Forging Futures and ex-Leeds star Brian Deane celebrate young people’s achievements

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March 12, 2025

forging futures — Above is l-r Brian Deane, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, graduate Rohail Kiyani and Vince Rose.

Former Leeds United star Brian Deane has spoken at a graduation ceremony for a course

which helps younger people to build confidence and identify routes to training and employment.

13 young people graduated from Kirkstall Forge developer CEG’s Forging Futures Campus Employment and Skills Employability course. They also received recognition from the Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Marshall Katung and Vince Rose from Barclays Bank.

Run by Kirkstall Forge developer, CEG, and partner Icon Group, the 17-week course helps 16 to 18year-olds people not in education, employment or training learn new skills, build confidence and identify routes to training and employment.

Graduates celebrate at Kirkstall Forge with course manager Ewan Metcalfe and former footballer Brian Deane.

As well as learning how to manage your money, in partnership with Barclays, providing functional skills in maths and English and 150 hours of work experience placement and community projects, the graduates secured their CSCS card training and a Level 1 Employability and Functional Skills Qualifications.

The programme is part of the Kirkstall-based Forging Futures social value programme CEG operates, which has delivered almost £1.5 million of social value over the last year.

Lucinda Yeadon, Community Liaison Manager at CEG, said: “We’re passionate about providing long-term benefits to the local community, and Forging Futures Campus has proved an incredibly successful way to deliver new skills, training and job opportunities.

“We’re so proud of those who have taken part and have seen such a positive impact on their lives. The 13 teenagers who have graduated are now better equipped to access new job opportunities or go back into education and will continue to be advised by the team as they make these decisions.”

The Lord Mayor, former international footballer Brian Deane, and customer care leader at Barclays Vince Rose spoke at the event, sharing their experiences and advice with the young people as they plan their next steps.

Mr Rose said: “There was a time I needed someone to believe in me before I could believe in myself. Now, through Forging Futures, I have the privilege of believing in a talented group of young adults—helping them build the skills and confidence for a brighter future.”

Since CEG’s Forging Futures launched in 2017, more than 215 young people who were unemployed, or not in school or vocational training have now completed the employability course at the Forging Futures Kirkstall Forge campus and the new venue, the Counting House in Temple Works, with many moving into apprenticeships, jobs or further education.

Over 1,230 participants have also benefited from the curriculum delivery, site visits, workplace engagement, CV workshops and mock interviews in partnership with several Leeds schools, colleges and universities.

CEG and Icon Group are seeking 16 to 18 years old for the next course. E-mail hello@icongroup.org.uk.

Anyone who is 19 or above interested in sustainability, green skills or wants to learn modern methods of construction can also apply for CEG and Icon Group’s new Green Skills Academy. This can also include those who are employed wishing to upskill.

Ewan Metcalf, Managing Director of Icon Group, said: “We’re really proud to celebrate the graduation of our 18th cohort of young people completing courses at Forging Futures Campus, Kirkstall Forge.

“It’s gratifying to know we helped so many journey to a better life and future and we look forward to helping many more. None of this would be possible without the support of key partners and fantastic leaners and today is a celebration of their contribution and hard work.”

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Ground clearance work completed ahead of Dawsons Corner scheme

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March 12, 2025

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A view from the electricity sub station on Bradford Road shows the area stripped bare.

by Neil Cullen

Additional reporting: John Baron

Ground clearance work has taken place at Dawsons Corner ahead of a major £42.6 million scheme to improve traffic flow at the roundabout.

Yorkshire Tree Contractors, on behalf of John Sisk and Son Contractors, have just
completed clearance of most of the site on the former Farsley Workhouse Charity land
in preparation for reconstruction of the junction.

An overlay plan shows the proposed new roads against a Google Earth shot which
illustrates all the vegetation and large trees which have been removed.

Multiple chainsaws were in action and heavy machinery used to transport and load the
largest tree trunks for removal.

The site is now quiet but Connecting Leeds have informed residents that the main project is planned to start soon.

The Department of Transport has agreed to provide £35.709 million funding towards the scheme, which Leeds City Council hopes will reduce congestion and delays.

Improvements will see better traffic flow, with bus journey times also reduced and improved safer crossing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

Road users have seen congestion worsen over the years, particularly slowing down buses between Leeds and Bradford.

Subject to contractor approvals the main works are planned to start later this year and will take up to 15 months to complete.

Bramley: Bad Company fighters victorious as new gym hosts open day

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March 12, 2025

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received_1141963767666729 — Photo: Hitman Fight League

By James Bovington

Bad Company Thai Boxing Gym is hosting an open day at their new premises in Bramley next Sunday.

Owners Richard Smith and his wife Lisa Houghton-Smith are inviting local people to ‘come and see our state-of-the-art facilities.’

