Three quarters of Leeds adults vaccinated – but 40,000 vulnerable people yet to have a jab

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July 21, 2021

Words: Richard Beecham, local democracy reporter

A report set to go before Leeds City Council decision-makers today claims almost three quarters of adults in the district have now received their first Covid-19 jabs.

The document added that nearly nine in 10 people classed as “clinically extremely vulnerable” now had both doses, while an even greater proportion of over-70s had the full protection from Covid-19.

However, it added that there were still around 40,000 adults in the city classified as high risk who had not yet been vaccinated, while hospitalisations are expected to rise throughout the summer.

The document stated that, in Leeds, almost 528,000 people have received their first Covid-19 vaccination, and more than 426,000 have received their second as of 15 July.

This means 74 per cent of the adult population have had a first dose and 60 per cent of the adult population with both doses. Around 87 per cent of the clinically extremely vulnerable cohort, and 83 per cent of the ‘at-risk’
cohort have also been double-jabbed.

The report stated: “There is continued focus on increasing the number of people having their first vaccine to at least 80 per cent to help keep everyone
safer.

“There are roughly around 40,000 unvaccinated people in Leeds that fall into high risk, priority cohorts one through to nine. We continue to monitor these number very closely and continue to undertake targeted proactive work with communication going out regularly encouraging vaccination uptake.”

It added that around half of 18-29 year olds in the city are yet to be vaccinated, and that this “poses obvious risks” due to the government’s lifting of lockdown restrictions this week.

The council said it was planning “several targeted programmes”, including mobile vaccination sites and a pop-up site in the Trinity Centre, to try to encourage more young people to get their vaccinations.

It added that infection rates varied wildly between different council wards in Leeds – with the lowest infection rate at 233.5 per 100,000 and the highest at 772.2 per 100,000. According to the latest data received by Public Health England, rates have risen across Leeds 22 wards, remained stable across seven, with only one seeing a decrease.

The report claimed:

“Although vaccines have weakened the link between infection rates, hospitalisations and deaths, Covid patients in hospitals have increased recently and the number of patients is expected to rise further.
“Around a one in three patients have had both vaccines. The average age of patients is 60 years old, a younger average age than in previous peaks. The death rate is significantly lower than earlier this year.
“In addition to the need to open additional Covid wards, the hospital continues to see large numbers of attendances through A&E. There has already been cancellation of some planned surgeries. The expectation is that hospital cases will rise over the summer.”

The council’s decision-making executive board will meet today to discuss the report.

Report reveals new businesses moving into Armley

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July 21, 2021

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yorkshire bank armley town street — The former Yorkshire Bank building on Armley Town Street. Photo: Google

A number of new leases at empty shops and businesses in Armley have been signed in the past three months amid plans for a pocket park performance space and the possible introduction of ‘welcome ambassadors’ onto Town Street.

A report to members of the Inner West Community Committee said that new businesses included a Persian Restaurant and plans for flats at the former Yorkshire Bank.

Leeds City Council neighbourhood centres co-ordinator Peter Mudge said several new leases had been signed and new businesses opening or about to open.

These included the former Coral bookies (a café and bakery), former Card Factory (Armley Food Store), former HSBC (Persian Restaurant/Cafe) and former Boots shop (future use not yet announced).

The former Yorkshire Bank will be converted to flats after earlier proposals for shops on the ground floor fell through. The former Love & Light tearoom will become a barbecue restaurant and two council shops on Gelderd Road are now in use by Howarth Foundation’s Little Owls project.

Mr Mudge reported flats are now being built near Town Street, on Hall Road, which will improve the appearance of that area, and the former Loony Bin shop at 100 Town Street has now been sold by the council. Mr Mudge added:

“A meeting is being held with the owner of the dilapidated former clinic site in the hope that differences can be resolved so that this eyesore and base of anti-social behaviour can at last be renovated.”

