A community group to support and improve historic Leeds’s smallest nature reserves been officially formed at a public meeting.
The Friends of Farnley Fish Pond group will organise and take part in activities such as litter picking, applying for funds to improve the area, and planting and reporting problems among other things.
The recent meeting at Farnley Community Centre formed a constituted community organisation with the aim of setting up a bank account. An elected vulnteer chair, treasurer and committee were also elected.
There included:
Peter Allison – Chair
Lewis King – Treasurer
Hannah Noble – Secretary
The group will meet again next month (March).
Peter Allison can be contacted on peter.allison@farnleycommunitycentre.co.uk.
Protesters campaigning against the closure of Stocks Hill Hub in Armley outside Leeds Civic Hall. Photo: John Baron
By John Baron
Campaigners have held a protest outside Leeds Civic Hall as councillors arrived for a meeting of full council this afternoon.
Job losses and a council tax rise are among measures which councillors hope will help Leeds City Council save £103.8m during 2025/26.
As part of its cuts, the council is aiming to close Stocks Hill Hub in Armley, which campaigners say provides a lifeline service for many people with mental health issues. Services would be moved to Horsforth.
Service users lobbied councillors as they entered the Civic Hall. Norman Forsyth said: “This relocation will make the service inaccessible for many as it’s so far from where many users live.Some of us have anxiety travelling such long distances.
“As a bus user living in Armley, you’d have to catch a 16/72 service into Leeds city centre, and then a 50A out to Horsforth. It’d take around an hour and a half just to get there.
“Attending Stocks Hill and the face to face service they provide, in an area of Leeds we can access, keeps us stable.
“Relocating this service will have a negative impact on our mental health. Some of us will end up seriously unwell.”
Other campaigners said Stocks Hill was a local lifeline for them and that travelling to Horsforth by public transport wasn’t practical.
Campaigners spoke to Armley councillors Andy Parnham (Lab) and Lou Cunningham, (Green) as they attended the full council meeting.
It’s understood a final decision on the future of Stocks Hill is due at a forthcoming meeting of senior councillors at the decision-making executive board.
Speaking at today’s full council meeting, council leader James Lewis (Lab) said that between 2010 and 2014 there had been a reduction of £2.7 billion in council funding from central Government. He spoke of the difficulty councils faced with balancing their books.
“This is the legacy we are dealing with,” Cllr Lewis added.
Conservative group leader Cllr Alan Lamb (Wetherby) acknowledged some of his party’s failings in national government but pointed to the financial crash of 2008 which had left many European economies as ‘sluggish’.
He said Leeds City Council had become “too big, too noisy and too bureaucratic”.
He also criticised the council’s ‘wasteful’ investment in Leeds City of Culture and cycle lanes.
Council tax will rise by 4.99 per cent as part of the savings plan. Some 1.99 per cent of the increase is a “social care precept”, a levy councils are allowed to include to help care for vulnerable people.
Extra central government funding meant the council avoided having to close Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall, a move which had been met with a public backlash. Cllr Lewis told full Council that work was already under way to look at measures to ensure the museum’s long-term sustainability.
The council proposed closing 30 bowling greens around the city, but then decided they would be maintained until the end of the 2025 summer season. A further consultation is planned on bowling green provision.
Plans to reduce funding for Neighbourhood Networks, which help elderly people live independently, by ten per cent would also not be needed.
Current plans include a review of 56 children’s centres around Leeds. In West Leeds this means children’s centres in Pudsey, Farsley, Swinnow and Bramley face an uncertain future. Centres currently run by schools could be brought under council control to save cash. No decisions have yet been made over closures or job losses.
A review of all the council’s ‘locality’ buildings in communities across Leeds will continue to be carried out.
Services under review also include children’s transport services, a possible reduction in the number of community committees and the council’s cultural investment programme. A final decision on the future of Pudsey Civic Hall is yet to be taken.
The council has warned compulsory redundancies may be needed to reduce staffing by the equivalent of more than 230 full-time posts.
A break in play as the sprinklers came on during the first half of Farsley Celtic's game at Chorley. Photo: Mark Rawlinson/Farsley Celtic
By John Baron
Playoff hopefuls Chorley inflicted a heavy defeat on an inexperienced Farsley Celtic side packed with youngsters from its emerging talent squad.
The young Celts, who have a lengthy injury list and have seen a number of experienced players leave over the course of the season, gave a good account of themselves but were beaten by the stronger side.
