Sunday, August 24, 2025
Home Blog Page 7

Kirkstall: Petition calls for ‘crucial’ investment in new playground

By
westleedslife
-
0
Campaigners are fighting for new play facilities on the Queenswood estate. Featured: Wendi Carson (QTARA chair) Hannah. Children: Nicoli, Harley, Finley, Tommy, Macy, Leah, Imogen and two mums Dani and Sara. Photo: Angela Harrison

By Angela Harrison

A petition has been launched by community campaigners for a children’s playground to be built on Queenswood Drive, Kirkstall. 

A dedicated community group Queenswood Tenants & Residents Association is working hard to provide outdoor enjoyment and create a safe and engaging space in fresh air, for youngsters. 

The campaigners are calling out for broader community support to help them overcome several challenges and setbacks, hence this petition, which says: “A well-designed playground is more than just a place for fun.

“It’s a vital community resource that encourages physical activity, promotes social interaction, and fosters mental well-being among children of all ages. Studies show that children who have access to playgrounds are more likely to excel in school and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.” 

Youngsters at the site of the proposed playground. Photo: Angela Harrison

The campaigners need to raise £130,000. If the petition gets enough signatures to demonstrate the community’s support, they can then apply for grant funding. 

Petition author, Nicholas Carson said: “Building a children’s playground on the Queenswood estate isn’t just a goal, it’s a crucial investment in the future of our children and our community.

“A vibrant playground will not only serve our current residents but will also attract more families to the area, fostering a sense of community and enriching the lives of everyone who call Queenswood their home. Every signature brings us one step closer to a new playground and a better future for our children.”

Campaigners are also spreading awareness of a JustGiving page – they need £2,000 to get the ball rolling. The author of the JustGiving page, Paula Moore, says: “To be eligible for funding and grants, we need to raise a proportion of the total ourselves. If you’d like to help us see this playground be built, please consider contributing to our fund – every pound helps!” 

Wendi Carson, group chair, says she has been campaigning for a playground for five years. 

The children of Queenswood also back the bid. Leah, age eight, said “I’d like to see people enjoying a new playground with their friends.”  Harley, age eight, added “I’ve been waiting a very long time for this playground.”

The children’s mums also back the campaign. Sara said “The playground on Beckett Park is not safe for our kids to get to – they have to cross a busy main road if they live on the Woodbridge estate.

“When parents are watching outdoor sporting events at the Queenswood Social Club, our kids could pop over to the playground when there is one.” 

Mum Dani added: “Kids are running riot in the streets, playing football near the houses and annoying neighbours. The kids need space and something to do. This is a big open space – it is perfect, ideal and begging for a playground.”

A letter sent to Woodbridge Estate residents from Leeds City Council asked that parents be mindful of their children playing within the housing estate, and to instead use a designated play area such as a park. 

Campaigner Stuart Long added: “The Queenswood Drive community has long lacked a safe, inclusive and local space for children and families to play, connect and thrive. A new playground here is not just desirable – it’s essential.

“Most importantly, a new playground would strengthen community ties. It creates a space not just for play, but for social inclusion, intergenerational connection and pride in the local area.“

If the campaign is successful the new playground will be built on the open land between Queenswood Social Club and the Woodbridge estate.  

Kirkstall councillors Fiona Venner, Hannah Bithell and Andy Rontree, issued a statement in support of a playground: 

“We are totally in support of the aspirations for a children’s playground on Queenswood Fields,” they said.

“Crossing the busy road to go to Beckett Park, or down to Kirkstall Abbey, adds an extra layer of risk and means young people are less able to be independent when the time comes to spread their wings.

“We are actively working to secure funding through developments to get this park built, and are delighted that the community is doing such a great job raising funds.

“We would be looking at over £100,000 to put a small park here, so it is no mean feat. We will update the community as soon as we have secured the necessary funding.

“Our passion for children’s play is evidenced through our work in the ward and across the wider city, and it’s exciting to have a new park to work on since we developed and installed the West Park one.”

The petition can be found here. And here is the link to the JustGiving fundraiser page. 

