Drivers were queuing along Butt Lane and onto the Ring Road this morning as McDonald’s re-opened its restaurant as a drive through.
The fast-food giant closed all of its outlets more than 10 weeks ago as lockdown restrictions came into force.
When West Leeds Dispatch popped down for a look at 11.15am, cars were queuing out of the restaurant car park, along Butt Lane, with some motorists on the Ring Road roundabout.
The restaurant had opened at 11am.
Customer Phil Smith had spent 45 minutes queueing before getting his fix of Chicken McNuggets and fries. He said:
“It’s a long wait, but there are staff at the entrance guiding you into which lane you need to go into. It’s crazy queuing like this but I’ve missed it.”
McDonald’s off Kirkstall Road has also opened today.
Just one order will be allowed per car and purchases will be capped at £25. In car parks, dividers will be in place, while security teams will patrol zones to ensure visitors comply with safety laws.
In stores, perspex screens have been fitted while all employees will have to carry out temperature checks on arrival.
There will also be a restricted menu – with breakfast scrapped for the foreseeable future due to limited staff numbers.
Today is the last day of the three-day phased reopening plan which saw 497 drive-thru sites swing open their doors on Wednesday.
Police have again been clamping down on illegal bikers in woodland in Calverley.
The Leeds District Off Road Bike Team, Bradford Steerside Team and officers from West NPTconducted a joint cross border operation in Calverley / Ravenscliffe woods to target illegal riders.
One bike was seized as it was suspected to be stolen. Several other motorists received fixed penalty tickets for various offences.
Community-led Bramley Baths has launched a limited edition T-shirt to help raise money while it’s closed.
Bramley Baths is currently closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Photo: John Baron
The Grade II Listed building, run by the community since 2013, closed back in March due to the coronavirus pandemic and is looking to raise money to help keep it afloat until it’s safe to re-open.
The T-shirts are available on a limited-edition run of just 100 for the next two weeks only. A spokesperson said:
“Not only will you be buying a high quality T-shirt, you’ll also be providing much-needed funds to support our re-opening during these difficult times for small independent businesses.”
The Baths is also seeking to attract 200 people by the end of June to become Friends of Bramley Baths for the monthly price of a swim or gym session. More details here.
A Swallow Hill pupil with a member of Armley Helping Hands
A support group helping older people in Armley and Wortley is celebrating its 25th anniversary in a different way this weekend.
Armley Helping Hands had planned to celebrate the milestone with a big party on Friday, 5 June at the White Rose Banqueting Suite off Tong Road, but due to the COVID 19 pandemic it had to be put on hold
CEO Dawn Newsome said:
“We don’t want this milestone to pass and definitely don’t want the Covid-19 to be the reason, so on Friday chair Hazel Boutle will be wishing everyone well and will cut a celebration cake. This video will up loaded to our social media.
“Then over the week we are planning to deliver more than 500 afternoon tea boxes to older people living in Leeds 12.
“We are also asking key partners and representatives (who would have been Joining us to celebrate this event) if they like to send a celebration message to our older people with a photo or produce a short video via our Facebook .
“We would like to share these over our celebration week via our social media and our community newsletter. We will also produce a collage when we return back to normal service and have the opportunity to hold a belated celebration.”
Established in 1995, Armley Helping Hands was founded by a group of local people and community activists, concerned about the welfare of local older people.
As reported by WLD yesterday, its support for older people during the coronavirus pandemic has led to the award of a virtual blue plaque by civic watchdog organisation Leeds Civic Trust.
Farnley Falcons' new facilities will be based here off Butt Lane. Stockhoto: Google, 2020
Farnley Falcons rugby club has applied for planning permission to build a new permanant clubhouse and changing facilities.
The club, which caters for more than 100 youngsters each week, has been operating out of temporary steel containers which act as changing rooms off Butt Lane.
It used to be based at nearby Farnley Sports and Social Club until it closed in late 2014 and was then demolished after an arson attack in 2015 and replaced with houses.
The Falcons have applied for the demolition of existing buildings and construction of a new single-storey clubhouse and changing facilities for four teams on the green belt site.
They’re also hoping for permission for associated car parking and the extension of one of existing pitches at the Butt Lane Recreation Ground in Farnley.
