Horsforth councillor champions Youth Summit

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March 29, 2025

By Jill Stocks

A Horsforth councillor has hailed the success of last week’s Youth Summit in Leeds.

Councillor Emmie Bromley (Lab, Horsforth), a Leeds City Council Youth Champion, described the summit as “a real day of engagement” as pupils from 12 schools across Leeds gathered for the event.

The Outer North West Community Committee Youth Summit took place last Thursday at Leeds Civic Hall with speakers addressing schools from across Leeds, including pupils from Horsforth High.

Horsforth High pupils receive a certificate of attendance

After some introductions by facilitator Kezia Roberts from Horsforth Walk of Art, Cllr Bromley, Chair of the ONW Community Committee, addressed the audience.

“I am so excited that you’re all here today. The reason that we invited you here today is so that we can have this conversation, this discussion, about what it is that you want in your community and what you would like to see across the city.

“These are things that we have the ability to do through the Outer North West Committee with a Youth Activity Fund.

“Across our city we are Child Friendly Leeds and this means that we really want to hear your wishes, make sure that you are engaged in communities and that you are happy and that there are wishes that you have that we hear as a city, that we make sure that we’re listening to you and that we can bring about in the best possible way for you.”

Cllr Bromley also outlined what the committee had funded in the past year based on feedback from that summit, such as additional Breeze events, art funding, holiday projects and Codswallop, a young people’s dance and drama group.

“Amongst many other things the event today will explain to you how you can get involved with Leeds Youth Council, become a member of the Leeds Youth Parliament, as well as get involved with the Leeds Children’s Mayor programme and other groups across Leeds.

“The Youth Summit will give you an opportunity to learn about democracy and what that means. I hope that in this room today that there are people that will engage with politics and will take the roles also to care about their communities in the future.”

After a human bingo icebreaker there was a presentation led by Emily Alderson from the Voice Influence and Change team, focusing on local democracy and looking at roles across the city for the younger generation to get involved in, such as Leeds Youth Voice Network, Leeds SEND Youth Council, and the Children in Care Council.

There was then an interactive session which looked at how democracy works including a project funding game before Ben Fraser from Active Leeds then re-energised everyone with three activity games.

Adam Ranson from Climate change then led the group in a series of activities around climate change, encouraging discussion around the issue through interaction.

Everyone was then invited to the council chambers where there was a Q and A session with local councillors and Leeds Children’s Mayor Esosa from St Patricks Catholic Primary School.

Leeds Childrens Mayor Esosa with Cllr Bromley

In the afternoon session, for the older pupils only, Lee Horne from West Yorkshire Police and Steve Harper from Youth Services and the 90 Minutes programme, were joined by Marcus Garvie from On the Verge, who gave a very hard hitting presentation recalling his lived experience of gangs and knife crime.

The day ended with a Q and A session for the councillors, who were presented with some searching and interesting questions by the audience.

Kezia Roberts posted on Instagram to share her feelings about the day.

“Had the absolute pleasure of facilitating the Outer North West Leeds Youth Summit 2025 today.

“What a wonderful thing to be part of! Teaching kids about democracy, climate change, and knife crime. Allowing them to speak freely and to help shape their own futures.”

Katie White MP: Horsforth is one of the best places to live. Here’s why I’m not surprised

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March 29, 2025

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Horsforth Hall Park. Photo: Friends of Horsforth Hall Park

By Katie White, Leeds North West MP

It’s always nice when your home patch gets the recognition it deserves. Last week, The Sunday Times named Horsforth one of the best places to live in the UK – and honestly, I can’t say I’m shocked. If you already live here, you’ll know exactly why.

Horsforth is one of those rare places that gets the balance just right. It’s got all the perks of city living – just ten minutes from Leeds by train – but with a proper community feel, fantastic green spaces, and a pace of life that means you can actually enjoy them.

It’s a town where you can start your morning with a bagel from Slow Rise Bakery or breakfast from Pooky’s, grab a coffee from Woodlawn, and settle in for lunch at Hooleos.

You can spend your afternoon wandering through Horsforth Hall Park (maybe even the Japanese gardens, if you fancy feeling a bit cultured) and then finish the day with a glass of something good from Once Upon a Vine.

And if that wasn’t enough, Bavette serves some of the best French food in the country – officially, according to The Good Food Guide.

