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Wild West: Leeds planning consultation farce

By
westleedslife
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0

Some of you may be aware that Leeds has been consulting on a planning blueprint for the city over the past couple of months.

WLDP_wild-west-logo-final
The Leeds-wide Site Allocations Plan has been in process for several years, and will – once completed – form a proposed framework for all development (housing, retail, industrial, greenspace, and more) across the city. Although each development will still need to go through the regular planning processes, the plan will form a crucial fundamental baseline for the city and its communities.

And today’s the last day of the consultation.

The council said it was ‘eager’ to include views from residents across the city. People were able to provide their comments online, through drop-in sessions (there was one held in the West Leeds area – at Pudsey Civic Hall in September) or via a paper feedback form.

It’s certainly caused a lot of debate. Residents in Pudsey and Farnley & Wortley have been urged to object to proposals by their local politicians amid concerns about the threat to green belt land.

And in the south of the city, some residents have already described the consultation as ‘botched’.

I gave the consultation a go yesterday. I have a personal interest in the loss of green belt near my home in Farnley and wanted to have my say.

I don’t know how many of you have given the consultation a go, but I hope you fared better than I did at answering the questions.

After filling in my personal details (I didn’t do all of them – my occupation and phone number are none of your business, LCC, and irrelevant to this consultation), I soon came to the main question:

Which test of soundness are your comments about?

Eh? What? I don’t understand? What does ‘test of soundness’ mean? Soundness and test of what? Perhaps, I thought, the multiple choice answers will shed some answers. The options were:

  • Positively Prepared
  • Effective
  • Justified
  • Consistency with National Policy

What do ANY of those actually mean? Seriously?  Are you expecting me – an ordinary Joe Bloggs from Farnley – to be up to date with national planning policy?  What do you mean by ‘positively prepared’? Does that mean you put together the plan with a smile on your face while singing ‘kum ba ya my Lord’ while holding hands around a campfire?

My point is this – it means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to the average person. I suspect, like me, most people guessed what they should tick. That’s right, a major consultation over the future of housing in Leeds hangs around people guessing what an Earth it’s about.

I’m kicking myself that I didn’t go through the consultation earlier so I could have raised these issues a couple of months ago.

I’m not sure what the findings of the consultation will be like, although I’m sure the council will get what they want from it. But either way, in future the council MUST learn the lesson over this botched consultation. Plain English, please, otherwise you run the risk of people thinking you’ve made it inaccessible on purpose ….

Residents have until 5pm today to have their say. Good luck …

The Wild West is a regular opinion and comment column. Views expressed here are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Leeds Dispatch.



Helen Thompson: Wortley fundraiser nets £3,000

By
westleedslife
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0

A fundraising event at The Brick pub in Wortley yesterday raised £3,000 for two good causes – and the total raised so far could climb even higher.

Helen Thompson fundraiser
Helen Thompson and family

Wortley cancer sufferer Helen Thompson is raising money for the Bexley Wing of St James’ Hospital, where she is having her treatment, and for a trust fund for her two children.

Helen’s friend, Jo Gittins, said the day was a massive success and thanked everyone who donated. She added:

“Im so proud of Helen and her family showing such courageous fighting spirit and organising an event like this when they are going through hell. Thanks to all who came, your generosity was amazing.

“This is just from those who walked in the doors of the Wortley Brick today. There are other events to be taken into account, too.

“This is a great start but is most definitely only the beginning. Helen has two children and sharing this between them both and a donation being made to the Bexley Wing doesn’t leave them with enough to stop us worrying about the ‘what ifs’ in their future.”

Supporters are estimating that the overall funds raised so far will total approximately £5,000. Other funds to add to Helen’s fund are the money for the raffle tickets sold prior to yesterday’s event, donations from Whingate Primary School’s fundraiser on Friday, the collection from PTS via Dave Crossfield, sponsorship for Simon Thompson’s leg wax and other individual donations.

