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Leeds bids to be a host city for football’s World Cup in 2018: page 7 and backthebidleeds.com
Autumn 2009 www.leeds.gov.uk/aboutleeds
Please be a volunteer WE’RE going to be encouraged to give up our time for free across Leeds next year as 2010 is declared a ‘Year of Volunteering’. The city council is working with Voluntary Action Leeds on 12 months worth of events to help community and charity organisations across the city. It will begin in January with the planned opening of an improved ‘volunteering clearance house’. It
matches people who can spare their time with the organisations, charities and groups which need a helping hand. It currently operates just two days a week from an office inside the main city library, which it has completely outgrown. Another ambition is to increase the number of people who volunteer or the amount of total time people already give. Right
now, it’s estimated as many as 100,000 people in Leeds regularly do some kind of volunteering; but campaigners hope to increase that by another 25,000. The city council is putting £50,000 into the project and firms and organisations in Leeds are being asked to contribute another £50,000 to ensure the year of activities are successful. Campaigners say as well as
boosting the number of people who give up their spare time each month, the idea is to make sure volunteers get something out of it as well. That means the ‘quality’ of the volunteering is equally crucial; making sure the volunteers are well supported, understand what they are doing and really feel they are making a contribution to the organisation they are helping.
Top of the class
Leeds now Celebrate the rich, diverse communities in our multicultural city: supplement
LEEDS
N O BRINGING W An
2009
About
Leeds supple ment •
Autumn 2009
PEOPL TOGETHEER
LEEDS City Coun Yorkshire cil, partn table top Police and Safer ers from West coun Leed
www.leeds.g ov.uk
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What’s on Great choice of events for you to enjoy: page 6
OVER 8,000 young people in Leeds received their GCSE marks over the summer, with initial figures suggesting 2009 could be the city’s most successful year to date. Although the full picture will not be available until later this year, early indicators suggest more young people in the city have achieved at least five A*-C grades at GCSE than ever before. In 2008, a total of 62.4 per cent of GCSE students achieved five or more A*-C, with 46.4 per cent including English and maths. Early signs suggest this year’s figure could rise by at least four per cent while the five A*-C including English and maths figure is expected to be on a par with 2008. Individual schools have seen great improvements not only across the board in their five A*-C grades, but also in those including English and maths. Parklands Girls’ High School has seen increases of 16 per cent, with 43 per cent of students this year receiving five A*-C grades; and 14 per cent, with 33 per cent of students achieving five A*-C including English and maths. Students from John Smeaton Community College have achieved record levels of 74 per cent five A*-C; 45 per cent including English and maths. Other successes included Allerton Grange (56.6 per cent five A*-C) and Intake High School (52 per cent five A*-C).
WELL DONE: early indications show results are the best yet
NEWS • LEARNING • STREETS • LIVING IN LEEDS • WHAT’S ON • BUSINESS
2 About Leeds Autumn 2009
LEARNING IN LEEDS
Leeds schools enjoy top facilities
Teachers up for awards TWO Leeds teachers have reached the national final of the Teaching Awards after winning the regional finals. Matthew Browne, deputy headteacher at Austhorpe Primary School, won the BT Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School in the North of England, and Peter Harris, headteacher at Farsley Farfield Primary School, won the Becta Award for Next Generation Learning in the North of England. A judge who watched one of Mr Browne’s lessons described it as ‘inspirational’. The national final will be held in London on Sunday 25 October.
Learning vital life skills SKILLED for Success is a new programme working with unemployed people wanting to improve their skills so they can access further learning or employment. Numeracy, literacy, ICT, ESOL – English for speakers of other languages – and financial literacy courses are available, as well as training related to transport, health and social care, construction, first aid and food hygiene. The programme is funded by the Learning and Skills Council and European Social Fund. For more information, search for ‘Skilled for Success’ at www.leeds.gov. uk.
Title error IN the summer edition of About Leeds we incorrectly titled Her Majesty the Queen. We apologise for the error and any dissatisfaction this caused.
This newspaper is published for the residents of Leeds. It is available in Braille, large print or audio tape. To contact the newspaper, call 0113 224 3298, email newspaper@leeds.gov.uk or write to About Leeds, Corporate Communications, 4th Floor West, Leeds Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR.
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POPULAR: more young people are benefiting from non-traditional qualifications
Non-traditional qualifications success in Leeds IN ADDITION to the success of GCSE results, young people across the city have made progress towards the first qualifications in diplomas. Over 120 learners in Leeds are halfway through the Construction and the Built Environment and Creative and Media diplomas, and the first qualifications for these courses will be awarded in 2010. Since 2008, the popularity of these programmes has grown with one in every five young
people achieving non-GCSE qualifications. 2008 saw an increase of 21.5 per cent compared to 19 per cent in 2007. This shows the work that is taking place in Leeds to deliver better outcomes for young people by allowing them more choice, flexibility and personalisation of the curriculum. Vocational and work-related learning qualifications are also contributing to progress in raising attainment in Leeds as a whole. Young people who have accessed EOTAS (Education Other
Than At Schools) programmes have also successfully completed many qualifications. Over 65 young people have achieved results including OCRs, OCNs and City and Guilds from providers including Carlshead Farm Project, BUMPY, The Hunslet Club, Swarthmore College and Interplay Theatre. Their achievements are even more significant given that many of them have struggled through great adversity to achieve their qualifications and fulfil their potential.
