Objection document produced opposing Tong and Fulneck Valley green belt development

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September 12, 2019

jamie jones buchanan bramley festival — Jamie Jones-Buchanan opens the 2019 Bramley Festival

Two of West Leeds’s most iconic residents are set to be recognised with one of the highest honours Leeds City Council can give, writes Local Democracy Reporter Richard Beecham.

Rugby legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan and world-famous author Barbara Taylor Bradford have each been granted the Leeds Award at a full meeting of Leeds City Council.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan

Bramley boy Jamie Jones-Buchanan is one of the most decorated players in rugby league – playing as a second row for Leeds Rhinos for the past 20 years, he has won six Super League championships.

Leeds City Council leader Judith Blake (Lab) said:

“He has just been such an inspiration to our city. He is a role model – he has not only performed on the pitch for Leeds Rhinos, but the real reason I have got to know Jamie so well is the incredible work he has done as an ambassador for Leeds as a child-friendly city.
“This contribution to young people is just phenomenal. He brings to every occasion an incredible wit, an incredible intelligence – he is such an articulate speaker, and is very motivational when it comes to reaching out to people and encouraging them to be the best they can be.
“He will continue working with us and will bring a huge richness to the work we will do for Leeds 2023.”

Mr Jones-Buchanan, who was brought up and still lives in Bramley, last month opened Bramley Festival and paid tribute to his former schools, Raynville Primary and St Peter’s.

Leeds Rhinos will on Friday pay tribute to the club’s longest-serving player at their home game against Warrington.

Barbara Taylor Bradford

Armley author Barbara Taylor Bradford has had a string of bestsellers in both the UK and US, following the mammoth success of her debut novel A Woman of Substance, which sold more than 30 million copies.

Coun Blake said:

“She was born in Leeds, grew up in Armley and came back to open the library. She was a contemporary of Alan Bennett and also worked alongside Keith Waterhouse in the newsroom of the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“There are such incredible ways they managed to capture the essence of the city.
“It gives me enormous pleasure to recommend these two awards.”

The council agreed to the recommendations for the awards.

New Chief Executive aims to build on Bramley Baths’ success

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September 12, 2019

Historic Bramley Baths has appointed a new chief executive to lead it into the next stage of its development.

Jayne Young, 42, arrives at the community-led leisure facility from the National Coalmining Museum near Wakefield, where she worked for 13 years.

She joins the successful social enterprise, which employs more than 40 staff, as it looks to invest in its historic building. Ms Young said:

“I am thrilled to join the fantastic team here at Bramley Baths – it really does live up to its reputation for being the ‘friendliest baths’. The staff here have been so welcoming and I’ve been really impressed by their professionalism, loyalty and commitment.
“Bramley Baths really is a special place and a hub for the community; a place where people can learn to swim, keep fit and stay healthy but also a place where people can connect with others and feel they belong.
“I would like Bramley Baths to be known as a centre for health and well-being. Investing in staff and working with community partners to bring new people to the baths are the next key areas to focus on.
“My background is in education, culture and heritage and I am looking forward to working with the team to restore areas of the building, create exciting events and develop new partnerships. There is a lot to learn, but I like a challenge!”

Bramley Baths chairperson, John Battle, added:

“Jayne brings a wealth of management experience with her and has plans for the Baths to be a catalyst within the community, reaching out and strengthening our relationships with local stakeholders.
“We’re looking to Jayne to champion Bramley Baths as a deep-rooted community led project which can act as a catalyst for community regeneration in Bramley. Jayne and the team will now take us forward into the next decade.”

Ms Young succeeds Sue Stones, who left in July to take up a new position at Leeds University Union.

Mr Battle also thanked Sue and Operations Manager Courtney Harrison for seeing the Baths’ through its recent eco-hub upgrade.

In January the Baths benefited from £500,000 work to create an eco-hub to help its Edwardian building run in a more environmentally friendly manner. Work included installing new boilers and a new state-of-the-art pool plant, with new filtration system, pipework and valves. New air conditioning and climate control measures were also put in place.

Grade II Listed Bramley Baths dates back to 1904 and has been an independent, community-led leisure facility since 2013.

Detailed plans for 129 houses in New Farnley field submitted

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September 10, 2019

Detailed plans have been submitted for a controversial housing development on open fields in New Farnley.

Developers Redrow Homes and Park Lane Homes already have outline planning permission to build houses on a triangle of empty fields off Whitehall Road.

