Pudsey cyclist nears end of 3,431-mile fundraising ride

By

-

September 22, 2025

Pudsey cyclist Tim Devereux is nearing the end of his 3,431-miles fundraising trek to
raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Mr Devereux has spent the past nine months cycling the the distance from Leeds to Gaza, by riding around Yorkshire’s streets, paths and towpaths, aiming at an average of 12 miles a day.

His efforts have is far raised more than £4,800 – and the cyclist is hoping to pass the £5,000 mark by the end of his ride.

Mr Devereux said: “In November 2024, I was watching a film at the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival, wondering what I could to help. I’d completed a 300-mile Leeds to Brighton ride for Medical Aid for Palestinians earlier in the year.

“I realised I could do a virtual ride to Gaza, just riding around locally until I’d covered 3431 miles, the distance from Leeds to Gaza. I would ride every day, (only missed two!) beginning on 1 January, initially planning 10 miles a day and aiming to finish in December.

“I decided I would not use the same bike I’d ridden the day before – this would stop me using my ebike for the whole journey, and there have only been a few lapses! I upped my daily mileage to 12 miles from May, so I will finish on my 77th birthday, on 5 October.

Mr Devereux has some mechanical problems – punctures, broken spokes, mysterious
noises from the e-bike motor, but he has only had to walk home once.

He added: “I can’t say I have been bursting with enthusiasm to ride every day, but I have been boosted by the lovely things people tell me, in person and on my JustGiving page.”

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) is a British charity which works for the health and
dignity of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, and as refugees. It provides
immediate medical aid to those in great need, while also building local capacity and skills.

The JustGiving page is here.

Sponsored content

Replacement signs approved at Horsforth pub

By

westleedslife

-

September 21, 2025

0

By John Baron

The owners of The Horsforth pub have been granted planning permission to replace its existing signs.

Greene King had applied to Leeds City Council to install replacement signs at the pub in Featherbank Lane.

Plans included two externally illuminated fascia signs, one illuminated post mounted pictorial sign, one illuminated new corex panel to existing posts, one set of of non-illuminated sign written letters and one non illuminated ‘welcome’ sign.

A council planning officer’s report approving the application stated: “On balance, it is considered that the signage scheme is of an appropriate design, size and number which will not have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the building or streetscene and will preserve the special character of the conservation area.”

The plans can be viewed in full here.

Creative skills fair to inspire creativity in Armley

By

westleedslife

-

September 21, 2025

0

By Helen Fay

Armley Library and Community Hub is playing host to a Creative Skills Fair on Monday (22 September).

The event has been arranged by Zahra Mujeer, a Community Connector from New Wortley Community Centre.

Zahra said: “Arts-based community practitioners and community members have planned an event that will display different types of possibilities for people to get inspired to practice some form of creativity.”

The fair will run from 10am to 2.30pm and will feature Archipelago singing sessions, talks by local artists Alice Boulton Breeze and Victoria Kortekaas, plus live music from Community Jam.

Zahra will be running an enhanced creativity workshop teaching a range of art skills and Hayley Mills-Styles will be leading a textiles workshop as part of the Threads of Freedom project.

More information about the project can be found here.

All workshops, talks and musical sessions are free and there will be opportunities to find out more about how to join creative groups in the local area.

‘Sip and socials’ connects people in Armley and Burley

By

westleedslife

-

September 21, 2025

0

Leeds Sanctuary has announced their new “sip and social” community series will be coming to Armley and Burley.

Sip and socials are relaxed, creative spaces designed to help people pause, connect, and nurture their wellbeing.

Facilitated by Leeds Sanctuary’s Wellbeing Practitioner, Eleanor Gillott, the charity will be hosting a time for casual conversation and simple, soothing activities such as board games, creative writing, and drawing; providing an opportunity to step away from daily routines and spend time in friendly, intentional company.

“Sometimes, you just need a cuppa and a break. We hope this service will provide
just that,” said Eleanor.