YOUNG people in two of the city’s schools are celebrating after starting this term in some of the country’s most advanced learning facilities. Allerton Grange and Swallow Hill Community College – formed after West Leeds and Wortley high schools joined together – are the latest schools to be transformed through Leeds’ award-winning Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. The stunning new schools will transform learning for every child, and contain state-of-the-art facilities for the whole community. Both schools are bright, open and colourful places where young people feel safe and enjoy learning. Different sized and shaped rooms, coupled with huge amounts of technology, allow young people to find new and different ways to learn and succeed. State of the art technology and equipment across the whole school will give young people the hands-on experience and skills they need to live and work in the 21st century. For more information on BSF in Leeds go to www.educationleeds. co.uk/bsf. n EDUCATION Leeds is working with Leeds schools to plan for a huge rise in demand for places in the city’s schools. At a time of a rising birthrate and an increase in the number of families moving to Leeds, more children than ever before are applying for a place in the city’s schools. Some schools have expanded from 2009, with more to follow in 2010. Discussions this autumn will look at where further places will be needed from 2011. The latest information for parents and carers with a child starting school in September 2010 is available in admissions packs distributed this month, or online at www.educationleeds. co.uk/admissions.
Service excellence acclaimed
Like About Leeds? Then don’t miss www.twitter.com/ leedscc. Our Twitter news page features a wide variety of council news. The page is updated frequently and already has several hundred followers. It’s produced at no extra cost.
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EXCELLENT: the service offers a high standard of help
THE Leeds Parent Partnership Service, which helps the parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs, has been reaccredited with the government’s Charter Mark for Customer Service Excellence. The standard looks at the quality of customer service
provided, including what customers think of the service; the culture of the organisation; information and how it is delivered; access to services; and timeliness. One parent said: “This is a fantastic service, worth telling people about.”
YOUNG PEOPLE IN LEEDS
Autumn 2009
About Leeds 3
Special school where only the very best is good enough WEST SILC is a special school in Leeds with a reputation for excellence. It caters for children with a range of physical and learning needs. Pupils with physical disabilities have programmes to develop functional skills required for sitting, standing and walking. It’s all part of a personalised and nurturing approach to learning run in tandem with the innovative MOVE charity teaching programme and others – including parents, carers, physiotherapists and
occupational therapists. Such work has led to the West Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre – to give its full title – being named a regional centre of excellence by MOVE, one of only nine in the UK. Josh is one child who is benefiting from his time with West SILC. He arrived at West SILC with very poor head control, no sitting balance and no weight bearing skills. He sat strapped in a chair or lay on the floor. Now, he can walk unaided across the classroom, push
SMILES BETTER: West SILC has a reputation for excellence. BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration was delighted to formally unveil the Move Centre of Excellence plaque
himself up to standing and sit independently in the bath. “We can’t believe how well he is doing now,” said Josh’s mother, Linda. “It’s great to see how
excited he gets when he knows he’s done something for himself.” West SILC is based in Stanningley, Farnley and at Hollybush primary school.
For more on West SILC, visit www.westsilc.leeds.sch.uk. You can contact them on 0113 386 2450 or info@westsilc.leeds.sch. uk.
Honours for Leeds schools
Children’s plan is looking up THE new Leeds Children and Young People’s Plan launches in September, setting out how Children Leeds and partners will work together over the next five years to build brighter futures for every child and young person in Leeds. At the heart of the plan is keeping children and young peo-
ple happy, healthy, safe, successful and free from the effects of poverty. Immediate priorities include improving outcomes for looked after children, reducing absence in schools, and raising the proportion of young people in work or education. Children Leeds will continue to shape services towards inte-
PUPILS from two Leeds’ schools celebrated Bike Week 2009 with a great time at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm. The pupils – from Carr Manor and Meanwood primary schools – cycled to the urban farm, before taking part in racing, a treasure hunt and tour. They were joined by road safety staff from Leeds City Council, Travelwise and West Yorkshire Police. The event, on 18 June, was to encourage and promote sustainable travel, particularly young children cycling to school in Leeds.
grated working to make a bigger difference. Both children and young people and their families contributed to the plan. Young people said having places to go and things to do was their number one priority. Over the next five years, Leeds will see an increase in the number of Breeze events and cultural
TWO Leeds schools have won honours at the Regional Social Enterprise awards. Bruntcliffe High School won best stand, concept and business plan awards; and John Smeaton Community College was runner-up in best stand. Hosted by Education Leeds and attended by the founder of the Big Issue, John Bird, the awards celebrate the achievements of students from across the region who are running social enterprises that contribute to their schools and communities.
