One-woman space race performance shoots for the moon

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September 15, 2019

Two West Leeds residents behind the popular Culture Vulture website are helping to put on a performance about a one-woman space race.

Armley’s Phil Kirby and Stanningley’s Neil Mudd are teaming up with performance artist Lydia Cottrell to recreate Atlantis at the Riley Theatre in Leeds.

A Culture Vulture Joint with Leeds Inspired, the show follows the recent 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

Atlantis whisks the audience on an interstellar journey and asks some pretty big questions:

What did we learn from the race into space? What did we gain by getting there? Can we train for failure, and do dreams really come true?

Featuring stage projection, hotdogs and a child-sized paddling pool, Atlantis explores the answers to all these questions and more.

Along the way, Lydia suggests we all inhabit a spaceship – Spaceship Earth – and draws a parallel between our planet and the Space Shuttle’s namesake, the mythical island that sank beneath the waves.

The show is provocative, funny and highly kinetic, as you would expect from one half of 70/30 Split, described by The Guardian as being ‘as touching as they are resolutely fearless.’

Lydia Cottrell said:

“The idea for Atlantis came about while I was on a family holiday to Florida.
“While I was there I ended up spending three days alone in Disneyland, doing a lot of people watching, I also visited Kennedy Space Centre and felt completely humbled standing under the Atlantis Space Shuttle.
“All of this made me think on my life’s journey, the journey of the human race and what it takes to actually achieve something.
“The work is extremely physical; the audience will see me go through a bleep test, a ballet class, circuit training and aerobics. Mainly the show is about dreams, how hard we work to achieve them, how failure along the way affects us, and what happens when we do reach our goals.”

Atlantis is at the NSCD’s Riley Theatre, 98 Chapeltown Rd, Leeds LS7 4BH on Friday 20th September 2019 with tickets priced at £7.

Bookings via the Riley Theatre.

Under 25? Help West Leeds tackle period poverty!

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September 15, 2019

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Free period products will soon be available across Leeds in schools and community hubs – and under 25s are being asked to help this happen by entering a new competition, writes Keely Bannister.

Young people are being asked to enter their design ideas for the products.

Judges are looking for an original and eye catching design, brand name and logo created using no more than four colours with the winner getting to work with graphic designers to bring their creations to life.

The winner will also be rewarded with shopping vouchers for Trinity Leeds.

Entries should be submitted no later than Monday 23rd September by e-mail to thriving@leeds.gov.uk, handed in to a local community centre or by post addressed to Amelia Gunn, Children & Families, Leeds City Council, Merrion House, Merrion Way, Leeds LS2 8PD.

Leeds City Council pledged to provide free sanitary products for young people in an attempt to eradicate period poverty – when a person struggles or is unable to access sanitary products due to financial constraints – in December 2018.

A pilot study is being conducted in a Leeds school with the research findings to be used to “generate sustainable, long term solutions for tackling period poverty in Leeds”.

The scheme will also include lobbying the government to declassify sanitary products as ‘luxury items’, and to remove the 5% VAT on these products.

West Leeds already has a track record on actions to tackle period poverty.

For instance, Priesthorpe school and Farsley Co-op have taken part in The Red Box Project, which distributes sanitary products to those that need them.

All political groups of councillors have welcomed the bid to end period poverty in the city.

hannah bithell kirkstall — Cllr Hannah Bithell

Kirkstall Councillor Hannah Bithell (Lab) set out the problem facing many young people in Leeds in a personal and emotional council speech in support of the move to provide free sanitary products earlier this year.