And let’s not forget the social scene. Where else could you go from a stand-up comedy night to a pub quiz at a local craft brewery, all in the same week? Horsforth Brewery makes that possible, and it’s just one example of the way this town brings people together.

There’s also the monthly farmers’ market, two brilliant cricket clubs, and even a new WI group – Sisters of Horsforth – proving that community spirit is alive and well here.

Of course, it’s not just about great food, drink, and entertainment. Horsforth’s schools are among the best, its transport links are excellent (though I won’t pretend the ring road is anyone’s favourite place), and the broadband speeds are faster than you’d expect for somewhere that feels this green.

But if The Sunday Times really wanted to get it right, they might have looked beyond just Horsforth.

The whole of Leeds North West is the best place to live – though maybe I’m biased.

Where else can you enjoy a weekend walk up Otley Chevin with views across Wharfedale, take in the beauty of Golden Acre Park – a true jewel in our patch’s crown – or visit Abraham Moon & Sons in Guiseley, a Yorkshire institution weaving some of the finest fabrics in the country?

And let’s be honest, if you haven’t had a steak pie from Morton’s Butchers or fish and chips from Murgatroyds, have you really experienced the best of West Yorkshire?

So, yes, The Sunday Times has confirmed what we already knew. Horsforth is one of the best places to live in the UK – but if you want the full picture, you’ll have to explore a bit further. I promise, it’s worth it.

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Family homes plan submitted on Pudsey greenfield land

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March 28, 2025

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AlderDrive — The site, off Alder Drive, Pudsey. Photo: Google

By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

Houses could be built on a vacant plot of land in Pudsey, if the council agrees to planning permission.

The site off Alder Drive could be redeveloped into nine family homes with parking spaces and garages.

Permission is sought from Leeds City Council to build three, four and five-bedroom houses.

A design report by planning consultancy Johnson Mowat said: “All homes will be provided with private gardens or public amenity space and at least two off-street car parking spaces.

“Cycle storage will be provided where garages are not proposed. Electric vehicle charging points will be provided for each home.”

The report said part of the site was within the Leeds Green Belt, but was an appropriate place for new housing. The new homes would help meet a growing need for housing in the city.

The applicant said wildlife habitats would be improved as part of the development.

The report said: “The habitats introduced and enhanced by the development are expected to benefit various species including bats, hedgehogs and foraging and nesting birds.”

It added: “The site is located within a sustainable location in relation to access to services, facilities, employment opportunities and public transport links within reasonable distance.”

The plans can be viewed in full here.

Go purple with WLD’s litter pick at Burley Lodge

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March 28, 2025

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Join West Leeds Dispatch’s team of volunteer community reporters who are set to ‘go purple’ and carry out a community litter pick around the Burley Lodge Centre.

The Leeds Goes Purple campaign this weekend sees a range of community clean ups held across Leeds.

And WLD’s volunteers are doing their bit tomorrow (Saturday, 29 March) at 11.30am for an hour-long litter pick.

Meet at Burley Lodge, 42-46 Burley Lodge Road, LS6 1QF (what three words: cure, goal, enjoy). Refreshments will be served afterwards at our community newsroom at Bramley Lawn Social Centre.

WLD editor John Baron said: “What a fantastic idea by some of our community reporters to hold a litter pick in West Leeds to do our bit to It would be lovely to see as many of you as possible.

For details of more community litter picks in West Leeds this weekend, check out WLD’s what’s on section.

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Progress being made at Farnley Fish Pond

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March 28, 2025

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Improvements: Farnley Fish Pond. Photo: Katherine Turner

By Katherine Turner

Last year saw the restoration of this much-loved local beauty spot, located opposite Farnley Hall Park, almost completed. The last part of the works outstanding was attention to the footpaths and to make the area more accessible.

Contractors are now back on site completing the footpaths and already the area is looking much smarter.

As reported in WLD, the large-scale clean-up was finished in October 2024 where 3,500 tonnes of sediment was removed, new fencing erected and 5,500 plants introduced.

The smallest nature reserve in Leeds had been neglected for many years until contractors, Ebsford Environmental, were tasked by Leeds City Council to complete renovations.

The local community have welcomed the improvements to this beauty spot, describing it as a “better than when work started in the late 1970’s.”