Lots to do
activities, more projects in communities, and more sports-based accredited learning to achieve this goal. Other longer term ambitions include making sure children and young people are making the right choices, and are kept safe and supported by strong families and communities.
Bike week was wheely good
SPOKES PEOPLE: Carr Manor and Meanwood saddle up for sustainable travel
SEPTEMBER is a busy time at Abbey House Museum with lots of fantastic activities. Monkey Club Month has fun for the under fives with lots of extra sessions of Monkey Club, fun with paints and crafts in Messy Monkeys and a new session; Mr Monkey for under fives and their male carers. Older visitors can enjoy reminiscing during Memory Lane Mornings and Afternoons.
Credit to PCT LEEDS is among the top three primary care trusts delivering the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to young women across the city. The vaccine prevents against the two strains of the virus known to cause cervical cancer in 70 per cent of women. Leeds has delivered the first stage of the vaccine to 98 per cent of 12-13 year olds and 58 per cent of 17-18 year olds, with more planned.
4 About Leeds Autumn 2009
CITY DEVELOPMENTS
Leeds well-placed to take advantage of upturn in economy, when it comes THE skyline of Leeds has been transformed over the last few years by massive levels of investment in new offices, retail and residential development. And, while the recession has resulted in some developments being put on hold, the city continues to be reshaped by large scale investment and development projects. Redevelopment of the canal basin is well under way, with Granary Wharf promising to reinvigorate a significant stretch of the Leeds waterfront and improve linkages with Holbeck Urban Village and the area south of the railway station. A new City Inn hotel sits at the centre of the development and opened in August, creating over 100 new jobs. The public sector is also investing heavily in the city: the Rose Bowl at Leeds Met in now open, providing a new home for the university’s school of business; and work on the new Faculty
NEW ERA: Paul Fairhurst from Savills, Richard Pellatt of Highcross and Colliers CRE’s Roddy Morrison go over the plans for the former Allders site.
of Art & Society at Broadcasting Place is fast approaching completion. Demolition work at Brunswick Terrace, the site of the new £80 million Leeds arena, is now complete. The 12,500-seat concert venue will provide a major stimulus for the development industry and the economy of the city. Meanwhile, the Leeds office market has recently seen the completion of Latitude Red and The Mint, both built to the highest environmental standards. The Mint offers over 117,000 sq ft of prime office space positioned at the city’s southern gateway, with direct access to the motorway network. Latitude Red is the first phase of a development,
which has planning permission for up to 600,000 sq ft of offices situated on Whitehall Road. The two office developments are classified as BREEAM ‘excellent’, which means they have been designed for maximum energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact. In the city centre, developer Highcross has finished work on the £40 million redevelopment of the former Allders’ store to create Broad Gate, a flagship retail and office development featuring floorplates of between 36,000 and 39,000 sq ft. A stunning glass atrium forms the centre piece off the development, allowing natural light to flood into the core of the
building, while a glazed curtain wall offers tranquil views across the lawns of Merrion Gardens and the courtyard of St John’s church. “There’s been a complete redevelopment behind the facade and we have managed to keep as much retail space as Allders had while adding in office space,” said development director Richard Pellat. Argos, Sainsbury and TK Maxx have so far taken three of the four ground floor retail units, while The Air office village on the top floor has been earmarked for boutique office suites ideal for small, high value buisnesses. Summer has also seen the completion of Toronto Square, a further 90,000 sq ft of prime of-
fices located minutes from Leeds City Station and the city’s main retail quarter. “There is no doubting the severity of the downturn, which has already brought job losses as companies downsize and the economy slows,” said Anne Morgan, who heads up Leeds City Council’s inward investment team. “Around the country, the economic recession is also being felt in terms of occupier demand for office space, and this comes at a time when a number of major schemes are completing.” However, industry analysts reckon the Leeds office market is well placed to take advantage of the upturn in the economy when it comes.