Ms Bithell, a teacher, explained her own worries around periods before going on to explain how period poverty affects children’s education:

“On Christmas Eve I burst into tears not because I hadn’t bought the right presents or organised the right food but because my period had started. I was spending Christmas at my in-laws’ house where a lot of their beautiful furniture is very lightly coloured. This meant that I knew I’d be stressed and nervous the whole time that my period had leaked.
“Now my fears were vastly unfounded but I guarantee that any councillor in here that’s ever had a period has felt that fear of standing up and turned around to check their seat. Would today be the day they have to face that humiliation. My fears were vastly unfounded because I have access to sanitary protection. I know that unless it’s a particularly unfortunate period I’m fine.
“This is not the case for a number of young people in our schools and communities. For these students it isn’t a case of asking whether they have leaked but how far they can hide the chair below the desk when they have. I would love to be able to tell you that I’ve never found blood on chairs after classes have left. Indeed I’d love to be able to tell you it only happened once.
“This is not just about these students humiliation though it’s about their access to education and therefore their future. For obvious reasons many of these girls are unable to come into school when on their period this means they have horrendously low attendance figures. Attendance figures which have been proven to lower grades at the end of their school career.”

At this year’s annual budget meeting, the Conservative group moved an amendment seeking to commit an additional £100,000 to help tackle the issue of period poverty.

In his speech in support of the measure, Councillor Alan Lamb (Cons, Wetherby) said:

“It cannot be acceptable that in the 21st century girls are unable to afford access to sanitary products and as a consequence their education is affected as is their self esteem.
“We welcome Government action in this area, we welcome the things the council has done but we would commit additional resources to enable schools to provide direct support to girls both in terms of free products and pastoral support. Through this we hope to make a significant contribution to ending period poverty in Leeds for good.”

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Fabulous Farsley Celtic make it three wins on the bounce

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September 15, 2019

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Farsley Celtic made it three consecutive wins with an excellent 3-0 win away to Leamington, writes Thomas Ritchie.

Goals from Jimmy Spencer, Adam Clayton and Nathan Cartman earned Farsley all three points after Kyle Trenerry had made a number of important saves early on.

Farsley Celtic Manager Adam Lakeland was extremely pleased with his side’s superb performance, as he said:

“I’m absolutely delighted. It’s a very difficult place to come, they’ve stayed in this division for quite a number of years through being really strong at home.
“In the first 25 minutes I thought we rode our luck a little bit at times, but saying that it could have been 2-2, 3-3, it was so open in that first 25 minutes, the speed of the game was just incredible.
“The first two were massive saves (by Kyle Trenerry), but that’s what good goalkeepers do though, we’ve seen Kyle do that time and time again, it’s alright making routine saves, there’s hundreds of goalkeepers out there that can do that.
“What the best goalkeepers do is make saves that, for me, determine the outcome of the game, and he’s made two big saves there for us in the first five minutes.”

Leamington, looking to avenge last week’s 5-0 defeat to Altrincham, came racing out of the traps and Kyle Trenerry made a superb save early on to keep the scores level.

Josh March crossed for Kaiman Anderson who was able to turn on the edge of the six-yard box, however Trenerry made a superb save from point-blank range.

Farsley then had a brace of chances of their own, Luke Parkin forcing Jake Weaver into a smart save low to his left, and shortly after Parkin’s cross dropped kindly for Jimmy Spencer to strike his shot straight at Weaver.

Trenerry was forced into action for a second time to thwart the Brakes, as he superbly leapt across his goal to tip Jack Edwards’ powerful header onto the crossbar and to safety.

Just minutes later the Farsley shot-stopper was at his brilliant best once again, Edwards flicking the ball onto Josh March who raced through on goal before he was denied one-on-one by Trenerry.

With just over five minutes remaining in the first-half a superb team move saw the Celt Army break the deadlock, as Jordan Richards played a delightful ball through to Tyler Walton who unselfishly laid the ball off for Jimmy Spencer to slot home.

After falling behind the hosts struggled to retain the same level of possession as they had before, and less than 10 minutes into the second-half Farsley’s pressure told as Adam Clayton deftly flicked Tom Allan’s low drive home to double his side’s lead.

The Celt Army had two terrific chances in the space of a minute to move further ahead with Luke Parkin being denied by Weaver, before Jimmy Spencer beat Ravi Shamsi on the byline only for his audacious effort to be clawed away by the Leamington shot-stopper.

The game was put to bed with just under 20 minutes remaining as Spencer played a sublime ball through to Nathan Cartman, who kept his cool to slot home past Weaver.