Concerns from local residents that the area could quickly fall back into a state of disrepair, with rubbish strewn and anti-social behaviour led to calls for a Friends group to be created.

This Friends group has now been put together and a Secretary, Treasurer and Chair appointed. Plans have stalled slightly after the last Friends group meeting was unable to take place due to an issue with the meeting venue.

Councillors Adrian McCluskey and Kate Haigh (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) are looking for a resolution to this.

Cllr Adrian McCluskey told WLD: “For the past two weeks Leeds City Council’s Parks Department have been laying a new path around the pond and it looks amazing.

“They have also been resurfacing the vehicle ramp up to Hall Lane. Next week they will start on the pedestrian access points. This will involve repairing the steps from the Hall Lane end to the pond.

“The entrance at Butt Lane to the new path will be replaced, making the site much more accessible, attractive and with no mud! We are still awaiting a date for the new benches and bins, but it really looks so much better and can be used as the amazing community asset it is.”

Now is a great time to get involved and support this community asset, people are being encouraged to visit Farnley Hall Fish Pond and see how wonderful it has become.

If you are interested in joining the group email Cllr Adrian McCluskey (adrian.mccluskey@leeds.gov.uk) or Cllr Kate Haigh (kate.haigh@leeds.gov.uk).

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Step into Spring with Kirkstall in Bloom

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March 28, 2025

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KIB agm by Grace Hills — Volunteers at Kirkstall in Bloom AGM. Photo: Grace Hills

By Jim Corah

Volunteers at Kirkstall in Bloom are taking a step into Spring with a vision for the year ahead.

Plans for 2025 include a plant sale, hosting during Kirkstall Art Trail and another celebratory year for the Drink and Be Grateful Fountain.

The Kirkstall in Bloom committee met for their AGM and organising session. For personal and work reasons 2024 had been a difficult year for committee members, so it was good to be joined by Grace Hills to help inspire what to do in 2025.

As part of the AGM wonderful committee members were voted to retain their positions, Jim Corah as Secretary, Becky Nicholson as Treasurer, and Hannah Corah as Chair, and all members of the committee agree that they enjoy the impact their volunteering has in the community.

There has been negative impacts in the community. There’s been vandalism at the Drink And Be Grateful Fountain Garden, with the Kirkstall in Bloom sign being ‘pulled out’ and left a couple of hundred yards up the road.

Just before the AGM the community notice board was smashed. The committee is working on how to fix these things alongside maintaining the garden and improving the facilities. To do this there needs to be more volunteer support.

Looking back on 2024 one of the issues faced by KIB was encouraging volunteer support. There are some amazing volunteers who help KIB though it would be good to increase numbers through 2025. Having a more consistent presence on social media and promoting events more widely through West Leeds Dispatch will help.

Volunteering isn’t by being present for every hour of every session, Kirkstall in Bloom would be able to survive and blossom when members of the community gave a couple of hours every few months.

Volunteering also isn’t about knowing everything, Kirkstall in Bloom much prefer enthusiasm over experience because community gardening is an excellent opportunity to learn and develop new skills. Volunteering should always be fun for volunteers.

Kirkstall in Bloom have not received funding for projects from Leeds City Council for a couple of years. With Grace Hills’s input, along with fantastic volunteer Iola Shaw, Kirkstall in Bloom have put together a series of sessions and events that will help keep KIB in the heart of the community.

One of the projects Kirkstall in Bloom would like to complete is updating the benches at the Drink and Be Grateful Fountain Garden.

Many members of the public have told KIB that they enjoy sitting out in the garden, whether waiting for a bus or having a stop on a walk, even with the relentless traffic on the A65 the garden can be a mindful spot that catches the sun. The garden is a stop for Pokémon Go! and Kirkstall in Bloom are hoping to catch the imagination of geocachers.

Events for 2025 include a plant sale taking place on Saturday, 21 June 2025, hosting for Kirkstall Art Trail during the weekend of Saturday, 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025, and a birthday celebration for the fountain on Saturday 22 November 2025.

A full list of dates and times will be posted in the noticeboard (what is left of it) as well as the Facebook page.

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Wortley: Club urges people to be bowled over by bowls

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March 28, 2025

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Western Flatts bowling green — Join us: Western Flatts Bowling Green in Wortley. Photo: Katherine Turner

By Katherine Turner

West Leeds bowling greens face a battle to stay afloat after proposed council cuts.

