill Primary School & Beckhill Approach
– Waterloo Sidings, access land, Halton Moor
– Seacroft Crescent, Land at, LS14 (Former LIbrary Site) Extra Care

Sites the council wants to sell in 2022/23
Leeds International Pool, Lisbon St
Redhall
Former Eastmoor School
Southern Quadrant East Leeds Extension Plot C
Clarence Road, Land
Middleton Park Complex
Eastgate & Harewood
St Cecilia Street land, Quarry Hill
Land at South Accommodation Road
Peckfield Balance 3 acres
Windlesford Green, Holmsley Lane, Woodlesford
Waterloo Sidings, access land, Halton Moor
Yorkshire Rider Club, Former, Saxton Gardens
Burley Road Shops & Car Park
Rothwell One Stop Area Office, Marsh Street
South Pudsey Centre
Rathmell Road, Halton Moor
Holt Park District centre (residential sites)
Peckfield Business Park
Harehills Park Cottages
Stanks Gardens, Land at, Swarcliffe
Carr Manor Cottages 1 & 2
Peckfield – Travelling Showman’s Site
Quarry Hill Car Parking Payment
Bishop’s Way
Seacroft Crescent (Overage)
Farrar Lane, Land at Holt Park
Abbey Mills, Kirkstall Road
Hill Crest 32, land adj, Swillington (self build)
Oulton Golf Course Disposal
St Francis Of Assisi Catholic Primary School – Caretakers House
Well Lane, Land at Yeadon
Buckingham House
All Saints Road, Rothwell (Self Build)
Summerfield Gardens, Rodley (Self Build)
Holdforth Place, Wortley
Lea Farm Road, Lea Park Road, Hawskworth estate, Kirkstall (Self Build)
Clarence Road (2nd phased payment of 2)
Arena Development Site
Kendall Drive, Halton Moor
Holt Park District Centre ASDA.

James-lewis-leeds-council-leader — Leeds Council leader James Lewis

Leeds Council: Budget plans announced

Leeds City Council’s annual budget proposals have been released, ahead of “another difficult 12 months”, according to the authority’s leader.

The plans confirm that, although the budget is set to increase by £86.7m on last year, around £16.5m of cuts are still needed to be made to services due to spiralling costs.

According to latest proposals, the authority will have to shed 19 full-time equivalent job posts, but will create 211 new FTE jobs.

It also includes a council tax increase of 2.99 per cent – split between core council tax (1.99 per cent) and the adult social care precept (one per cent). This means council tax for a band D property will increase by £45.24 a year.

The council says it will use the budget to put further support into looked after children, family mental health issues and care for vulnerable adults living at home.

Leeds City Council leader James Lewis (Lab) said:

“The budget report shows how tough the challenge is to balance our books every year, and we face another difficult 12 months ahead with Covid sadly still with us.
“Every year the pressure on council tax increases as it needs to stretch further and further to support more services, especially those for our most vulnerable residents where we have rising demand.
“Across the council we are committed to working with all partners to invest in new flexible ways of delivering services to make them as effective as we can. We especially appreciate the financial investment and support from our NHS partners in Leeds to help us achieve these aims.
“Despite the ongoing difficulties caused by the pandemic, the city has shown strong resilience and we continue to be especially grateful for all our frontline and key workers, charities and volunteers for all their efforts.
“If we keep talking and working together as a city, showing empathy and compassion for all, we can achieve great things and deliver our ambition to make Leeds the best it can be.”

Early plans for the budget had been released in December, but council officers say a number of changes have taken place since then, including lower council tax receipts than had been expected due to “lower projected growth in housebuilding”.

However, a recent reassessment of how companies claim business rates relief is likely to lead to an increase of more than £7m in rates income.

The plans will go before Leeds City Council’s Executive Board on Wednesday, February 9. Provided it is agreed there, it will go for final approval at a full Leeds City Council meeting on Wednesday, February 23.

WLD has been following the council’s financial difficulties – and its impact in West Leeds – through our Cutswatch series.

First look at new public sculpture capturing past and future of historic Stonebridge Mills site

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February 2, 2022

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Stonebridge beck sculpture — How thew new sculpture would look at Stonebridge Beck.

