Planning chiefs clash over Leeds Bradford Airport plans

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September 25, 2020

airportexpansion4 — Artist's impression of the new-look Leeds Bradford Airport terminal

Council members have clashed over plans to expand Leeds Bradford Airport, as the issue is fast-becoming one of the most contentious planning disputes in the history of Leeds City Council, writes Richard Beecham.

A committee of decision-makers met this week to discuss the latest on Leeds Bradford Airport’s proposed £150m rebuild, after thousands voiced their opinions both for and against the plans.

The controversial plans, which would involve building a new eco-friendly terminal to accommodate more flights, surfaced last year, and have been subject to fierce debate ever since.

Debates continued into the online council chamber this week, as members of the authority’s city plans panel debated the merits and drawbacks of the application for more than three hours, following the ending of the plans’ public consultation period.

Those speaking out against the scheme claimed the supposed eco-friendly benefits of the building would be outweighed by the environmental harm from extra flights, while others supporting the plans spoke of the economic benefits it would bring to the city.

The debate began with Leeds Bradford Airport chief executive Hywel Rees addressing the meeting. He said:

“The existing terminal building, which I hope to demolish, was built in 1965. Any of you who have used the airport recently will know it is not really capable anymore of providing the levels of customer service that the modern world expects.
“For people with reduced mobility and sustained mobility, we need to modernise the building – it is 55-years-old.
“We have worked hard to make these proposals as sustainable as possible – the first area is in terms of the airport and its operations will be net-zero [carbon emissions] by 2023. These are the carbon emissions we can control very closely.
“It is a £150m investment with short term jobs in construction and longer-term higher-paid jobs as the airport develops.”

Coun Neil Walshaw (Lab), who is also chair of the council’s climate emergency committee, claimed advice given to the councillors to not consider emissions from air travel when making a decision on the airport was “extremely concerning”.

He added:

“It’s an acceptable building, but it is enabling things that are unacceptable.”

Leeds City Council officer Matt Hills explained that the council has opinions from a lawyer, and that air emissions from international and domestic flights were being dealt with by the UN and the UK government respectively.

david blackburn farnley and wortley — Cllr David Blackburn

Commenting on the application, Coun David Blackburn (Green, Farnley & Wortley) said:

“I don’t believe it’s a case of taking passengers from Manchester or London, I believe it is the industry – everybody is trying to expand.
“The industry is trying to expand the number of flights, and as a world we can’t afford this. We need to reduce the number of flights, not increase them.”

Coun Colin Campbell (Lib Dem) said:

“I am concerned that we are going to increase the amount of pollution in the Leeds district. We seem to be relying on other people being good to have an increase here, but everyone should be making an effort.
“It seems obvious to me that air quality will deteriorate. I cannot believe that all those one and a half million extra vehicle movements to the airport won’t produce more than a negligible effect.”

However, some councillors questioned whether rejecting the application was worth the hit to the region’s economy, if it would only be accepted on appeal by a government planning inspector.

Coun Dan Cohen (Con) said:

“If we should be considering emissions coming from domestic and international flights, I think this is a problematic application. If they are not things we should give significant weight to, there are positives in this application that need serious consideration.
“We need to disabuse ourselves of the notion that if this doesn’t go ahead, people aren’t going to go elsewhere – they are. People are going to fly.”

Coun Graham Latty (Con) supported Coun Cohen’s comments, adding: “Nobody has mentioned the benefits to Leeds as a city of having an airport that people when they land there aren’t looking at a pretty run down, old fashioned, inconvenient airport.

“We want Leeds to be a major European city, and that means attracting people here. The airport would be a major factor in this.”

Coun Elizabeth Nash tried to take a pragmatic approach, adding:

“Councillors are between a rock and a hard place – clearly we are all concerned about the environment and we are under pressure from virtually all our members of parliament to turn down this application.
“If we do turn down the application, there will be an appeal to the secretary of state and it will be granted. We need to make the best we possibly can over the development of the airport.”

A final decision on the application is set to be made later this year.

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Leeds: Coronavirus restrictions could last until next Spring

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September 25, 2020

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Leeds will enter enhanced local restrictions from midnight tonight, with potential fines in place for anyone visiting another person’s house, writes Richard Beecham.

Both the council’s leader and chief executive gave a stark picture of life in the coming months, as Leeds is expected to remain within the measures “for as long as it takes” – which could mean until Spring 2021.