Helen suffers from a rare form of cancer, which she is currently undergoing treatment for.

If you can help the appeal, email r_helen@outlook.com.



West Leeds RUFC topple Roundhegians

By
westleedslife
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0

West Leeds RUFC 1st IV v Roundhegians

On a wet and windy afternoon West Leeds took on fourth placed Roundhegians at Blue Hill Lane. The pitch was is great condition considering the recent downpours, writes Glenn Broadbent.

Wests set off at a great pace and the ball was soon in the hands of the home team’s forwards, who caused Hegians no end of problems, their pack going backwards with regularity.

Penalty after penalty ensued. On just 10 minutes the forwards presented Captain Sam Neave with good ball and he broke through four tackles to register the first try of the afternoon which was duly converted by Dale Breakwell.

Two minutes later the visitors pack was demolished again which led to a two-player interchange by the Roundhegians coach in an attempt to shore up the front eight, this was not to be. Struggling on their own line the opposition were forced into an illegal clearance resulting in a penalty try, which was easily converted. Wests led 14-0.

A period of home domination followed and on the 33rd minute a converted penalty saw the home side increase their lead to 17-0.

As the first half was drawing to a close Hegians rallied with two converted penalties by Alex Jones on 38 and 40 minutes. HT 17-6.

The 2nd half followed much the same pattern with James Damarell scoring a converted try from the back of the scrum on 56 minutes making it 24-6. On 72minutes man of the match Ste Anderson added a pushover try which was soberly converted by Dale Breakwell. 31-6.

That was the end of the scoring in what turned out to be an entertaining game in which Roundhegians can be congratulated on their tenacious tackling and never say die attitude. A note of thanks must also go to the referee who allowed the game to flow as much as possible in the difficult weather conditions.

West Leeds remain unbeaten, picked up another bonus point and remain top of Yorkshire Division 2.

2nd XV Beaten at Selby

The 2nd team’s unbeaten run came to an end in what can only be described as a dreadful game. Selby pushed the laws to the limit and beyond.

When one of their supporters alluded to the rules one can only think he was referring to those set out by the Marquis of Queensbury as the game of rugby has laws. Tit for tat penalties and play well below the level of arrogance shown by the hosts took us to a half time score of 12-5.

The second 40 minutes were little better and final score ended 19-10.

Selby can be a difficult place to play but this display did little for the game of rugby. We hope for a better entertainment in the return fixture on March 12th.

Next week sees the 1st xv travel to Barnsley while the 2nds welcome Wharfedale to Bluehill Lane.



Missing Hannah Davies: Police issue appeal

By
westleedslife
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0

Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of missing Bramley teenager Hannah Davies.

Hannah, 15, was last seen at her home in Gamble Hill Close around 12.15pm yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.

West-Yorkshire-Police
She is described as white, 5ft 7ins tall and slim with light blonde/light brown hair. She was last seen black boots, white jeans, a yellow vest top and grey hooded jumper, and was carrying a large brown handbag.

Detective Inspector James Entwhistle of Leeds District CID said enquiries were ongoing and added:

“We are growing increasingly concerned for Hannah and would appeal to anyone who has seen or heard from her or who knows where she is now to come forward.”

Anyone who has seen Hannah or has information about her whereabouts is asked to contact Leeds District Police on 101 quoting log reference 872 of 14/11



Leeds Abbey Dash in Tweets

By
westleedslife
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0

In the region of 12,000 runners braved the wet and chilly weather to take part in the 10km Abbey Dash today.

The race, which raised around £300,000 for Age UK, started on Wellington Street to Kirkstall Abbey and back to Leeds Town Hall.

Dan Studley, of Bristol, won the men’s race in 29 minutes 43 seconds, while Charlotte Arter, from Cumbria, won the women’s in 33:02. Full results on the Age UK website on Monday.