Pocket park and performance area

A plan is progressing to see the former public toilets on Theaker Lane, which are currently used as a place to throw litter, turned into a pocket park and outdoor performance area. Mr Mudge added:

“The area will be locked every evening and the plan is to also include plants on the sides to make it an attractive oasis. Funding for this is being investigated.”

‘Welcome’ ambassadors

The government has made available Welcome Back to High Streets funding and
discussions are under way on whether this can help raise the image of Armley town
centre in order to attract more shoppers through provision of “Welcome” Ambassadors, making visitors feel safe and secure and providing a reassuring presence to help lift the negativity prevalent in publicity of the area.

The detail of exactly what could be possible is being discussed with colleagues in Armley Action Team and discussions are ongoing.

Street drinking

The reports says that after the first lockdown, street drinking ‘returned in a big way’ on Town Street, along with begging and drug dealing.

Police have reduced these, but there is national concern areas suffering after the first lockdown may do so again in the coming months. Signs have been placed at four locations in a new trial for Leeds and looks to make dealers and buyers feel uneasy in those areas.

Latest grants awarded to West Leeds groups and projects

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July 21, 2021

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armley-festival-2 — Flashback to 2019's Armley Festival. Photo: Mat Dale

Councillors have agreed a raft of grants to support community initiatives in Armley, Bramley & Stanningley and Kirkstall wards.

Members of the Inner West Community Committee last night met at Leeds Civic Hall and voted to fund a number of local projects.

These included:

Armley Festival

£10,000 to run Armley Festival for the 5th year on 11 September 2021. The Festival is an annual event involving the entire community of Armley and utilising a
wide range of activities.

Hyde Park Football

£2,500 for Leeds Hyde Park Sports Club to expand sporting activity in the wider community.

Bramley After School Hub Klub

£4,324 to support up to 20 children through term-time home visits, hub sessions and hampers.

Jailey Fields Play Park

£5,000 for a weekly free informal play session for all the family at Jailey Fields in Armley.

A funding bid for £9,860 from Geeks Room for games activities and online safety sessions was refused due to a lack of data regarding potential users.

Councillors also noted funding decisions delegated to council officers since the last meeting in March. These included:

New Wortley Community Centre

£3,183 for a security review.

Bramley Elderly Action

£1,450 for bank holiday variety show.

Kirkstall Mini Festival

£6,000 for event held earlier this month.

Community participation and learning programme

£925 for Irish Arts Foundation in Armley and Kirkstall.

West Leeds Activity Centre

£5,371 for outdoor classroom and activity equipment.

Art Camp UK

£980 for a half-term art camp in Kirkstall.

Stanningley Park benches

£1,770 for new park benches in Stanningley Park. Additional bins have been added from the Parks department. Low rail fencing with accessible entry points to come shortly pending adequate funding to invest in improved play and recreation facilities.

New Wortley Food Festival

£2,000 for New Wortley Community Association for food festival on Jailey’s Field, Armley.

Summer holiday targeted provision

£1,200 for Leeds Youth Services.

Kirkstall Christmas Lights

£1,666 to LCC Communities Team.

The community committee is made up of councillors from Kirkstall, Armley and Bramley & Stanningley Ward, alongside co-opted members of the public.

Read the council report into the grants here.

£350k roofing work signed off at West SILC Milestone

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July 21, 2021

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Major roofing work will be carried out at the West Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre – Milestone over the summer.

Council chiefs this week agrees to award the £350,960 contract for the work to Leeds LEP.

The works will be carried out during the 2021 school summer holiday period, due to the extent of the works required and the length of tender process. A council report stated:

“These works are essential in order to maintain safe, warm, watertight learning environments for the children of Leeds, and to address the most common causes of unplanned school closure and loss of teaching time.”

The council report can be read in full here.

Students on the SILC main site have a wide range of learning needs as well as communication difficulties including Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and associated behavioural and emotional difficulties. This site has many specialist facilities including a hydrotherapy pool as well as specialist teaching areas for some subjects: home technology, a multi-sensory room, ICT and art. The SILC main site is divided into three sections, each catering to the specific needs of its students.