While this throws Christmas plans for families in the city into doubt, the authority said it simply didn’t know whether the measures will remain in place for the festive season.

According to the new rules, announced by the Government, it will be illegal for one household to visit another in their own houses. Any breach of this rule will come with a fine.

The authority also said households should not be meeting outdoors either, although this is simply advice and not enforceable by law.

The measures come as Leeds is seeing its highest infection rate since national lockdown restrictions were eased during the summer.

The latest seven-day COVID-19 rate in Leeds is 98.5 per 100,000 people, with 8.4 per cent of those tested being positive and cases showing a consistent upward trend for a number of weeks.

Leeds City Council leader Judith Blake said:

“We are in a time of fast changes that affect us all – medical officers have agreed that we are seeing the beginning of a second wave.
“We have not had a formal announcement from Government yet, but we have the expectation that we will be asked to move into a different category – our understanding is that we will be moved into an area of intervention.
“We will see more household restrictions in line with those in Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale.”

The meeting heard how Leeds’s seven-day rolling infection rate had risen to just under 100 per 100,000 – a threshold that triggered lockdown measures in other local authority areas around the country.

“There are cases across the city – no area is exempt from infections,” she added.

“Our concern is that the compliance has not been enough in some cases – that is partly because the message has been confusing so far.

“We need to ensure people know what is expected of them and they want to comply for their personal safety.”

The council’s chief executive Tom Riordan said that although exemptions for social distancing exist around areas like caring, children with parents living apart and existing social bubbles, the message is for households to avoid mixing in person wherever possible.

Leeds City Council’s director of public health Victoria Eaton said:

“Restrictions will be in place for a longer period of time, potentially throughout the winter.
“There is no formal announcement on timescale, it is potentially until March or April time, but that is not confirmed. It will be as long as it is needed, but it’s likely that will last for several months.”

On the question of whether this would mean families and friends can mix in each other’s houses this Christmas, Mr Riordan said:

“We don’t know how long these restrictions will last. People in Leeds will do everything they can to make sure we can meet loved ones and have a Christmas we can remember fondly.
“If we all do the right thing, we have a better chance of that.”

The measures at a glance

These measures will mean that from midnight today [Friday, September 25]:

People in Leeds cannot meet or host people you do not live with in private homes or gardens unless they are in your support bubble. A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household.
You cannot visit someone else’s home or garden even if they live outside of Leeds, unless they are in your support bubble.
People can still come inside your home or garden for specific purposes. These include where everyone in the gathering lives together or is in the same support bubble; to attend a birth at the mother’s request; to visit a person who is dying; to fulfil a legal obligation; for work purposes, or for the provision of voluntary or charitable services; for the purposes of education or training; for the purposes of childcare; to provide emergency assistance; to enable one or more persons in the gathering to avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm; to facilitate a house move; to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person.
Existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children where the children do not live in the same household as their parents, or one of their parents will remain exempt.
Friends and family can also still provide informal childcare for children under 14.

In addition to these restrictions, people in Leeds are also being advised:

Not to socialise with people you do not live with, unless they are in your support bubble, in any public venue either in Leeds or elsewhere. Examples of public venues include pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions and parks.
Not to visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances. Care homes should restrict visits to these circumstances.
To follow all relevant transport guidance when making a journey into, within or out of the areas affected, wear a face covering on public transport and try not to share a car with those outside your household or support bubble.

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Farsley: Bagley Lane housing plans withdrawn

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September 24, 2020

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bagley lane housing plans — Plans: Bagley lane. Photo: Google

Plans to build eight new homes on land next to Grade II Listed Poplar Farm on Bagley Lane in Farsley have been withdrawn by the developer.

As reported in June, Mr J Patel applied to build a combination of two and three-bed houses on a site which features two currently disused light industrial units.

The applicant, who also owns Poplar Farm, ran a consultation event earlier this year.

Local objections included use of materials, flooding, highway access and impact on bats.

The proposals can be viewed in full here.

Mark Stevenson’s Mark’s History column examined the historical importance of the site in July.

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Council dismisses social media rumours over second Holbeck-style managed zone in Pudsey

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September 24, 2020

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There are no plans for a second Holbeck-style ‘Managed Approach Scheme’ in Pudsey, Leeds City Council said today.

Last night rumours circulated on social media that the council were looking to introduce a second zone in Crossgates – with Pudsey also mentioned as a possible area.