Manager David Stockdale made three changes to the starting 11 after a narrow 1-0 defeat against league leaders Chester, with Ebenezer Ameho, Luke Edmondson and Tom Priestley-Standing all coming into the side.
The visitors made the worst possible start. Nottingham Forest loanee Will Brook made a great reflex save to keep out an early Chorley attempt after just two minutes, but the keeper failed to deal with the resulting corner and Tom Carr turned the ball home from close range.
The home side continued to create chances, with Carr almost adding a second soon after.
Farsley almost fashioned an equaliser when Essa Janneh’s header was blocked behind for a corner.
A good double save from Brook saw him deny Carr and then Ellis from a corner, and the hosts shot wide when clean through on Brooks’ goal. Farsley were still in the game and Manny Mampala dragged a shot just wide of the post.
Chorley’s second came before half time when Tom Carr when he was slipped in and he kept his composure to slot past Brook to double Chorley’s lead.
Five minutes after the break Carr completed his hat-trick before Eze further extend the hosts’ lead with a half volley on 55 minutes.
many teams would have just folded, but to their credit the Farsley lads showed character, kept going and played some nice football at times.
The spirited Celts remained almost pulled one back on 65 minutes when a good spell of passing saw Thomas Priestley-Standing’s shot from the edge of the box saved by Matt Urwin.
Manny Mampala’s free kick from distance was tipped over by Urwin, who later denied Mampala’s rasping drive.
The game was Farsley’s seventh defeat in a row and the club is without a win since Boxing Day as off-field issues continue to dominate the season.
Rushall Olympic’s 6-1 defeat at Brackley helped Farsley move off the bottom and into 23rd in the Vanarama National League North.
Next up for the Celts is a trip to Buxton on Sunday as they play a ‘home’ game against promotion hopefuls Kidderminster.
The Bandstanders with the three Bramley & Stanningley councillors
By community reporter
Music and wellbeing were at the heart of an event held at Rossefield Manor rented housing with extra care facility in Bramley.
Ukulele group, The Bandstanders, entertained attendees at the event, which was also attended by Bramley and Stanningley councillors.
Sarah Waldron, care delivery community engagement worker for Adults and Health for Leeds City Council, said: “The event is for unpaid carers, but because people don’t see themselves as unpaid carers they are open to everyone.
“The reason I call it a ‘wellbeing’ event is because when you care for someone your wellbeing can sometimes not be your priority. A day centre can be a life line for people and keep someone in there own home for longer.”
At the event there was information on day services at Calverlands in Horsforth, Holt Park and Community Wellbeing Hub, as well as Carer Leeds information and Memory Care, who have products to support people with dementia.
The fire team were on hand to offer fall prevention leaflets, free pens and books, a funeral director came with information, a solicitor provided a free tombola, residents could have their blood pressure checked and the library bus attended. Also attending was lifeline organisation Presto, which offers a wide range of services to support people to live independently.
Everyone really enjoyed themselves and people got advice they needed.
Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe (Lab, Bramley & Stanningley) said: “It was fantastic. The residents looked like they were having a great time and I was really impressed with the feel-good attitude of the band!”
Cllr Adele Rae said: “Always lovely to see the Bandstanders! It’s nice to see the residents having a good time.” And Cllr Kevin Ritchie added: “A great event, and thank you to The Bandstanders for supporting it.”
Highways works have started while work to build a new permanent entrance for the new £13 million Pudsey Sixth Form College is carried out.
Contractors Caddick Construction are carrying out work on the new college, which is due to open off Kent Road in September this year. The latest scheme of work also includes footpath widening works.
Works will run from February 24 until May 14 from 8am and 6pm daily. Three-way traffic lights will be installed to keep traffic moving.
The move has been met with a mixed reaction on social media.
One local resident said: “I understand work needs to be done however feel this is becoming a very dangerous area double parking outside Kent rd mini market by parents and contractors trying to get out of my road at school time and left turning when children Walk straight out onto the zebra is an accident waiting to happen. Same situation at the bottom of Chaucer when coming down and turning onto Kent road contractors parking opposite the junction.”
Another added: :”As if getting out of Acres Hall isn’t bad enough as it is already.”
Caddick Construction has apologised for any inconvenience the work may cause and thanked local residents for their patience.
Pudsey Sixth Form College will be based next to Crawshaw Academy, on Kent Road, and is being built alongside associated car parking, access roads, and utilities.
Once complete, the teaching block will cater for 600 students aged 16-18.
