A £20,000 junction improvement will help improve bus reliability at the junction of Evanston Avenue and Kirkstall Road.
Council chiefs have approved in principle a one-way system on Evanston Avenue, from its junction with Cross Evanston Avenue to A65 Kirkstall Road.
This will prevent turning into Evanston Avenue and remove the need for traffic to wait on A65 Kirkstall Road, which obstructs the free flow of traffic.
A council report approving the ‘bus hotspot’ scheme said concerns about the junction have also been raised by local councillors in the past:
“The proposal will prevent delays, reduce bus journey times and improve reliability on a major corridor into Leeds.”
The report approved the scheme in principle, subject to further consultation with Kirkstall’s councillors, and to advertise a Traffic Regulation Order to make Evanston Avenue one way and a separate order to introduce a loading only bay for local businesses. Subject to no valid objections being received, the scheme will be implemented.
A new South Bradford Link Road will be discussed at a meeting tomorrow, writes Chris Young.
The huge infrastructure scheme would link Westgate Hill roundabout with the East of Bradford, removing traffic from busy Tong Street and the Holme Wood estate.
The route has been in the planning stages for as far back as 2012, and last summer West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which will fund £46.3 million of the estimated £64.2 million cost, agreed to provide £1.2 million to fund an outline business case for the road so the project can move forward.
This business case will lead to a more detailed route being produced.
Campaigners from the Save Tong-Fulneck Valley group have warned on the impact on the green belt between Pudsey and Bradford.
They say the plans are essentially a link road through Tong/ Fulneck Valley, to be followed with proposals for 2,500 houses to “back fill the road” to Holme Wood and Tyersal.
An objector at Bramley Parkrun last year. Photo: Simon Cullingworth
At an online meeting of Bradford Council’s Regeneration and Environment Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, members will be asked to approve a “procurement strategy for the appointment of a suitably qualified consultant to develop the required business cases to support the delivery of the South East Bradford Link Road project.
They will be told that developing a business case for the project is “significant and currently beyond the Council’s own internal resources to deliver.”
Instead the Council will appoint a consultant to draw up a business case for the plans.
The exact route has yet to be decided, and the committee will be told that while it will most likely link to the Westgate Hill roundabout, the Northern section of the route could begin at either Dick Lane, Dick Lane / Gipsy Lane Gyratory or Leeds Road.
The business case would likely plot the exact route of the road.
It will also include new cycle and pedestrian facilities.
The road scheme has proved controversial in both Bradford and Leeds, as it will likely involve part of the route being built over Green Belt Land. The scheme will also be used to “unlock” land for up to 2,500 homes to be built.
It would also allow new sites for commercial developments, and the Combined Authority has said the road could create “thousands” of new jobs.
The report to Tuesday’s Committee says the road will reduce traffic congestion on Leeds Road and Dick Lane, and junction of Tong Street and A651 Bradford Road.
It says that due to the reduced congestion, the road would “support improvements to quality of life factors in South East Bradford e.g. air quality.”
Funding for the scheme comes from West Yorklshire Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire + Transport Fund – and the report says it is important that work is not delayed due to the Council’s inability to draw up the business case in-house.
It says:
“Delivery of the Outline Business Case for this project using the Council’s own resources would significantly delay delivery of this project within the overall Transport Fund portfolio due to other schemes currently in the delivery pipeline requiring resources to progress.
“Therefore to ensure that the development of this project can continue to align with the wider WY+TF programme of the Combined Authority it is considered expedient that the development work be externalised and managed through a dedicated Bradford Project Manager.”
Previous timetables for the scheme have said work would be unlikely to start before 2023, and may not be completed until 2025.
A Pudsey metal fabricator is ramping up production of outdoor pizza ovens and indoor BBQ grills to meet demand for luxury home cooking appliances.