Sponsored content

www.sunnybankmills.co.uk

West Leeds planning applications: 3 August 2025

By
westleedslife
-
0

Each week we publish a list of the latest planning applications related to the seven council wards in West Leeds.

The following applications were published on the Leeds City Council website in the past seven days.

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

  • Tree works, Champion House, Clara Drive, Calverley, Pudsey LS28 5QP.
  • Tree works, 11 Woodhall Court, Calverley, Pudsey, LS28 5UY.

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Horsforth Ward

    Kirkstall Ward

        Pudsey Ward

        Decided applications

        Here are the planning applications decided by Leeds City Council this week:

        Armley Ward

          Bramley & Stanningley Ward

          Calverley & Farsley Ward

          Farnley & Wortley Ward

          Horsforth Ward

            Kirkstall Ward

            Pudsey Ward

            Sponsored content

            www.bramleybaths.co.uk

            Council opens three Armley Gyratory footbridges

            By
            westleedslife
            -
            0
            Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, and ward councillors Paul Wray and Annie Maloney were joined by representatives from the Combined Authority, construction partners Balfour Beatty and the project team to officially open the routes.

            Council chiefs have thanked residents for their patience as they officially opened three new footbridges at Armley Gyratory.

            The footbridges are part of a multi-million-pound scheme to offer improved routes for pedestrians and cyclists negotiating one of Leeds busiest junctions.

            The replacement footbridges over Wellington Road (A58), Spence Lane and Gelderd Road are part of wider works worth more than £41.96 million.

            The improved infrastructure provides vital links to connect communities like Wortley and Holbeck to the city centre, with more accessible footways and bridges.

            Work started in January 2024 to demolish the existing footbridges, which were of a poor standard and approaching life expiry and replace them with more accessible structures. 

            They follow highways works to the main gyratory which were completed in winter 2023. During construction, the project team have worked through challenging conditions and managed to keep travel disruption to a minimum.

            Overall, the improvements to the Armley Gyratory provide pedestrians and cyclists with more appealing and accessible routes, increased safety for all road users, improved traffic flow and less congestion. More than 660 trees have been planted around the gyratory and in the local community, alongside new landscaping, which has further enhanced the biodiversity of the area.

            Council chiefs say the changes to the gyratory have increased vehicle capacity and helped to alleviate congestion at the junction. They are part of transformative highways works to remove through traffic across the city centre, mitigate environmental issues, better connect neighbourhoods, and encourage people to travel on foot or by bike.

            Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “We’re delighted to see Armley Gyratory footbridges fully opened to residents again, across this important scheme to transform travel on a key piece of the city’s infrastructure.

            “I’m pleased to see this scheme has completed during some challenging conditions, all while maintaining an essential route and keeping traffic flowing around the city.

            “Throughout the project, there’s also been significant contributions to the local economy. For example, contractors have mainly employed local people, supported 218 weeks of apprenticeships and the site team have volunteered 130 hours in the local community. There has been over 100 hours of schools’ engagement and over 60 hours of help to support the under 24s into work.

            “This has been a fantastic effort and investment in our local communities. And it’s great to also see almost 100% of waste diverted from landfill, with 620 tonnes of CO2 saved on the project. 

            “We would like to thank everyone involved in working on this scheme, along with people’s ongoing patience, while this essential project was carried out.”

            Councillor Pryor and ward councillors Hunslet and Riverside councillor Paul Wray and Beeston and Holbeck’s Annie Maloney were joined by representatives from the Combined Authority, construction partners Balfour Beatty and the project team to officially open the routes. 

            The scheme is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

            Asda Pudsey to receive major refurbishment

            By
            westleedslife
            -
            4
            Upgrades follow the transformation of Asda’s Pilsworth store in Bury

            The Asda superstore at the Owlcotes Centre in Pudsey is set to receive a new lease of life.

            The supermarket, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, is investing £7.2 million to upgrade stores in Kingswood, Harrogate, York, Pudsey, and Keighley by the end of 2025. 

            Each store included in the programme will benefit from full shop floor refurbishments, including a simpler and more intuitive layout, as well as new feature lighting and neon signage—all designed to modernise the space and enhance the shopping experience for customers. 

            asda owlcotes
            Asda at Owlcotes. Photo: Google

            Work will begin in most stores in September and is expected to take around seven weeks per store. All stores will remain open as usual for customers throughout the duration of the work. 