“Everyone is welcome; no one will be turned away due to lack of funds, and our amazing partner businesses are inclusive environments.

“I’m excited to give people the opportunity to come and talk about everything and nothing – come and join me for a brew!”

Sip and social will rotate across welcoming venues in Leeds, offering accessibility and variety in atmosphere.

The venues include Galleria in Armley on Thursday 23 October 2025; and Chunk Bakery in Burley on Wednesday, 8 October. There is also a choice of morning, afternoon and evening sessions as Leeds Sanctuary hopes to support people with a variety of regular routines.

Sip and Social is free to attend, welcoming anyone seeking connection, creativity, or
calm. More information can be found here.

This community forms part of Leeds Sanctuary’s commitment to a Flourishing city –
our deep desire is for people to grow and develop in themselves and their lives.

Leeds Sanctuary is an independent charity which hosts communities and events, and
creates campaigns and resources, so that belonging, flourishing and transformation
can take place within and around the people of Leeds.

Through the development of sanctuary spaces for those on the margins, they enable supportive relationships to develop and bring about change in people’s circumstances and society. Find out more about them at www.leedssanctuary.org.uk.

West Leeds planning applications: 21 September 2025

By

westleedslife

-

September 21, 2025

0

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

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

Decided applications

Here are the planning applications decided by Leeds City Council this week:

Armley Ward

Consent, agreement or approval required by conditions 22, 24 and 25 of planning application 17/06071/FU, Canal Wharfe, Wyther Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3BT.

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

None decided.

Calverley & Farsley Ward

5.30m single storey rear extension, 3.30m to ridge height and 3.30m to eaves, 11 Woodhall Park Crescent West, Stanningley, Pudsey LS28 7EZ.
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for porch to front and single storey extension to the rear, 56 Calverley Moor Avenue, Pudsey, LS28 8EL.
Replacement windows to existing openings to first, second and third floors, 38 – 42 Town Street, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5LD.
Demolition of existing conservatory; part two storey part first floor side extension; new bi fold door to rear; enlargement of first floor window to rear, 3A Town Gate, Calverley, Pudsey, LS28 5NF.

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Tree works, 735 Whitehall Road, Leeds LS12 6JL.

Horsforth Ward

Tree works, 1 Poets Place, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5AJ.
Prior Approval for enlargement of a dwellinghouse by construction of an additional storey; the development will go 2.675m above the highest point of the existing roof , 2 Oliver Hill, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4JF.
New signs, The Horsforth, Featherbank Lane, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4NA.
Single storey rear extension; addition of roof lights to rear to form rooms in roof space; addition of a door to side and replacement windows to all elevations; change to roof materials; associated landscaping, 16 Newlaithes Road, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4LG.
Consent agreement or approval required by conditions 5, 6, 8, 13, 16, 23 and 24 of planning application 20/08295/FU, Hopwood House, Hopwood Road And 76, 80, 82, And 84 Long Row, Horsforth, Leeds LS18.
Retrospective application for installation of freestanding air source heat pumps to side/rear, and associated retaining walls and enclosures / fencing, 8 Manor Road, Horsforth, Manor Care Home, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4DX.

Kirkstall Ward

Certificate of Existing Lawful Development for Use as a house in multiple occupation, 68 Beechwood Terrace, Burley, Leeds LS4 2NG.
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for dormer window to the rear and rooflight to front; door blocked and new side window; detached outbuilding to rear, 58 Spen Approach, West Park, Leeds LS16 5ES.
Consent, agreement or approval required by Conditions 4 and 6 of Planning Application 17/02318/FU, 75 Spen Way, Spen Lane, West Park, Leeds LS16 5EN.
Listed building application for the installation of mechanical ventilation equipment and louvres to windows and roof terminals, Waterside Court, Kirkstall Road, Burley, Leeds LS4 2QB.