Delivered on behalf of Luminate Education Group, the new site will expand sixth form provision across West Leeds, adding capacity to the further education facilities at Leeds Sixth Form College, Leeds West Academy, Crawshaw Academy, and Co-Op Academy Priesthorpe, who are all partners of the project.
Council highways officers have overruled an objection to a scheme aiming to make Armley’s roads safer.
No waiting at any time restrictions and a disabled parking bay are set to be introduced around the junction of Halliday Avenue with Armley Ridge Road.
There was one local objection, which raised concerns that cars could be displaced elsewhere. The objector also commissioned a traffic consultancy to evaluate the proposals.
A council report says the wider scheme addresses several key traffic issues around the Armley ward, including obstructive parking and providing a safer environment for the public.
The report says the restrictions will help restore sight lines for vehicles entering and exiting the junction of Halliday Avenue, while preventing vehicles from parking in ways that cause obstructions, delays, or safety issues on the public highway.
It added: “The proposals will displace a small number of vehicles throughout the nearby area as parking is removed, but this negative is mitigated by the benefits described above.”
Armley councillors are also in support of the scheme.
The city solicitor will now make, seal and implement the order.
Apartment plans: Chapeltown, Pudsey. Photo: Google
Plans to transform an empty floor of a building opposite Pudsey Cenotaph into two flats have been approved by Leeds City Council.
The plans, at number 11-15 Chapeltown, will convert the first and second floors of the property into two one bed flats, including some external and internal alterations to the building.
The area previously provided toilet and ancillary accommodation for number 9 Chapeltown, which operated as a sports bar and club next door until July 2024.
A design report submitted with the application said: “It is considered that this proposal will provide a positive viable use to what is currently vacant space, in a prominent location on a major thoroughfare through the town.
“Upon completion the development will provide a positive contribution to the streetscape and local area, adding to the vitality and sustainability of the town centre, whilst having no detrimental impact on the neighbouring properties or the area as a whole.”
A planning officer’s report approving the proposals concluded: “It is considered that the proposed development is acceptable and is compliant with planning policy and guidance.”
The plans, which also include internal and external alterations to the building, can be viewed in full here.
Purple bag collectors on. the can between Kirkstall and Burley. Photo: Judith Cain
Community litter pickers have been busy cleaning up along the side of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in West Leeds.
Photographer Judith Cain captured a walk along the canal from Burley to Kirkstall on a crisp February day and caught the community spirited clean up crew in action.
“Thank you to all the purple bag helpers who do so much good work for the local community,” said Judith.
Here’s a gallery of Judith’s walk:
Share your photos to WLD readers – email them to news@westleedsdispatch.com.
Additional reporting: Don Mort, Local Democracy Reporter
Campaigners fighting to save Stocks Hill Day Centre in Armley from closure are set to protest outside a full council meeting at Leeds Civic Hall on Wednesday.
Multi-million pound budget savings are expected to be approved when all 99 councillors in Leeds debate spending plans for the coming financial year.
Job losses and a council tax rise are among measures to help Leeds City Council save £103.8m during 2025/26.
The Labour-controlled authority has welcomed an extra £67m in government funding, which eased pressure on some council services. But it has warned that rising demand on children’s services and adult social care meant wide-ranging savings needed to be considered.
As part of its cuts, the council is aiming to close Stocks Hill Hub in Armley, which campaigners say provides a lifeline service for many people. Services would be moved to Horsforth.
Campaigners are planning to protest outside Leeds Civic Hall before Wednesday’s full council meeting.
Service user Norman Forsyth told WLD: “Stocks Hill Hub supports people with mental health issues not only in Armley, but people in Pudsey, Wortley, Burley, Farnley, Bramley and all the surrounding areas.
“There are other agencies who use the hub to support people with mental health issues.
“For the many people who meet there and support each other – and see their caseworker face to face to face and receive immediate support from them – this relocation will make the service inaccessible due to distance from their homes and anxiety travelling such long distances.
“Attending Stocks Hill and the face to face service they provide, in an area of Leeds we can access, keeps us stable.
“Relocating this service will have a negative impact on our mental health. Some of us will end up seriously unwell.”
Leeds Civic Hall.
The council’s revenue budget and council tax plans are expected to be agreed at a full council meeting on Wednesday (February 26).
A report to the meeting said rising inflation had hit the cost of goods and services and people in the city had reduced disposable incomes.
It said: “Looking ahead, the position remains challenging. Against a backdrop of uncertain government funding from April 2026, inflation and cost of living pressures have significant implications for the council’s finances, as do levels of demand.”