The race hashtag #abbeydash trended at number five nationally on Twitter this morning. Here are some of your Tweets:



#

Have you seen missing Dagmara Holanova?

By
westleedslife
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0

Police are appealing for information to help trace missing Dagmara Holanova.

West-Yorkshire-PoliceMs Holanova, 34, was last seen in Armley between 5pm and 7pm on Tuesday 3 November.

She is described as a Slovakian woman, of Eastern European appearance, 5″7″ tall, slim build with brown eyes and brown shoulder length hair. Dagmara was last seen wearing a pink jacket, black and white check trousers and white trainers.

Dagmara is known to have links across Leeds, Bradford, Dewsbury and Rotherham.

Anyone who has seen or heard from Ms Holanova, or who knows where she is now, is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police via 101 quoting 852 of 7/11/15.



Farsley out of drop zone after Scarborough battle

By
westleedslife
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0

Farsley Celtic 3 Scarborough Athletic 1

Farsley Celtic moved out of the relegation zone with a magnificent 3-1 victory against Scarborough Athletic in a fiery encounter, writes Thomas Ritchie.

Scarborough had the first opportunity of the game when ex-Celt Steve Mallory crossed for Ryan Blott who sent his free header wide.

Minutes later Farsley had their first chance as diminutive midfielder Lewis Nightingale curled goalwards from the edge of the box, however Erik Bukran dived across to push the ball away from the bottom corner.

Nightingale continued to create and had a chance cleared off the line by Ryan Qualter as he shot from the angle of the six yard box.

With what seemed to be a momentum swing just before half-time, Scarborough won a penalty against the run of play as Lewis Sugden was adjudged to have handled the ball. Ryan Blott converted to give Scarborough the lead.

But then Farsley produced an immediate response as Paul Walker played in Robbie O’Brien who slotted home to stun Scarborough. And then, in the dying seconds of the first half Scarborough were dealt a blow they failed to recover from, as a Paul Walker free-kick from 30 yards curled into the bottom corner despite the efforts of Bukran.

Midway through the second half Scarborough had their best chance to level the score as Ryan Blott fired in a low cross for Thomas Corner who bundled the ball wide from inside the six yard box. With minutes remaining The Celts secured all three points as Robbie O’Brien squared to

Aiden Savory who calmly took a touch before rolling the ball into the bottom corner. Farsley continued to have the best of the play and had the final opportunity as Paul Walker fired straight at Bukran who saved comfortably.

The teams

Farsley Celtic: Taylor, Hardy, Serrant, O’Brien (c), Clayton, Harrison, Nightingale (Grant 68), Daly, Walker, Savory, Sugden (Osbourne 54). Unused subs: Hancock, Jenkinson.
Scarborough Athletic: Bukran, Mallory, Winfarrah (Robson 63), Peat (c), Qualter, Bloor (Fox 68), Metcalfe (Bradshaw 78), Wright, Corner, Blott, Moke. Unused subs: And, Peterson.
MOTM: Paul Walker
Attendance: 322



Leeds Abbey Dash 2015: Information and road closures

By
westleedslife
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0

The 30th anniversary of the Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash 10k will take place tomorrow (Sunday 15 November).

All finishers receive a technical top and goodies on the finish line and there is also a 2k Junior Dash open to 8-15 year olds.

The 10k starts at Wellington Street, is flat, fast and perfect for beginners and elites alike.

Times as follows:

Wheelchair Race

8.55am 10k wheelchair race starts.

Junior Race

9.00am Juniors to congregate for a warm up at the start line on Wellington Street.
9.10am Junior race starts.
9.45am Junior and wheelchair racers prize giving in front of the Town Hall.

Main Race

9.00am Virgin Active warm up on the stage at the main start area at the old International Pool site.
9.15am Runners to congregate in their pens in start area.
9.30am Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash 10k starts.
10.30am Prize presentation for first three men and women on the Town Hall steps.
10.45am England Championships prize giving on the Town Hall steps.
12.00pm Any person running after 12 midday must move to the pavement as the road will be open to traffic at this time.