A planning statement accompanying the application said the new building will be sited in an unobtrusive location currently occupied by the temporary changing rooms.
The proposals answer the club’s need for expansion and provide a much-improved community amenity. It added:
“The proposal will not have a significant detrimental impact on either the residential amenity of neighbouring properties or the character of the surrounding area or the principle, purpose or openness of the Green Belt.
“The proposals will provide a much better facilities for both the club and the community as the clubroom provides an attractive flexible space, together with kitchen, associated storage and toilet accommodation.
“It is intended that this space will be hired out on non training / match days. The increase in changing rooms will allow more of the pitches to be used at any one time, thus improving the profile and use of the club as a whole.”
The proposals have attracted more than 30 letters of support.
“Only in its first year of operation, KVDT have taken on the role of volunteer community hub for Kirkstall during the coronavirus pandemic.
“They have worked extremely hard to support our community, and have gone above and beyond to meet the needs of the most vulnerable.”
Armley Helping Hands
The Civic Trust said:
“A central part of the community in normal circumstances, supporting older people facing loneliness.
“During the coronavirus pandemic, they have stepped up their already fantastic efforts to provide vital services to vulnerable people of all ages, from food parcels to welfare calls, to collecting shopping and medicines.”
Helping Hands CEO Dawn Newsome welcomed the accolade and said:
“It is a honour to receive the recognition as our staff and volunteers are doing an exceptional job supporting our older people, families and individuals who are self-isolating across Leeds 12. But we are only one cog in the wheel and without our key partners we will not be able to provide the vital services to our older people and the community in these worrying times.”
BARCA Leeds
The civic trust recognised Barca’s inventive and inspirational support for people during the coronavirus pandemic. They said:
“Barca have long been a strong support for people experiencing a variety of issues from mental health and substance abuse to domestic abuse.
“During the coronavirus pandemic they adapted to maintain their presence and continue to reach out in new ways to people in difficult circumstances – even receiving a mention in the Guardian for their innovation!”
Two of Leeds’s most respected names in hospitality – one of whom lives in Kirkstall – have announced the launch of their new events company.
Rolling Social Events, the brainchild of Bruce Lerman and Kirkstall’s Samantha Fish, has launched at a time when the industry is being hit hard by Covid 19.
“There is no denying that this is a difficult time for the hospitality industry,” says co-founder Bruce Lerman. “But Rolling Social was always our plan, and we figured that if we get started now, when we come out the other side we’ll be ready and raring to go.”
Sam and Bruce originally partnered up to host the hugely successfulLeeds Rum Festival – which this September celebrates its fifth year at Leeds Corn Exchange – and Leeds Gin Fair in 2019.
After last year’s successes they realised that between them they have a lot of great ideas, a lot of contacts, and a lot of knowledge and it made sense to put them under one banner – Rolling Social Events was born.
It has already been a tricky path for Rolling Social after the first new event they put in the calendar was postponed due to the pandemic.
Gin Picnic was to take place at Kirkstall Abbey last month, but it soon became clear that it wasn’t to be. Despite this, the pair remain positive and upbeat.
“Gin Picnic will definitely be back,” says Bruce. “It might look different, it will likely be even better, but it will be back.”
In the meantime, the determined duo continues to build on the successes of their last four Rum Festivals and have launched a new event called Sip Along to give Rum-lovers everywhere a treat during lockdown.
“We know people are missing the social side of Leeds right now,” says Bruce, who owns Hedonist Bar in the city centre. “And we in the industry are missing our customers and the general vibe too, so we have created an interim event to bring us back together and celebrate the world’s most diverse spirit – Rum!”
The first Sip Along will be hosted on Zoom on Friday 12th June at 7.30pm. Ticket holders will receive six samples of Rum – worth around £35 – and will then hook up with Sam, Bruce and other Rum lovers for an online gathering hosted by Plantation Rum’s brand ambassador Paul McFadyen.
“Rolling Social’s mission is to create modern experiences that connect our guests through food and drink,” Sam explains. “Our Festivals have always had that at their heart; they’re not about us making a quick buck and disappearing – we never over sell tickets and we are committed to bringing quality to the independent Leeds scene. We’re about celebrating, sharing knowledge, and bringing people together for a good time.”