“Visitors can expect to see our fighters training and sparring and get the chance to chat with them over refreshments or while touring the facilities,” said Lisa.

“We relocated to Bramley three months ago and we’ve quickly got up and running. We offer a range of classes for different age groups and welcome everyone whether an individual wants to compete or just improve fitness.

“Muay Thai training is where we specialise, but we also offer BJJ, MMA and now also grappling and wrestling. We’ll have a few competitions with Gym King vouchers up for grabs.”

Bad Company’s reputation for producing fighters who consistently win was underlined just last Saturday when competitors from the Leeds club were victorious on a Manchester show themed as ‘The Last Dance’ promoted by Hitman Fight League (HFL).

Liam Harrison, trained by Richard Smith for 25 years and one of HFL’s owners, beat Spanish champion Isaac Araya for the prestigious WBC Muay Thai Diamond belt held by only ten fighters worldwide.

Harrison dominated the fight in front of a crowd three thousand strong to earn a third-round stoppage with his signature low kicks.

Horsforth’s 18-year-old fighter Fergus Smith stopped his England teammate and close friend Joe le Maire in the final of the ‘Road to ONE Championship’ 53.5 kg division.

Fergus controlled the bout throughout and ended it with a second-round barrage of landing punches thus earning the opportunity to compete on ONE Championship Friday Fights at Lumpini Stadium in the Thai capital Bangkok.

Success for the Smiths continued as brother Finlay beat tough Irish fighter Struan Mason over three rounds with Finlay working around Struan’s height to earn a decisive victory.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming as many as possible to our Open Day to get to know better what we have on offer,” said Richard Smith, 57. “Just as Liam Harrison turned up a quarter of a century ago and eventually became a world champion Thai boxer those calling in on Sunday have the chance to realise their own ambitions.”

Bad Company is located on Waterloo Way LS13 2EF. The open day is Sunday 16 March from noon to 3pm. For further information contact the club on Instagram at badcompanygym or call 07885 270267.

Green light for new mobile phone mast plan at Pudsey school

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March 11, 2025

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Crawshaw academy mobile phone mast — The existing mobile phone mast site in the ground of Crawshaw Academy.

Plans for a 21 metre-high mobile phone mast in Crawshaw Academy’s grounds in Pudsey have been approved by Leeds City Council.

The proposals include the demolition of an existing 15m monopole supporting six antennas behind the astroturf floodlit pitch off Kent Road and replacing with a new 5G monopole supporting a total of nine antennas.

There had been 13 objections and two letters of support.

A design statement submitted with the plans said mobile network operators Vodafone and Telefonica are in the process of upgrading their existing network coverage wherever possible in order to match the increasing demand for mobile data usage and coverage.

A council planning officer’s report approving the proposal concluded: “The additional five-metre height and bulkier headframe would have a greater visual impact, but not to such a significant degree that the [local planning authority] consider this would attract such weight that it amounts to a reasonable reason to withhold consent.”

The plans can be viewed in full here.

Community celebrates Christ Church Upper Armley’s 150th birthday

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March 11, 2025

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Members of a West Leeds church have celebrated their 150th birthday.

Christ Church Upper Armley marked the occasion with a grand community celebration.

The church held a fair, displaying work from local primary schools and the secondary school inspired by the church, along with clothing exchanges, the production of a mural, and a bouncy castle and free cake and drinks.

And the Right Reverend Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, preached at a multicultural, all-age service, followed by a lunchtime banquet.

Over the weekend the church saw some 500 people at all the festivities.

The Rev Phil Arnold, Vicar at the church, said: “Christ Church has been serving the community of Upper Armley in ways that have evolved to adapt to the local community.

“Where there were once pews, there is now space for the food bank, for Meeting Point, for GCSE revision, uniformed organisations, Warm Welcome groups, toddler groups, along with worship. It’s an exciting time to be here!”

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Burley Road: Mr T’s keeps operating licence

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March 11, 2025

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Mr Ts Burley Road — Mr Ts on Burley Road. Photo: Google

By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

A takeaway has kept its licence to operate after agreeing to measures to prevent illegal workers being employed.

Mr T’s, on Burley Road in Leeds, faced a review of its premises licence after an enforcement visit by immigration officials last September.

The Home Office alleged that four staff members did not have permission to work there and asked Leeds City Council to revoke the licence.

A licensing hearing was told the Mr T’s branch, operated by TMR Leeds Ltd, was handed a £90,000 civil penalty.

A licensing sub-committee agreed to allow the takeaway to keep trading after conditions on the licence were agreed.

They included ID checks on staff members, a digital HR system and checks on visas and right-to-work documents.

A report to Tuesday’s hearing, submitted by Chris Rees-Gay, representing Mr T’s, said: “Although serious, this was a one-off incident.”

