The first steps towards parts of Armley getting permanent speed cameras were taken at an Armley Forum meeting this week. Community reporter Josie Armitage reports …
The Armley Forum took place at the Armley Community Hub in the evening of 17th September 2019. It was well attended by members of the local community and chaired by Councillor Jim McKenna (Lab, Armley).
Updates from West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council Highways on road traffic concerns, the proposed Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) mental health facility at St Mary’s Hospital and Armley Gyratory improvements were on the agenda.
Most of the meeting focussed on road traffic concerns, specifically speeding and dangerous driving on Stanningley Road, Armley Grange Drive and Green Hill Road.
The local residents and community were very frustrated with the lack of progress to address these issues, especially after recent fatalities on Stanningley Road and the real risk of further tragedies.
Armley residents recently took part in a speed awareness day of action to highlight the problems with speeding in the locality.
There were differences of opinion as to the success of this, with residents highlighting that these would be best carried out at peak and known troublesome traffic times such as 8am, 6pm and late at night.
Leeds City Council Highways updated that they had now analysed the evidence and traffic statistics, and these met the criteria for mobile camera enforcement.
This would be an interim measure which would act as a deterrent to some traffic offenders.
The current evidence and information do not meet the criteria for fixed cameras. LCC Highways are making a recommendation for mobile camera enforcement in three to four sites in the area to West Yorkshire Camera Partnership, who are responsible for camera enforcement.
The outcome of the discussion was that the forum would support the collation of evidence for mobile cameras as an interim first step with the ultimate aim being fixed camera enforcement.
Residents are requested to report instances of speeding/dangerous driving, including dash cam footage to the Neighbourhood Policing Team at West Yorkshire Police to build up a body of evidence to supply to LCC Highways to support their recommendation to the West Yorkshire Camera Partnership for fixed cameras.
The forum also support the reduction of the speed limit from 40 to 30 miles an hour.
Armley Gyratory improvements
An update was provided by representatives from Leeds City Council and AECOM on the open consultation regarding the proposed improvements to the Armley Gyratory.
The public have provided their views online and two local drop in sessions have taken place with the opportunity for more detailed and feedback from residents and those who live in the vicinity.
Feedback so far includes the need for all approaches including Wellington Road to be traffic lighted and improved routes for pedestrians and cyclists using the landscaped area in the centre to encourage people to travel into the city centre via these modes.
The forum had the opportunity to ask more detailed questions and provide their views.
Representatives from the NHS and CAMHS updated the forum on the proposed development of a 22-bed unit for Leeds for children and adolescents with mental health issues including eating disorders and self harm.
St Mary’s Hospital. Photo: Mark Stevenson
This unit would be built on the St Mary’s Hospital site and would revitalise the use of the hospital which has been declining.
The unit would be locked. Parking would be on site for parents and carers. The forum support this much-needed facility.
Armley is having a mural party this Saturday – and you are invited! writes Keely Bannister.
Assembly House on Canal Road commissioned four murals to be created around Armley and now they are hosting an unveiling party on Saturday 21st September.
As part of the celebrations, there will be walking tours of the new art, a chance to meet the mural artists and explore Assembly House artist studios, with refreshments such as a barbeque and drinks served.
While the studio doors will be open from 12pm until 5pm, the walking tours will be happening between 1pm and 4pm.
The mural project was a joint venture between Assembly house and Armley Action Team with support from Leeds Inspired and Seagulls Paint, which gave new and emerging artists a paid opportunity to showcase their artwork.
Friends of Kirkstall Abbey will hold a gardening day in the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey this September, writes Jim Corah.
On Saturday 28th September 2019 the group of volunteers will be working on their first project, the walled garden that is to the left of the café.
Cllr Fiona Venner (Lab, Kirkstall) said:
“The newly formed Friends of Kirkstall Abbey Park are a small, friendly group of local residents. We all love the Abbey and want to make the grounds even more beautiful.
“Please join us if you would like to be part of our first project in the walled garden.”
Tools and experience are not necessary but you could “bring your favourite gardening tool”.
The group work with Leeds City Council’s Parks and Countryside to maintain and develop the Abbey Park for local and Leeds residents to continue to enjoy.
The Friends’ first project will be the walled garden, and they will be working along with Hyde Park Source’s Health and Wellbeing Group.
The health and wellbeing group meet to garden in the Abbey every Wednesday afternoon.
Friends of Kirkstall Abbey Park will bring equipment for volunteers to use, though if you want to please feel free to bring gloves and any of your own equipment.
Council officers have tried to allay fears that the redevelopment of Fullerton Park into a training ground will lead to more match day parking problems for residents in areas such as Wortley, writes Keely Bannister.