“We are proud to have succeeded in this mission and it will always be the ethos of Rolling Social Events.”
Work is continuing to gather pace among volunteers getting the new community led Kirkstall Valley Farm up and running. Land group lead Jenny Lawrence has the latest details…
The farm is now the proud owner of the big tractor, and Keith has already given it a thorough workout.
The top fields have all been cultivated and are (almost) ready for seed sowing of green manures. Keith has now started on the lower fields, which have been left fallow for a number of years.
I plan to use a summer green manure mix that contains Italian Ryegrass, Mustard, Fodder Radish, Trefoil, and a range of clovers.
This mix will fix Nitrogen from the air into the soil, and the deep roots will help to break up the deeper soil. Later we will decide if we mow it with the flail mower, or incorporate it into the ground and start again with a winter cover green manure.
I think it will depend on the level of weed cover that develops. There is so much couch especially around the edge, but this warm sunny weather is great for helping to kill it off as it is dragged to the surface through the cultivation.
I have already sown a mixture of Buckwheat and Phacelia into the plot in front of the poly tunnel, and there are signs of germination, but it has been so dry!
The veg plot is now beginning to look like a veg plot, with potatoes emerging, and the onions growing strongly.
In fact that is about all you can see as the rest is covered by swathes of white cosytex, which is a crop cover designed to keep the pests away and to give some weather protection.
We did get caught out with the frosts the other week though, as the potatoes and outdoor tomatoes that we had just planted looked very brown, but do seem to be making a come back.
After that experience I have held off planting the pumpkin and squash plants out, that many of you have grown and brought down, but we will make a start on that next week.
Things are happening in the poly tunnel as well
So one day a volunteer turned up with a load of free wood on her roof rack, and said that a local industrial unit was dismantling their section, and there was plenty more to be had.
Fortunately Keith had his big trailer so after two further visits, we now have quantities of 4 to 5 metre lengths of 2 x 6 and lots of plywood. With this we have built sturdy bed frames for the tunnel, and four of those are now planted up with tomatoes: 64 plants in fact, and I have cucumber, chillies and aubergine plants growing on to plant up another 4 frames.
The frames are designed to stack together to make a raised bed for winter use.
The structures group have started on designing and constructing a compost toilet, mark one, behind the tractor shed. There are plans for ‘mark 2’ and ‘mark 3’ later as well. All that free timber will be put to good use.
Talking of free things, we have been gifted with three polytunnel frames, by Leeds City College, from the old Horsforth campus site.
They are very large tunnels, 8m by 26m, and will be a tremendous asset to our year round growing capabilities. Just a small matter of dismantling and transporting back to the farm. We will then need to construct and cover. So between us we are going to be learning quite a bit about building tunnels.
We only found out yesterday, so need to sit down and work out a plan of how to go about it. Very grateful already for offers of help, but if you have experience with building work, and would like to help, we would like to hear from you!
One thing we will need to sort out is transport, as we will need a flat bed or similar to transport 6m (20 foot) lengths, so if anyone knows a company who could help us, or if you have a suitable commercial license to drive such a vehicle, that we could hire, then again please get in touch. Ideally we get the tunnels dismantled and moved by July. We will aim to get them up again in the autumn.
Also, please start saving your fruit punnets, as they could be good for our tomato harvest!
Best wishes, and happy gardening.
Jenny Lawrence (Land Group Lead) – kvfarm.ji@gmail.com
Already sold: Armley Grange. Photo: Mark Stevenson
Formal plans to transform historic Armley Grange into a specialist school have been submitted to Leeds City Council.
Grade II-listed Armley Grange was bought last year from Leeds City Council by Horizon Care and Education for use as a specialist school for children aged seven to 19 years.
Horizon have now submitted a planning application to alter and refurbish the former mansion and day centre building.
It is intended the Mansion House building will form teaching spaces for the older pupils and will stick to the current layout of the building, where possible. A design statement submitted by developers says:
“As part of the refurbishment work no existing walls will be removed to create teaching spaces. Instead lightweight partition walls are proposed, this will enable the building to function as an SEN school while retaining the existing form and safeguarding of the elements of historical interest.