The report said right-to-work training had been undertaken with an independent trainer.

Further Home Office checks on Mr T’s branches in Halifax and Manchester were carried in October and December.

The report said: “There were no issues flagged at either premises.”

Mr Rees-Gay said Mr T’s staff faced losing their jobs if the premises licence was revoked.

He also pointed out that the civil penalty had been paid swiftly and that the fine only applied to two, not four, individuals.

His report said: “All staff across the estate have been checked to ensure they have a right to work.

“One member of staff is now in charge of all right-to-work checks.

“There will be job losses if the licence is revoked.”

Councillors agreed to modify the existing premises licence at the hearing at Leeds Civic Hall.

Spring has sprung at Kirkstall Valley Farm

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March 11, 2025

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By Rhian Williams

Spring has truly arrived at Kirkstall Valley Farm! What are the signs of spring for us?

Sowing seeds – in February we began sowing things like peppers, chillies, tomatoes and even aubergines, as these take a long time to grow. Early in March, we sowed seeds for things that will go into the fields, and don’t mind it being a bit cold: beetroot, broccoli, cabbages, lettuce. All these seeds grow in trays of compost in a polytunnel until we plant them around April. We’re also planted peas and broad beans outside.

Getting the tractor out – Keith spotted an ideal weather window for ploughing in early March. Keith’s very own vintage 1959 Fordson Dexta tractor out ploughing the fields is always a sign of spring! It’s one of very the early ones, and still going strong due to careful maintenance. As long as the weather stays dry, we’ll be using this plus the farm tractor (a Kioti DK35, if you’re interested…) to prepare the ground so we can plant our first crops.

Manure deliveries – we’ve been working with local farmers and horse owners to get some of their manure on site. Instead of using artificial fertilisers – which usually take a lot of energy to make and can pollute the river – we use organic material like manure to feed the soil, and replace what we take out when we harvest veg.

New volunteers – it’s been great to welcome lots of new faces, and some that we haven’t seen since last summer. People come for all sorts of different reasons, whether you want to enjoy being outside, learn more about growing food, move your body, have a chat or just be quiet around other people. Join us! We have sessions throughout the week and there is no regular commitment needed. More info here.

Eating salad – you might think of salad as a summer thing, but actually the polytunnels are producing LOADS of salad in February-April! We grow lettuces, plus a mixture of other leaves that add colour, flavour and variety. Do you want to eat salad from KVF? Then sign up to get a veg box.

More people on the farm – with sunny spring days we see more allotmenters returning, plus more of the kids groups are starting up again – find out more about what is on offer here.

Finally, please do join our open day on 12 April and meet our volunteers and growers to find out more about the farm. Farm tours at 11am and bring and share lunch from 12-1pm.

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New West Leeds Snooker Group cues up at Northern Snooker Centre

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March 11, 2025

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By Helen Fay

West Leeds snooker enthusiasts are being invited by BARCA and Being You Leeds to join a new, free of charge group.

The West Leeds Snooker Group starts on Wednesday, 19 March from 1pm-3pm at the Northern Snooker Centre in Kirkstall Road.

The group is aimed at people who live in West Leeds and will feature some members of the BARCA-run West Leeds Men’s Network group, now known as The Collective.

The snooker group is open to both men and women and will meet for two hours each week. Three tables will be provided and paid for by Being You Leeds, so places are limited.

The group will run for 12 weeks and anyone aged 16 and over interested in joining the group should contact Jonathan Parker by e-mailing: jonathan.parker@barca-leeds.org.uk

For more information about Being You Leeds & Mindwell follow this link. Information on services run by BARCA Leeds can be found here.

Check out the WLD‘s what’s on section for more West Leeds events.

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Commonwealth Silver title in sight for Bramley boxer

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March 11, 2025

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BP A — Photos courtesy of McMain Photography

By James Bovington

Bramley boxer Billy Pickles competes for a Commonwealth Silver super lightweight title at the O2 in Greenwich on Saturday, 22 March.

He’ll be fighting Wiltshire’s Connor Gray over ten rounds.

“It’s my first time on a show in London,” said Pickles, 30. “And I’m aware I’m boxing a talented undefeated southpaw. I’m back in the ring after eight months and got this opportunity having won an eliminator bout for this title.

“With a win I can compete for even more prestigious titles on the national stage.”

Pickles lives in Bramley and trains at Club Energy in Otley under Martin Bateson.

“The London fight will be my 18th professional contest and I’ve won 17. I had 67 amateur bouts and represented England three times. Last summer I beat Keanan Wainwright in Sheffield.”

Pickles is currently ranked 29^th out of 117 UK professionals in my division.