Fullerton Park, which is currently used for match day parking, is based next to Elland Road stadium.
The reassurance was given at the executive board meeting on Wednesday, 18th September when a report on Parklife plans were discussed.
Under the Parklife programme, the council and Leeds United are working with other partners to build training facilities on the car park and nearby former Matthew Murray school site.
Calverley & Farsley ward councillor and leader of the Conservative group, Andrew Carter, asked for reassurance on matchday parking:
“I could be reading this wrongly, but it seems to me that we are reducing the amount of car parking.
“Are we content there will still be sufficient parking when Leeds United, and I say when Leeds United, go into the premier league. Also a colleague has raised some issues about the park and ride facility properly facilitating this undertaking at Fullerton Park: perhaps some clarification on that would be helpful.”
Martin Farrington, Leeds City Council’s Director of City Development, responded that, as a legacy of the Euro ‘96 competition and with or without the Parklife proposal being brought forward, Elland Road currently has “significantly more” car parking than the 2,750 places which is recommended for the stadium.
Mr Farrington said there was a “significantly greater” amount of surface car parking than many of the top flight football clubs in the country. He added:
“Through this exercise, what’s clear – and I think this is why Leeds United have been very responsive – is the need for them to have a new green travel plan.
“In terms of how their staff arrive on match days, where their staff park, and how people access the stadium rather than us just providing surface car park immediately adjacent to the ground, which in terms of picking up on the broader climate change agenda is not an approach that we’d want to nurture in the long term.
“I think that’s why in bringing this report forward, Leeds United have been proactive in doing a new travel plan because this proposal will be subject to a planning application and it will require the traffic planning issues to be properly considered.”
The Parklife report states that possible options for a travel plan could include:
Measures to promote walking routes to the stadium from the city centre
Enhanced cycle parking at the stadium
Options to promote bus discounts for match day ticket holders
Better promotion of sustainable travel options to season ticket holders
Review parking arrangements for match day staff
Match day parking on Leeds United home games has long caused problems in Wortley, with fans spilling out from the stadium car parks into residential streets.
Long-standing Farnley & Wortley Green Party councillors Ann Blackburn and David Blackburn have been working on finding a solution to the issue such as an introduction of resident only parking, but to no avail.
Former Farnley & Wortley Labour councillor Matt Gibson tried to negate the issue by convincing a business to open its car park on match days for a small charge, but the scheme was unsuccessful as people preferred the free parking on offer on surrounding neighbourhood streets.
Fullerton Park currently provides what is described in a report as “poor quality surface grade car parking” for 500 vehicles on match days which would be lost as part of the redevelopment.
Elland Road also hosts a park & ride facility which is currently being expanded to a capacity of 1,350 by summer 2020, but 50 spaces would be lost to the redevelopment.
Popular trampoline park Oxygen Freejumping at Cardigan Fields has been forced to suddenly close its doors today, writes Keely Bannister.
Announcing the decision via Facebook, a company statement revealed that the site has been struggling for several months:
“For the past several months the site has been operating under a license following the administration of the business.
“During this time, we have sought to agree to a new lease with the landlord and improve the performance of the site.
“However, despite the best efforts of everyone involved we have not been able to secure a sustainable future for the site and so have no choice but to close.”
The statement went on to say the decision had been “very difficult” to make and the company wished the “excellent team of leisure professionals” who were previously in the employ of the company success.
Full refunds will be issued to anyone who has a booking of any type from 18th onwards, and staff will be contacting all bookers directly.
The Facebook announcement was greeted with shock and disappointment by customers.
Bronagh O’Neill commented:
“So disappointing – been coming for years with my own children and bring a group of young people here regularly – my favourite trampoline park!”
Lisa James, who works for an autism support group, added her thoughts:
“I run sessions here every Sunday forZigZag Leeds Autism Support Group, have you closed already? Can’t believe no-one has contacted me.”
However, there was some better news with Bradford-based Funzy Theme Park reaching out to staff:
“Really sorry to hear about this, If any staff are looking for work we are recruiting staff with a specific skill set relating to this type of environment. We are located directly across from Bradford Interchange. Hopefully we can help some of you out!”
Anyone with questions regarding refunding of bookings should call 0333 2000 349.
People in Bramley and Stanningley are invited to a public meeting to discuss changes to Bramley Bus Interchange – and the controversial scrapping of the two-plus lane on Stanningley Road.
The next Bramley Forum meeting on Thursday 26th September will discuss a number of traffic and transport issues in the Bramley area.
There include proposed improvements to the bus interchange at Bramley Shopping Centre, with the opportunity to hear directly from Firstbus and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
A consultation has been launched on improvements to Bramley Bus Interchange.