Our offices offer best value in Europe
BEST VALUE: pictured are Elaine Rossall of Cushman & Wakefield and Town Centre Securities’ Richard Lewis
OFFICES in Leeds offer the best value for money in Europe, according to research from global commercial property consultants Cushman & Wakefield. Yorkshire’s regional capital is ranked first for value for money and third for availability of office space, making it a prime location for major national and international companies seeking new offices. Overall, Leeds has moved two places back up the rankings from 30th to 28th place in the list of ‘Best European cities to locate a business’, which looks at the range of factors considered by
companies when deciding where to locate their business operations. Key factors are cost and availability of qualified staff, access to markets, quality of telecommunications and transport links with other cities and internationally. n Leeds will need to work hard if it is to retain its position as one of the UK’s leading business locations, according to Elaine Rossall, who heads up the European research team at property consultants Cushman & Wakefield. “A higher profile, strong
leadership, greater choice within the office market and improved international links via the airport are the key ingredients to improving the city's attractiveness,” she said speaking alongside Richard Lewis, development director at Town Centre Securities, at an event during Leeds Business Week. Town Centre Securities own the Merrion Centre and has just completed refurbishment of Town Centre House to create some of the 'greenest' office space in the city.
CITY DEVELOPMENTS
Autumn 2009
About Leeds 5
Ambitious Thorpe Park plan aims to create 15,000 jobs A MASTERPLAN for the second phase of work at Thorpe Park, Leeds is expected to create up to 15,000 jobs and put it on the map as a leading European business park. Owner of the business park Scarborough Group International
has announced plans for investment of up to £500 million at the site, which is located on the outskirts of Leeds and has its own motorway junction providing direct access to the M1. The investment would make
the already popular business park one of the top five business locations in the UK, with a total of 1.8m sq ft of office accommodation plus a full range of health, leisure and supporting facilities. Thorpe Park already has
600,000 sq ft of developed office space and employs 4,500 people, working for high profile occupiers including brewers Coors, Dutch construction group BAM Construction, GE Money and IBM.
Andrew Richardson, one of the key figures working for Scarborough on the project, said: “The outcome is that we have a location with facilities that means we can justifiably say we are a European business destination.”
Five star business location to attract global companies AGENTS for Latitude Red, a brand new office development built to the highest energy efficiency and environmental standards, report an increase in enquiries from companies interested in seeking to relocate or expand their operations. Jeff Pearey, head of Jones Lang LaSalle’s Leeds office, said interest in the 123,000 sq ft office building was on the up. “We have seen an increasing number of enquiries coming in from organisations looking at the whole building,” he said. “Twelve months ago there seemed to be more enquiries around the market in the bracket of 20,000 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft with people looking at single floors.” Latitude Red, which has BREEAM ‘excellent’ status and includes an electric car charging station, sits within West End Leeds, where a partnership between the city’s leading developers has been formed to create a five star business location capable of attracting national and international companies.
Wellington Place is the biggest development site within West End Leeds, covering 22 acres and with the potential to create up to 2.6 million sq ft of prime offices, residential and commercial space. Two buildings have already been completed and planning permission has been granted for a further building. And, while the recession has slowed the pace of speculative office development, MEPC has taken the lead in landscaping the site to create green space, walkways and open areas that can be enjoyed by people living and working in the area. A five-a-side football pitch and an urban beach are amongst plans for the waterfront site. MEPC’s chief executive, Rick de Blaby, said: “We’re in the business of creating sustainable estates with exceptional public realm that are great places to live and work. By opening up the site now, we’re laying firm foundations for Wellington Place to become a valuable and vibrant area of the city.”
WELLINGTON PLACE: the biggest development site within West End Leeds
Home of industrial revolution looks to future
FAST FORWARD: Holbeck looks ahead
HOLBECK Urban Village is a fast developing business and residential community in the area to the immediate south of the city centre. Originally the home of the industrial revolution in Leeds, the area features an extraordinary architectural legacy, including the distinctive Italianate Towers
of Tower Works and the Egyptian facade of Temple Works. These monuments to the city’s industrial past are now being restored to their former glory with work due to start on the first phase of redevelopment at Tower Works. At the southern end of the 36 acre conservation area, developer
Deltalord has recently completed work on The Mint, a brand new office development built to the most exacting environmental standards. In between, and setting the tone for the regeneration of the area, is the multi-award winning Round Foundry where developer CTP St James has restored the
network of nineteenth century engineering workshops to create a unique residential and working environment. At its core is the Round Foundry Media Centre, providing purpose-built office accommodation for some of the brightest stars of the digital, media and creative industries.
6 About Leeds Autumn 2009
WHAT’S ON
Bright start to a winter of festivities
Focus on shopping FROM 15 October the city centre becomes a mecca for all things shopping as it celebrates the Leeds Loves Shopping festival. Expect fashion shows, makeovers, retail business seminars, award ceremonies, competitions, promotions and much more. Coordinated by City Centre Management and Marketing Leeds, with the support of Leeds Retail Association and businesses in the city, there will be a wide range of fabulous events. Visit www.leedsliveitloveit. com.
The light fantastic THE spectacular annual Light Night arts event takes place on 9 October – with residents invited to 80 free events set across 50 venues. Millennium Square hosts many attractions, including awe inspiring moving projections on
the Civic Hall and a chance to draw with light – with your creations up on the BBC Big Screen. You can also discover the lost art of conversation using yogurt pots and string, see moving artwork at a travelling gallery, create your own planet, become part
of the Light Night solar system and see angels in the university chaplaincy. This is a just a snippet of what will be a busy night. Download the brochure from www.lightnight leeds.co.uk or visit The Light on the night for more information.