            Liz Evans, Chief Commercial Officer, Retail and Non-Food, said: “We’re proud to continue investing in the communities we serve – especially in Yorkshire, where our story began 60 years ago. 

            “Following the successful refurbishment of our Pilsworth store earlier this year, we’re pleased to share our plans to modernise these Yorkshire stores and further enhance the shopping experience.” 

            These upgrades follow the transformation of Asda’s Pilsworth store in Bury, which reopened in March after a £2 million investment and has since received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers. 

            Asda’s Owlcotes Centre store opened in 1991, replacing the old store in Fartown. In the mid-1990s it opened the downstairs section, housing non-food items including clothes, toys and electrical equipment.

            Sponsored content

            www.sunnybankmills.co.uk

            Kirkstall Harriers pay tribute to club legend Carol Moran

            By
            Jill Stocks
            -
            0

            Kirkstall Harriers past and present gathered to pay tribute to long-time member and club legend Carol Moran yesterday as friends and family attended her funeral service at Rawdon Crematorium.

            And in true Carol style the congregation left the chapel listening to the song “Fire” by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. 

            Carol was a long-standing member of the club, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, having been a member as well as an active committee member for 39 of those 40 years.

            Current Chairman Chris Glover shared the sad news via the club’s Facebook page several weeks ago. 

            “I have to share the extremely sad news that our dear friend Carol Moran has passed away following a long battle with cancer. 

            “Carol was a dedicated member of the club for 39 years and a long term committee member. She was a dear friend to many of our members and will be sorely missed. 

            “Her kind, gentle and unselfish nature was an example to us all. Rest in peace Carol.”

            Carol was born in Leeds and spent much of her adult life working as a dental receptionist. She had a great love of animals, particularly German Shepherds, being an active part of that community. She married her husband and soul mate Tony in 1988 and they enjoyed many club trips together, home and abroad.

            Tony and Carol take part in New York Marathon
            Carol, front row second from right.

            Variously known as “camera dodging Carol”, for her expert ability to avoid a photo opportunity, or “Carol the bag lady”, for always having a very healthy supply of club kit for members in a bag in the back of her fabulous yellow Skoda, Carol was a much-loved member of the club, particularly supporting newer and slower members at training sessions, something which led many to be surprised when she showed a great turn of speed when required. 

            Current and former members spoke of how much they would miss her company and her passion for running, as well as how she welcomed new members. 

            Sam Ostermeyer said: “Carol welcomed me all those years ago when I signed up and was the go to kit lady – I still have my hoodie in the car. She was a lovely lady and a great club rep.”

            Adam Moger, long-time member and committee member of the Harriers also spoke of how she welcomed people to the club as well as her sense of humour.

            He said: “I wonder how many members she handed vests to over the years – 1,000? – and how many nervous first starters she stayed with on their first run.

            “I’ll greatly miss her sense of humour, which was much more cheeky than that quiet demeanor suggested.”

            Fellow Harrier Vicki manages to keep Carol in the team photo

            Marion Muir spoke of Carol’s kindness. “My memory of Carol will be of a straight talking Yorkshire woman with a great sense of humour, driving a little yellow car, but above all – a really kind lady.”

            Baldish Sandhu has been a Harrier for many years and was good friends with Carol throughout that time, competing in many team events together over the years. 

            “RIP Carol, you will be missed by everyone, especially me.”

            Carol running with friend Trish

            Jill Stocks, former member and Secretary at Kirkstall Harriers, spoke of her sadness at hearing of her friends passing.

            “Carol and I spent a lot of time together over the years. Mainly as she patiently waited for me limping along at the back of the pack. She was of course a lot faster than people thought. Just had a patience I’ve never come across before and never will again. 

            “Had some great chats on those runs and many other times. She was fabulous company. And a great support. Very funny. Very honest. 

            “Remember how she would tell me about her purchases from TK Maxx where she’d spend hours raking through the shelves. A patience I definitely don’t possess. Thank you Carol. You were fabulous.”