Leeds City Council initially proposed to close 30 bowling greens in a bid to save £140,000 per year. There was a public outcry and, after a consultation, they agreed to maintain the greens until the end of this summer season.

A council report stated that the £140,000 saving would now need to be spread over two financial years. Season ticket prices are proposed to double and clubs must have at least 20 adult, paying members by the end of 2025. They will also become responsible for paying their full electricity costs from the 2025/26 season and full water costs from the season after.

This is a huge change and many clubs may struggle to survive.

Western Flatts Cliff Park Bowling Club in Wortley.

WLD spoke to Western Flatts Bowling Green in Wortley to see how they are coping with these sweeping changes.

Secretary Dean Lucas explained that they were devastated when the council announced the cuts: “Our green is over 100 years old and is a national heritage. People of all ages, genders and disabilities can gather here and form friendships.”

Their pavilion is relatively new at 30 years old and is the only bowling green in Leeds with facilities that enable them to be open all year round.

Dean was keen to highlight how the bowling green is a lifeline for many people, they want to “ensure that people are not left alone, especially in the winter months.”

With the increase in costs the club is having to come up with new ways to raise funds to keep them afloat. There is a fun day on Sunday, 24 August at 11am, including raffles, tombolas, stalls, a BBQ and a chance to have a try bowling.

On Sunday 25 May and Monday 26 May a “Big Bowls Bank Holiday Weekend Extravaganza” will be held, more information will be available on their website.

Every Saturday the club will be open and selling food and hot drinks and they will also be running weekly football cards and raffles.

On Good Friday, 18 April a free afternoon tea will be available from 1pm until 3pm as a thank you for those who have supported the club and a chance to try bowling will be available.

With bowling greens across the West Leeds area including Armley Park, Bramley Park, Horsforth, Westroyd Park in Farsley, New Farnley Park, Western Flatts Cliff Park, and Tyersal Park, local support is needed more than ever.

Dean explained how people can get behind their club: “For us to survive we need new members, any age or experience, please come and join us. We are a small club with a big heart, we will help you every step of the way.”

With the offer of subsidised green fees, (a year’s membership, including winter bowling will cost £50), it is clear that this club has the fight it takes to survive.

If you would like any more information, visit their Facebook page or contact Ann Lucas, Treasurer, by emailing annlucas2927@gmail.com

Artist deadline looms as Kirkstall Art Trail expands its opportunities

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March 28, 2025

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Kirkstall art trail — Workhouse Stories at Kirkstall Art Trail by Belinda May. Photo: Noelle Williamson

By Jim Corah

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With months to go until Kirkstall Art Trail returns in July plenty of planning and organisation is going on to put on the annual art in the community. There will be many different ways to get involved.

As the trail is primarily an event to encourage engagement and education in art in all its forms, Kirkstall Art Trail is looking for artists to contribute.

Building on last year’s success with increasing the art forms exhibited, KAT is would like submissions from many different artists.

This could be the finest of fine art, the most chiselled of stonework, perfect porcelain, or perhaps photography and poetry. All submissions come through the KAT page on CuratorSpace.

The Kirkstall Art Trail sign with Mickey the dog looking on. Photo: Mindy Goose

The deadline is Sunday, 6 April 2025 but keep an eye on Kirkstall Art Trail social media channels and their website on whether this is extended by another week.

The project has had funding from Leeds City Council’s Inner West Leeds Community Committee to run two neighbourhood specific projects.

These were launched in 2024 and Kirkstall Art Trail is looking to repeat the projects in the Glebes and Vicarages areas of Kirkstall. For 2025 KAT are looking to recruit an artist facilitator with skills in digital arts to work with residents in the Glebes, while the Vicarages is open to all types of artist facilitators. Details on the KAT website.

The art trail is an excellent way for visitors and residents to engage with art and artists. This year will mark a decade since the initial event in 2015, and since returning following the pandemic the “friendliest event on the calendar” has steadily re-established itself in terms of artists, volunteers and venues.

Kirkstall Art Trail is nothing without venues who give up their spaces to help exhibit art and host workshops.