Estate of Conroy Maddox
FESTIVE Leeds lights up our city streets this Christmas from 12 November. You can pick up Christmas gifts from the city centre’s fresh food markets, independent boutiques, welcoming shopping centres, high street favourites and cosy arcades. Why not purchase some German treats at Christkindelmarkt on Millennium Square? Plus start the New Year in style at the Ice Cube outdoor skating rink at Millennium Square from January to March. Visit www.festiveleeds.com. n HOW many ghosts can live in an 850-year-old ruined monastery? This Halloween Kirkstall Abbey gives you the chance to find out. For families, 28 October sees a day of free spooky activities in the Visitor Centre. If you are feeling brave, 29 and 30 October sees the return of the Abbey’s popular Ghost Tour – definitely for over 16s only. Telephone 0113 230 5492 for more details.
TOP TAPESTRY: artistic director Kate Russell and trustee Eileen Cummings at work on the LS2000 Urban Fabric panel
Tapestry was over a decade in the making SHORTLISTED: Matt Stokes’ Club Pondersa exhibit
SURREAL DEAL: Conroy Maddox
Artists and art make impression THE four artists competing for the Northern Art Prize 2009 have been announced. The short-listed works will be shown at Leeds Art Gallery from 27 November until 21 February 2010, the third year that the prestigious event has been held in Leeds. The hunt to celebrate the best contemporary artist in the North has been whittled down to: Pavel Büchler (Manchester), Nick Crowe and Ian Rawlinson (Old Trafford), Rachel Goodyear (Manchester), and Matt Stokes (Newcastle/Gateshead).
Since 2007, the Northern Art Prize has captured northern talent on canvas, paper, film, video, in sound, sculptural forms and ‘found’ objects. The winning artist will be announced on 21 January, scooping the £16,500 prize money. The runners up will each receive £1,500. Entry to Leeds Art Gallery is free. For more visit www.leeds. gov.uk/artgallery. n A COLLECTION of British Surrealism, brought together by prominent Leeds collector Dr Jeffery Sherwin, is on display at
Leeds Art Gallery. The exhibition ‘British Surrealism: A Collectors Eye’ will take place until 1 November and includes over 220 rare exhibits. Dr Sherwin started collecting in 1986 after seeing the exhibition ‘British Surrealism in the 30s’ at Leeds Art Gallery. The retired medical doctor is the owner of the largest privately held collection of British Surrealism in the world. Entry to Leeds Art Gallery is free. For more information on the exhibition visit www.leeds.gov.uk/ artgallery.
THE Leeds Tapestry, brainchild of Kate Russell, was started in 1992 and completed 12 years later. After consultation with local groups, subjects were chosen for 16 panels, each with a distinct theme. Many individuals worked on creating images of Leeds places, buildings and people, using a variety of techniques. After having several different homes, in recent years the Tapestry has been displayed in the first floor gallery of Leeds Central Library. This summer, before its relaunch with a set of interpretation boards, the panels were removed for repair. For opening times and other information, ring 0113 247 6016.
NEWS
Autumn 2009
About Leeds 7
New team up and running A NEW team dedicated to keeping vulnerable people safe is now up and running. The ten new posts were created in response to government recommendations that said Leeds had to strengthen its adult safeguarding service. The city’s Adult Safeguarding Board’s annual report has just been published, describing how its membership is now drawn from the most senior levels in organisations such as police, health and the council. This is to make sure that awareness of safeguarding issues for vulnerable people are embedded throughout the organisations. The report also says that, with people choosing more independent lifestyles, the importance of robust safeguarding arrangements for vulnerable people is greater than ever. The revised Safeguarding Policy emphasises the need for all to be vigilant to keep people from harm or abuse, as well as protect those who have been harmed. Anyone with an adult safeguarding concern should ring 0113 224 3511.
Housing future A PROJECT is under way looking at the future of council housing after the completion of the decent homes programme. The council is leading on the project – and working with the city’s Arms Length Management Organisations, the Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation and the Leeds Tenants’ Federation – to develop a vision for the future of the service and how to fund it. A number of events have taken place for board members and representatives from LTF who have expressed their initial views. The project will continue into 2010 with a preferred option, or options, ready for public consultation early in the new year.
SUPPORTING LEEDS: South Africa Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee delegates, from left Dr Shuaib Manjra, Ezera Tshabangu and Vinesh Maharaji
Back our bid for Leeds to host the World Cup THE Leeds City Region has officially launched its bid for Leeds to be a host city for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Footballing legends Norman Hunter, Peter Lorimer, Nigel Martyn and Gordon McQueen were joined by council dignitaries, Leeds United manager Simon Grayson and defender Rui Marques to launch the bid. The message from them all was unanimous: back the bid by voting at backthebidleeds.com. “The Leeds City Region is a great sporting area and I’m delighted and honoured to be backing the bid,” said Norman Hunter.
