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Kirkstall: Cricket club launches £5k crowdfunder after thieves strike

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westleedslife
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A Kirkstall cricket team has launched an appeal to raise £5,000 after thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of equipment in their latest raid.

As reported yesterday by WLD, thieves took more than £20,000 worth of equipment from Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club (KECC) between 5pm Friday and Sunday lunch time.

Kirkstall educational cricket club

Now the club has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help secure its base off Queenswood Drive, which has been burgled 18 times in five years. A spokesperson said:

“Sadly, over the last five years, the club has been plagued by burglaries and acts of vandalism; we have experienced over 18 burglaries to the clubhouse and equipment storage in this time.

“To combat these burglaries we are continuously updating our security systems and we are currently awaiting planning permission for the installation of new gates to the entrance of the facilities.

“Although having stringent security measures in place to protect the clubs storage unit, the burglars still managed to break in and we have lost approximately 70% of the equipment essential to continue to provide some of the best pitches in Yorkshire. This may result in our teams being unable to play cricket over the next year.

“We are therefore, with deep regret, asking for your assistance. Please support us in any way that you can so that we can continue to support our members and local community, providing a safe place to play the sport loved by many as we have for over 167 years.

“Help us to bounce back and prove that we are stronger than these burglaries!”

Items take included a Lloyd’s Paladin, a Groundsman Spiker, plus three rotary mowers, a strimmer and a Sisis Auto Rotorake.

KECC’s groundsman David Hodgson said on social media:

“We are a small community cricket club providing for not just cricket but for the community in many other areas including youth group, music venue, a community hire venue. In a period of about five years we have been victims of similar break ins some 18 times. As if it hadn’t been hard enough this year.”

The crowdfunder – which can be found here – has so far raised £644 in less than 24 hours.

Leeds outer ring road improvements could be ‘paused’

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westleedslife
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armley gyratory revamp

Plans to improve Leeds’ outer ring road could soon be “paused”, as regional transport chiefs want to shift £11m towards improving roads in and around Leeds city centre, writes Richard Beecham.

The Leeds City Centre Package (LCCP) programme includes improvements at Infirmary Street, City Square, Armley Gyratory, and Meadow Lane, as well as smaller schemes as a result of the closure of City Square.

Officers at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) want permission to move £11m of funding from the A6110 Outer Ring Road scheme – which cuts through parts of West Leeds – to the LCCP to support other schemes “crucial to the effective operation of the highway network in Leeds”.

A report by WYCA claimed it was still committed to delivering the ring road scheme, currently in the very early stages of development, adding that it would keep £1m to develop an outline business case.

However, it adds that the scheme will then “pause” until further funding is found.

As WLD reported last year, proposed improvements to the A6110 Outer Ring Road included junction improvements at congestion hotspots.

Early proposals also included a potential segregated cycle facilities to link with the cycle superhighway in Stanningley and a further six new pedestrian crossings along the A6110.

Junctions such as this at Geldard Road could have been improved

The report, set to go before WYCA’s investment committee this week, added:

“The LCCP programme aspiration is to transform travel within the city centre, by removing unnecessary through traffic.

“The programme includes the closure of City Square, capacity improvements to junctions on the Inner Ring Road (IRR) to mitigate the effect of diverted traffic, and highway improvements for pedestrians and cyclists to roads in the South Bank, to capitalise on the traffic reductions, improving the city centre environment.”

“A reduction in traffic levels will increase the opportunities to improve public spaces with green infrastructure, as well as the opportunity to expand the active travel network (cycling and walking), improving accessibility and connectivity via sustainable modes of transport to and through the city centre, encouraging city centre living, potentially reducing travel demand.

“The LCCP programme supports inclusive growth of a better quality of life, improving multi modal (bus, rail, walking, cycling) access to employment, education, and retail through a low emission and sustainable transport system and supports better air quality and improvement to public spaces in the city centre.”

Regional councillors will vote on whether to reallocate £11m from the A6110 Outer Ring Road scheme, reducing its indicate scheme allocation from £12m to £1m to LCCP, increasing the total from £66.8m to £77.8m.

Bramley does Hallowe’en differently – with a scary scarecrow festival

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westleedslife
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bramley scarecrow festival

Bramley residents are preparing for a socially distanced Hallowe’en this year – by holding their own Scarecrow Festival.

Martine Pearson is organising the event, and is encouraging people to put up scary scarecrows in their garden between Friday 30 October and Sunday 1 November. She said:

“I’d like the community of Bramley to make their own scarecrows in their own garden and for the children and their families to just walk round and have some fun looking at them. Your scarecrow can be scary or just funny.

“I’m hoping the community of Bramley will join in this.”

More details from the Bramley Scarecrow Festival Facebook page or by e-mailing Martine-pearson@hotmail.co.uk.