Earlier this month council chiefs gave the green light to a £274,515 package of fire safety measures at Farsley Farfield Primary School.

Money comes from the council’s Planned Maintenance Programme, which sees the local authority focus on maintaining six key areas at schools These include fire safety, mechanical services; roofing works, external wall, windows and door replacement, kitchen ventilation and demolition.

John Baron

Inner West councillors join growing calls to restore benches at Bramley Shopping Centre

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July 20, 2021

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inner west councillors — Resolution: Inner West councillors last Tuesday (from left) Fiona Venner, Caroline Gruen, Kevin Ritchie, Hannah Bithell, Alice Smart, Lou Cunningham and Jools Heselwood. Photo: John Baron

Words: John Baron

Councillors in Inner West Leeds have backed calls to restore benches which have been removed from Bramley Shopping Centre.

The centre’s new owners removed all the seating at the centre last month, claiming it was causing an obstruction on the pathways.

The move has been met with widespread concern, with more than 800 people joining the Place to Sit Facebook group and over 650 people signing an online petition. Dozens of people have attended four Saturday morning sit ins at the centre, brining their own chairs to socialise and make their point.

bramley shopping centre seats main — Taking a stand over seats at Bramley Shopping Centre. Photo: Philip McConnell

At this evening’s Inner West Community Committee meeting at Leeds Civic Hall, councillors from Armley, Bramley & Stanningley and Kirkstall wards unanimously backed calls to restore the benches.

They agreed to write to LCP, the national commercial property and investment company that manages Bramley Shopping Centre on behalf of landlord Sheet Anchor, to call for the benches to be restored as soon as possible.

Councillors had a letter read to them from Fran Graham, from the Place To Sit group, who said LCP’s decision is affecting vulnerable people in Bramley. She said:

“Removing the benches means that people who walk to the centre have nowhere to stop and rest.
“Local older people who need to rest between shops cannot do so. People who can’t carry shopping while waiting for a taxi have nowhere to rest and people with health conditions and mobility problems have been excluded from shopping independently.
“People with pushchairs and children have nowhere to rest, breastfeed, or let children sit to eat unless they pay to use the Costa Coffee shop, and staff working in the shops have nowhere to take breaks outside.
“We believe it has reduced footfall to the centre, and is an obstruction to local people’s health, wellbeing and happiness.
“The group is attending the centre every Saturday 10-11am to show our support for the Bramley ward councillors’ proposal to reinstate 16 benches as soon as possible, and to encourage the owners to review their decision.
“Will the community committee support our call for LCP Group to review their decision to remove benches, to respond to the Ward Councillors’ proposal, and reinstate at least 16 benches as soon as possible?”

Ms Graham’s calls were echoed in a representation by Philip McConnell, from the Bramley Care Bears community group, who said the removal of the benches had left residents ‘shocked, amazed and dumbfounded’ and ‘at a loss’ as to how the seats were considered an obstruction.

Councillor Caroline Gruen (Lab, Bramley & Stanningley) moved a motion that the committee should write to LCP to voice its concerns and call for the benches to be reinstated. She added:

“This has caused a seismic public outcry – we have been inundated by complaints.”

Cllr Gruen said she was disappointed that during discussions between Bramley’s councillors and LCP there had been talk of a counter proposal, which she labelled ‘adversarial’.

Meeting chair Cllr Hannah Bithell (Lab, Kirkstall) added: “I cannot really fathom why the benches have gone at all.”

All councillors present unanimously voted for the committee to write to LCP.

The move follows a letter signed by community leaders, Bramley councillors and Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves, which was sent to LCP last month.

Organisers signing the original letter included Bramley Elderly Action, Fairfield Community Centre, Bramley Park Academy, local businesses such as Bramley Baths and the managers of nearby accommodation for the elderly and vulnerable. Other signatories to the letter include the Chief Executives of Carers Leeds and Leeds Older People’s Forum, as well as the charity Pyramid of Arts, and the Bramley Village Health and Wellbeing Centre.