The hosts’ only chance to pull a goal back came when Shamsi flashed a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but Farsley comfortably saw out the closing minutes to secure the win.

Leamington: Weaver, Carline, Lane, Clarke, Hood, Mace, Dunbar (Keane 64), Gittings, March, Edwards (Mussa 69), Anderson (Shamsi 58). Unused subs: Taylor, James.

Farsley Celtic: Trenerry, Richards, Allan, Higgins (Hayhurst 70), Ellis ©, Clayton, B. Atkinson, C. Atkinson, Spencer, Parkin (Cartman 70), Walton (Baldwin 84). Unused subs: Wynne (GK), Bett.

Attendance: 465

Referee: Dale Baines

St Bartholomew’s Primary School rated good in all areas by Ofsted

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September 14, 2019

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Armley’s St Bartholomew’s Primary School has been rated as good in all areas by Ofsted inspectors, writes Keely Bannister.

At the last inspection in January 2009 the school was rated as outstanding, but despite the lower rating the latest report states that good teaching means all pupils make good progress from relatively low starting points.

The quality of teaching is described as ‘consistently good’:

“The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is consistently good across the school. Teachers and teaching assistants have strong subject knowledge. They use this, together with an understanding of individual needs, to plan lessons which keep most pupils engaged in their learning.
“Ongoing assessment is used effectively to make sure that errors and misconceptions are picked up quickly and addressed. Pupils who need support to keep up with their peers are well supported.
“Additional provision for disadvantaged pupils, those with SEND and pupils who speak English as an additional language is having a strong impact on pupils’ progress. The school employs a full-time speech therapist who currently gives effective support to around 40 pupils in school.”

Improvement is required within some lessons though:

“Leaders are confident that the assessments that teachers make in English, mathematics and science are accurate. However, assessment in other subjects is at an earlier stage of development. This means that leaders are unsure of standards of attainment in other subjects.
“Phonics lessons are well structured and give pupils opportunities to apply their developing knowledge in reading and writing. However, expectations of what pupils can achieve and the level of challenge are not consistently high. The books which pupils use to practise reading are not well matched to phonics knowledge.
“The deployment of teaching assistants is generally very effective across the school. Many are skilled in delivering effective interventions to support pupils with specific needs. However, teaching assistants are not always used effectively in phonics lessons.”

The report says that the school is currently facing a number of challenges, including the headteacher leaving the school in March.

To counter this, the then deputy stepped up to acting head and one of the assistant headteacher became acting head. This arrangement will remain until July 2020 to give the school some stability.

In the report, the inspectors praised the senior management team in the school:

“Senior leaders are dealing very effectively with the many challenges that they are currently facing. They show a very good understanding of the strengths and areas for development for the school. They have identified and prioritised areas for development and are systematically addressing them.
“Senior leaders are very ambitious for the future. They are determined to make sure that every pupil in the school receives the support they need to make as much progress as possible. They are welcoming support from the local authority to help them to realise this vision.”

Other challenges facing the school are the number of children who speak English as a second language (ESL), have special educational needs (SEND) and who come from a disadvantaged background.

The school has clear systems in place to help tackle these issues:

“All children are well supported, including disadvantaged children and those with SEND or who speak English as an additional language.”

Pupils behaviour is good with children being proud of their school:

“Pupils have positive attitudes to learning. Most are keen to do well and take pride in their work. Pupils were able to speak to inspectors about their learning with confidence. Most pupils are actively involved in their learning.
“Pupils are proud of their school. They say that they feel very lucky to be part of such a diverse community. Many look forward to going to school. One pupil said, ‘School is the best thing in my life.’
“Pupils of all ages are keen to take on additional responsibilities. Some pupils act as buddies to new non-English-speaking pupils by providing welcomed support in their first language.
“Pupils have a good understanding of different types of bullying. They say that bullying is very rare in their school. They say that if it happens, it is dealt with quickly and effectively. Parents and carers who made their views known during the inspection agree with this opinion.”

This inspection took place between 10th & 11th July 2019 and was published 10th September 2019. The inspection team was led by Chris Cook.

