Plans for a new mural in honour of three Leeds United legends overlooking Pudsey Market Place have received a flurry of comments both in support and against the idea.
As reported by WLD last month, a planning application has been submitted for a mural on the back wall of the former Junction public house. It would be based on three images of Jack Charlton lifting the FA Cup, with Norman Hunter to his left and Trevor Cherry on the right.
But the proposals – from Farsley artist Nicholas Dixon and supported by Leeds United Supporters Trust and local businesses – have sparked a debate, with dozens of comments submitted to Leeds City Council’s planning portal.
37 comments of support have been received, with 14 objections and four general comments.
People in favour say the mural would give the area a much-needed lift. One wrote:
“This is a fantastic idea and likely to bring much-needed visitors to our little market town. I am FULLY in support of this application and it should be Allowed to happen.”
Another added:
“Delighted the artist has chosen Pudsey to celebrate the Leeds legends and transform a “tired” area into a “go-see” public space.”
But Pudsey and District Civic Society has objected to the subject matter. The Society said in its comment:
“The Society has no objection in principle to an art mural on the gable end at the market… however we STRONGLY OBJECT to the content.
“Pudsey and its district has no direct connection with Leeds United but does have a strong cricket and textile connection – eg Ray Illingworth and Len Hutton. Would it not be possible for a mural to reflect their achievements?
“In our view one football mural is enough in Leeds and it would be good to attract a lot of people who support cricket and it would would ensure Pudsey was reflected appropriately. This proposal has the support of Pudsey St Lawrence cricket club.”
Another objector, from Thorpe Road, added:
“A mural would brighten up the Market but why Leeds Utd? There are no direct links between Pudsey and Leeds United that I know of? Pudsey Bear would be far more suitable in my opinion!”
Another Pudsey resident spoke in favour of the mural and increased footfall. They said:
“There is no doubt the several murals related to Leeds United around the city are causing a stir and vast interest across a huge fan base abroad as well as across the UK. This mural will form part of future Mural interest ‘Tours’ which will bring significant positive footfall to Pudsey and increase pound spend.”
Artist Nicholas Dixon recently completed the popular Bielsa the Redeemer mural dedicated to Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa in Wortley. All three players on the proposed Pudsey mural passed away last year.
In a design statement accompanying the application, Mr Dixon says he has the support of local businesses and stallholders, and said the proposals would lift the area and give Pudsey Market a much-needed boost.
The proposal, which is in a Conservation Area, is backed by the Leeds United Trust, which is providing part of the funding along with local businesses.
The plans can be viewed in full here.
We’re not all football fans. If a mural is really necessary, which I don’t think it is, it should be of local interest I.e Pudsey.