A spokesman for LCP, the national commercial property and investment company that manages Bramley Shopping Centre on behalf of the landlord Sheet Anchor, said last month that consultation with local councillors and centre tenants regarding seating and other improvements at the centre is ongoing.

They said the seats had been removed due to congestion on the centre footpaths.

Follow WLD‘s ongoing coverage of this issue here.

Councillor thought £8.5m LCC agency staff spend would be worse

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July 20, 2021

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peter carlill calverley farsley labour — Peter Carlill.

A Calverley and Farsley councillor has said he is “surprised that things aren’t worse than they are” when it comes to the authority’s spending on agency staff.

A recent report revealed Leeds City Council saw its spend on agency workers increase by £1.3m in just two years, at a total cost to the taxpayer of nearly £80,000-a-year per full time equivalent member of staff.

The council claimed that Covid had impacted on the council’s need to employ temporary staff, and that mark-ups charged by agencies often added to the costs.

But Coun Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) made the point that, with the disruption caused by Covid in the past year, he expected the increases to be far higher.

“I am actually surprised that things haven’t got worse than they have,” he told a meeting of the council’s strategy and resources scrutiny board. “The amount of upset and unrest many of us have found in our homes I’m sure had meant that many on frontline services have meant many cannot appear for work, and we will have tried to find alternative members of staff to ensure those services continue.

“For essential services we will have to rely on agency staff at some point.”

A report by Leeds City Council officers showed how the total number of full time equivalent (FTE) staff employed via an agency stood at about 108.8. At a total cost of £8.47m, this works out at a cost to the taxpayer of £77,849-a-year for each FTE member of staff. This is not just the basic pay for staff, however, as other costs are included when employing agency staff.

Councillors heard how costs for agency workers are more expensive than direct employees, mainly due to mark ups charged by agencies, which the council says often amounts to an extra £2.50 for every £10 spent on basic pay.

It adds savings had been made since 2013, when the spend for agency workers had peaked at £16.5m.

Leeds City Council head of HR Alex Watson said: “There has been a significant reduction in the last 10 years on agency workers, but the costs have gone up (last year).

“We benefit from agency workers because they provide flexibility and cover up skills gaps where we have them.

“But there is a premium on that flexibility that they offer. When you look at that, it tends to be that it would be cheaper to employ people directly, even with their pension costs.

“It’s about having a mix of the right number of core staff and bringing in an agency worker to provide some cover. We would recommend a closer look at what is going on and what drives the demand for agency workers.”

He added that, if an agency worker is used by the council for more than 12 weeks, it should look into employing someone permanently to carry out their role.

The committee asked for further information on how and where money is spent by each council department.

Action day targets Pudsey Cemetery with clean up

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July 20, 2021

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pudsey cemetery chapel main — Photo: Pedro Machado

Volunteers are being encouraged to make a difference by helping to tidy Pudsey Cemetery at an action day on Saturday, 31st July.

The event is being run by the Friends of Pudsey Cemetery and Chapel group and includes litter picking, plot tidying and weeding to suit all ages and abilities.

The event runs between 10.30am-1.30pm. Full details in the poster below:

People can find more details, and register their interest in attending, on the Friends’ Facebook page.

New Wortley Community Centre presents New Wortley Food Festival

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July 20, 2021

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Words: Alex Wright

In the tree-shaded park at the heart of New Wortley, a Saturday afternoon is waiting to be spent engrossed in a creative endeavour, fairground games and getting active in the company of your neighbours and local community.

New Wortley Community Centre, working with a range of community partners, will present New Wortley Food Festival, taking place at Jailey Field (green space behind HM Prison Leeds) on Saturday July 24th 2021 from 12pm to 4pm.

Locally cooked cuisine, arts and crafts activities, and charity groups converge to display and celebrate New Wortley and its residents.