            Carol, far left, on one of the clubs many away days

            Donations in Carol’s memory can be made to Yorkshire Cancer Research. 

            Sponsored content

            www.bramleybaths.co.uk

            Decision taken over future of Little Owls nurseries in Bramley, Burley and Hawksworth

            By
            westleedslife
            -
            0
            Little Owls Nursery in Burley Park. Photo: Google

            By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

            Additional reporting: John Baron

            Nurseries in Bramley and Burley Park will remain under local authority control after Leeds City Council failed to find suitable new providers.

            12 Little Owls nurseries were put under a cost-saving review by the council, including four which were considered for take-over by schools.

            Little Owls Nursery in Burley Park. Photo: Google

            But three of the schools were unable to take control of nurseries at Hawksworth Wood, Parklands in Seacroft and Quarry Mount in Woodhouse, the council confirmed today. Discussions are continuing with St Mary’s CE Primary School over its interest in Hunslet St Mary’s Little Owls.

            Another six Little Owls in Bramley, Burley Park, Meanwood, City and Holbeck, Hunslet Rylestone and Osmondthorpe will also stay with the council.

            The spokesperson said: “The council’s default position throughout has remained that in the absence of satisfactory alternative providers being found, the authority would continue to manage delivery of these settings.”

            The council announced new management for its Little Owls sites in Rothwell and Shepherds Lane, Chapeltown.

            The Shepherds Lane centre will be run by Sunshine Community Nursery, rated “outstanding” by Ofsted at its last inspection.

            The Rothwell nursery, on Cornwall Crescent, will be taken over by Sweet Peas Day Care and Teaching, which has a “good” rating.

            The council said the transfer would save £124,000 in 2025/26 and almost £500,000 the following year.

            A spokesperson said: “The new providers will also enter into a 10-year lease with the council, bringing in a combined potential rental income for both sites of £72,000 per year.”

            The council previously closed three Little Owls sites in Gipton, Seacroft and Chapel Allerton.

            The Little Owls review was designed to tackle overspends in the service totalling £1.9m in 2022/23 and £840,000 in 2023/24.

            The council said “operating efficiencies and optimisation of staffing capacity” may still be needed.

            A five per cent fees increase was also expected to raise £78,000 per year.

            WLD last year featured a protest march through the centre of Bramley and Bramley park about council privatisation plans.

            Wild West Podcast: Making a splash at Bramley Baths

            By
            westleedslife
            -
            0

            Our new-look monthly podcast returns for the second episode of its second season with host Michelle Storm.

            In this episode, we go on location to community led Bramley Baths where Michelle Storm chats to David Wilford and Jennie Willetts about the history and development of one of West Leeds’s most iconic buildings. 

            Listen here:

            Farsley: Love Pop Choir scoops two top national awards

            By
            westleedslife
            -
            0

            The harmonious voices of Love Pop Choir are celebrating in perfect pitch this week after scooping two prestigious national awards.

            The choir – which has a group in Farsley – is known for its uplifting performances and inclusive ethos. It has been named Best Ladies Singing Group 2025 and received the Community Excellence Award 2025 at the UK Enterprise Awards.

            Organised by SME News, the UK Enterprise Awards honour outstanding businesses and community organisations across the country.

            Love Pop Choir’s win highlights their commitment to fostering connection and confidence through music, particularly among women from diverse backgrounds.

            The awards committee praised the group for their “inclusive, joy-filled approach to music and the strong sense of connection they foster among women through song,” calling their work a “standout example of how music can bring people together and enrich lives.”

            Founder and choir leader Lauren Elliott (pictured above) has also received individual recognition, having been nominated for the Visionary Leadership Awards 2025. The national award celebrates leaders creating meaningful impact through purpose-driven initiatives.

            “Lauren has an exceptional ability to create a welcoming environment where every singer feels valued,” the awards committee noted. “Her leadership has transformed Love Pop Choir into a beloved local institution.”