The initial plans received more than 200 objections and a 300-strong petition arguing the site wasn’t in a sustainable location – before Leeds City Council approved the principle of development two years ago.

Now the developers have returned with detailed designs for 129 houses, as well as the layout of the site, footpaths and areas of open space.

In a planning statement accompanying their application, developers say:

” The proposal will create a distinctive residential development which is sympathetically designed to respect the surrounding built and natural environment.
“Housing will be a mix of 1 to 4 bedroom houses, including affordable housing, to create a sustainable, mixed community. ”

The developers conclude that the plans are

“… A well-designed detailed proposal with careful consideration given to a range of dwellings in a pleasant, safe and secure environment.
“New residents will benefit from links to public transport, footpath/cycle permeability with well defined public green spaces. These combined elements will ensure a pleasant, attractive and thriving environment to live.”

The plans, drawings and design statement can be read in full – and commented upon – here.

Rachel Reeves calls on finance chiefs to fund flood defences to protect Leeds

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September 10, 2019

kirkstall road viaduct flood — Flashback to 2015's flooding along Kirkstall Road.

Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves has written to Conservative and Labour finance chiefs urging them to commit to fully funding planned flood defences to protect Kirkstall and Burley.

Writing to the Chancellor, Sajid Javid and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, Ms Reeves has called on the leadership of the two major political parties to deliver the protection the city needs by investing in Phase Two of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Almost four years ago on Boxing Day 2015, devastating floods struck Kirkstall and Burley in Ms Reeves’ Leeds West constituency as a result of Storm Eva.

More than 2,600 residential and 700 commercial buildings were damaged. Some businesses needed to relocate, and others were forced to permanently cease trading.

In the immediate aftermath of that flooding, the Government promised that Leeds would soon have one of the ‘most resilient flood defence programmes in the country’.

But almost four years on, Ms Reeves said Kirkstall is still no better protected from flooding today than it was in 2015.

Ms Reeves argues that provide protection from the flooding seen in 2015, a flood defence scheme capable of providing a 1-in-200-year level of protection is required.

Leeds City Council has devised Phase Two of its Flood Alleviation Scheme to provide this degree of protection, and the Government has committed to spending £65 million on this project, with a total of £86.8 million in funding secured.

However, this figure falls £25.3 million short of the £112.1 million required to provide the city with the protection it needs.

Ms Reeves has long been calling on the Government to plug the gap as a matter of urgency – and stepped up the campaign with her call for action and a firm commitment from both the Conservative and Labour Treasury teams to plugging the cash shortfall.

Ms Reeves said:

“Almost four years ago, the Government promised they would keep Leeds residents safe from flooding.
“The Government should now honour the pledge it made to the people of Leeds by providing that funding as a matter of urgency.

Join New Wortley Housing Association for their end of summer barbecue

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September 10, 2019

New Wortley Housing Association end of summer bbq event flyer

New Wortley Housing Association (NWHA) are holding a barbecue at Holdforth Place to mark the end of summer this Thursday, 12th September, writes Keely Bannister.

Members of the community are invited to enjoy free food and drinks and learn more about the associations plan for community-led housing in the locality.

NWHA are looking to build a variety of housing on several pieces of land at Holdforth Place in New Wortley including:

15 three-bed houses arranged in five blocks of three at the end of Holdforth Gardens and Bruce Lawn.
7 accessible two-bed flats for over 55s in a split level two-and-a-half storey block at the end of Holdforth Place.
1 two bed duplex at the end of Holdforth Place.

They have also identified potential land for up to 140 units in the local area and have opened discussions with Leeds City Council who own the land to release it for a potential second phase for this exciting project.

New Wortley Housing Association (NWHA) is a subsidiary of New Wortley Community Association (NWCA), a local charity that has major ambitions to improve the quality of life for residents of New Wortley.

In recent years it has attracted over £2.2 million of direct investment into the area, creating 20 jobs for local people and helping 36 volunteers into work. The community suggested building new housing on the estate and this project has evolved from these initial conversations.

To find out any further information about the event please e-mail Gemma Gates on gemma.gates@newwortleycc.org.

Canada Goose cull in Rodley causes controversy

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September 10, 2019

Concerns have been expressed over a cull of Canada Geese in Rodley this weekend, writes Keely Bannister.

On Saturday 7th September, a shooting cull of Canada Geese took place between 6.30am and 12pm at Calverley Bridge in Rodley.