Words: John Baron

Textile machinery which was used at historic Stonebridge Mills will have a new lease of life when it is restored and used as a sculpture at a major new £25m housing development in Farnley.

Sheffield-based metalwork sculptor Chris Knight will use the pump wheel salvaged from the former grade II listed former textile mill to celebrate the site’s industrial heritage – and herald a new 112-home development on the site.

Mr Knight is the artist behind the popular ‘Cutting Edge’ water sculpture outside Sheffield Rail Station.

His idea for the public art at the new Stonebridge Beck housing development is to create a link between the past and the future. His vision for the art – which he’s called ‘Embrace’ – includes:

“By framing the pump wheel salvaged from the Stonebridge Mills I aim to highlight the significance of this piece of machinery as central to mechanisation of what was until then a hand, craft process.
“More than this, I aim to represent a re-purposing of the buildings. They are re-cast into another role that is more relevant to the needs of today and probably more celebratory of life. The rusted wheel becomes a static statue preserved on a plinth, unmoving, stoic, timeless. The stainless frame surrounds it like a halo drawing focus onto its centre.
“The two parts are an embrace between the past and the future.”

The sculpture has been described as ‘very much work in progress’ and Georgina Maud, who is leading the project, said:

“Textile machinery from the mill will be restored and put to a creative use by creating a contemporary sculpture titled ‘Embrace’ – this is to pay homage to the site’s heritage as a well-respected industrial textile mill as well as framing the piece in a contemporary piece of steel.
“This in essence is about the present embracing the past – and vice versa – in our evolution.”

The 10-acre site includes the former mill pond. as well as the new specially commissioned piece of public art at the entrance to the development.

The £25 million project, which is called Stonebridge Beck, includes 82 new homes as well as the regeneration of the grade II listed and long-derelict former woollen mill buildings and cottages, which is creating a further 30 homes. WLD reported earlier this month that the new showroom had opened at the development.

An artist’s impression of the new homes, which are currently being built.

The former industrial buildings are off Farnley Ring Road, and are well-known for their historic chimney and water tower, which are being retained.

The site is being jointly developed jointly by Rushbond and Advent Developments, and includes a collection of conversion and new-build homes, ranging from two to five bedrooms. The scheme is due to complete in summer 2023.

Stonebridge Mills played a key role in the development of Farnley and neighbouring Wortley, dating back to the early 1800s when the water-powered woollen mill was a focal point of the local community.

Despite being in some form of industrial use for around 150 years, the site has been derelict for many years and at one stage Tesco had plans to build a new supermarket there.

Follow WLD’s ongoing coverage of the development here.

Farsley meeting discusses rights of way changes

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February 2, 2022

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Words: Richard Warren

A meeting discussing rights of way changes and free heritage resources will be held in Farsley tonight (Wednesday, 2 February 2022).

The social meeting, run by Running Seeds, will provide the opportunity to explain the rights of way status but importantly present and guide how to use a plethora of free online heritage resources.

There’s no need to be technology savvy – just come along, have a drink, browse some big old maps, point me at anything of interest to drive research with you or simply share your memories and maybe photos.

If you are into tech, please bring along a laptop and join in!

I’ll have large poster prints of old maps plus a couple of spare laptops to browse photos I’ve taken at the West Yorkshire Archives.

Online pointers include old maps, census, parish records, 1800s newspapers, 1930s aerial photos, old photos, industry background, books, Facebook groups and more.

The workshops are also an ideal opportunity to promote other local community groups so please come along/get in touch to represent – e.g. running groups, walking groups, reclamation groups, social groups etc.

The meeting will be held at held at Farsley Celtic’s Nest bar, from 7pm.

Police crackdown on anti-social motorists in outer West Leeds is welcomed

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February 2, 2022

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Additional police operations in Woodhall, Stanningley and Pudsey are cracking down on speeding and anti-social motorists.

The additional operations are funded by the council’s Outer West Community Committee in partnership with Leeds West Neighbourhood Policing Team in attempt to tackle a rise in speeding, dangerous driving and anti-social vehicle use.