Thieves target Kirkstall cricket club and take £20k equipment

By
westleedslife
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Kirkstall educational cricket club

Thieves have stolen more than £20,000 worth of equipment from Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club (KECC).

The club, off Queenswood Drive, was targeted by thieves between 5pm Friday and Sunday lunch time.

Items take included a Lloyd’s Paladin, a Groundsman Spiker, plus three rotary mowers, a strimmer and a Sisis Auto Rotorake.

KECC’s groundsman David Hodgson said on social media:

“We are a small community cricket club providing for not just cricket but for the community in many other areas including youth group, music venue, a community hire venue. In a period of about five years we have been victims of similar break ins some 18 times. As if it hadn’t been hard enough this year.”

West Leeds businesswoman finds online success in Coronavirus pandemic

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westleedslife
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Samantha fish
Photo: Anete Lusina Photography

An events company launched by a West Leeds woman during lockdown has hosted a string of successful ‘social distance socials’ after changing their approach to business.

Rolling Social Events is the brainchild of Kirkstall’s  Samantha Fish and Bruce Lerman, two of the city’s most respected names in hospitality. Together they founded Leeds Rum Festival – which has been running for four years at Leeds Corn Exchange – and Leeds Gin Fair also at the Corn Exchange.

samantha fish
Samantha Fish and Bruce Lerman.

When Covid 19 hit they were forced to cancel the first event they were to host under the new company name; Rolling Social’s Gin Picnic at Kirkstall Abbey was meant to be in May but following their agreed pre-lockdown mission – ‘to create modern experiences that connect our guests through food and drink’ – they took a change of direction.  The determined duo created ‘Sip Along’ an event that takes place in the ticket holder’s own home.

“People were missing social side of Leeds,” says Bruce who owns Hedonist Bar in the city centre.  “And we in the industry were missing our customers and the general city vibe, so we created an interim event to bring us back together and celebrate the things we love – spirits and connecting people.”

They held their first one in June and have had a string of sell-outs since with Rums, Whiskies, Gin, Wine and Vodka. 

Sip Along brings people together via Zoom. The ticket holder receives a link to the event and a generous sample pack delivered to their home free of charge.  Each event is hosted by a brand ambassador for the for the spirit or wine; these are knowledgeable people with a passion for their product and their craft. Samantha said:

“Traditionally we have focussed on Leeds – it’s where we’re from, where we work, and what we love. Of course there are no geographical limits for the Sip Alongs and people all over the UK have joined us – we’ve even had requests from overseas, but we haven’t quite managed the delivery for that!”

Whilst bars and restaurants have reopened and many are venturing out, Rolling Social will continue to host their regular Sip Alongs.

“We know that there are still some who are nervous about returning to a social life, but also we have found people who really enjoy partying on their own sofa,” Sam added. 

“There are many reasons people don’t or can’t go to town; child-care, accessibility, and cost are just a few and we are reaching those people with this new initiative. This totally fits our brand and we will continue taking a bit of the festival spirit into people’s homes whilst planning ahead for when our festivals can safely return to the city.

“Our Festivals have always followed the same ethics; they’re not about us making a quick buck and disappearing – we never over-sell tickets and we are committed to bringing quality to the independent Leeds scene.

“We’re about celebrating, sharing knowledge, and bringing people together for a good time, and we’re really proud to have succeeded in sticking to this throughout a really difficult time.”

Rolling Social Events currently have two Whisky Sip Alongs on sale for October and November.

World Whiskies

Friday October 30th at 7.30pm

A whistle-stop tour around the world of whisky hosted by Rolling Social Events and award-winning Stef Holt of Speciality Brands Drinks Agency with six expressions from some of the world’s top producers in Scotland, Japan, India, Taiwan, and the USA.

Tickets £27.50

Book here https://www.ticketarena.co.uk/events/Rolling-Social-7

A History of Scottish Whisky with Glasgow’s Glengoyne

Alec Morgan, Whisky fanatic, and Regional Sales Manager for Ian Macleod Distillers will take you through a tasting of five Single Malts from the Glengoyne Distillery giving an insight into the history of Scotch

Tickets £27.50

Book here: https://www.ticketarena.co.uk/events/Rolling-Social-8

For more information on Rolling Social Events visit www.rollingsocialevents.com

Plans for 152 houses approved on West Leeds greenbelt

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westleedslife
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leeds city college horsforth
The former Leeds City Colege site in 2011. Copyright Betty Longbottom and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Plans to build 152 houses on Leeds City College’s former Horsforth campus in Calverley Lane have been approved in principle by Leeds planning chiefs, writes Richard Beecham.

Due to a high court decision earlier this year, the site was returned into the greenbelt, which cast doubt on whether it should be built on.

Local councillors opposing the plan said the extra houses would put undue strain on school places in the area.