But this morning the council took the unusual step in denying the claims

“In response to recent social media posts, we wish to clarify that the defined area of Holbeck is the only location covered by the Managed Approach scheme.
“This was put in place to tackle a specific long-term issue with sex work in this area.
“There are categorically no plans for a Managed Approach type scheme in Crossgates or indeed any other area of Leeds.”

A council official, who asked not to be named – told WLD the claims were ‘without foundation and probably mischievous’.

South Leeds Life reports protests are continuing against the managed approach in Holbeck. A banner was unfurled in Holbeck last week protesting against the continuation of Safer Leeds’ Managed Approach to street sex work in the area. It’s the third protest in a month of action.

An Independent Review of the Managed Approach, undertaken by academics at the University of Huddersfield, was published earlier this summer and recommed=nded the approach remains in place.

The report tracked the development of the Managed Approach from its introduction in 2014 with little resource, through the introduction of the dedicated reporting phone number, the intensive cleansing regime, and the dedicated Policing team in October 2018.

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From France to Farsley: New massage therapy clinic opens at mill complex

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September 23, 2020

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A bnew massage therapy clinic has opened at a former mill complex in Farsley where TV’s Emmerdale was filmed.

Massage Addict, which specialises in sports and holistic massage, has moved into the recently refurbished Mending Rooms at Sunny Bank Mills.

This is the latest in a raft of new lettings at Sunny Bank – despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Massage Addict is owned and run by Dan Cawley and Heather Davies, who were working as mobile massage therapists in La Plange in the French Alps in March this year when Covid-19 hit France. Dan said:

“We had to race for the border to get out before they locked down, which they did just 48 hours after we left. We then stayed in Wales for five months with Heather’s parents on a secluded farm, which gave us time to think about what we wanted to do and where we wanted to settle down.
“I went to Leeds Beckett University and Heather’s godchildren live in Cookridge, so Leeds made sense to us. We had heard about Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley and, when we visited, we loved the community vibe and the rustic industrial feel running through its veins.
“On our first visit, we met the mill’s co-owner John Gaunt and John’s warmth made us feel like we had found our new home. And we had. Sunny Bank Mills is the heart of Farsley and we are proud to be part of it.”

John Gaunt, co-managing director of Edwin Woodhouse, the owners of Sunny Bank Mills, explained:

“We now have beauticians, hair salons, cafes and restaurants, all providing a variety of services for the many companies who are now based here. It is this attractive offer, which we work so hard to achieve, that makes Sunny Bank Mills not just a wonderful place to work but also a great place to visit and spend time at as well.”

William Gaunt, co-managing director, added:

“Despite the challenges of Covid-19, we are looking to complete a number of new deals shortly, including a new bar and café, which will really enhance and consolidate our leisure offer here.
“At the same time, we have invested £2million in the Weaver’s Yard project at Sunny Bank, which is opening up the centre of the mill, creating a magnificent performance area and 95 new car parking spaces. This project is almost complete.”

There are now 75 companies with more than 350 employees on site.

WLD reported yesterday that plans for a new cafe bar on the site have been submitted to the council for approval. The plans come a week after William and John Gaunt revealed plans to transform The Old Woollen mill area in the middle of the site into a performance space and gallery.

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‘At least half’ of council-run offices could be put up for sale

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September 23, 2020

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Leeds Civic Hall. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com

New ways of working brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic could cause Leeds City Council to sell more of its buildings quicker than it had anticipated, writes Richard Beecham.

It follows an announcement at the beginning of this year that the council was looking to generate £95m through the sale of its buildings, over the next three years.

But, since the coronavirus pandemic, the council has increased the numbers of its staff working from home from 800 to 8,000, leaving large parts of the authority’s buildings unused.

Leeds City Council’s Director of City Development, Martin Farrington, told a meeting of a council scrutiny board that a survey taken by staff saw many indicate that they preferred working from home.

He said the responses could lead to the council generating extra cash by selling surplus buildings more quickly than it had planned.

A further report, set to go before councillors later this week, claims around 50 per cent of council-run offices are also likely to be sold in the coming years.

Mr Farrington said: “One of the key areas in the report highlights the survey of staff working from home – the outcome of that survey being that 52 percent would like to work from home most or all of the time.

“Looking at the implications on our property portfolio, it does lead to us looking at options towards rationalising our estate.”

Coun Neil Buckley (Con) asked for specific dates as to when the council could sell certain buildings.