Pudsey Ward

Consent, agreement or approval required by condition 3 (Materials) of Planning Application 23/06663/FU, Former Hough Side High School Site, Hough Top, Swinnow LS13.
Change the use of Suite 1 to Taxi office – administration and call centre (Sui Genesis), Suite 1 Madison Offices, Radley House, Richardshaw Road, Stanningley, Pudsey LS28 6LE.
Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) to previously approved Planning Application 25/01758/FU (Demolition of single storey side extension; Erection of part two, part single storey front and side extension, incorperating porch to the front of existing dwelling) for addition of a first floor window to side and a roof light to rear, 3 Tennyson Close, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 9EZ.
Two storey side link extension incorporating new entrance door; first floor rear terrace with glazed balustrade; new window and bifold door to rear at first floor, replacement windows to front and rear, alterations to ground levels to rear including new retaining wall , South View, Hough Side Lane, Pudsey LS28 9JH.
Single storey side extension NON MATERIAL AMENDMENT to 24/07185/FU The proposed changes include adding 2No rooflights to the front elevation, omitting the bedroom window, and the flat roof extension increased to the rear, 54 Chaucer Avenue, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 9DL.

Sponsored content

West Leeds licensing applications: 19 September 2025

By

westleedslife

-

September 19, 2025

0

Miller and Carter steakhouse low Lane Horsforth — Miller and Carter Steakhouse, Low Lane, Horsforth. Photo: Google

Every fortnight we publish a list of the latest licensing applications related to the seven council wards in the West Leeds Dispatch patch.

The council’s licensing department regulates activities that require a licence, such as selling alcohol, providing entertainment, event notices and taxi licence applications. They also ensure that licensed premises and individuals comply with the law and protect the public

The following licensing application was published on the Leeds City Council website in the past 14 days:

Armley ward

Premises Licence – Minor Variation, Lidl Great Britain Limited, Armley Road, Leeds LS12 2LL.

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Premises Licence – New Application, Rumbles Rumbles, 14 Whincover Drive, Farnley, Leeds LS12 5JG.

Horsforth ward

Temporary Event Notice, The Tavern 16 – 18 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4RJ.
Small Society Lottery Registration, Horsforth School, Horsforth School, Lee Lane East, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5RF.
Premises Licence – Minor Variation, Miller & Carter Steakhouse, 299 Low Lane, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4DD.

Bramley: Brave Zoe beats the odds to celebrate her tenth birthday

By

westleedslife

-

September 19, 2025

0

1000038343 — Zoe Lightfoot, pictured with a gecko at the Barca Leeds event at Hunters Greave this summer.

By John Baron

A Bramley girl who has a rare condition which affects mobility and speech has beaten the odds to celebrate her tenth birthday.

Zoe Lightfoot has had Infantile Neuro Axonal Dystrophy (INAD) since she was a toddler and her family were told she would have a life expectancy of between five and 10 years.

Mum Christine Hamshere said: “We were not expecting to see her reach her tenth birthday and I am so happy that we are. She is still fighting and I am so proud.

“Zoe has been an incredibly brave little girl. She is my inspiration, my driving force.”

Christine and Zoe’s dad, Steven Lightfoot, launched national charity, Cure INAD UK, in 2021 to help find a cure for the condition.

“Life was turned upside down when she was first diagnosed,” Christine said “For her first two years she developed normally and did things that all one and two year olds would do. Then we saw that she wasn’t able to walk.”

Zoe was also diagnosed with seizures last year, which the family is trying to control with medication. Experts have likened INAD to childhood Parkinsons.

Christine added: “She still enjoys going to school full time. She has visited the Miffy exhibition at Leeds City Museum many times this summer. We went away to Bendrigg thanks to the Strongbones charity this summer where Zoe went up the climbing wall, did archery, went canoeing, sailing and went down the zipwire.”

The charity Cure INAD UK is still going strong.

“We have provided several grants to help progress the UK gene therapy programme towards human trials,” Christine added. “Gene therapy will provide a cure for INAD by replacing the gene defect with a corrected gene. The programme is now being led by University College London.”

