By John Baron
Welcome to our latest handy five-minute Sunday roundup capturing what’s been happening in West Leeds during the past week.
It’s the first week after the school summer holiday ‘silly season’ and it’s been a busy one, with the surprise resignation of a Calverley & Farsley councillor, which has triggered a by-election.
Heritage Open Days are just around the corner and you can check out Iola Shaw’s guide to events across West Leeds here. This week’s new planning applications can also be found here.
Here’s a quick look at what’s been happening in West Leeds in the past week:
Armley
Council chiefs are clamping down on inconsiderate and dangerous parking at high rise council flats in Leeds by introducing double yellow lines and other measures – including these blocks in Armley and New Wortley.
It was great to see New Wortley Community Centre recognised for its efforts to support volunteers this week – community reporter Rebecca Hunter has the full story.
Apples, apples everywhere! Leeds City Mission is encouraging Armley folk to get one of their five a day with this healthy offer.
Bramley
Grade II Listed Bramley Baths is to continue its work as a major cultural and community hub over the next few weeks and months as it rolls out its Heritage Open Days events and refreshes its Friends of Bramley Baths scheme. Jane Knowles reports.
A Bramley gym is offering training for novice boxers or MMA fighters – check out James Bovington’s latest piece here.
Calverley
This came as bit of a shock: Calverley and Farsley councillor Peter Carlill resigned due to health issues. A date for the by-election has already been set. Whatever your political views, I’m sure everyone wishes Peter all the best.
Farnley
Congrats to New Farnley Cricket Club as they bounced back from their recent Priestley Cup final defeat to lift the Heavy Woollen Cup for a sixth time after a thrilling eight-run victory over Bradford Premier Cricket League rivals Woodlands.
Farsley
As we mentioned above, Calverley and Farsley councillor Peter Carlill resigned due to health issues this week. A date for the by-election has already been set. Whatever your political views, I’m sure everyone wishes Peter all the best.
Community reporter Diane Gardner discovered how Farsley jeweller Victoria Walker is ‘living the dream’ in new Town Street shop.
Horsforth
Lots happening in Horsforth this week.
A new community group is is aiming to highlight and monitor speeding in the town and create a safer community. Jill Stocks has the story.
City councillors will next week debate plans to create an additional two electoral wards for Horsforth Town Council – with the town council calling for an amendment to the proposals. WLD will be there.
Members of MHA Communities Horsforth are taking part in Miles for MHA this month. And friend of the group, and local PCSO, Julie Richardson is adding something a bit extra to the challenge. Full story here.
Fancy taking a pride in your community and joining a litter pick in Horsforth? Here are all the details you need. And we’ve also got a preview of Horsforth’s popular annual Green Festival later this month – here’s everything you need to know about the event.
Sam Gillinder attended the latest Horsforth St Margaret’s home game, where the lost to BPA. Here’s his report.
Kirkstall
Council chiefs are clamping down on inconsiderate and dangerous parking at high rise council flats in Leeds by introducing double yellow lines and other measures – including these in Kirkstall. The move has prompted calls for a local parking strategy across Kirkstall.
The Kirkstall Neighbourhood Plan has been a long time in coming – I remember reporting on the first public meeting for the project back in January 2016. A decade on, and the volunteers behind the scheme are asking councillors for £10,000 to write the plan following a public consultation. We preview the inner south west community committee meeting here.
Pudsey
More than 20 flats could be created in a former office building on Richardshaw Lane, if plans can be agreed with the city council. Also in planning, Leeds City Council has refused plans to change the use of a transport and haulage depot in Swinnow to a waste wash plant and storage depot.
Staff at Pudsey-based mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) service provider G&H are celebrating after securing contracts with new clients – including Martin House Hospice. And Susan Tellum’s photos put Pudsey in the spotlight, in one of our most viewed articles this week.
What’s on
Check out our what’s on section for dozens of local events compiled by our volunteer community reporters each week!
My personal picks this week? Join free, weekly walks taking place in Armley on Tuesday aimed at improving your wellbeing. Rodley Nature Reserve is still on its summer opening hours, so you can pop in Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday – it’s well worth a visit!
And you can enjoy a reflective walk around Kirkstall Abbey this Wednesday, discovering your qualities of kindness, strength, appreciation and stillness.