Mr Farrington said: “We had gradually increased working from home over the years, but during the pandemic, it has become a necessity on a very significant scale.

“The level of home working post-pandemic is going to increase, but it is important that we pick up on those aspects.”

He added forthcoming auctions in October, December and February would be where the council was looking to use to sell some of its buildings.

A report set to go before members of the council’s decision-making executive board later this week claims the council is looking to sell at least half of its “core office estate”.

It states: “Our estate must respond to and meet service requirements including the delivery of statutory and front line services as well as back-office functions, team working and work with partners. The shape, format and use of the estate will therefore be informed by user needs, will be guided by service reviews and must sit hand in hand with organisational design and the council’s work from home policy.

“This will allow us to rightsize the council’s estate, focusing on our most efficient, flexible and best quality buildings will reduce the council’s operational cost, whilst allowing opportunities for capital receipts and support our target of carbon net zero.

“Given the changes we are seeing around the way staff will work, we have defined a working target of a 50 percent reduction of our core office estate.

“In addition it is likely that ongoing service reviews may also identify additional rationalisation opportunities as we seek to ensure that all of our buildings are appropriately utilised, supporting both the user and customer experience.”

It did not outline which buildings these would be the first to be sold, but added a confidential list of sites was set to go to auction in October.

The document claimed the “rationalisation programme” currently expected over the next five to seven years, would instead take place over the next three financial years.

A report which went before councillors back in January this year claimed the authority expected to raise around £95m by selling dozens of sites across the city between 2019 and 2022.

In addition to sites already sold, such as Cardigan Road Library and the former Wortley High School, it listed sites including the former Holt Park District Centre, Otley Civic Centre and Abbey Mills in Kirkstall for “disposal” over the next couple of years.

Council officers said the sales would only be for “surplus” sites, and would allow the authority to continue to provide certain services.

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Paul Taylor: The importance of acceptance

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September 23, 2020

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Fulneck School principal Paul Taylor continues his occasional column, arguing “tolerance” is fine in so far as it goes, but “acceptance” takes you a step further.

Last month, the BBC sent a survey to 1,068 elite sportswomen in 39 different sports. It covered many different topics, including how much they earn, the level of coaching they receive, whether they have witnessed sexism or racism in their sports and whether they felt the media covered men and women’s sport differently.

Two questions particularly caught my eye. 30% of respondents had been trolled on social media and 77% were conscious of their body image. I suspect there was a great deal of overlap here given the personal comments made by nasty, cowardly and anonymous users of social media. The figures have worsened markedly since the last survey in 2015.

Most people, quite rightly, would find this kind of behaviour threatening if not frightening. Welsh rugby player Elinor Snowsill describes it as harassment. She says: ”It’s such a strong word but if that person was constantly coming up and reacting to everything you did in real life, it would feel a bit odd.”

Of course, it doesn’t just happen to famous people. There will be many of us, me included recently, who have been the victim of unwanted and untrue attention. Whether we like to admit it or not, we all know it hurts.

One of the worst examples is that of Leeds’ own Nicola Adams, the 2012 Olympic Boxing champion, who has suffered vile racist and homophobic attacks on social media as well as comments attacking her and her partner for being a biracial couple. Even her physique comes in for criticism. And this is happening in 2020.

If you know anything about Nicola Adams, it won’t surprise you that she and Ella have fought back already. They made a video recently to highlight the kinds of comments that are often made about them and how it impacts on their lives. Both are clearly strong-willed individuals and made the video in an attempt to educate the trolls and help other victims. It’s sad to think they had to do that.

In PSHE lessons this year, our pupils will be looking at traditional British values. I don’t particularly like that label – the values we should aspire to are universal not particularly British. Anyway, one of the key values is “tolerance”. A mature democracy like ours has promoted tolerance of alternative or minority views unless they are promoting hatred. Still, I don’t particularly like that term either.

Tolerance, to me, suggests that, whilst I might not like or approve of somebody or their actions, I’ll put up with it but I’d rather change it. I don’t think that’s good enough. We have to teach pupils the idea of “tolerance” but I want them to consider whether “acceptance” is a better idea.

“Tolerance” is fine in so far as it goes, but “acceptance” takes you a step further. You can tolerate something without accepting it, but not the other way round.

One day you might need to talk to your parents about something that you worry might be unwelcome news – your decision to be a teacher not a lawyer, your choice of partner or your sexual identity. You won’t want that news to be tolerated, you will want it to be accepted.