            The choir, which operates across Yorkshire, offers a wide range of accessible events and workshops aimed at empowering women through the joy of collective singing. This summer’s events include:

            • Queen Medley Workshops open to all age 18+ – non choir members welcome in Farsley (Aug 4), Saltaire (Aug 18), and Harrogate (Aug 21)
            • FREE Taster Session with Prosecco in Ilkley (Sept 9)
            • FREE Taster Session with Prosecco in Otley (Sept 10) celebrating the launch of their new Otley choir.
            • FREE Taster Sessions are also being offered at Love Pop Choir Boroughbridge, Cookridge, Farsley, Saltaire and Harrogate.

            To find out more or join an upcoming session, visit: www.lovepopchoir.com.

            These latest accolades bring Love Pop Choir’s total to five major honours in just two years. The choir was previously named Best of the Best Community Choir of the Year 2023/24 at the Best of the Best Awards and has twice earned the title Community Choir of the Year at the Yorkshire Prestige Awards in both 2023/24 and 2024/25.

            Illicit goods worth over £80k seized in Armley

            By
            westleedslife
            -
            0

            Illicit goods worth more than £80,000 have been seized from shops in Armley as part of a police campaign focused on making town centres safer. 

            West Yorkshire Trading Standards and officers from the Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team are continuing to investigate following the joint operation – part of the summer Safer Streets campaign – last week.

            They raided a number of premises and seized goods worth around £83,000.

            These included almost 3,000 boxes of cigarettes, hundreds of pouches of tobacco, more than 600 oversized vapes, several single use vapes and two bottles of stolen alcohol.

            Sergeant Steve Ellis from the Leeds West Neighbourhood Police team said: “We continue to use the full range of powers available to us to tackle the issues which blight our communities.

            “We know that the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes is often linked to anti-social behaviour and crime, and it is especially concerning when these items are suspected of being sold to children.

            “The cash from the sale of such goods can also be used to fund serious and organised crime so it is vital we continue to do all we can to take them off the streets.

            “I would urge anyone with information about illicit tobacco and vapes to contact us so we can take action.”

            Shoplifter banned

            As part of the operation, a shoplifter from Bramley was also given a Criminal Behaviour Order banning her from entering six shops around West Leeds. 

            Joanne Briscoe, 43, of Poplar Way, was convicted of theft from shop last month and has now been given a CBO, which will be in place for two years.

            It bans her from entering any of the following: Savers on Town Street, Armley; Aldi on Stanningley Road; Tesco in Bramley shopping centre; Sainsburys on Ring Road, Farnley; One Stop on Whingate; Home Bargains on Stanningley Road.

            Breach of a CBO can lead to prosecution and a prison sentence.

            • You can contact West Yorkshire Police online here or by calling 101. Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.  

            Fire crew’s frustration over Bramley Park bin arson

            By
            westleedslife
            -
            2
            Fire crews in Bramley Park. Photo: Wendy Exley

            By Wendy Exley

            Stanningley fire crew has responded to a deliberate bin fire at Bramley Park, for the second time in a week. 

            A local dog walker called the Fire and Rescue Service after seeing a wheelie bin smoking in the wooded area, at the top of the park today. 

            After extinguishing the fire, a Stanningley fire fighter said: “People don’t realise, they are putting people’s lives in danger.

            “Whilst we are dealing with deliberate arson attacks, our help could be delayed in a real emergency situation.”

            Unfortunately arson attacks at the park are becoming more frequent, especially over the summer months.

            If you are worried about a young person who has set a fire, or shown an unhealthy interest in fire, West Yorkshire Fire Service’s youth intervention education programme can help. 

            For more information visit: yorksfire.gov.uk.

            Fire crews Joined Bramley parkrun back in January to highlight problems with arson and anti-social behaviour in Bramley Park.

            Whingate Boys go on camp

            By
            westleedslife
            -
            0
            Photo: Gary Lemal

            By Gary Lemal

            A church hall in Sunderland may not at first seem like a great place for a holiday.

            How wrong can you be! Just a 10-minute walk to the glorious sandy beach at Seaburn, a lovely warm welcome from the locals, who all can understand a Yorkshire accent. 

            The Boys Brigade from New Whingate Methodist Church have been travelling to Fulwell Methodist Church in Sunderland for generations, no one can remember how it started.

            “It most likely started in the 1960s but we don’t know…it could be the 1950s.”