The cull was carried out by Barry Swain who, in a letter to local residents announcing the shoot, described himself as a section 1 & 2 arms licence holder.

The letter delivered to residents alerting them to the cull. Picture copyright: Jemma Lovatt

The letter, which includes grammatical errors, explained:

“There will be a legal licence shooting off these birds from time to time early morning and we are advising you it is being done for your health and safety and legally, all authorised by the government & the general licensing law of the land and the landowners obligations and the police will be aware of the pest control activity going on.
“And legal licensed fire arms will be used to do this for a humane management for the bird’s infestation.
“WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY DISTRESS TO ANYBODY but it is a much-needed job to be done and cannot be prevented.”

The letter goes on to state that the Canada Goose is not a native species and that there wasn’t a natural predator or control to manage numbers.

A body of one of the dead geese found at Rodley Cricket Club. Picture copyright: Eugene Lacy

Jemma Lovatt, who lives at Calverley Bridge and witnessed proceedings, received the letter and posted it on social media to make others aware.

Ms Lovatt told The Dispatch that the letter caused “mass panic”:

“We got the letter yesterday which caused mass panic as it was poorly written and not from an official source. Some people thought it was a wind up – some were worried about the threat of an armed man saying he was turning up on the doorstep.
“I called the police and they confirmed he had a licence.
“It was right outside my window so I saw it all. I was very upset by it, as were other residents. ”

Ms Lovatt said Government recommendations state culling should be done in moult season where the birds cannot fly so people can get a clean shot.

Children playing football at Rodley Cricket Club feet away from the body of one of the culled geese. Copyright: Eugene Lacy

Local resident Eugene Lacy attended Rodley Cricket Club to watch his grandson play football and found the body of a dead bird only feet from where the youngsters were playing – almost a mile from where the shooting took place.

Mr Lacy told The Dispatch:

“As a local resident who is against killing wildlife for nothing, I am disgusted with whoever killed this bird and didn’t have the decency to remove the poor thing.”

Gov.uk gives guidance confirming that it is legal to “catch alive or kill, as well as take, damage or destroy the nests, or take or destroy the eggs of” Canada Geese as long as you “follow animal welfare laws and kill birds in a quick and humane manner”.

The shooters had licenses, they had permission from the farmer who owned the land and they were more than 50 feet from the highway.

According to regulations the shooters have no obligation to pick up dead or dying birds that have become injured and flown away from the scene to die.

Mr Swain said on Facebook the next cull would be in two weeks.

The Dispatch has contacted Mr Swain for comment.

Crowds paws a while at Armley Dog Show 2019

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September 9, 2019

armley dog show 2019 — Photo: Simon Cullingworth

Reporting: Sarah Pearson

Photos: Simon Cullingworth & Sarah Pearson

What a cutey! Armley Dog Show 2019. Photo: Sarah Pearson

The annual Armley Dog Show was a doggone success, drawing more than 100 people to Armley Park on a beautiful September day.

Refreshments served throughout the afternoon. Hotdogs, tea, coffee and soft drinks (plus lots of fresh water for the dogs) were on offer.

Final word: Armley Dog Show judges. Photo: Sarah Pearson

Free microchipping available and there was face painting and fun animal masks for the kids at the event, which was organised by the Friends of Armley and Gotts Park group.

The list of the 1st prize winnings dogs’ names is below, along with their owners’ first names (a couple are pictured with their owners as well).

Mika was the prettiest bitch She’s pictures with owner Ashley. Photo: Sarah Pearson

Prettiest Bitch
Mika (owner Ashley)

Most Handsome Hound
Mobley (owner Ian)

Perfect Puppy
Rufus (owner Simon)

Our Billy’s a serious senior! Photo: Sarah Pearson

Serious Senior
Billy (owner Zuzana)

Waggiest Tail

Mandy (owner Sam)

Best Rescue

Cica (owner Nicola)

What else could Bella be, other than best dressed? Photo: Sarah Pearson

Best Dressed
Bella (owner Esther)

Top dog: Mika was best in show 2019. Photo: Sarah Pearson

Best in Show
Mika (owner Ashley)

Pip’s got ability, alongside owner Andrew. Photo: Sarah Pearson

Agility
Pip (owner Andrew)

Here are some images from the day from photographer Simon Cullingworth:

Artist dubbed “Burley Banksy” gutted after Leeds United street art is painted over

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September 9, 2019

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Messages of support have flooded in for a West Leeds street artist after his Leeds United artwork around the streets of Burley was painted over, writes Keely Bannister.