Alongside the diverse selection of food on sale at the festival, community centre catering volunteers will be preparing a free snack for attendees.

Local charities and groups will be in attendance, providing information on the help they offer and opportunities for volunteers.

Volunteer John Battle – the former MP for Leeds West from 1987 to 2010 – said:

“During the Covid crisis the Community Centre has been more than a hub, it has been a lifeline for the local community. As we move forwards let’s remember that those that eat together build together – and everyone is welcome at the Community Centre as we build towards the future.”

The festival is free for all to attend. If you would like more information please contact New Wortley Community Centre.

Farnley: Plans for new dog walking park submitted

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July 19, 2021

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hall lane farnley — The entrance gate off Hall Lane would be widened to accommodate cars. Photo: Google

Plans for a new dog walking walking and training facility in Farnley have been submitted to Leeds City Council.

Applicant Simon Kellet wants to change the use of part of his agricultural land off Hall Lane in Hall Lane, Old Farnley. The land is at the back of The Beulah.

A planning statement submitted with the application states:

“The land forms part of a wider farming business, which comprises approximately 123 acres of productive meadow land and pasture. In order to provide employment for a family member the applicant proposes to introduce a new element to the business that has great demand and allows the public to enjoy the open countryside.
“It is proposed to change the use of an area of land adjacent to Hall Lane to provide a secure dog walking and training facility for members of the public to utilise. The proposal is for a mixed agricultural and amenity use which will allow the land to continue to be used for agricultural purposes in the future.”

The report concludes:

“The proposed dog-walking field will serve to both provide employment for local people, and provide a safe and secure recreational facility for local residents to exercise their dogs. The development would not introduce any harm to the character and appearance of the green belt or special landscape area, and would not be detrimental to highway safety.”

The full plans can be viewed in full here.

Cash prize for Calverley gardeners in centenary competition

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Anne Akers

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July 19, 2021

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Words: Anne Akers

With the 100^th Calverley Show just around the corner, village gardeners are being offered a £100 cash prize as part of a competition to create a garden trail for members of the public to visit.

The idea for the trail came after plans to repeat the hugely popular open gardens in 2019 had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

“We knew people wouldn’t be comfortable opening their gardens to the public, even though restrictions have been lifted, but we do all love to see beautiful gardens,” said Calverley Horticultural Society show secretary Bev Smith.

“During the lockdowns people have spent a lot more time working on their gardens, this year they look absolutely stunning. We thought it would be a good idea to create a garden walk for us all to enjoy,” she said.

All entries will be marked on a downloadable map for visitors to follow. They will be able to observe and enjoy gardens without going through the gate. The competition has attracted sponsorship from estate agents Manning Stainton, with £100 cash to the winner.

The theme of the competition is ‘staycation’, to be interpreted in any way gardeners wish. Entry is open to any private garden in Calverley, with businesses also encouraged to feature their gardens on the walk route, though they will not be eligible for prizes. All gardens should be visible from the pavement.

Entry is free, with a deadline of August 7, forms are available by emailing calverleyhorticulturalsociety@gmail.com or downloaded from the website. Entrants will need to have their gardens viewable for a week by August 14, with the winner will be announced at the show on August 21. Free maps will be available on social media.

New bench celebrates New Wortley community spirit during pandemic

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July 19, 2021

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new wortley bench — Leeds Lord mayor Asghar Khan with New Wortley Community Centre's Andrea Edwards.Photo: John Baron

The Lord Mayor of Leeds officially unveiled a new bench at New Wortley Community Centre to commemorate the community coming together during the Covid pandemic.

The women’s group based at New Wortley Community Centre secured funding from Leeds Civic Trust’s “Take a Seat” project, which will see 15 benches installed across the city.

The benches commemorate how the people of Leeds have come together during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Taking a seat: Leeds Lord Mayor Asghar Khan takes a break. Photo: John Baron

Leeds Civic Trust is a voluntary, non-political body who want to participate in and influence the development of the City. They look to stimulate interest in and care for the history and character of Leeds.