Road closures

Road closures include:

West Street – Kirkstall Road to Park Lane
Willow Road – Kirkstall Road to Burley Road.
Kirkstall Road – West Street to commercial Road
Commercial Road – Kirkstall Road to Abbey Road
Bridge Road – Commercial Road to Savins Mill Way
Abbey Road – Abbey Walk to Bridge Road

More road closures here.

Care home for Wortley High School site?

By
westleedslife
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1

The site of the former Wortley High School could be used to build accommodation for older people.

Members of the council’s decision-making executive board are being asked to approve a council prospectus which outlines the potential location and type of accommodation required to meet the needs of older people across Leeds.

The Wortley High School site, off Swallow Crescent, is deemed surplus to council requirements and is likely to be sold to a suitable developer. It has been recommended by the council as a potential site for a two-storey, 45-unit staffed care facility.

The prospectus will be marketed to potential developers, with a preference to have older people’s accommodation on the site.

A report to be considered by councillors says local ward members approve of the principle of development.

Read the report in full below:

Developing the Range of Choices in the Older Peoples Housing Market Older Peoples Housing Prospec

Councillors will make their decision on Wednesday.

Wortley High School closed in 2009.



Appeal: Stolen puppies in New Farnley

By
westleedslife
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0

Devastated owners have offered a reward for information on two puppies from a farm in New Farnley.

Kendal and Kevin are brother and sister, 14-week-old black and tan miniature pinscher puppies, who were stolen from a car parked at Fish Pond Farm, Hall Lane, New Farnley.

The theft occured on the foggy evening of 2nd November between 5.50pm and 6.30pm.

A window of the vehicle was smashed and the puppies were taken in their pet carrier.

One of the puppies is recovering from a broken leg, and requires urgent follow up veterinary treatment and check ups.

Owner Angela Chughtai said:

“We’re absolutely devastated. You don’t realise how much something like this affects you until it happens. We’re especially worried about Kevin as he needs special care because of his leg.”

Angela said the dogs were asleep in their pet carrier in her son’s car on the farm at the time. Her son was working in stables less than 40 metres away and never heard anything. She added:

“They smashed the car window with a rock – the glass must have gone into the pet carrier and onto the puppies as well.”

Both dogs are  microchipped. They have been reported to the police, have a crime reference number and an officer assigned.

Anyone who has any information about these lost dogs should post here on the Dog Lost website.



West Leeds RUFC snatch Pontefract draw

By
westleedslife
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0

1st Xv v Pontefract away. 25-25

On a wet and windy afternoon at Moor Lane on a pitch stickier than the town’s famous cakes, champagne rugby was never on the cards, writes Glenn Broadbent.

West Leeds forwards dominated but an intelligent kicking game from the home side exploited the benefits of their sloping pitch (anyone remember Bostocks Cup?).

Pontefract were the first team to affect the scoreboard when Glenn Boyd, having made a kicking tee out of mud, nonchalantly slotted a penalty to make it 3-0 to the home side. Following this there was a passage of physical play from both sides. West Leeds were the next side to add points to their tally. With a pushover try from Liam Robinson, Wests made it 5-3 in their favour. Dale Breakwell missing the conversion.

Five minutes later, from a lineout, Pontefract’s backs showed great flair and executed one of their set moves. Fast hands moved the ball wide to Richard Dedicoat. He used good feet to create space and ran over his opposition to score the try. This went unconverted and Pontefract regained the lead – 8-5 to Pontefract.
Another forward dominated try from James Kirk put Wests back in front, Dale Breakwell missing the conversion.