15 traffic tickets were issued to motorists in one recent session for offences throughout the area, including speeding hotspots like Woodhall Road, Bradford Road and Galloway Lane.

The additional funding from councillors was in response to data analysis from police highlighting 473 reports of nuisance cars, vans, and moto/quad bikes throughout the Outer West area over a 12-month period – up 8% from the previous year.

Targeting motorists

More widely across Leeds, operation SPARC, funded by Leeds City Council in partnership with West Yorkshire Police, also focuses on targeting anti-social driving and driving offences most associated with victims being killed or seriously injured.

Specialist roads policing officers target motorists who are speeding, using a handheld mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. People who drive aggressively, with vehicle defects or without third party insurance will also face enforcement.

Since launching in July 2020, police officers have dealt with 2,692 drivers. This includes 696 seatbelt offences and 506 speeding offences. The off-road motorbike team have dealt with 141 offenders.

Councillor Peter Carlill (Calverley and Farsley, Labour and Co-operative) welcomed the developments. He said:

“Speeding and anti-social driving, which was already an issue in our community, has seemingly got worse throughout the periods of lockdowns and reduced traffic.
“Speaking to local residents it’s clear that speeding and anti-social driving of all kinds are important issues within all our communities, and quite rightly feature highly on the neighbourhood policing priorities for the Calverley and Farsley ward, as well as being a key priority for the council across the City.
“After years of cuts to the police service, leaving West Yorkshire Police at one point with 600 fewer officers than in 2010, I welcome these short-term additional funding measures to plug some of the gap.
“I’m also keen to work with residents and community groups on community speed watch programmes to enhance this work across our community.
“It is clear, however, that long-term funding solutions are needed just to return policing numbers to previous levels in order to keep our communities safe.”

The Outer West Community Committee is made up of nine councillors from three wards – Calverley & Farsley, Farnley & Wortley and Pudsey. The committee is made up of Conservative, Green and Labour councillors.

Back to basics for Farsley Celtic’s new manager Russ Wilcox

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February 2, 2022

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russ wilcox farsley celtic manager — New Farsley Celtic manager Russ Wilcox (right) with CEO Josh Greaves

Words: Thomas Ritchie

Additional reporting: John Baron

Bottom club Farsley Celtic have announced the appointment of Russ Wilcox as men’s first team manager.

The 57-year-old had a lengthy playing career, beginning in the non-league ranks with Frickley Athletic, before going on to play professionally for Northampton Town, Hull City, Doncaster Rovers, Preston North End and Scunthorpe United.

It was at Scunthorpe where Wilcox had his first permanent role in management, winning promotion to League One at the first time of asking in 2014. He’s also been an assistant manager at Premier League club Burnley.

He is The Celts, third manager of the season and takes over from Neil Ross, who stepped down last week.

After taking charge at the Citadel, Wilcox said:

“It’s a great opportunity for me to get back managing. It’s been a while, I’ve had a few caretaker roles at Scunthorpe, but I’m itching to get back.
“The process has been good from Farsley’s point of view, they’ve been very professional with everything they’ve done leading up to this announcement, so I can’t wait to get started now.
“I’m going to meet the lads tonight, have our first training session, we’ll train again Thursday and then be ready to go for a difficult game Saturday.
“It’s going to be a tough ask, we’re bottom of the league at the moment, so we can’t go any lower.
“I’m going to try and instil some positivity back into the players, I’ve been there myself as a player when you go through a bad run, it’s very difficult at times to get out of it, you’ve just got to keep working hard and grafting away.
“I’ll be tough with the boys as well, I’ll expect good standards. Even though we’re not full-time, I still want everybody to be as professional as they possibly can, hard working with good attitudes and good application.
“Now it’ll be about doing the basics well, I think that’s been the downfall. I’ve seen a couple of videos of previous games, and it’s getting the basics right, being good in both boxes, being energetic, hardworking, and grafting for the shirt.
“As a Yorkshireman myself, that’s what the Yorkshire people want to see, they want to see a lad pull his shirt on and give everything for the cause and I’ll demand that from the players.”