I’m not a psychologist, but I do think that it must be very hard to be completely at peace with yourself if you are walking round with bigotry and hatred on your mind. Carrying round such a negative mindset must have an impact on your mental well-being.

I mention this because over the last couple of years we have talked a lot at Fulneck School about our three values of “Work hard, be kind and be useful”. In fact, there is a fourth that I want to start to introduce to our pupils over the coming weeks: “Go well”.

I have said before to our parents that my two biggest worries for them are child obesity rates and the increase in mental health problems. Through a range of activities, physical and academic, we want to make sure that our children know how to look after themselves in body and mind. We want them to be able to recognise when they might have a problem and be able to take proactive steps in putting things right. This is one reason why we place emphasis on fitness and sport. It’s why we devote tutor time to mental well-being. It’s why I hope they will never get involved in trolling anyone.

Today’s thought for the week comes from poet and playwright Oscar Wilde: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

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Paul Abraham: What is Mindfulness?

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September 23, 2020

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paul-abraham-bramley-buffaloes — Paul Abraham, speaking at Bramley Lawn.

By Paul Abraham of www.headingonwards.com

Over recent years there has been a huge surge of interest in Mindfulness. Unfortunately there is a lot of mis-information and charlatans out there, so here is a brief description of how I teach Mindfulness and how it can be used in these stressful times.

Firstly: what is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is basically concentrating all your thoughts on one particular project, this could be, having a drink, eating a sandwich or going for a walk. Anyone can do it and it can be done at anytime, anywhere.

What isn’t Mindfulness?

It isn’t, a religion, a form of relaxation, a meditation practice, about emptying your mind or Buddhism

What does it do?

While practicing it, your blood sugar levels are reduced which results in the reduction of stress levels. As you concentrate on one single thing, all the stress and anxiety you may be feeling are forgotten, this could be only for a few seconds, but the benefits will be there to feel and experience.

So how do put it into practice?

Someone has bought you a Tuna salad sandwich for you lunch, this is how you would eat and experience it using Mindfulness;

Firstly turn your Television, PC, Laptop, Tablet or phone off, to have no distractions
Feel the packaging of your sandwich
Is it a card board triangular pack or the thin plastic see-through bag type?
Grip the packaging, is it smooth or coarse
How much resistance is there when you try and open the packet?
You feel the sandwich for the first time
Is it smooth cut bread or a crusty baguette?
As you bring it to your mouth
Can you start to smell the Tuna and its fellow contents?
As it touches your mouth what does it feel like is it rough or smooth to the lips
When you take the first bite feel the textures as you chew
Taste the tuna and the salad, experience each flavour
Is the lettuce crunchy, peppery or limp?
How sweet is the tomato, what does the dressing taste like
As you swallow again saviour the taste and feel of the various ingredients
Take your time with each bite until the sandwich is finished.

Now you’ve experienced the enjoyment of mindfulness eating you can practice in other normal day to day activities such as making a cup of tea or taking a shower.

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Raise a glass? New cafe bar planned for Farsley Town Street

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September 22, 2020

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Thriving Farsley Town Street could be boosted by the introduction of a new cafe bar, if Leeds City Council approve a new planning application.

Applicant Sunny Bank Mills has applied for a change of use from physiotherapy clinic to cafe/bar, and minor alterations to the building, which is part of the 1912 mill.

The new proposals, which would see the cafe/bar based across from the Mill Kitchen and Grumpy’s bar and pizza restaurant, can be viewed in full here.

The plans come a week after Sunny Bank Mills landlords William and John Gaunt revealed plans to transform The Old Woollen mill area in the middle of the site into a a performance space and gallery, with the option for tenants or performance teams to provide visitors with refreshments.

The move is the latest phase in the multi-million pound regeneration of the former mill site. Sunny Bank Mills is home to many small but varied businesses from photographers, graphic designers and joiners to physios and a social enterprise business.

Pudsey to become known as ‘historic textile town’ thanks to new signs

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September 22, 2020

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Brown heritage signs denoting Pudsey as an ‘Historic Market Town’ are set to be replaced by signs saying ‘Historic Textile Town’.

The change is the idea of Pudsey councillor Trish Smith (Cons), who says the ‘historic market town’ tag is factually incorrect and “misses the mark”. The council is set to bring in the new signs in November and Cllr Smith said:

“Since being elected, I’ve been working on righting that wrong and paying proper respect to our established heritage.
“I’ve worked with Pudsey & District Civic Society, council officers and my fellow ward councillors to ensure Pudsey can now retake its rightful place as an ‘Historic Textile Town’ – one of the foremost textile towns in the old West Riding.”