But members of Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel agreed that, as the site was previously developed and is currently unused, the development should go ahead.

The site currently houses two-storey college buildings previously used for teaching and greenhouses, as well as car parks and grassed areas with trees.

In a rare move for developers, the plans, brought forward by the college along with Galliford Try Partners and Stonewater, are set to comprise of 100 per cent affordable housing provision.

During the meeting, Horsforth councillor Dawn Collins (Con) said:

“The site is shown in our core strategy as part of the Leeds green infrastructure network. We need to protect and enhance green infrastructure.

“This development does not do this – it proposes to build on two thirds of the site, only leaving one third of the site for wildlife.”

She added that a proposed £200,000 towards highways improvements from developers would not do enough to mitigate road congestion.

Coun Collins’ ward colleague, Coun Jonathan Taylor (Con), added:

“If the development was approved, the catchment area (of nearby schools) would likely have to shrink even further to accommodate children from this development, unfairly excluding existing Horsforth residents.

“I feel the council is sleepwalking into a school places crisis in Horsforth if this is not resolved.”

Following a judicial review in the High Court, it was ruled that 37 former green belt sites in Leeds City Council’s site allocations plan (a document which outlines sites suitable for housebuilding) should be re-examined by the government. It is as yet unclear on when a final decision is going to be made on the sites by the Government on whether these should be included in the site allocations plan.

Speaking on behalf of the developer, Phil Brock told the meeting:

“We appreciate this may appear as a very new and emotive proposal, given the site’s reversion to green belt.

“An SAP allocation is not essential. In this case, the complete redevelopment of previously developed land would not cause substantial harm to openness of green belt and would meet housing needs.

“The need for affordable housing is particularly acute in Horsforth.”

He added the scheme would deliver significant benefits, and continue to contribute to education in Leeds.

During a discussion on the plans, Coun Peter Gruen (Lab) said:

“It is my considered view that in principle this site is developable and it qualifies for development. What detracts from development is the standard and quality and the layout.

“This is a long way away from where I would like it to be.”

He proposed approving the development in principle but instructing council officers to work with developers to improve the designs.

Coun Dan Cohen (Con) said: “I find lots of what Coun Gruen said attractive, but I think it’s taking an easy way out.

“The school places that have been raised are a major issue. I share the view in terms of the design as being utterly atrocious.

“Why are we having this conversation? Is this land not green belt?

“This land has been taken out of the SAP by a high court judge, and has been put back into green belt. It is not an allocated site, and it has been made very clear to us that it is not to be treated as such.

“It is green belt land to be afforded the protection of green belt land. This is the countryside.”

Following a three-hour debate on the subject, councillors on the panel voted to approve the plans in principle, but asked parts of the development to be significantly improved before giving full permission to the site.

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Detailed housing plans submitted at Kirkstall Forge

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westleedslife
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kirkstall forge artist

Detailed plans for 213 new homes and a public square have been submitted for the multi-million pound Kirkstall Forge development.

The proposals, from developer CEG, include up to 2,076 square metres of commercial floorspace including possible pubs/drinking establishments and hot food takeaways.

The first residential phase will provide 213 homes, including 77 houses offering three to five-bedroom family living, designed by Stirling Prize winners Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, alongside new apartments.

Developers CEG say the unique style of architecture is inspired by the local stone of the old forge building and Kirkstall Abbey, with space and light maximised with high ceilings and tall windows. They will offer open plan living opening out onto gardens and terraces across different floors, with roof verandas providing views of the valley.

Two apartment buildings are also proposed, just north of the River Aire.

Designed by residential architecture firm Cartwright Pickard, they will provide 136 studios to three-bed apartments with 1,350 sq m of leisure and retail space on the ground floor.

They will be set around a new public square called The Stitch, which includes a pocket park. This area will create a venue for organised events and informal gatherings at the heart of the development.

The principle of housing has already been established on the site, and Leeds City Council only needs to consider the detailed design of the housing.

CEG secured detailed planning permission for 135 homes last year and built two prototype homes which will be thoroughly tested by the team once Covid-19 permits. This housing design remains unchanged in this new application, but with four less homes this has enabled the two apartment buildings to be redesigned. Slightly taller, with upper floors set back to minimise the visual effect, more apartments are offered.

The plans can be viewed and commented upon here.

A public consultation on the plans was held in August.

The 57-acre site is already home to Number One Kirkstall Forge offices and Butler’s deli restaurant, a new railway station and two prototype homes.

CEG is fast-tracking the detailed design for the next phase of offices after detailed planning permission was granted in June for offices and a multi-storey car park.

Ultimately, Kirkstall Forge will provide up to 1,450 new homes, 300,000 sq ft of offices and 100,000 sq ft of retail, leisure and community space.