The bench was designed by the members of New Wortley’s Women’s Group with help from Armley-based Graft Collaborative CIC, who have previously worked in partnership with members of New Wortley Youth Board.

Chief executive at New Wortley Community Centre, Andrea Edwards, said the bench had been a true community effort:

“This bench marks the coming together of the community here at New Wortley during the pandemic. Life is coming a little bit back to normal and today is a lovely way of celebrating something in our community.”

Leeds Lord Mayor Councillor Asghar Khan unveiled the bench and told the gathered crowd:

“The past 16 to 17 months have been challenging and difficult. This community centre has been the beacon in the community throughout, working in partnership with the council, providing services and support to those in need.
“I want to thank everyone for what they’ve done and please keep up the good work.”

The event also unveiled a smart new fence at the front of the centre, provided and installed by BAM Nuttall. New Wortley’s volunteer-led Urban Taskforce group had also carried out environmental improvements in the area.

‘Allow people return to workplace to help them escape abusive relationships’ says Bramley councillor

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July 19, 2021

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Julie Heselwood bramley — Cllr Jools Heselwood

Words: Richard Beecham

A senior councillor has warned that some people working from home will need to return to work as a first step to escape abusive relationships.

A recent report released by Leeds City Council claimed domestic violence rates have increased during the Covid-19 pandemic – it is thought that this is due, in part, to “forced coexistence” between households.

This all comes while the authority is pressing ahead with plans to roll out “flexible working”, which will see many more of its staff members working from home after the Covid pandemic.

But Coun Julie Heselwood (Lab, Bramley) told a meeting of the council’s infrastructure scrutiny board that employers needed to continue the offer of working from an office to any staff in traumatic domestic situations. She said:

“We have seen in the last 18 months a significant rise in domestic violence incidents. Most people are working from home, and people have been in houses and isolating together – this has increased domestic violence for both men and women.
“We are going to see the impact of that coming out of lockdown. People who have been working from home need to be given the option to come into the office. That may be the route they need if they have been suffering from domestic violence over the last 18 months because they have been trapped in a home with the perpetrator.
“They should come into the office and hopefully get the help they need.”

A recent report by Leeds City Council officers said a recent increase in domestic violence in the city was an “ongoing concern”, and that there had been a weekly average of 452 incidents reported to the police between April and September 2020.

This comes at a time when the council is reducing its office space, and instead offering “flexible working arrangements” to allow some of its staff to mix their work time between home and the workplace.

But Coun Heselwood also warned that working from home was causing some to work longer hours. She added:

“There have been reports written on how it placed that additional burden on women. We have had reports of some women getting up at 5am and doing a couple of hours work before the children get up, and having to home-school, then working until 11pm.
“While working from home works for (some people), for others it creates a burden.
“One size does not fit all and we need to have conversations to make sure we are helping people.”

Coun Sam Firth (Con, Harewood) added:

“When people want to work in the office they should be allowed to. I do want to make sure that we haven’t gone too far down the line of being too flexible in terms of more flexible work spaces rather than having desks or pods.
“I think that is certainly something I hope officers note.”

Coun Diane Chapman (Lib Dem) said:

“People may well change their minds over the course of the year. People may want to work from home now, but you may not want to do it when you have done it for another year.
“We are going to have to have some sort of flexibility on whether people can change their minds.”

A council report claimed that, according to a survey, around 30 per cent of its staff were unhappy at having to go into the office more often, and that this needed to be taken into account. An inquiry into council working arrangements is expected to take place “in the new year”.

The report added: “Future work on this will focus on estate realisation, office remodelling, hybrid meeting spaces and the costs associated with that and the provision of additional equipment to staff working remotely.

“A future evidence session is planned for later in the municipal year to be followed by a commitment to finalise the inquiry in the New Year. It is hoped that, restrictions permitting, future work will align with deployment of the new working arrangements.”