Andy McVeigh’s artwork is painted onto green cabinets used to hold telecommunication wiring.

Most of the Leeds United themed street art painted in Burley and around Elland Road by Mr McVeigh, who signs his work #BurleyBanksy, has been painted over with black paint over the last couple of days – the second time that Mr McVeigh’s says his work has been targeted.

But supporters have rallied around, with a Justgiving page today raising more than £1,200 in support of Burley Banksy.

It seems most of my #lufc artwork on the boxes on Elland Road and nr stadium has been ruined. It's same person who did them in red last time, now in black. Never had any negative comments about it, only v positive reactions so it's mystifying.
Takes hours to do each one.
Gutted.
— Andy (@pantsdanny) September 9, 2019

Announcing the news on his Twitter account, the Burley Banksy described his emotions as “gutted” adding:

“Never had any negative comments about it, only v[ery] positive reactions so it’s mystifying. Takes hours to do each one.”

Fans of the artwork were quick to send messages of support.

The ironically named @ihatelufc Twitter account said:

“Everytime I see one I smile and just feel that little bit more proud of the city. Don’t lose heart.”

Leeds United supporter @HG1919 posted:

“Keep spreading the sunshine. You brighten up thousands of our lives with your artwork each and every time we see them. Something’s should be beyond rivalry and the person carrying out this mindless vandalism needs to seek help as they have some serious issue with their psyche.”

@elyouefsey added support with the message:

“Lowlifes who trek out in the darkness with a tin of paint and only bad intentions don’t tend to have any friends – I doubt anyone knows him and there’s an obvious reason for that. Please keep going with it, paint over it again and again until someone catches him in the act.”

A group calling themselves Leeds Residents Against Graffiti have claimed responsibility for the covering of the artwork.

In an e-mail to the Yorkshire Evening Post, which the paper published extracts of today along with full reaction from Mr McVeigh, the group claimed to be made up of four people and gave 11 reasons why they covered up the graffiti:

“We 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.
“We will break no laws and commit no crime. Private property and properly commissioned artwork will NOT be covered up. We will only paint over illegal graffiti.”

While Andy is well known for his Leeds United inspired street art, he has done many creations including flowery boxes at the junction of Kirkstall Lane and Queenswood Drive, a Headingley Train Station wordsearch design with a partner he addressed as Helen which spelled out a message wishing people a “good day”.

He also teamed up with Vic Leeson to create paint a green cabinet themed around mental wellbeing inspired by children at Crossgates Primary School.

What do you think? Does the street art found in Burley and Kirkstall brighten your day or is it illegal graffiti that should not be tolerated? – let us know in the comments below.

Guided tours of Hollybush coming soon – and more events announced

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September 9, 2019

As part of the programme to celebrate forty years of TCV at Hollybush we are running guided tours for small groups as part of Heritage Open Days, writes John Preston.

The tours run on Friday 20^th at 3pm & 6pm and Saturday 21^st September at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Would you like to know more about the history of the Hollybush buildings and hear about the restoration and the creation of the three recent timber buildings (larger green larch framed bike shed, the round hole bodgers hut, the panel Roundhouse) and our plans for the future?

The tours will be led by me, John Preston, who has managed the buildings for the last 30 years.

You will also be able to view the exhibition in the barn of the last 40 years and buy refreshments.

Tours are free, but spaces can be booked via Eventbrite.

Please see The Heritage Open Days website for all the other amazing places open in Leeds over the next two weeks.

Other things …

Our sister Centre in South Leeds, Skelton Grange is hosting Big Green Weekend on Saturday 21^st 11-4, check out their website.

The Hollybush is hosting Big Green Weekend on Sunday 22^nd, 11am-4pm, when the exhibition will also be open and there are boat trips, a canoe safari, ecologists explaining the ecology of plants and their wildlife relating to the Leeds Liverpool Canal which is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) .

There are also a couple of spaces left on the fungus foray in Bramley Fall Woods at 10.30am on Sunday 22nd, see link in the above Eventbrite listing.

There is final Hollybush Cinema of 2019, The Ponds, a slow, gentle documentary about outdoor swimming in the Ponds on Hampstead Heath – the Guardian rates it as four stars.

It starts at 7pm Friday 20^th, admission £3 on the door, please come well dressed as the barn can be chilly, even if watching the swimming doesn’t make you shiver!

Giant sculpture fills Left Bank

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September 9, 2019