SIR;- It has been a bumper year for community culture across Leeds, with sport and cultural groups shining light on the talents within the west Leeds neighbourhoods.
The support of West Leeds Dispatch has been key for many successes through the year, even if Kirkstall Art Trail was a bit wet.
Groups support communities in a variety of ways, bringing people together and helping them develop. Within a quarter of a mile from my house is the Kirkstall Valley Development Trust hub with the vast array of support it provides. I know there are similar groups across Leeds.
Across Kirkstall this December is the Kirkstall Advent Trail, demonstrating the creativity and camaraderie in the community (there’s kingfisher, swans, all manner of Christmas and Winter themed displays though my favourite might be the Kirkstall sink hole window).
As a volunteer with Kirkstall Art Trail and Kirkstall in Bloom (though writing in a personal capacity), I know first hand the impact all of Leeds’s amazing community groups have had.
That said, when I see community assets damaged I have to admit my initial reaction is to question why anyone should bother supporting the community.
This weekend I discovered the mural in the Kirkstall railway underpass has been damaged by fire, which feels like the second time in a year. With help from the supportive local councillors Hannah Bithell, Andy Rontree and Fiona Venner this mural was repainted in July (as part of Kirkstall Art Trail). Those discussions will be needed all over again to rectify the latest damage.
It is easy to express shock at the cost of providing support in our communities, and a quick trawl of local social media groups will gather many local and further afield commentators wishing to cut funding for services.
However, the cost does not reflect the value of investing in all our communities. Looking ahead to the local elections that is the debate I wish to hear, the value in supporting all our communities equally.
No one can ever promise increasing investment will eliminate all vandalism in Leeds. Though cutting funding for services in the community does impact community cohesion.
Our community groups will continue to have a fantastic role in west Leeds life during 2026. Aside from my own volunteering I’m looking forward to the return of Horsforth’s Walk of Art, Kirkstall Festival, local cricket at Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club, and so much more.
To paraphrase Alan Sillitoe’s Saturday Night, Sunday Morning: don’t let those lacking community spirit grind us down.
- Jim Corah, Kirkstall
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