Venues can be residential homes, businesses, community organisations and public spaces like the Kirkstall Abbey. KAT is hoping to encourage new venues to help host artists, ideally for both Saturday 19 July and Sunday 20 July 2025 though they are flexible and work with the hosts. Venues interested in potentially hosting should contact Kirkstall Art Trail via the contact form on their website.

Earlier in March 2025 the first ever Pancakes and Poetry event was held by Kirkstall Art Trail at the Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club, raising funds for the art trail while providing poetry, pancakes, and arty activities for visitors.

Returning for a second year will be the Poetry Trail, which will be formally launched in April along with the Kirkstall Art Trail Poetry Competition. Also returning will be the Kirkstall Art Trail Photography Competition and the upcycling fashion show.

With the growth in volunteer organisers, Kirkstall Art Trail has been able to run a more consistent approach to their website as well as their social media output.

Later in Spring Kirkstall Art Trail will begin looking for new volunteers to help during the event weekend. If you are available for a couple of hours or more there will be tasks that will ensure the smooth running of the art trail. Interested people can contact via the KAT website.

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Bramley boxer Billy Pickles wins silver title

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March 28, 2025

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Billy Victorious March 25 — Winner: Billy Pickles. Photo: Ben Sheldon

by James Bovington

Bramley boxer Billy Pickles has won the Commonwealth Silver Boxing Title in his super lightweight division on a show at the O2 in Greenwich.

He defeated Wiltshire’s Connor Gray over ten rounds by unanimous decision with the three judges all awarding six of the rounds to Pickles.

“It’s my first time on a show in the capital,” said Pickles, 30, “and I won a closely fought bout with a talented and previously undefeated southpaw.

“I loved every minute of the bout demonstrating my fight skills and entertaining my supporters by trading punches. Just like when I defeated Sheffield’s Keanan Wainwright last July I went to London as the underdog.

“Bringing the belt back to Leeds coupled with the amount of support shown has been amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough, supporters and sponsors.’

Pickles, 30, trains at Club Energy under Martin Bateson. He’s won 17 of his 18 paid bouts and is ranked 25^th out of 120 active UK super lightweight boxers.

Coach Bateson said: “I’m happy with how Billy’s done in his last two fights where he’s travelled to defeat the opponents on their shows.

“He’s proved that he has what it takes to challenge for bigger titles. Billy never underestimates his opponents so avoids mistakes from over-confidence.

“This recent win has rewarded him with the exposure and recognition he deserves. Some opponents have underestimated Billy’s skill, toughness and durability. What people love about Billy is his willingness to accept how hard a fight might have to be for him to dig deep. He left nothing in the gym having covered every angle. A boxer with the heart of a lion.”

Extra sponsorship would allow Pickles to give up full time work and concentrate exclusively on his boxing.

“That way I could win the Commonwealth title and become the next world champion from Leeds. As always, I want to thank my 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.”

Potential sponsors should contact him on Instagram @billytkpickles or by e-mailing billy.pickles@outlook.com.

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King praises local media as West Leeds Dispatch attends Palace reception

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March 27, 2025

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WLD editor John Baron (fifth from right) was among a group of independent publishers attending the event at Buckingham Palace. Photo: Joe McCann

West Leeds Dispatch joined local media outlets from across the UK at a special reception hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday evening.

Editor and co-founder John Baron was a guest at a reception recognising the important democratic role local media plays in society.

WLD joined around 20 independent publishers who were invited to rub shoulders with more than 350 industry leaders and media celebrities.

The reception was held in the main ballroom at Buckingham Palace, where the King, Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester mingled with guests.

WLD editor John Baron outside Buckingham Palace. Photo: Michael Casey

The reception comes as WLD this year celebrates its tenth birthday, publishing more than 11,700 articles during that time.

The King did not speak at the event, but in a statement he praised regional media for helping to “strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow”.

He said: “I have long believed that regional media, in all its forms, has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times.

“As I said in a speech to mark the tercentenary of Britain’s first daily national newspaper, back in 2002, the Press, alongside other long-standing institutions, is at the forefront of ‘defining, describing and celebrating the more profound values of our nation’.

“Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever – and it starts from the ground-up, at local level, in your hands.

“Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share. It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing. Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow.”

The King did acknowledge that journalists “won’t always get it right,” noting that “a free media is one that will and does make mistakes.” But he that “the industry at its best is a cornerstone of our democracy”.