Cllr Smith said there are records of textile manufacturing in West Yorkshire, with the industry growing from the 13th century onwards, when textile manufacture was a simple but effective supplementary income to subsistence farming. She added:

“Textile manufacture is identified as the main source of income for two thirds of Pudsey townsfolk from 1700 onwards. Pudsey was part of the Coloured Cloth Region, supplying the economically important Leeds Coloured Cloth Trade, and also as far away as London.”

This export trade would grow to become a significant global concern. Of the 15 towns supplying the textile markets of Leeds, Bradford and Halifax – Pudsey was considered to be the main manufacturer.

Dedicated textile mills were built in the township from 1792 onwards, the last opening in 1962. A total of 32 textile mills were built and operated within the current Ward boundaries, this also required a large supply and distribution infrastructure. The textile mills were the main source of employment in the town for well over a century

A Woolsack and a pair of crossed shuttles adorn the town’s crest, reflecting its globally recognised textile traditions. Cllr Smith added:

“Currently we still have one of the original mills still operational in Stanningley, and exporting the highest quality material worldwide: AW Hainsworths hold a Royal Warrant and supply uniform cloth for both the Royals and the Guards Regiments.

“By comparison Pudsey Market does not have any historical significance for the town until well into the mid 19th century, when people’s lifestyles became less self sufficient and were being dominated by manufacturing industries.
“Whilst very important to the way we see Pudsey today, our market has never enjoyed the regional significance of other local town markets such as Otley, Morley and Wetherby.
“Pudsey’s high street and market played a big part in supporting the community during the recent lockdown, and remains a vital resource for many. Although Pudsey market was initially borne out of necessity, we need to continue to support it to ensure it thrives for years to come.”

Information sources: – all in association with Pudsey & District Civic Society; Map from ‘Pudsey’s Mills – A Lost Textile Heritage’ Ruth Strong 2014 ‘Pudsey’s Mills – A Lost Textile Heritage’ by Ruth Strong (2014) ‘The Making of a West Riding Clothing Village’ by Ruth Strong (1999) ‘The Hainsworth Story’ by Ruth Strong (2006) ‘History and Antiquities of Pudsey’ by Simeon Rayner (1885) ‘Letters to the Young on Progress in Pudsey During the Last Sixty Years’ by Joseph Lawson (1887).

Council proposes double yellow lines on these West Leeds streets

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September 22, 2020

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Double yellow lines could be introduced at a number of West Leeds roads and junctions to improve access for waste collection vehicles.

Leeds City Council is hoping to introduce “no waiting at any time” restrictions on various junctions and lengths of road across the city to remove indiscriminate and obstructive parking.

It’s proposing to advertise the measures, which are earmarked for across the city for a total cost of £25,000, and then introduce them, subject to any local objections.

Proposed roads in West Leeds include parts of:

Armley

Hill End Crescent
Armley Hill End Close

Farnley

Whincover Hill
Stonecliffe Terrace
Stonecliffe Grove
Stonecliffe Drive

Wortley

Kellet Drive
Kellet Place
Kellet Terrace
Greenside Avenue
Greenside Terrace

Pudsey

Tofts Road/Pavillion Way.

The orders would include an 18-month experimental period. If there are no valid objections, the traffic orders would be made permanent.

More details can be found in council documents here.

Pumpkin walk offers socially distanced Hallowe’en with a difference in Armley

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September 22, 2020

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Families and children who are not comfortable with the visiting houses for trick or treat due to COVID-19 can take part in the LS12 Armley Pumpkin Walk.

Instead of knocking on doors to get sweets, parents give the children a sweet for each pumpkin they spot, so there is no contact between lots of different households.

The event is being organised by Ian Thursfield and others and is scheduled to run over several days around Hallowee’en. Posting on Facebook, he said:

“The basic idea is this will help families, social groups and kids enjoy a Halloween activity if there are any lockdowns or for people not comfortable with visiting houses for trick or treat in 2020.
“We are currently looking for places that can host a pumpkin for the walk and don’t mind having families walking past their house. All you need is a carved pumpkin and a place where it is viewable to the public.”

Anyone interested in hosting a pumpkin should visit the event’s Facebook page here.