“In all classrooms suspended ceilings are proposed, these form two functions. Firstly, the suspended ceiling is detailed to protect the cornice and ceiling roses. Secondly reducing the ceiling height helps to keep children feeling secure, contained and focused on lessons. Ceilings will terminate below [the] picture rails.”
The Mansion house will cater for between 20-30 students across two floors within the existing building footprint. 26 members of staff will work across the annex and mansion.
Planning application: Armley Grange. Photo: Mark Stevenson
The design statement concludes:
“The Mansion house as retained a number of original decorative interior features which should be preserved for future generation to enjoy, but it is also important to ensure the building does not fall into disrepair as a consequent of abandonment.
“There are several signs of deteriorations due to neglect already and with every downpour further damage is cause to the historical fabric. We believe the proposed ‘conceal and protect’ approach provides the best opportunity for historical elements to remain in their current condition.”
The plans, submitted to Leeds City Council last week, can be viewed here.
Aerial photo of the Armley Grange site. Photo: Google. Map: Keely Bannister
Related works to the annex building and the site layout were approved by the council in March.
Bramley Baths is currently closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Photo: John Baron
Community-led Bramley Baths is targeting 200 people to join its Friends of Bramley Baths scheme to help keep it afloat during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The social enterprise, based in Broad Lane, temporarily closed in March and, like many independent businesses, is facing challenging times financially.
More than 100 people have already signed up to becoming a Friend, but Baths bosses are today asking for one last push to see the Baths reach its target of 200 Friends by the end of June.
Becoming a Friend will give people the chance to get even closer to the Bramley Baths family. Friends have voting rights at its AGM and receive a raft of benefits including badges, a water bottle, a special invitation to a celebratory event when the Baths re-open, and more.
“The response from people has been brilliant and we’re touched and humbled that so many people have signed up so far.
“But times are difficult for independent businesses like us. We’re determined to remain at the heart of the Bramley community, despite our temporary closure, and are re-newing our appeal for people to pledge their support. Having 200 Friends will help us to re-open when it is safe to do so.
“By becoming a Friend you’ll also become more closely involved with the warm, sociable and friendly Bramley Baths family, as well as doing your bit by supporting a much-loved community institution. If you can, please help shape our future by becoming a Friend of Bramley Baths for the price of a swim, class or steam each month.”
The Grade-II Listed Baths dates back to Edwardian times and has been community-led since a group of dedicated West Leeds residents took over the lease from Leeds City Council in 2013.
The building opened in 1904. It now provides affordable access to fitness and is a hub for socialising and friendship at the heart of the Bramley community.
Don’t be selfish, take your litter home with you! That’s the massage from Farnley 10-year-old Emma Thompson, who’s encouraging people to take a pride in their community and environment. Here’s her letter:
In these sad times we have been going on local daily walks and this has opened our eyes to how beautiful nature is, as well as the wonderful sights around us.
Then one day (20th May, 2020) around 7.30pm we walked to meet Dad from his work in Pudsey. We walked across Old Farnley recreation ground, where we encountered several large groups of people who were not “social distancing” and who were drinking from glass bottles which they left on the field.
We continued with our walk and vowed to return to the field and clear it of any litter to the best of our ability.
The walk takes around an hour. We arrived home about 9pm and collected a bucket and some bin bags to collect the litter.
We all put on a pair of rubber gloves and Mum, Ellie (my sister), my Dad and I walked back up to the field. I felt disgusted at the state the field was in – bags of litter and cans and broken glass everywhere, even a plastic broken chair.
Here is a statement from a local angry and concerned mum:
“I was appalled with the state of the field. It resembled the aftermath of a festival; there was broken glass everywhere and little silver canisters that I then had to explain to my child what they were. I’m all up for a good party but have a thought for others and clean up after yourself.”
My sister Ellie also had an opinion:
“When we walked to the field, I was confused and annoyed at the clear lack of respect and consideration for others these people had. It sickens me to think that anyone would leave it in such a state when they were aware that children played on this field.
“After weeks of lockdown people were beginning to return to the area and it seemed unfair their experiences should be ruined by the broken glass and litter that the selfish individuals didn’t take home.”
The recreation ground is used for football and other local games.