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Rodley mill housing moves closer with road decision

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rodley airedale mills plans
The swing bridge at Airedale Mills in Rodley is being replaced. Photo: Google

Plans for up to 69 houses and a new swing bridge at Airedale Mill in Rodey are moving a step closer to reality.

Developer Dynamic Capital & Investments has asked for Moss Bridge Road, which leads to the site, to be adopted by the council as a highway maintainable at public expense. This will allow access to a new bridge crossing the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The move will enable the future residential development – which has outline planning approval – to go ahead on the empty site of the former woollen mill.

Leeds City Council has agreed to publicly advertise the adoption of Moss Bridge Road. A council report authorising the decision was published last week and can be read in full here.

All costs of advertising the adoption will be met by the developer, along with initial improvements to the road.

The report adds that the replacement swing bridge will not be adopted and a new Bridge Maintenance Company will be formed to manage the on-going maintenance of it. The company will be run by the Canals and Rivers Trust, residents of the new housing development and Rodley Cricket Club and Nature Reserve, who both take access via the bridge.

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Bramley Elderly Action prepares for armchair AGM

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westleedslife
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bramley elderly action AGM

A support group for older people in Bramley and Stanningley is holding an AGM with a difference this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Bramley Elderly Action‘s AGMs are usually a big in-person event followed by afternoon tea, attended by lots of BEA members, volunteers and community representatives.

This year, it is as important as ever to get together, so the organisation is doing it online.

Join in, meet the Board, hear from special guests Leeds Lord Mayor Eileen Taylor, and Patron Rachel Reeves MP.

The AGM is on Saturday, 17 October at 2pm on Zoom.

To join, e-mail beaowlsagm@gmail.com and BEA will send you a link to join.

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Number 35 bus axed to ‘meet passenger demand across network’ – First

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westleedslife
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rodley town street
Rodley Town Street. Photo: Google

A lifeline West Leeds bus service has been axed in order to meet passenger demand across the network during the Coronavirus pandemic – bus giant First has said.

As reported by WLD on Friday, bus users have criticised the cancellation of the number 35 Leeds to Greengates bus, which runs up Kirkstall Road and acts as a lifeline for people living in Rodley and Calverley.

Brandon Jones, Head of External Relations (First Bus – North of England), said the company is committed to serving the ‘best interests’ of customers in Rodley and Calverley. He said:

“The change is driven by the need to meet passenger demand across the network as we continue to adapt to the capacity limitations that keep our customers and staff safe.

“As we are now operating at practically 100% of pre-Covid mileage, we continue to do our best to balance resource and ensure we can carry the maximum number of passengers. Whilst the number of Bus Full incidents is very low, we are clearly keen to ensure customers are not left wherever possible. This has led to the reallocation of resource in a number of areas such as school duplicates and corridors with high passenger demand, such as Headingley.

“The change reflects this ongoing response to allocate resource where it is most needed and takes into account relatively low passenger numbers on service 35 (majority of trips are single figures) as well as the fact the Leeds-Kirkstall corridor is well served by alternative services 33/ 34, 60, 508 and A1.

“We appreciate the 35 service (pre-Covid) served passengers beyond Kirkstall in Rodley & Calverley and we will continue to discuss such connectivity and the wider Leeds network opportunities with West Yorkshire Combined Authority in the best interests of our passengers and communities.”

Local residents say they have been left with an irregular service and Calverley and Farsley councillor Peter Carlill (Lab) on Friday labelled the announcement as ‘deeply disappointing’. He said he would work with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to come up with a long-term solution. 

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Mark’s History: Newlay Stone Bridge’s past – and a lovely view too!

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westleedslife
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newlay stone bridge

Newlay Stone Bridge number 221 is the oldest bridge in Newlay, something I think people forget when they talk about the younger one that also crosses the river nearby. Newlay Stone Bridge is actually around 30 years older, writes Mark Stevenson.

In 1777 the canal was open from Leeds to Gargrave, so the bridge could be as old as that.

Dating back to the 18th century? Newlay Stone Bridge. Photo: Mark Stevenson

There are around 226 bridges all over the canal. Most are stone or swing bridges and are numbered starting from Liverpool. When additional bridges were erected a letter was added to the number.

Pollard Lane now runs over the top of the bridge.

Grooves created by rope over the years. Photo: Mark Stevenson

Originally the road was called Bywater Lane. You can still see the grooves where the rope that connected the horses to the barges would rub against the walls.

Pollard Lane runs over the bridge. Photo: Mark Stevenson

The view from atop the bridge is always worth a look. 

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West Leeds planning applications: 4 October 2020

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westleedslife
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Each week we publish a list of the latest planning applications related to council wards in West Leeds.

The following applications were published on the Leeds City Council website in the past seven days:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

  • None submitted.

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward

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