Farsley Celtic Chief Executive Josh Greaves welcomed the appointment and added:

“After last Thursday’s departure of Neil Ross, myself and the rest of the board have sat down and had a number of discussions over the last few days, and Russ Wilcox’s name has come up to us.
“We had a conversation with Russ, and we were impressed with the CV and calibre of manager he is.
“We’re actually really pleased to have got this over the line, it’s taken a couple of days to do so, and I’m pleased we’ve got it sorted and can move on into a new chapter, we’ve had a tough few months and we’ve just got to keep our heads up and keep moving forwards now.”

£40m Armley Gyratory revamp one step closer

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January 31, 2022

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Words: Richard Beecham, local democracy reporter

Multi-million pound plans to completely revamp Armley Gyratory could soon be one step closer after going before regional decision-makers later this week.

Plans were released earlier this year, which would involve widening the roads and improving pedestrian facilities in and around the often-congested road.

According to a West Yorkshire Combined Authority report, the changes are expected to cause an increase of more than 100,000 tonnes in carbon emissions over the next 60 years.

But it is also hoped the changes will help keep traffic out of the city centre, which currently suffers some of the worst air pollution in the district.

A report, set to go before a full WYCA meeting later this week stated:

“Enhancement to the highway capacity is considered necessary to accommodate the additional traffic following the planned closure to City Square.
“This is forecast to increase carbon emissions by 184,038 tonnes over a 60-year appraisal period. However, early indications suggest that as we expect to see an increasing number of electric vehicles on the road in future years, this should reduce to approximately 111,000 tonnes.
“Furthermore, it is anticipated that following the implementation of
all planned activities within Leeds city centre funding programmes, that overall local air quality benefits will be realised.
“The scheme will reduce congestion levels and reduce journey times for motorists, including bus services. Buses, especially core city services will further benefit from the implementation of MOVA adaptive signal control which features virtual bus priority measures.
“The scheme will also improve walking and cycling connectivity and safety, by replacing the existing footbridges, making users more visible to motorists.”

The plans involve increasing capacity on A643 between the railway bridge and the gyratory, increasing from three lanes to five.

The new Canal Street stop line will increase from two to five lanes, while the A647 approach will be widened, removing the left free flow turn and providing five signal-controlled lanes.

Technology will also be used to help signals be more adaptive to traffic, and to create “virtual bus priority measures.”

This is all expected to take place by late 2022.

A total of £27.9m is expected to be approved by WYCA, with the total value of the expected to cost around £41.9m. It will be discussed at a WYCA meeting on Thursday, February 3.

City Square traffic closure – ‘work could finish by December’

Multi-million pound works to double the size of Leeds City Square and close the area to traffic could be finished as early as December, a report by civil servants has stated.

A report into work on the Leeds City Centre Package, which involves roads around the city square being open only to buses, taxis and bicycles, is set to go before a meeting of regional decision-makers next week.

It added that, while the economic case for the work was “very poor”, it would ensure buses would “no longer have to compete” with cars for space on the city centre’s roads.

According to the document, the work will also involve converting East Parade and King Street into a two-way street with bus stops, as well as introducing signals at Globe Road and Westgate.

The works are set to cost around £15.3m in total, and work is expected to start this April.

The document stated: “Delivery of the City Square Plus package will allow City Square to be pedestrianised, improving connectivity and safety for people travelling by bike or on foot within the city centre, and making it more attractive to walk or cycle to employment, housing, retail, education, and public transport (bus and rail).

“The scheme will also improve bus journey reliability with new bus gates, new stops, and changes to routes to complement the wider network.

“Buses will also no longer have to compete for road space with motorists. ANPR (number plate recognition) survey of 2013 revealed that around 30 per cent of traffic that uses City Square does not originate in or is destined for the city centre. So, a notable proportion of traffic simply use this route as an alternative to the Inner Ring Road for northbound journeys across the city.”

It said that the scheme presented “very poor value for money” when assessed using criteria set by the Department for Transport criteria, but added: “The scheme demonstrates good benefits in terms of accident, cycling and walking, pedestrian journey time, and public space quality, they are outweighed by the significant disbenefits to motorists.