Plenty of families walk across that field every day with younger children: they picnic there and play games with their families.
We’ve even ventured up ourselves with the push bikes and rode around the field, and our baby brother Freddie toddled around with a small football.
The field is right next to a primary school and also a high school. This makes it very dangerous for the students to walk home. Ironically, the government’s slogans are #stayalert #stayhome #staysafe. In the surrounding areas there are lots of animals too. The other day we even saw a deer run down our own street!
Please, please, please never ever do what these selfish people did. Take your litter home, clear up, look after our environment and nature. Stay at home, stay safe and, most importantly, protect the NHS.
Yesterday West Leeds Dispatch reported problems with dumped rubbish and vandalism in Swinnow. There have also been similar reports of problems in Queens Park in Pudsey, Armley Park and Bramley Park.
A man who died in the River Aire this weekend has been named as Farnley Academy teacher Lewis Howlett.
Mr Howlett, aged 25, had taught English at Farnley Academy for the past three years.
Farnley Academy, where Mr Howlett taught.
As previously reported, Mr Howlett entered the river at Redcote Lane in Kirkstall at 8.30pm on Saturday but vanished beneath the surface and failed to emerge. He was with a friend.
In a letter to parents today, Farnley principal Chris Stokes described the popular teacher as a ‘rising star’. He said:
“At just 25 years old, Lewis was an absolute rising star. He was in his third year with us at The Farnley Academy and was known and respected by all.
“Lewis’ ability to teach English was just astonishing. Having personally witnessed him teach on a number of occasions he sought every opportunity to bring the subject to life.
“Lewis promoted literacy and a love of reading to all and had a unique ability to engage even the most disengaged reader. Such was the quality of Lewis’ teaching, after just 12 months working in the academy, Lewis took on his first management responsibility as a ‘Teaching & Learning Leader’.
“Coupled with this, Lewis volunteered to lead the school in our efforts to promote Oracy through our Trust wide Voice21 programme.
“Whilst standing in Lewis’ classroom this morning, admiring his wall of thank you cards from students, it is so abundantly clear that Lewis had so much more to give and had he had the opportunity would have gone on to achieve great things for our school and the wider teaching profession.
“Our community is absolutely devastated by his untimely death.”
The school’s inclusion team have been contacting parents of children who are most likely to be distressed by this news. The school has put in place a variety of support offerings for staff and pupils.
A major police and fire service search found Mr Howlett’s body in the early hours of yesterday morning (Sunday).
UPDATE 2.56pm:
A statement from his family said:
“We are devastated by the sudden loss of our son Lewis.
“He was loved by all who knew him and our lives will never be the same without him.
“The family now ask for privacy so we can grieve.”
Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of Leeds District CID, warned of the dangers of swimming in open water. He said:
“This is an absolutely tragic loss of the life of a young man, and his family and friends have been left completely devastated.
“Our sympathies are very much with them, and with the school community, at what will be an understandably difficult time.
“Although we are still working to establish the full circumstances of this incident to assist the Coroner, his death does appear to starkly illustrate the dangers of swimming in open water.
“We hope that people will recognise the risks and the tragic consequences that can occur and avoid swimming in open water, no matter how tempting it might be in the hot weather.”
Police and Yorkshire Water issued a warning on Saturday morning following an incident where a 12-year-old girl was taken to hospital after getting into difficulty while swimming at Ardsley Reservoir, in Leeds.
Local neighbourhood policing teams have also dealt with a number of incidents over the weekend with groups congregating at rivers and reservoirs.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s District Commander for Leeds, Andy Farrell, said:
“We are very saddened to hear about this tragic loss of life and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Lewis Howlett.
“With the recent good weather it’s tempting to go for a swim in rivers, lakes or reservoirs but you can quickly get into trouble with devastating consequences.
“We urge people to be extremely vigilant around open water. Even if you consider yourself to be a strong swimmer, you can suddenly get out of your depth or be taken unawares by hidden undercurrents or cold water shock.”
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, said:
“It is heart-breaking to hear that a man has died in these circumstances and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
“We understand that it can be tempting to go for a swim on a summer’s day, however, swimming in open water brings many unnecessary risks. We urge people to think twice about entering unsafe waters.”