You can read the full report by visiting Ofsted’s website.

Bradford City star supports school football in Fulneck

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September 14, 2019

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Fulneck School in Pudsey has kicked off a new football programme in partnership with former Bradford City player Nathan Clarke.

The school has secured the services of centre half Clarke, who played more then 500 times for Bradford and Huddersfield Town and also holds the FA Level 2 and UEFA B youth football coaching modules.

He will team up with the school’s PE staff three days a week to deliver the programme across all age groups and abilities. It is part of the school’s ‘Sport for all’ ethos which aims to encourage more pupils to take part in team sports. He said:

“I’m really excited about this opportunity to help move the standard of football forward at Fulneck and to get more young people involved in the game, regardless of their ability.”

To celebrate the launch of the football programme Clarke was joined by Burnley and England star James Tarkowski who together delivered a series of training masterclasses.

Fulneck School Principal Paul Taylor said:

“The evidence that physical health impacts positively on mental well-being is now overwhelming, especially when the exercise takes place within a team context.
“Whether our pupils go on to play professionally, or for their local team, encouraging a love of sport is central to the mission of Fulneck School.”

Meanwhile, former Fulneck pupil Lewis Cunningham has recently signed a first year scholarship with Doncaster Rovers.

For more information about Fulneck School’s football programme, or the sports scholarships available at Fulneck, please contact Deborah Ward on 0113 257 0235, or by e-mail at djw@fulneckschool.co.uk.

Simon’s Snaps: Bramley Park runner plays at Saltaire Festival

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September 14, 2019

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Darren Evanson bramley 3 — Photo: Simon Cullingworth

Bramley parkrun regular and vinyl enthusiast Darren Evanson played his set for The Record Club at Saltaire Festival today.

Top tunes at Saltaire Festival from Bramley’s Darren Evanson. Photo: Simon Cullingworth

His disco set had the regulars up in their feet!

West Leeds Dispatch photographer Simon Cullingworth was on hand to capture Darren in action for his regular Simon’s Snaps column.

Bramley’s Darren Evanson. Photo: Simon Cullingworth

War memorial stone planned for Hawksworth Wood

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September 13, 2019

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hawksworth wood war memorial — Photo: Google

A planning application has been submitted for the installation of a war memorial stone on the grass verge outside the Co-op supermarket on the Hawksworth Wood estate in Kirkstall, writes Keely Bannister.

The memorial will be made from red polished granite stone and will be located on the Cragside Crescent, Vesper Road and Broadway junction, facing towards Kirkstall centre.

Susan Childs, one of the architects behind the project, said the memorial stone will commemorate 26 men and one woman killed in active service between 1939 to 1972. She added:

“All the 27 lived in the parish of Hawksworth Wood and died as a result of active service. The only woman on the list died on Christmas day.
“On the other side will be the names of the five men who were killed during the bombing of Kirkstall forge. It is also 100 years since the first stone was laid on Hawksworth estate, so it all ties in nicely.
“An older named Margaret Rawnsley spent eight years researching all the names, she couldn’t take it any further so I stepped in to help her, a friend of mine Amanda McKenna is giving me a hand.

Margaret Rawnsley began the project, spending eight years researching the names of those killed in service. Picture credit: Susan Childs

“The Hawksworth Community Association, HOPS (Hawksworth Older People’s Support) Hava and CEG have made donations to pay for the war memorial.
“I’ve done all the work off of my own back. We then needed a ‘group’ for all the legal bits, so the community association kindly agreed to it.”

There will also be a dedication service on the 12th October at 12pm. Ms Childs added:

“We will have families representing the fallen. We’ve also invited present householders who now live at the same address. The Lord lieutenant, lord mayor, regiments and other local dignitaries will be present. There has been a poem and a song written especially for the memorial.
“After the dedication service we will march round to St Mary’s Church for an intergenerational performance, followed by a vintage afternoon tea and entertainment in the village hall. Hawksworth Wood primary school and other community groups will be placing objects in a time capsule, which will be placed under the memorial stone.
“People from all over the country, well the world actually including Finland, have knitted poppies. There will also be an intergenerational piece, performed in the church.
“We will have 10 ‘There but not there’ perspex figures in church. The Co-op, Morrisons and local bakers are providing the food. There has been a poem and a song written especially for the memorial.”