The next try was Pontefract’s. After some fast and effective build- up play, the ball found its way to captain Craig Fawcett in the centres. The skipper looked up and noticed there was space behind the wings. He dinked a cross-field kick over the top to none other than Richard Scott, left lock. Scott gathered the ball up and bundled over the line for five points. The try was reminiscent of Ali Williams scoring for Toulon against Bordeaux in 2013. Glenn Boyd added the extras to take Pontefract into the lead at 15-10.

Pontefract had carried the ball well throughout the game. Jonny Hill was steaming at the opposition in the first half and Jonny Burrows was using his physicality from number 8. It was from one of these characteristic charges that Burrows was able to create space for Fawcett to run in to. Fawcett rolled back the years, ironically as he was turning 30 on the following day, and raced home from the halfway line to score a brilliant try – 22-10 to Pontefract.

Later in the second half, West Leeds scored two tries. The first by Dan Bird brought the score to 22-15 as it was unconverted by Dale Breakwell. Pontefract seized the initiative when they were awarded a penalty, choosing three points to extend their lead to ten points.

Louis Brown confidently added the three. West Leeds narrowed the gap between the sides with another try this time by Campbell Breakwell which was converted by Dale Breakwell who by this time had shook off the previous night’s celebrations realizing there are only one set of posts at each end of the pitch 25-22 to Pontefract as the game was drawing to a close.

At the end of injury time, as ‘tempus fugit’, West Leeds were awarded a penalty kick near to the halfway line. Dale Breakwell was back to his reliable best and defied the odds to convert the goal, earning his team 3 points, a draw and their position at the top of Yorkshire Division 2.

West Leeds welcome Roundhegians to Blue Hill Lane for a 2.25pm Kick Off.

2nd XV v Bradford Salem. 43-14

West took an early 19-0 lead and a landslide look to be in store. After a period of domination from Wests went unrewarded and half time was beckoning Salem scored two breakaway tries both converted to take make it 19-14 at the break.

Wests scored straight from the restart and continued to dominate with former Leeds Rugby Leeds star Mark Calderwood completing his hat trick of tries and former Morley RFC National League player Scott Evans putting in a magnificent kicking performance.

The seconds move above Salem into 3rd place and look forward to a difficult away game at Selby this Saturday.

Under 15s

West Leeds under 15s returned to winning ways with a hard fought 26-17 win over Leeds Corinthians.



Farsley Celtic end Aquaforce’s cup dreams

By
westleedslife
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0

Farsley Celtic earned a home tie against Stocksbridge Park Steels after they progressed to the second round of the Integro Doodson cup, defeating Shaw Lane Aquaforce 2-0, writes Thomas Ritchie.

The first chance of the game fell to Farsley as Adam Clayton knocked the ball down to Aiden Savory who’s shot was well saved by Shaw Lane ‘keeper Ian Deakin.

Farsley continued to pressurise and almost went ahead as Robbie O’Brien played in Savory who shot straight at the ‘keeper, before Robbie O’Brien fired goalwards only to see his effort saved low down by Deakin.

Just moments later Farsley took a deserved lead as Savory found himself through on goal before slotting home past Deakin.

Farsley then doubled their lead as Paul Walker passed to Chris Howarth who curled in a beautiful goal from the edge of the box to open his account for the club.

The second half was a much quieter affair as Farsley controlled the game without threatening, yet Shaw Lane did have one clear cut opportunity to pull one back.

However, Tom Taylor was up to the task as he saved excellently from Joe Thornton’s effort as he maintained his clean sheet and a comfortable win for The Celts.

The teams

Farsley Celtic: Taylor, Hardy, Serrant, O’Brien (c), Clayton (Miller 46), Harrison, Nightingale (Daly 78), Sugden, Walker (Osbourne 74), Savory, Howarth. Unused subs: Hancock, Grant.

Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Deakin, Wafula, Stohrer, Darley, Radford, Sabo, Deacey, Bennett (Priestley 58), Thornton, Morris (c), Eyles. Unused subs: Istead, O’Brien.

MOTM: Robbie O’Brien

Attendance: 106



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