Huey Group Ltd has seen a surge in demand for its Deli Vita outdoor pizza ovens, stocked by retailers including John Lewis, which the firm manufactures under licence, as homeowners spend on home improvements and gadgets during lockdown.
The Lidget Hill-based firm has also secured the contract to produce a new range of Japanese style indoor grills, while it’s meeting businesses’ needs for hygiene essentials by manufacturing a standing soap dispenser for the first time.
Shifting its production helps the business to make up for cancelled orders for its bespoke catering projects, which has recently included transforming an old bus into a gin bar and converting a Fiat 500 into a mobile pizza kitchen.
Its most popular catering product is a horsebox style trailer, often used by food and drink vendors at events.
These catering projects typically comprise half its overall sales, but its order book disappeared overnight due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Huey Group turned to Lloyds Bank to secure £45,000 as part of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). It follows the bank helping the firm to quickly get off the ground when it started trading in January last year, by providing a £100,000 invoice finance line.
Martin Wilson, owner at Huey Group Ltd, said:
“This is a vital revenue stream for us as our traditional business delivering bespoke catering facilities suffers from the blow COVID-19 has had on the events and hospitality industries.
“But we’re confident that demand here will pick back up, particularly as restaurants and pubs adapt to trading with physical distancing restrictions in place – by maximising use of their outdoor space.”
Gary Whittaker, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said:
“While consumers may be spending less money across the economy, many are buying more goods for their homes in lockdown life.
“Huey Group were quick to respond and adapt to make the most of this opportunity, protecting the firm while its catering facility business recovers. It’s a great example of a firm we’re supporting as we help Britain recover.”
Improvements to Bramley bus interchange and better walking and cycling links in Pudsey form part of a £7.4 million package of city-wide transport improvements set to be approved next week.
Members of Leeds council’s executive board will decide whether to approve seven projects across Leeds to upgrade existing facilities, improve waiting facilities and travel information as well as encourage walking and cycling links from public transport hubs.
A report to be considered by councillors says:
“Approving these proposals will allow the benefits to the economy, air quality, health and road safety to be realised.”
Bramley Interchange proposals
The Bramley scheme, which will cost about £440,000, aims to increase public transport usage, and manage bus movements more effectively.
Better travel information, such as real time information screens
To provide enhanced, safe, pedestrian routes
A new stand D, with pedestrian crossing points
To allow buses only to access the interchange to improve safety. This will be enforced by violation cameras
To provide segregated loading/ servicing for the shops near the interchange
Improvements: Bramley Bus Interchange
The main layout change will see stand D relocated to a new road which will be built through the grass which segregates Stocks Hill from Town Street. Two crossings will be added to create safe passage to the new bus stop.
Pudsey walking and cycling links
New Pudsey Station. Photo: Ian Kirk, used under Creative Commons licence
The £600,000 Pudsey scheme includes proposals to make walking and cycling links in Pudsey more accessible and desirable.
The council report says direct walking and cycling routes between Pudsey Town Centre and New Pudsey Railway Station are limited and not easy to find or follow.
The proposals, which are being put forward by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), will improve the quality of walking and cycling routes through widening and resurfacing some paths, improving crossing points and adding clear signage.
The schemes will be fully funded by government grant for the Connecting Leeds public transport programme with the support of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The footpath from New Pudsey Station to the Owlcotes Centre car park will be widened, among a raft of other measures which are listed here.
Work schedule
Construction of the scheme is due to start in summer of 2020 for completion by summer 2021.
West Leeds residents have been contacting Network Rail with concerns over the cutting back of vegetation around a busy railway line planned for next week.
The work will take place next to an approximately 3.5km long section of the Calder Valley Line that runs from Armley through to Bramley Station.
Network Rail say the work – which is is planned overnight from 14 to 17 July – is essential for the running and safety of the railway and involves the cutting back or removal of low-level shrubbery, bracken, heather, brambles and saplings.