As revealed by The Dispatch this week, improvements would include improved waiting environment and facilities, better travel information and enhanced, safe, pedestrian routes.
Questions can be asked about local buses and plans to introduce a bus lane to replace the two plus lane on Stanningley Road as part of a £10 million scheme to bring in bus priority measures along the A647 corridor between Leeds and Bradford.
Councillors Jools Heselwood, Caroline Gruen and Kevin Ritchie (Labour, Bramley and Stanningley).
Forum chair Councillor Caroline Gruen (Lab, Bramley & Stanningley) said:
“As local councillors, Jools Heselwood, Kevin Ritchie and I hope to meet a lot of residents with an interest in the local bus services and traffic issues.
“We are really keen to hear their views and questions and feel it is really important this information is taken into account by transport and highway officials.”
The meeting will be held at 7pm at the Eric Atkinson Centre, Wellington Gardens, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 2JA.
Refreshments and nibbles will be available from 5.30pm this Friday, 20th September, with live music at KVDTs new community hub at Unit 11 Kirkstall Bridge Shopping Centre.
The Dispatch is currently running a community reporters course from the unit.
Kirkstall Valley Development Trust is a community owned and run society which was set up in 2016.
The group aims to develop a learning and leisure park over 200 acres of inner Leeds. They are looking to refurbish the Grade II listed Abbey Mills, set up Kirkstall Valley Farm and they are working with partners on a number of projects to improve the environment including through the award of Kirkstall Valley Grants.
Planning officers have granted permission for a former Leeds City Tramways electrical substation on Abbey Road in Kirkstall to be converted into seven self contained flats, writes Keely Bannister.
The conversion is made up of two one-bedroomed and five two-bedroomed flats.
With the building being located on the busy Abbey Road, highway concerns have caused delays in the planning process – which has taken 11 months to be concluded. Negotiations over off-road car parking were a major sticking point.
Originally applicant Piccadilly Properties planned for nine flats with only four parking spaces provided in an enclosed side yard.
With 11 parking spaces required for nine units, negotiations took place which saw the applicant agree to reduce the number of flats to seven and provide five parking spaces – four in the enclosed side yard and a single space to the frontage of the development made possible through the removal of some steps.
Numerous highway conditions have been placed on the development that must be adhered to including a car park and servicing management plan being submitted before any work begins and electric vehicle charging points must be installed.
Another discussion point around the development is the historical significance of the building and its prominent position on an unpopulated section of a major road.
“The building forms a prominent landmark on this stretch of Abbey Road, which is otherwise relatively unpopulated and mostly wooded.
“It is a handsome, substantial stone building of some age and with an important historical link to the extensive former tramway network in Leeds, which was closed down more than sixty years ago and of which little visible evidence now remains.
“On balance it is considered that this is a good conversion scheme which if sympathetically carried out will preserve the character of this historic landmark building and safeguard its future.”
Built in 1906 from natural stone, the building was used to supply power to the No.4 tram route from Woodside Avenue and Kirkstall Road to the Hawksworth Road terminus.
It was decommissioned in 1948, almost ten years before the end of tram service in Leeds, but retains some of its original features including a pair of double-height doors at the front.
The buulding was previously used as an industrial unit by NJ Metals Gates and Railings.
You can view all of the documents relating to this development here.
New Pudsey Station. Photo: Ian Kirk, used under Creative Commons licence
Consultation is taking place on initial £600,000 proposals to make walking and cycling links in Pudsey more accessible and desirable, writes Keely Bannister.
Due to the distance between the locations, 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), seek to address these issues by improving the quality of walking and cycling routes through widening and resurfacing some paths, improving crossing points and adding clear signage.