The council faces rising costs in services including adult social care, while central Government has underfunded local authorities across the country over the past 15 years
Council tax is set to rise by 4.99 per cent as part of the savings plan.
Some 1.99 per cent of the increase is a “social care precept”, a levy councils are allowed to include to help care for vulnerable people.
Extra central government funding meant the council avoided having to close Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall, a move which had been met with a public backlash.
The council proposed closing 30 bowling greens around the city, but then decided they would be maintained until the end of the 2025 summer season. A further consultation is planned on bowling green provision.
Plans to reduce funding for Neighbourhood Networks, which help elderly people live independently, by ten per cent would also not be needed.
Current plans include a review of 56 children’s centres around Leeds. In West Leeds this means children’s centres in Pudsey, Farsley, Swinnow and Bramley face an uncertain future. Centres currently run by schools could be brought under council control to save cash. No decisions have yet been made over closures or job losses.
Services under review also include children’s transport services, a possible reduction in the number of community committees and the council’s cultural investment programme. A final decision on the future of Pudsey Civic Hall is yet to be taken.
The council has warned compulsory redundancies may be needed to reduce staffing by the equivalent of more than 230 full-time posts.
Further savings will be needed in the following two financial years, the report said. The shortfall was estimated at £38.2m in 2026/27 and £30.1m in 2027/28.
The main hall at Bramley Community Centre. Photo by Mindy Goose
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The large hall and meeting rooms are open to the community.
We also have a smaller venue called Bramley Lawn, where many of our activities are held.
This cosy venue features a large meeting area with tables and chairs, a kitchen, accessible toilets and private meeting spaces.
Bramley Lawn can be found just off Rossefield Approach, LS13 3TG. It offers weekday, evening and weekend bookings which are available to the community.
Volunteers from the Friends of Kirkstall Abbey Park planting a tree.
By John Baron
Green-fingered volunteers are helping to improve the infrastructure and ecological diversity of Kirkstall Abbey Park.
The Friends of Kirkstall Abbey Park have already made a real difference to improving the parkland around the historic Abbey and museum by planting trees and wildflower meadows.
One of the most recent additions to the park is a community orchard of some 53 apple, pear, plum and hazel trees, with the aim of the community being able to pick the fruit and the Friends also holding juicing sessions.
Member Alan Crump says activities like tree planting are like having a workout in a ‘green gym’, with the added bonus of getting to meet new people and make new friends.
“It’s a great community asset,” said Mr Crump. “It’s a lovely place and hopefully we can make it even better, with more variety and diversity. We hope to encourage people to come here more often.”
As well as carrying out projects in the park, the Friends also see themselves as champions for it.
“We also have a role in putting pressure on the council to match up to their green plans, although they don’t necessarily have the resources to live up to it,” Mr Crump added. “It’s our job to be fair and diplomatic as we encourage them to make their spaces as ecologically diverse as possible.”
Volunteers have been busy digging beds just off the A65 for a wildflower bank, which they hope will further encourage insects, bees and small animals – as well as encouraging local people to make more use of the park.
Mr Crump says Kirkstall’s councillors have been very supportive towards the group, who are actively encouraging more people to join them, in light if the recent successful campaign to save Abbey House Museum from closure, which was high profile and has renewed people’s interest in the area.
The Friends, who boast around 15 members, aren’t the only group working in the area. Members of Hyde Park Source can be found most Wednesdays tending the memorial gardens next to the Abbey House Museum.
Mr Crump says the Friends have also forged close relationships with the Leeds Pétanque Club, which is located in the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey Park, next to the Vesper Gate pub.
The Friends have also benefited from a £5,000 donation from Morley Glass, and are always grateful for donations.
A special school in Stanningley is set for more environmentally friendly heating after plans to install four air source heat pumps were approved by council.
West SILC Milestone School, based in Town Street, successfully applied for permission to install the heat pumps in a bid to reduce bills and reduce its carbon emissions.
The pumps will be sited in an existing staff car park next to the school, stood on a proposed shallow concrete raft base.
As part of a city wide scheme in its buildings Leeds City Council is looking to remove its main gas boilers and gas-fired water heaters and replace this equipment with an efficient low carbon heating system.
Permission was granted in August 2024 for the installation of the same 4 ASHPs, but sited to the front of the school in the far western corner of the site. This application seeks permission for the same pumps but located closer to the existing plant room which is to the east of the school.