A birthday fundraiser has been set up for Zoe if anyone would like to donate to help wish her a happy birthday and celebrate making it to 10 years old. Money raised will also go towards a £2 million worldwide fundraiser which has just launched to help find a cure for INAD.

Initial research into gene therapy shows promise. Work is ongoing to define outcome measures, validate model data, and approach national grant providers, and the programme is moving towards what campaigners hope will be a first-in-human clinical trial.

Both Cure INAD UK and the INAD Foundation Australia now share a clear goal: to raise £2 million towards the production of the viral vector, required for the gene therapy treatment.

It is envisaged that this funding could help bridge the crucial gap between research and treatment.

Christine added: “This update marks an encouraging step for the INAD community. With continued collaboration, research progress, and support, we hope to move closer to a treatment option for children with INAD worldwide.

“We want to raise the £2 million needed to fund the production of the viral vector, and we need to do this quickly. Every donation, fundraiser, or share helps bring this vision closer to reality.”

The journey of Zoe’s family has been documented here at WLD.

More information on Cure INAD UK can be found here.

Sponsored content

New area brings tranquility to Farsley mill complex

By

westleedslife

-

September 19, 2025

0

Landlords Gaunts have created a calm and tranquil area for tenants and visitors to enjoy some peace and quiet at Springfield Mills, Farsley.

The area features attractive planters, trellis fencing and new picnic benches.

Paul Curson, MD of Gaunts Ltd, said: “We wanted to create an enhanced outside space for our tenants here on site to be able to take time out from their busy day to de-stress, take a break, enjoy lunch, or have an outdoor meeting.

“We’re also keen to make sure everything we do has a sustainable approach to the environment, hence the reason we chose maintenance free, recycled plastic benches too.”

The area also has a Little Library with free books for anyone to enjoy and to encourage people to enjoy a digital detox for a short while.

The library, created by the Gaunts maintenance team of Ian Goodall and Steve Allatt, was painted by Hannah Sowden from tenant, The Marshmallowist.

Sponsored content

Parking safety measures set for outside Farsley school

By

westleedslife

-

September 18, 2025

0

Residents living near a Farsley school are set to receive details of a scheme to help improve road safety in the area.

The streets around Farsley Farfield Primary School have been plagued by parking issues at school drop off and picking up times.

A proposed new scheme will look to adjust the road lining in the area, reducing obstructive parking near the school, deterring cars from mounting the pavement, as well as reducing parking over driveways.

But Calverley & Farsley councillor Peter Carlill (Lab) says local residents are about to be consulted on the proposed improvements.

He said: “Safety around schools at pick up and drop off is an issue raised regularly with us by parents, head teachers and nearby residents.

“We have had discussions with several schools over the years, trying to assist them with these issues, and various improvements and schemes have been trialled.

“The next one going out to consultation later this year will be a scheme at Farsley Farfield Primary School we have been pushing for since meeting the head teacher to discuss his concerns about dangerous driving and obstructive parking, as well as concerns raised directly by parents.

“This is in addition to the Parking Buddies signs we organised funding for recently.

“Thanks to the school for how proactive they have been on the issue, and we will share the details of the consultation when it is launched. Nearby residents will of course receive a letter directly with details.”

Work to start on delayed Woodhall Sports Hub

By

westleedslife

-

September 18, 2025

0

Work is due to start next week on delayed plans to transform dated sports facilities at Woodhall Playing Fields into a ‘Parklife’ community sports hub.

The plans were first submitted five years ago and have been developed by Leeds City Council in partnership with the Football Foundation as part of their national Parklife (Sports Hubs) programme.

Three new full-sized pitches with floodlighting will be created for football and rugby use, along with other play areas, biodiversity habitats, landscaping and parking.

The hub will also feature a new sports pavilion building providing a café and meeting space together with ancillary features such as toilets and changing rooms, including Changing Places toilet facilities.

woodhall playing fields — Woodhall Playing Fields, between Calverley and Pudsey.

Councillor Andrew Carter, (Cons, Calverley and Farsley ward) welcomed the progress on the site.