This scheme provides improvements to the following areas between the centre of Pudsey and New Pudsey Station:
Signage:
Junction of Old Road and Bradford Road
Across the railway tracks from New Pudsey Square
Between Pudsey Primrose Hill Primary School and the underpass across Stanningley Road
Junction of Westdale Drive and Thorpe Road
Junction of Brunswick Road and Lodge Road
Junction of Brunswick Road and Richardshaw Lane
Top of Vicarage Drive
Middle of Tofts Road
Three locations along Church Lane
Existing public footpath resurfacing:
Footpath opposite Old Road towards the bottom of New Pudsey Square (next to railway)
South east edge of Mark and Spencers car park, leading to the edge of Stanningley Bypass
Between Westdale Drive and Westdale Road
Between Westdale Gardens and Cemetery Road
Between Cemetery Road and Meadowhurst Gardens
Vicarage Drive
Existing footpath widening:
From New Pudsey rail station car park, along the railway to Owlcotes car park
Footpath near Westdale Grove
Junction of Cemetery Road and Highfield Green to Tofts Road
Enhancement of route:
Pedestrian route from the footpath from the railway alongside Owlcotes and around the side of Marks and Spencers, to the edge of the car park
Advisory Cycle route along a road:
Primrose Hill
Thorpe Road – Lodge Road – Brunswick Road – Richardshaw Lane to the crossroads of Lidget Hill and Church Lane
Junction of Westdale Road and Westdale Gardens to the junction of Westdale Road and Highfield Green
Underpass Improvements:
Stanningley Bypass underpass
Under Stanningley Bypass (near Pudsey Primrose Hill Primary School)
Formal/Informing Crossing (subject to further assessment):
Junction of Westdale Road and Westdale Gardens
Junction of Westdale Road and Highfield Green
Specific plans for New Pudsey Railway Station are:
To raise awareness of safe and convenient routes from Pudsey town centre to New Pudsey rail station for pedestrians and cyclists and to make the routes legible and easy to follow by introducing additional wayfinding signs
To enhance some of the local footpaths to maximise the potential to use direct links and make walking to the railway station a pleasant experience
To enhance cycling links to the railway station and the cycle superhighway by creating a signed on-road cycle route and provide additional/ improved traffic-free linkages
To look at opportunities to enhance crossing points to make walking and cycling routes as direct and easy to follow as possible.
Two drop-in sessions where the public can get more information and ask questions are scheduled to take place.
Have your say: Pudsey Community Hub
These will be held at:
Pudsey Community Hub & Library on Wednesday 25th September from 10am until 1pm
New Pudsey Railway Station on Wednesday 2nd October from 3:30pm until 6:30pm
Following this consultation process, detailed designs will start with a target of early 2020 for completion. It is expected that work will begin on the scheme in 2020.
The estimated cost is £600,000 with the funding coming from Leeds City Council’s Connecting Leeds scheme.
Calverley’s Woodhall Playing Fields look set to secure funding which will see it developed into a community sporting hub, writes Keely Bannister.
A report going to the city’s decision making Executive Board this Wednesday (September 18) recommends that the West Leeds sports pitches are included in a shortlist of four to progress on the Parklife programme .
The proposed facilities, which would support junior as well as senior teams, include:
1 x super-size, 1 x stadia, 1 x full size 3G artificial grass pitches
1 x full size Sport England compliant natural grass pitch
Community café with meeting rooms
Changing rooms with Changing Places facility
Children’s Play Zones
200-place car park
Preserved: The fields between Calverley and Pudsey.
All three Calverley & Farsley ward councillors have been consulted and are fully supportive of the development as it “addresses concerns raised regarding active lifestyles and the ability for young people to play and exercise safely”.
The executive board, which includes Kirkstall councillor Fiona Venner and Calverley councillor Andrew Carter, are also recommended to support a planning application being submitted in October.
Parklife is a Football Foundation countrywide model for the provision and operation of all-weather facilities.
The football foundation match funds up to 60% (dependent on negotiations) of the cost of delivering the pitches.
Leeds currently has 11 all-weather, floodlit pitches across the city, an identified shortfall of 13 required to meet the demands of the city’s teams’ training demands.
Woodhall Lane playing fields have had a chequered recent history.
Leeds City Council took control of the site from Bradford University in early 2018, with former Pudsey councillor and executive board member Richard Lewis claiming that the move had safeguarded the “vital greenspace” from “unwanted development”.
The Newlay and Whitecote Residents Association (NAWRA) have, for the past couple of years, run a series of special events in conjunction with the council’s Parks and Countryside department, writes Jo Fiddes.
These have included hedge laying, step building, balsam bashing and litter picking.
This weekend, they added a new event to their successful community engagement calendar – a guided foraging walk led by Countryside Ranger Jon Dunster. He said:
“It is really encouraging to see so many people interested in finding out more about Bramley Fall Woods and the plants it holds.”
An intrepid bunch of enthusiasts took to the woods to learn all about the edible and medicinal treasures within Bramley Fall Park.
Under Jon’s watchful eye, the group foraged for common fruits and berries such as apples, blackberries, sloes and elderberries, as well as more unusual finds including sorrel, garlic mustard and Western Hemlock tree needles.
The emphasis was on responsible foraging, with participants
ensuring they didn’t take too much of one thing from a single area, and ensuring
they were 100% certain plants had been identified correctly before eating or
using them.
The youngest participant was Jay, aged 10. When asked for his assessment of NAWRA’s inaugural foraging walk, he said: “I would have to give it ten out of ten.”