“The principle aim of the scheme is to re-prioritise road space in Leeds City Centre to sustainable travel (cycling, walking and buses) and local impacts.”

According to plans released last year, early blueprints for a newly-designed City Square included woodland and water features, with the entire area between the Queens Hotel and Mill Hill Chapel closed to general traffic.

A council report said the site would feature a “conceptual reincarnation” of the ancient Forest of Leodis on which the city is built, as well as “informal play” for children, with platforms and rock steps to climb and jump off, as well as a water feature.

City Square was first built in 1897, alongside the old Post Office building.

Graffiti-daubed wall transformed into colourful panorama at Armley’s new Mission Room

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January 31, 2022

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Words: Andy Dalton

A graffiti-daubed wall has been transformed into a panorama of colour.

The external wall of the old ‘Mission Room’ in Mistress Lane, Armley, has received a complete makeover.

A colourful mural has replaced graffiti. Woodland trees and bushes have been painted to complement the adjoining grassland and vegetation.

Artist Trafford Parsons volunteered his skills to Leeds City Mission, who are renovating the Mission Room.

On completion it will host a ‘compassion centre’ with a number of projects for people struggling with life. A dull red-bricked external wall has been changed into a delight of colour.

Artist Trafford based his mural on a biblical theme – the ‘fruits of the Spirit’. Amidst the painted tree branches the discerning onlooker can identify key word from the bible – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

He explained that the theme of the mural captures the ethos and spirit of Leeds City Mission who are completing a two year long renovation project on the building.

City Mission development worker Andy Dalton explained that Trafford was just one of 42 volunteers who have given their time and skills to work on the building in the last 24 months. To date, 2,300 hours have been given.

Volunteers have also tidied up the surrounding area – bushes have been cut back, rubbish removed and bulbs planted.

They have worked hard at improving adjoining land that previously had been used for illicit activities and anti-social behaviour.

Andy Dalton concluded: “We hope to have completed all the remaining work by the Spring. It’s been a long haul, made even more difficult by the pandemic. This mural is fantastic and we hope it will delight shoppers and residents in the area.”

Leeds City Mission is a Christian agency which has worked with marginalised people over three centuries and seeks to meet the physical, social and spiritual needs of Leeds residents. It was founded in 1837 and is one of the city’s oldest charities.

Report flags major issues and opportunities in Kirkstall and Burley – residents urged to have your say

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January 31, 2022

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Traffic congestion, parking problems and the need for a new community centre are just three of the issues flagged by Kirkstall and Burley residents in a report published today.

The report is based on the findings of a public consultation carried out by the Kirkstall Neighbourhood Forum starting in 2018/19.

The findings of the report will be turned into a draft Kirkstall Neighbourhood Plan, which will give residents better control over new development and greater influence over the spending of local funds.

The report also highlights issues including dog mess and fly-tipping, the loss of green spaces, the need for more family homes, issues with students and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and climate change.

There are also calls for speed calming measures to be included in new developments, more and improved children’s play areas and more local services – including banks, library, post office, healthcare, cafes and shops to create a 20-minute neighbourhood. There are also calls for better public transport.

From today, people living within the Kirkstall Ward – which includes Kirkstall, Burley, Hawksworth, Queenswood and part of West Park – are being asked to take a look at the report and point out anything which they think might be missing from it.

Kirkstall Neighbourhood Forum treasurer Tom Brannigan said the results of the initial consultation, which reached around 10,000 people, had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He added:

“We’re asking everyone living in the Kirkstall Ward to take a look at the report and flag up anything that’s been missed out and needs to be added. Are there areas that perhaps need more focus? We’re looking for comments which can be either positive or negative.
“Once we can finalise this report we can then look to put together the actual neighbourhood plan.”

The report can be read in full here, with comments left directly on the site or the forum’s Facebook page.

Mr Brannigan said the draft of the plan could be available by the end of the year, depending on the feedback and any developments with the pandemic.

The initial questionnaire asked residents: ‘what are the three best things where you live?’, ‘what are the three worst things?’, ‘what should we guard against?’ and ‘what needs improvement?’.

The neighbourhood plan will help to consider ways on how to tackle some of the major issues affecting Kirkstall ward.