“It would be terrific for the area if we can bring the World Cup to Leeds.” The Leeds legend is not alone. More than 120,000 people voiced
World Cup bid the thumbs up. If the bid is successful, towns and cities which make up the Leeds City Region would be used as locations for training grounds and ‘Fan Fests’ where supporters can gather and watch matches on big screens. Leeds is one of 15 cities across the country to have declared an interest in hosting World Cup fixtures if the England bid is successful. If Leeds is a host city, games would be played at Elland Road, with improvements proposed. n Leeds will stage games in the rugby league (2013) and rugby union (2015) world cups.
Technology aid to independence at home THE award-winning Telecare project uses high-tech equipment to help ill, older or disabled people keep their independence and stay out of hospital or residential care. It includes sensors that let carers know when a person goes out at an unusual time and smoke and CO2 alarms that tell us the property is safe. Infostore is a new online
Views wanted LEEDS City Council is seeking the views of local residents and organisations on the revision of the council’s statement of licensing policy with regard to the Gambling Act 2005. Residents and local organisations in Leeds are invited to make comments on the revised document. This should be in writing and sent to Entertainment Licensing, Leeds City Council, Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1EU or by email to entertainment.licensing@leeds. gov.uk. You can access the revised policy document and a list of proposed changes at www.leeds. gov.uk/gpc. The consultation period will run until 2 October.
their support at the city’s Opera in the Park and Party in the Park celebrations. The chants of ‘Back the bid Leeds’ – believed to be the biggest collective show of support for a host city yet – were belted out by the crowds and performers, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor and X-Factor finalists, JLS. The South Africa Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee have also given their support. Delegates were in the city as part of the country’s preparations for the London 2012 Olympic Games. They dubbed our sporting facilities ‘excellent’ and were only too happy to give the city’s
information service for older people with help and advice ranging from shopping services to benefits and from transport to volunteering. Another award winner is the new electronic care plan approval system that speeds up the process for customers and saves on time and materials used in a paper-based system.
Project wins best customer award
INDEPENDENCE: the Telecare project helps older people, among others
THE Leeds Independent Living Project has won the Public Private Finance award for ‘best customer involvement’. The project is replacing outdated, hostel-style accommodation for people with learning disabilities with
new flats, bungalows and apartments where people can live independent lives with as much, or as little support they want. Staff, care managers, advocacy workers and customers worked together to design the new buildings and the new service.
8 About Leeds Autumn 2009
LOOKING AFTER LEEDS
Swine flu: what to do SWINE flu has dominated the national headlines for much of the past few months. During the autumn and winter months, the number of confirmed cases is expected to rise. Generally a mild illness, symptoms are very similar to those of seasonal flu with a high temperature (38°C/100°F) or above. You will also have at least two of the following symptoms: cough, sore throat, runny nose, severe tiredness, loss of appetite and headaches. If you have flu like symptoms stay at home. Please do not go to A&E or your GP. Check your symptoms at www. nhs.uk or ring the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513. If you are not getting better ring the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu. NHS Leeds has produced a leaflet providing all the information you need to be able to get the right treatment if you become ill with swine flu. Visit www.swinefluinfo.leeds. nhs.uk/home for more details. n WITH swine flu in the head-
SIMPLE STEPS: families can take measures to prevent swine flu spreading among children
lines, schools have been turning to David Babington and his colleagues on the Education Leeds health, safety and wellbeing team for advice and guidance. David tells us how they have
Superhero brought in to tackle fuel poverty
PLEDGE: Thermo is pictured with pupils at Five Lanes Primary School
THE city council’s Fuelsavers Team has called in superhero Thermo to promote energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty. The new recruit’s thermal imaging powers raise awareness on heat lost in homes to inefficient energy appliances and gas guzzling vehicles. Thermo will be dropping in to various events and schools asking people to pledge to save energy and help the environment.
Email thermo@leeds.gov.uk for more. Thermo’s pledge says ‘turn down or turn off’, ‘lo carb or no carb’ and ‘save my mate Climate’. Award-winning Fuelsavers has helped improve Leeds’ housing energy efficiency by over 24 per cent since 1996, assisting more than 25,000 households annually on insulation, improved heating and glazing upgrades.
been working with Leeds schools to safeguard colleagues and young people. “We’ve helped headteachers plan ahead by developing a Leeds pandemic flu policy so they are
Picture posed by model
prepared if the illness affects their school,” he said. “We’re here to answer queries and offer the most appropriate, up-to-date advice for Leeds schools, and have established a
dedicated swine flu update page on our intranet.” The team are also working to reassure parents and carers. ‘’Swine flu is a relatively mild illness in most cases, so parents shouldn’t panic. “However, it’s important that they are kept informed, so we help schools with leaflets, draft letters to distribute, and up-todate information. “Like schools, families can take simple steps to prevent swine flu spreading by keeping children with symptoms away from school and following NHS hygiene advice.’’ n Before the outbreak of swine flu, Leeds City Council had been planning and preparing for pandemic flu. Led by the peace and emergency planning unit, measures have been implemented to ensure levels of service to the community are maintained throughout. As well as ensuring continued provision of council services, information and guidance has been provided to the wider community, for example to the Business Continuity Network.