He added: “I love the training and the actual fighting, the walking into the ring and tasting victory. But like all boxers I dislike cutting weight.

“I work full time as a builder, but the dream is to be a full-time boxer and not have to fit training around work. That way I might just become the next world champion from Leeds. At present it’s like having two full-time jobs.”

Pickles is grateful to everyone who supports him and thanked his sponsors HB Tunnelling, Baker Harding Recruitment, Rodley Carpets, Redbox Renovations, Haley’s Yard Kitchen, EGFoam Ltd., LA Building & Joinery, Johnson Sports Therapy & Massage and Club Energy.

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Farsley Celtic’s ground listed as community asset

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March 10, 2025

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FarsleyCeltic-25-007 — The Citadel is the home of Farsley Celtic. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield

By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

A football ground will be protected as a community asset after successful nomination was made by fans.

Leeds City Council agreed to include Farsley Celtic Football Ground on its list of assets of community value (ACVs).

Farsley Celtic Supporters’ Club applied for the status for community facilities and the club’s main stadium, the Citadel.

An ACV listing means community groups have the right to raise cash to bid for assets if they are put up for sale.

National League North side Farsley Celtic have been playing home games almost 70 miles away in Buxton this season following delays installing a 4G pitch.

John Stubbs, supporters’ club chairman, said: “We just want to safeguard it. We have 30-plus teams, including junior teams. We have a deaf team and a ladies’ team.

“On weekends it’s a hub for people coming in and supporting the various teams.”

A council report said the clubhouse was used for regular social events, including as a meeting place for a local a choir and a warm space for the elderly in winter.

It said: “The club has been used by generations of families and continues to do so and to lose this would leave a large hole within the community.

“The club also provides structured activity for young people that helps to prevent anti-social behaviour within the local area.”

ACV status means that if the owner of the property decides to sell, community interest groups can ask to be treated as a potential buyer.

The owner is then prevented from selling for a six month period while the group comes up with a bid to buy the asset. The report added: “However, the landowner is free to dispose of the property at the end of the six-month period to whomsoever they see fit.”

The council report says the land owner opposed the application and is entitled to appeal.

The decision, and council officer reports and documents, can be read here.

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Public inquiry to consider night flight rules at Leeds-Bradford Airport

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March 10, 2025

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By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

A public inquiry will start tomorrow into night-time flying rules at Leeds-Bradford Airport.

It will consider an appeal from airport bosses against a Leeds City Council planning decision which restricts certain types of aircraft from flying after 11pm.

The appeal will be considered by an independent planning inspector at a hearing which starts on Tuesday (March 11).

The Planning Inspectorate inquiry will consider three applications for Certificates of Lawfulness of Existing Use or Development (CLEUDS).

The certificates applied for by the airport seek a re-interpretation of the existing rules on the number of noisier aircraft allowed to fly at night.

A council spokesperson said: “All three applications were submitted by the airport in December 2023.

“The planning inspector will determine the appeals based on all evidence presented during the inquiry.

“Given that this is a live process, it would be inappropriate for the council to comment further.”

Last September the council issued an enforcement notice against LBA after it was found to have breached noise rules.

At the time Leeds-Bradford Airport (LBA) said measures were in place to stop noisy overnight flights. The company has insisted that it’s legal interpretation of planning conditions on night flights is correct.

Vincent Hodder, LBA chief executive, said: “The inquiry process will allow an informed decision to be made by an independent third party on the correct legal interpretation of the existing planning, so we can continue to deliver an airport Yorkshire can be proud of.

“We want to sustainably develop our airport, make it fit for the future and meet the demand for international connectivity that exists in our region.

“We want to play our part in driving economic growth in Yorkshire.”

Airport bosses, the council and campaigners from the Group for Action on Leeds-Bradford Airport (GALBA) are expected to give evidence at the inquiry.

Pudsey: Former plant hire site could become housing

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March 10, 2025

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lumby lane — The site offf Lumby Lane, Pudsey. Photo: Google

By John Baron

Outline plans to establish the principle of housing on a former industrial site in Pudsey have been submitted to Leeds City Council.

Developer J Clifford, of Hilltop, has applied for outline planning permission to change the use of the former Pudsey Plant Hire site off Lumby Lane into up to 13 properties.

A planning statement submitted by the applicant concludes the land is suitable for housing. It added: “The site layout indicates that the existing access from Lumby Lane can be upgraded to the required highway standard and thereafter a layout can be achieved for an appropriate number of housing units.”

As the application is only an outline to establish the principle of the development, all other matters – including access and layout – would be determined by a full application at a future date.

The site has been in use for handling building plant and waste materials since at least 1962 and the transfer of waste materials was confirmed as an established use in 1992.

The plans, which are due to be decided by 28 April, can be viewed in full here.