The Armley Trees lineside neighbours network – formed last year following concerns over tree felling and poor communication over work carried out off Armley Park Road – has written to Network Rail to raise concerns over the impact on biodiversity and the environment.
Campaigners have asked Network Rail for improved and meaningful engagement with lineside neighbours, in addition to clear and transparent answers to the local community’s questions and concerns.
They have asked to see the ecology reports and bird nesting surveys which were mentioned in a Network Rail letter to lineside neighbours.
One resident expressed concern that the work will be carried out during the bird nesting season and said:
“I have concerns that the nature corridors in our area, such as the ones along railway lines, are at risk and need protecting.
“From past experience in my own neighbourhood, I do not trust Network Rail, or the contractors they use, to do the right thing with regard to protecting these habitats.”
Network Rail said in a letter to residents:
“This work will only include the removal of low lying vegetation such as brambles, heather and bracken so that staff have safe access to carry our visual examinations of structures safely. These examinations must be carried out for the safety of the operational railway. No mature trees will be removed during this work.
“All relevant ecological surveys will be carried out prior to work commencing. If any nesting birds are identified, then appropriate methods of working will be put in place.”
A popular footbridge over the River Aire has been temporarily closed until August 2021 to allow vital flood defence work to be carried out.
The work will involve raising the footbridge at Milford Place, near to Viaduct Road, and is being delivered by Leeds City Council and the Environment Agency.
It will help to reduce flood risk and provide better protection to communities along the River Aire corridor who were affected by the Boxing Day 2015 floods.
It is part of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 works, which will deliver one-in-100-year protection against flooding in the city centre, Kirkstall Valley and beyond.
Sometimes when we see an old building we see it through ‘rose tinted glasses, writes Mark Stevenson.
While its history and appearance may be impressive, very little thought is given to the men who built it.
Take this old Telephone Exchange building on Basinghall Street in town.
The agreed rate of pay for the Builders’ Labourers was 7p per hour (£2.28) but they were only paid 5p per hour (£1.63). This would have caused hardship for the Labourer and his family. It was such a concern that it was raised in Parliament.
The Telephone Exchange was built in 1913 and in 1918 became a Strowger Automatic Telephone Exchange.
It was the largest of its kind in Europe, equipped for 6,800 lines that could go up to 15,000 if needed.
It was the first exchange in the country that could handle 100,000 subscribers. It was also the first in which the caller was required to dial five figures for every local call.
The company that was short changing the Labourers was Samuel Butler and Company, of Albion Works, Stanningley.
“The Bramley Care Bears have been providing food since before the Coronavirus lock down and, thanks to our community partners, we were able to maintain our food distributions while maintaining the social distancing needed.”
Donations were collected at a number of addresses in Bramley, including Bramley Community Centre.
The food collection was the idea of the Bramley & Stanningley councillors. CllrJools Heselwood said:
“Councilllors Caroline Gruen, Kevin Ritchie and myself just want to say a huge, huge thank you to everybody who donated to the Bramley and Stanningley community food bank collection.
“We are absolutely overwhelmed by people’s generosity. It means the work of Bramley Care Bears food distribution can continue and help people in the difficult times we find ourselves living in. Thank you so much to everyone who donated and everyone who helped by being a collection point.”
West Yorkshire Police have been stopping speeding drivers on a notorious stretch of a Pudsey road.
Officers from the Leeds West Neighbourhood Police Team have today been on high-visibility patrols of Bradford Road, between Dawson’s Corner and Thornbury Roundabout.
The patrols follow concerns over people driving at speed at all hours during the day, but mainly during the early evenings.
A Pro Laser speed device was used to assess the speed of vehicles on Bradford Road, which has a speed limit of 40 miles an hour. A police spokesperson said:
“A number of vehicles were stopped and words of advice were given to drivers about their speed.
“This is an on-going problem which West Yorkshire Police take very seriously. A number of mobile speed vans have been deployed in the area and this will continue.