“I know how commercial pressures and changing technologies have had a significant impact on your industry,” The King added. “But as the media landscape has changed, so too many of you have adapted and innovated, finding ways of sharing your journalism and engaging audiences in new and creative ways.

“It is in everyone’s interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer.”

WLD editor John Baron said: “It was an honour to be invited to Buckingham Place last night as a guest of the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) and a testament to the hard work of our volunteer-led board and community reporters over the past decade.”

Fifteen members of the Independent Community News Network (ICNN), of which WLD is a founder member, also attended.

WLD in Parliament

On Tuesday, John was in Parliament to back calls for Government action to save local news.

PINF launched the Local News Commission’s report Regenerating Local News in the UK, which argues a bold plan is needed to support local publishers who are fighting to survive.

It calls for a Local News Stimulation Fund to transform the future of local journalism and, with it, the fates of communities who desperately need resilience against false narratives and collapsing news business models.

Other key recommendations include increased regulatory pressure on big tech, tax incentives to support local news, a new workforce strategy and new relationships with both local councils and the BBC.

More details can be found here.

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Changes in the Kirkstall Valley?

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March 27, 2025

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John Preston looks ahead to the Kirkstall Park Charity expanding its environmental and social work in the valley.

The Kirkstall Valley Park charity and limited company was set up in 2005, by former Kirkstall councillor John Illingworth and has worked through the last 20 years championing the Park concept and advocating where possible to take the idea forward.

Several design studies have been done by students from Leeds Beckett University School of Landscape Architecture. Sadly, major funding to implement the connectivity at the heart of the vision has not been forthcoming.

Kirkstall Valley Development Trust (KVDT) was established in 2016 and the original aims included environmental aspirations, including the Valley Park.

KVDT successfully took on the Kirkstall Valley Farm in 2019 and by the time of the Covid pandemic a more social mission had also developed, and this evolved into the Community Hub, Food Pantry etc now based at St Stephen’s Church Hall.

Some of the grants and trusts that could support the social side aspects of KVDT are only open to registered charities and KVDT is a community benefit society.

It is proposed that the Kirkstall Park Charity takes on some of the social projects run by KVDT and that representatives of KVDT join the KVP board. It is time for some of the KVP founders to retire and let others take forward the vision.

The two organisations would be legally independent, with their own trustees/directors, accounts etc, but would share the same vision and mission, branding and strategy with a formal legal agreement governing how they will work together to achieve shared goals.

Developing KVP instead of creating a new charity offers a number of advantages as it creates an opportunity for KVP to continue and develop and deliver a wider range of projects in collaboration with KVDT.

KVDT can begin fundraising for social projects sooner as they will not need to create a new organisation. In time KVDT may become the trading arm of KVP, but this all takes time.

Both parties have considered the proposal, and a meeting of the KVP Board on 27th March formally approved the changes. The next step is to hold an AGM which will be online on Thursday 24^th April at 11am.

If anyone wishes to comment on the change, or would like to join the new board, please contact Adele.Rae@kvdt.org.uk.

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Centre offers support to stay warm despite rising costs

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March 27, 2025

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New Wortley warmth centre — The New Wortley Community Centre Team who worked tirelessly preparing for launch day along with Northern Gas Networks Centre for Warmth Coordinator Carole Marshall. From left: Rebecca Foster, Carole Marshall, Andrea Edwards, Rebecca Hunter, Sarah Malone, Ana Sangil and Rhea Bentley )

By Rebecca Hunter

New Wortley Community Association is collaborating with Northern Gas Networks to help local residents to stay warm while minimising household expenses.

They aim to support individuals and families who may be worried about their own well-being or that of vulnerable friends and family members.

The initiative began with a well-attended launch event, featuring speeches, a complimentary buffet, and a special raffle where lucky attendee Pat won an air fryer (below)!

Sarah Malone, from the Centre for Warmth, said: “The launch of the Centre for Warmth was a wonderful event with plenty of positive feedback!

“Rising energy costs are a significant concern for many, particularly for vulnerable individuals and families. We’re here to help in any way we can.

“Please drop by or reach out via e-mail at centreforwarmth@newwortleycc.org.”

If you’re seeking advice, feel free to visit New Wortley Community Centre every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 11am. You can enjoy a cup of tea and breakfast while receiving valuable guidance.