            Fulwell Methodist Church. Photo: Google

            This year the Boys have experienced the Washington Wetland and skiing on their first full day. They joined with Sunday service aimed at young people and later after a Scavenger hunt enjoyed a film.

            During the week away there are farm trips, foot golf and a trip to the aquarium.Silkworth Tubing is where they have been sliding down a snow hill, in July, while sitting in a rubber ring.

            Sandcastle building and time on the beach is always enjoyed on warm days and the younger campers were keen on experiencing the Seaburn Play park – this has been under construction for the last couple of years and has finally opened. 

            The group leader, Darren Wilson, said: “We vary the programme each year, this time i expect the 10 pin bowling to be popular and also the funfair at South Shields”
            One voice said “the swimming is best thing, and for one or two essential!”

            Darren went on to say “On camp the bond between individuals can really grow and you only get that by spending quality time together.  We also have weekends at the Boys Brigade hostel near Pateley Bridge in the Dales.”

            All age groups of this Boys Brigade group meet on a Wednesday evening during term time at New Whingate Methodist Church, LS12 3EJ.

            New Whingate Methodist Church. Photo: Gary Lemal

            Sponsored content

            www.bramleybaths.co.uk

            Kirkstall Forge history rediscovered at Leeds Industrial Museum

            By
            westleedslife
            -
            0
            Found among the shelves was a fascinating collection exploring the history of Kirkstall Forge including a photograph of the Kirkstall Forge Home Guard in full uniform. Assistant curator Amy Jenkinson is pictured with part of the collection.

            A fascinating archive of historic treasures charting centuries of the city’s industrial heritage has been revealed during a painstaking cataloguing project at an Armley museum.

            Kittens driving cranes, beautiful vintage Christmas cards and an image of a Leeds branch of the Home Guard are among the remarkable array of objects which have been rediscovered at Leeds Industrial Museum.

            Experts have been hard at work carrying out a detailed inventory of the museum’s storage area this week, which contains hundreds of objects collected, donated and stored over several generations.

            found among the shelves is a fascinating collection exploring the history of Kirkstall Forge, one of the oldest industrial sites in the country.

            Employee documents, legal papers, factory signs and product catalogues are included alongside a photograph of the Kirkstall Forge Home Guard in full uniform.

            The volunteer unit was formed during World War II with the task of defending, patrolling and safeguarding the forge, which was a hugely important wartime production site, making parts for military vehicles. The site was even camouflaged to reduce the risk from air raids.

            Among the vast selection of pieces being carefully cleaned and assessed is a catalogue of corporate Christmas cards and calendars printed in the 1950s.

            Part of the Victoria Series album, the cards would once have been marketed to the owners of factories, mills and other large businesses in Leeds to send to their clients and employees as a festive greeting.

            Also part of the collection are vibrant steel signs advertising vintage businesses alongside a series of metal sheets carrying the adorable designs for Leeds-made toffee tins.

            Among the classic images featured are tiny kittens driving toy cranes and sitting in cups, a puppy playing with wooden toy soldiers and a woman cuddling up to a Golden Labrador. The sheets were made by Charles Lightowler, a family firm established in Hunslet in 1891 which became known for printing tinned food, sweet and tobacco containers.

            John McGoldrick, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of industrial history, said: “The huge variety of objects in our store shows just how integral industry and production have been to the history of Leeds and it’s incredible to see what’s been collected over the years and to rediscover some of these stories.

            “Leeds has been home to some globally important factories and production centres which have changed the face of fields including textiles and railways the world over. But it’s also a city that’s been built on the hard work of family businesses and individuals who carved a niche and left a mark on history in their own way.

            “It’s a massive task looking through the collection and assessing each object, but each one of them has been preserved because they are a small but significant part of the city’s heritage so it’s important that we make sure they’re properly stored for future generations.”

            Once the world’s largest woollen mill and built as early as the 1600s, Leeds Industrial Museum today showcases an incredible array of vintage machinery including traditional looms and other textile equipment.

            For more information about Leeds Industrial Museum including opening hours and entry fees, visit: Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

            Sponsored content

            www.sunnybankmills.co.uk
            1...678...1,032Page 7 of 1,032

            © 2020 West Leeds Dispatch