This picture was actually taken of Mr Harrison – one of the men who will be commemorated – on his wedding day at St Mary’s Church ,Hawksworth Wood. He went on to join Princess Patricia’s light infantry in Canada. His niece still lives local. Picture credit: Susan Childs

Susan saidthat the Kirkstall councillors have been supportive of the project and, on the planning portal, Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves has submitted a comment in support of the project, writing:

“This memorial stone, and the project is an excellent way to remember those who fought in the wars.
“The project has also seen the local community work together, by creating a time capsule under it, and dance at Kirkstall Festival. It is a great celebration of the diversity of the community today, but also of the historic community.”

You can view and comment on the application here.

Fun activities on offer at West Leeds Activity Centre open day

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September 13, 2019

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Climbing, pedal go karting and bushcraft are just some of the activities on offer this Saturday 14th September as West Leeds Activity Centre opens its door for a fun-filled afternoon, writes Keely Bannister.

Rafted canoe sessions will also be happening throughout the afternoon – with the booking open for the first session now.

Starting at 12.15pm and open to children 6 years and over who live in Armley, Bramley, Kirkstall or Stanningley, email westleedsactivitycentre@leeds.gov.uk with the participants postcode, name and age to book your child’s place.

Six and seven year olds must be accompanied by an adult; 8 years and over can take part on their own.

If you are looking to take part in any water based activities, a change of clothes is advisable.

Doors open to the centre at 12pm, shutting at 4pm with a 50p entry fee.

Attendees should note that there is only accessible parking available at the centre with people asked not to park on Lenhurst Avenue.

The day is funded by local councillors on the Inner West Community Committee.

West Leeds is blooming great in floral contest

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September 13, 2019

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The Yorkshire in Bloom results are in and it’s been another strong showing for West Leeds this year as Calverley won silver in the Urban Community category, writes Keely Bannister.

Calverley have been awarded gold for five out of the last six years including in 2018, but even though they couldn’t do it this time, they did receive lots of plaudits from the judges.

There was also recognition for Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills.

Calverley in bloom autumn — Heroic effort: Calverley in Bloom volunteers

Calverley – Won SILVER in Urban Community category

Calverley in Bloom volunteers were praised by the judges as dedicated. The judges said the well-tended private gardens around the village showed a general feeling of pride in Calverley amongst residents.

Heritage sites within the village were given special mention, as was Victoria Park:

“The dry stone wall behind the Calverley Gate trough was of particular interest as was the carved angel in St Wilfred’s churchyard.
“The goats in the churchyard and rainwater harvesting in the Methodist Chapel were both welcome signs of sustainability.
“The jewel in the crown has to be Victoria Park. It is a great asset, sited in the centre of the village supporting many activities. The floral displays are stunning and the overall standard of maintenance is a credit to the groundsman.
“The on-going project of clearing the undergrowth to expose the sections of rock-face along Carr Lane is ambitious but the result is striking, uplifting the overall appearance of this busy road.”

Areas of consideration that were highlighted included the suggestion that perennial planting and bird boxes/bug hotels could be extended from their current locations to spread throughout the village. On the Towns Wells garden, judges noted:

“The Town Wells garden is of great historical importance to Calverley and now, following the initial clearance of much of the undergrowth, could be developed into an attractive area to visit.
“It could become an interesting project for the local Historical Society to investigate the site’s origin and to search the records to find evidence of the original planting as well as producing an accompanying information board. Herbaceous planting particularly around the upper level adjacent to the railings could be considered.”

Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills

The Colour Garden volunteers at Armley Mills won Silver in the Business & Communities section for summer 2019.

The gardening sessions help to improve mental health in collaboration with Hyde Park Source and Outdoors Active and Well. A spokesperson said:

“Our glorious gardeners keep our local community space looking lovely the whole year through.”

You can see the full results and read the judges’ comments here.