Service goes beyond fare TAXI and private hire vehicle drivers in Leeds are swotting up to provide a better service to passengers. Drivers need an NVQ level 2 qualification for the profession, which tests them on everyday tasks and knowledge. Subjects include customer service, health and safety, efficient driving, difficult fares, passengers needing assistance and emergency situations. “I have to admit that I have learnt quite a lot more than I thought I would,” a Streamline-Telecabs taxi driver told us. “I’d recommend it to others.” The qualification was introduced to Leeds a year ago. It has been developed nationally by the taxi industry and GoSkills, a UK passenger transport body.
WINNER: Stuart Simmons, pictured last year winning an earlier award
Stuart’s a star: it’s official A LEEDS man – who has dedicated 30 years of his life to helping people from across Leeds – has been named national Council Worker of the Year. At a glittering ceremony in Harrogate, Stuart Simmons, the manager of Leeds City Council’s Osmondthorpe resource centre, was presented with the prestigious award. He beat off competition from across the country to scoop the highest honour in the highly
competitive ‘caring’ category. Stuart was entered into the competition by his colleagues in recognition of the work he does which more often than not goes over and above the call of duty. Osmondthorpe resource centre supports disabled people, mainly those recovering from serious head injuries, and over the last 15 years Stuart has helped over 400 people overcome trauma, return to life in the community and find new employment.
LOOKING AFTER LEEDS
Autumn 2009
About Leeds 9
All about change THE Leeds Community Foundation gives financial support to local community initiatives helping to change the city through their amazing projects. You can now help by supporting Change Leeds Day on Friday 16 October: n Bring in your loose change n Change your appearance – dress down, shave your beard, dye your hair and get sponsored. n Change your routine – cycle to work; do some volunteering. The Foundation will double every pound raised and guarantee that 100 per cent of the money will stay in Leeds, supporting local projects Call Leeds Community Foundation on 0113 242 2426 or go to www. leedscommunityfoundation. org.uk.
Grants for going green GREEN Leeds Ltd is a charity that gives grants to groups for environmental improvements to any space, facility or building that the general public can enjoy for leisure, recreation or entertainment. Recent projects include Horsforth Hall Park’s Japanese Garden; a viewing hide at RSPB Fairburn Ings; Garden in the Park, Potternewton Park; and new changing rooms at the Rose Lund Centre, Rothwell. For more information, search for ‘Green Leeds’ at www. leeds.gov.uk.
BOOST: garden in the park at Potternewton Park
BOOST: Horsforth Hall’s Japenese Garden
PERFECT 10: Leeds One Stop centre, seen above celebrating their milestone, are among the 15 centres that can help on variety of matters
One stop centres mark decade of service LEEDS City Council’s one stop centres are celebrating ten years of serving the city’s residents. Since 1999, the centres have enabled customers to enquire about council services through face to face contact. The centres’ staff can deal
with a wide range of enquiries, such as council tax and benefits enquiries, housing advice and repairs and waste collection. The flagship centre is at 2 Great George Street, and there are another 14 centres across Leeds, reaching as far as
Consulting older folk on services they need OLDER people in Leeds are being asked about the kind of services they need to stay independent and continue to live at home. The consultation follows a steady decline in take-up of day centre places, falling to 37 per cent occupancy in some centres. This is taken as a sign that people are voting with their feet and moving to other kinds of support, such as services that are offered by the city’s Neighbourhood Network schemes. Others are taking up one of the new Direct Payments and buying their own support to enable them to do the things they want. Meanwhile, plans are being drawn up for two new kinds of day service, aimed at older people with dementia and at people who just need a bit of extra help to get back on their feet after, say, a fall or a stay in hospital. Planning for the new service is coupled with a review of the Neighbourhood Network schemes to strengthen and encourage them to provide the variety of daytime activities older people want.
Wetherby, Otley, Garforth and Rothwell. Last year, the centres dealt with over 430,000 customer enquiries. They also provide a focal point for local communities, offering resources such as meeting
GREAT START: Paul Rydel of How Bizaar!