“High visibility deployment of officers will also continue over the next few weeks and months to combat this issue.”
Last month, the Dispatch reported how the installation of permanent speed cameras on ‘race track’ A647 Bradford Road in Pudsey had moved a step closer to reality.
With just one year to go to their centenary, Calverley Horticultural Society isn’t about to cancel their annual show because of the coronavirus crisis, writes Anne Akers.
Organisers are determined to go ahead with show number 99 – virtually.
The show was due to be held as usual in the Methodist Hall, but with the venue closed for for foreseeable future, they took an early decision to design their own website and hold an online show.
Show secretary Bev Smith said the usual 100 or so classes had been cut to 38, but that still gave people plenty of chance to enter – with the added advantage that photographs could be uploaded any time until August 23.
“It’ll be a show with a difference, but we know people look forward to showing off what they’ve grown or made, and we look forward to seeing them! ” she said.
With many people spending more time in their gardens, or doing art and crafts, extra ‘lockdown’ classes have been added for gardens, planters and hanging baskets, as well as re-cycled and up-cycled projects. With the shortage of flour, there’s even a no-flour cake class.
“We’re also asking people to nominate and photograph their Lockdown Heroes for a special award, we know there are plenty of people in the village who deserve that title!” said Bev.
Entry is free, with downloadable certificates for for first, second and third places. Winners will be announced on 29 August, the day when the show would have been held. Anyone can enter by registering on the website.
“It’s really easy to enter, take a photo with your phone and upload it directly to the site. Once it’s been approved, it’ll be there for all to see,” said Bev.
Plans are already in place for the centenary celebrations next year, with the return to a physical show. Otley artist Vickie Orton has been commissioned to design commemorative artwork, funded by the Pudsey Charity and the Society.
The project has run various music, digital arts, and virtual reality sessions (VR)across the city since its inception in June 2019.
Origins: Jonathan Parker.
Founder and chair of Creative Frame, Jonathan Parker, explains the origins of and inspiration behind the project:
“Man About Town started because of things coming together at the same time in 2019. In 2015 I’d been asked to help run the media team at Inkwell Arts and from that I gained a huge amount of experience working in mental health with [service users] and interviewing service users for film and animations.”
Prior to his time at Inkwell, Jonathan had volunteered at a community centre in Newton-le-Willows.
Jonathan says of this experience: “This had brought to my attention the lack of groups for men so that had been bubbling away in my brain somewhere.”
Towards the end of 2018 Jonathan put together a project called Digital Landscape which was funded by Creative England. Jonathan says:
“It was a men’s project using Virtual Technology to help isolated men experience views of Leeds that they would have otherwise not visited, ie the Chevin, this gave the group the confidence to then experience these locations for real.”
Jonathan wanted to extend the project and when he left Inkwell he approached Cloth Cat to see if they would be interested in partnering up on a new project that would bring together music and digital arts to men.
A funding application was submitted and successfully obtained and the Man About Town project was born. Jonathan says:
“Cloth Cat were breaking new ground moving into digital arts and it was a very exciting thing to be involved in. Fast forward a year and we’ve run over 60 sessions writing original music as a group, formed a film making group, written a short film script, engaged lots more men in VR tech, took walks, had picnics and we now have funding for another two years.”
In West Leeds the group has run VR sessions for older men at Armley Helping Hands men’s group and at Bramley Community Centre. These have currently been put on hold due to Covid-19, but were proving to be popular sessions.
The project has been going from strength to strength and has recently introduced weekly walking events and vinyl picnic sessions (bring along any vinyl records to play on the portable turntable), held on alternate Sunday mornings.
Recent locations visited have been Otley Chevin, Horsforth Hall Park, Bramley Fall Woods and Meanwood Park.
The next scheduled walking event is taking place at Gotts Park in Armley on Sunday, 12 July from 10.30 to 12.30 (meeting in the car park).