Wortley: Campaigners issue ‘save our ground’ plea to council meeting

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September 12, 2019

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TV Harrison ground wortley — The TV Harrison ground in Wortley

“Work with us to explore the options for this most special of gifts to the children of our city” – this was the request of members of the TV Harrison Community Action Group as they delivered deputation to September’s full council meeting, writes Keely Bannister.

Group members Aaron Lambert, Lea Westerman and David Williams used the speech to set out the history of the TV Harrison ground in Oldfield Lane, explain why it is “cherished” by the local community and ask that it is saved from house building for future generations to use.

The full speech can be read below:

“Hopefully, the majority of you will be familiar with our city’s neglected, abandoned though much-cherished sports ground and also aware of the rich historical importance of our city’s spiritual sporting landmark. Our great city, made great by our people. People like Thomas Vernon Harrison.
“TV Harrison Ground, Oldfield Lane was first recorded as a sports venue in the early 1850s. Cricket, rugby and football all being played here. Two Rugby Yorkshire Cup Finals took place and in the late 1920s, a campaign was run in the Yorkshire Evening Post to purchase the land by subscription.
“The people of Leeds raised £2,200 and the land was purchased in 1929. In 1931 a ceremony took place on the land as the deeds were handed over from the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Alderman G Ratcliffe To a Mr TW Shortridge – as the land was gifted to the school children of Leeds. In the deeds, it clearly states that the land ‘shall be left open and unbuilt upon’.

“Thomas Vernon Harrison was a WW1 hero who was headmaster at two Leeds schools, Hunslet Lane & Christ Church Junior Schools. TV Harrison believed that having a sports field for children would help with their schoolwork and also help keep them physically fit. With this sports ground being the first of its kind in the country he hoped that other cities and towns would follow suit.
“Unfortunately, TV Harrison passed away before the deeds were officially handed over. Due to Mr Harrison’s involvement in securing the land, they decided to name the facility The TV Harrison Ground.
“As well as school sports, sports day and Children’s Day activities, the ground was the home to Leeds City Boys, who are the representative team for our city at schoolboy Level. All school football finals were played here. The likes of Madeley, Reaney, Harvey, McCall, Deane, Batty, Whelan and Smith all started their careers here. Don Revie and Les Cocker often visited the ground, scouting the next big thing.
“The trustees, Leeds Schools Sports Association (LSSA) closed the ground approximately 15 years ago, though people have still used the land in whatever capacity they could.
“We know of at least three sporting groups who attempted to resurrect the facilities in Wortley FC, West Leeds ARLFC and Armley Amateurs FC. Negotiations with LSSA, the trustees and Leeds City Council were extremely protracted and ultimately futile on each occasion. A £2 million price tag being quoted.
“While facilities for our kids are ever-dwindling, school grounds being fenced off and green land being built upon. Wortley and surrounding areas appear were hit the hardest with very little funding.
TV Harrison has been the pride and joy of our area. The Jewel of Wortley, even Wortley’s Wembley. It is a treasured landmark of Leeds and the pitch is second only, in historical importance, to Elland Road. It would be sacrilege to lose it especially when our kids need this facility more than ever.
“In the past, I have read Leeds City Council plans to make Leeds the greatest city in England. This does not mean filling up green spaces with homes where the infrastructure cannot support it and where you are leaving little for the next generation in terms of much needed accessible facilities.
“We, as the people of Leeds, want the best for our city. The best facilities for this and future generations. To get a grip of knife-crime, obesity, gang culture, mental health issues and disillusioned youth. Prevention being far more cost-effective than the cure.
“It will always stay with me hearing Eddie Gray, speaking at the late, great John Charles’ memorial. It is the people of Leeds that makes this city great.
“There are many options available to us to develop the ground into a multi-functioning sports and cultural hub that would meet the following points in the Leeds Economic Growth Strategy:
● Putting children at the heart of the growth strategy
● Best city for health and wellbeing
● Supporting places and communities to respond to economic change
● Building a federal economy
● 21st century infrastructure and so on…
“We ask that Leeds City Council work with us to explore the options for this ground before it is built on and lost forever – we feel the wider implications are not being assessed in terms of community benefit.
“Please let’s not have houses built on land which was THE MOST SPECIAL OF GIFTS to the children of our city.  YOU HAVE THE POWER.
“The people of Leeds have never fallen out of love with this special place. The trustees did that.  We invite you all to experience the place for yourselves. Carpe Diem. Do something good with that power and don’t let your legacy let you down.”