He said: “At last – some good news. Work on the Woodhall Sports Hub will commence on site, with the erection of site hoardings, next week. Local residents will be informed about the works via a local flyer.

“It has been an age since this all started, way back when I persuaded the then leader of council to purchase the playing field from Bradford University. That original proposal has now evolved into the sports hub, which I hope will not be just a hub but a community sporting facility for everyone in our area.

“I cant wait for it to be completed.”

Once opened the hub will be managed by the National Football Trust, a not-for-profit organisation, with all surplus income generated to be reinvested in outdoor sports facilities across Leeds.

Work is expected to take 12 months to complete. Full planning permission was first granted for the new facility three years ago.

Pastures new for Clare Balding as she visits Farsley

By

westleedslife

-

September 18, 2025

0

Independent bookshop Truman Books in hosting an afternoon in conversation with Clare Balding.

Taking place next Wednesday, 24 September at 1pm at The Old Woollen in Farsley, West Leeds residents are invited to celebrate the publication of Clare’s new book Pastures New.

Her debut fiction novel brims with the warmth and wit that has made Clare a popular TV personality. Pastures New is billed as a celebration of new beginnings, community and the delightful surprises of rural life.

The event is an opportunity to enjoy a cosy afternoon of stories with TV presenter and author Clare, who will be in conversation with BBC presenter Phil Williams as she reveals more about her book, and also spills the secrets behind her thirty years in broadcasting.

Clare will also be taking questions from the audience and signing copies of Pastures New.

Truman Books, the independent book shop and cafe on Farsley’s high street, this year celebrated its fourth birthday.

As well as offering a great selection of adult and children’s books, along with distinctive gifts and cards, and irresistible coffee and cake, the team also organise fantastic author events throughout the year.

Truman Books has just announced the full programme for the Farsley Lit Fest, taking place in October and November, with authors including Sir Tony Robinson, Andrew Child, Terry Deary and Adele Parks set to visit the village.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, 24 September

Time: 1pm – 3pm (Doors open at 12pm)

Venue: The Old Woollen, Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Leeds, LS28 5UJ

Price: £18 – £28

Tickets: https://trumanbooks.co.uk/events.

Police step up patrols to support safer high streets in Horsforth

By

westleedslife

-

September 18, 2025

0

Katie White at local Tesco after meeting staff — Katie White MP at local Tesco after meeting staff.

By John Baron

Police patrols are being stepped up in Horsforth following concerns from shoppers and business owners over anti-social behaviour and abuse of shop workers.

The initiative is part of the Government’s Safer Streets summer programme, which, under the new Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, means every community has a named, contactable officer. In Horsforth, that includes PC 1358 Russell and PC 1873 Cavaliere.

Residents can expect more visible patrols at busy times and a stronger focus on addressing anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Earlier this summer, Leeds North West MP Katie White brought together small businesses in Horsforth following a rise in break-ins.

During a visit to a local Tesco, Katie also heard first-hand from staff about the pressures created by abuse directed at shopworkers, part of a wider national challenge that unions report is increasing year on year.

Katie White MP said: “Crime and anti-social behaviour are some of the biggest issues in my inbox.

“I know how much this matters to residents and small businesses in Horsforth, and I am pleased to see our neighbourhood policing team stepping up patrols.

“Shop workers and small businesses are so important in our town and they deserve to feel safe. The new Crime and Policing Bill will strengthen protections for shopworkers and I’ve been proud to vote for it.”

The Crime and Policing Bill introduces a new offence of assaulting a retail worker, giving workers in shops the protection they need. Additionally, the bill repeals section 176 of the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, which downgraded the police response to so-called “low-value shop theft”.

Residents and businesses in Horsforth are encouraged to continue reporting incidents, so that neighbourhood policing teams can respond quickly and keep the high street safe and welcoming.

To report a crime, dial 999 for emergencies or 101 for non-emergencies. You can also report crimes, get updates, or use live chat on the West Yorkshire Police website. For anonymous information, use the Crimestoppers website.