The deputation has now been passed to the relevant council officer and executive member for consideration.

Leeds City Council are intending to build council housing on the site with a capacity of 61 units being set for the Old Field Lane site.

A planning application is expected to be submitted in the autumn of this year, which the council says will provide greenspace as part of any housing development.

You can read all of our coverage of this issue by clicking here.

Leeds United boost for “Burley Banksy” after artwork set back

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September 12, 2019

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Leeds United Football Club hasoffered their support to the man dubbed as “Burley’s Banksy” after his street art was vandalised earlier this week.

The artist, who’s real name is Andy McVeigh, revealed on Twitter that he had been to the Elland Road based club to talk to managing director Angus Kinnear and the clubs head of media and communications James Mooney.

#lufc invited me down to ER today and I had a chat/meeting with Angus Kinnear and mainly James Mooney about the art being trashed. They have offered their total support & are contacting Council etc to properly 'legitimise' my art & show they are 100% behind it.
They were great &
— Andy McVeigh (@pantsdanny) September 10, 2019

Mr McVeigh said:

“[Leeds United] invited me down to Elland Road today and I had a chat/meeting with Angus Kinnear and mainly James Mooney about the art being trashed.
“They have offered their total support and are contacting the council etc to properly ‘legitimise’ my art & show they are 100% behind it.
“They were great and so supportive and also as gutted as everyone else about the vandalism.
“They’re going to give me money to take days off from supply teaching to re paint them/buy paint etc. They have also said me and my Danny can have tickets for matches etc. I had to stop myself from hugging James at that point! I may also do some art inside ER in future. Amazing. It genuinely feels that they care for the club, players, fans and all general staff. Pretty sure none of this would have happened with previous owners.”

As reported earlier this week almost all of Andy’s Leeds United-themed street art around Burley and Elland Road was painted over with black paint by a group calling themselves Leeds Residents Against Graffiti.

The group of four say they “represent the 90% of the citizens of Leeds who are not obsessed with Leeds United, and do not need to see public areas painted with these mindless slogans”.

Cllr Lucinda Yeadon Kirkstall — Support: Former Kirkstall councillor Lucinda Yeadon. Photo: Anna Riley

Popular former Kirkstall councillor Lucinda Yeadon gave her support and said:

“Andy was part of a community group in Burley who started painting the boxes in the Kirkstall/Burley area about five years ago.
“They had permission from Leeds City Council, Virgin Media and support of the local councillors. He’s continued this work. It’s such a shame that Andy’s art has been vandalised in such a way.”

A Justgiving page which was set up to help pay for new materials for Andy has smashed its initial £500 target raising almost £2,500 in three days.

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Calverley stabbing: Police say ‘no wider threat to public’

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September 12, 2019

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West Yorkshire Police have told Calverley residents that they “do not believe there is a wider threat to members of the public” after a man was found with stab wounds in the early hours of Saturday morning.

In a statement released on the West Yorkshire Police – Leeds West Facebook page officers say they were called to Hollin Park Road at 3.21am on Saturday 7th September, where a 31-year-old man had been found with a stab wound to his armpit and a slash wound to the same arm.

The man had been injured in a disturbance near Clara Drive shortly before, during which a silver Citroen Xsara was attacked by a group of males.

A person claiming to be a friend of the injured man reported on social media that the man and a male friend who was with him had been ambushed by a gang of 15 youths when they were asked to help a young woman in trouble.

The victim underwent surgery in hospital and was later discharged.

While enquiries are still at an early stage, police have said that they “do not believe there is a wider threat to local residents or members of the public in Calverley”.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information can contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13190458419.