Invaluable help for start-up businesses STARTING a business can be risky but now there’s a way you can check demand and customer feedback before fully launching your product, service or idea. How Bizaar! is a 392sq ft market stall based in Kirkgate Market, Leeds. It provides an opportunity for you to share display space and sell your products rent free for 12 weeks, backed by business
INDEPENDENT LIVING: more older people are finding alternatives to day centre provision
rooms, community notice boards and places to organise volunteering and action groups. The centres have been extremely successful, having been awarded Charter Mark accreditation for customer service since 2003.
advice from a retail expert. Alternatively if you’re more interested in buying then come along and see the large range of handcrafted jewellery, bags, clothes, toys and other exclusive products on offer. Call Paul Rydel for details on 0113 234 1919 or 07760 750604. You can also visit www.sharingthesuccess. co.uk.
GREAT OFFERS: customers browse the clothes on offer
10 About Leeds Autumn 2009
Memory Lane
Malt Mill Yard off Lowerhead Row – comment by June Brook
MALT Mill Yard was located on the north side of Lowerhead Row. The Old Malt Mill Inn, stood on the west side and the other dark, dank properties were occupied by working class families trying to make a living. Around 1900 my Great Grandmother, Rose Ann Dalton, recently widowed, was living at the far end of Malt Mill Yard at number
seven with her four children, three sons and one daughter. The whole family eked out a living making dartboards and sets of darts and Rose Ann is entered on the census of 1901 as a wireworker. She bought wood for the boards, sliced from the ends of logs, from local timber merchants, Joseph Walker Ltd in Water Lane. Each number was fashioned in wire from a continuous length which encircled the edge of the board. The darts or arrows were soldered and had paper flights which the children could make. Comment and photograph from Leodis, www.leodis. net View thousands of photographs of Leeds online through the Leeds photographic archive, created and managed by Leeds Library and Information Service.
Awards for people who care COMMUNITY-MINDED Leeds residents who help make their neighbourhoods cleaner, greener places to live could be in line for a top award and cash prize. The council is urging community groups, schools, colleges, individuals and local businesses to get involved in clean-ups, recycling initiatives or improvement projects. Their efforts could be rewarded with a Community and City Pride Award – a scheme celebrating public contribution to looking after the environment. Since the scheme began in 2004, around 22,000 people have been involved in 170 entries. The 10 awards categories include reduce and reuse project; recycling project; small and larger area improvement; green space project; business and community partnership; engaging under 11s and under 18s projects, plus under and over 18s
individual contribution. The environmental work can take place in any area of the city. It could be around a school, estate, parkland, pathway, river or roadside. Each entry will need to submit a ‘before’ and ‘after’ photograph and record the amount of waste collected. Past winners include an east Leeds shopping centre that installed recycling facilities for customers and tenants and a team of 160 Burmantofts and Lincoln Green residents who transformed their local area. The closing date for entries is the end of October. For more contact 0113 395 1520, info.recycling@leeds.gov.uk or Community & City Pride Awards, Education and Awareness Team, Leeds City Council, Knowsthorpe Gate, Cross Green, Leeds, LS9 0NP. The awards ceremony will be held in January 2010.
STREETS OF LEEDS
Sculpted seats provide a stylish way to relax LEEDS City Council has introduced a free ‘Walk it’ map for the city centre, designed to make getting around on foot easier. Walking routes throughout our vibrant retail area, including those within shopping centres and arcades are highlighted. Each map grid represents an average five minutes walk time showing just how compact the city centre is. Pick up your free copy at Leeds Visitor Centre, in the Leeds Train Station. n FIVE new eye-catching sculpted seats have taken pride of place in a busy Leeds city centre shopping area. The seats, which were hand sculpted by artist Peter Yarwood from the finest Portland Stone, can be seen on Albion Place. They were commissioned by the council with funding from the private sector and are the crowning glory of the council’s recent £1.3million refurbishment of the street. The seats take their inspiration from local architecture, much of EASY READING: pick up a free ‘Walk it’ map… and enoy a rest on one of Peter which is Grade II listed. Yarwood’s carved seats
Check out planning applications online YOU can now see planning documents on the council’s website. Using Public Access at www.leeds.gov.uk/publicaccess, plans, drawings, reports
and decision notices will be available for all new applications submitted after 1 January 2009. This is a huge step forward in making planning information
more accessible, as people engage with what’s happening locally and across the city. The system also allows comments to be submitted.
Recognising ‘special character’
WHAT have Chapel Allerton, Pudsey and Whitkirk got in common? Answer: They are all places of special character whose conservation area status has been recently reviewed and revised. They are three of the 20 reviews which have been fully or largely completed with another round under way. For each place, its conservation area boundary is brought up-to-date, its character assessed and proposals
search – and will help to ensure suggested for its management, the character of these special with all ideas discussed with places is not lost. each community to ensure local support. The information is freely available on the council’s website – www.leeds. gov.uk, selecting ‘conservation areas’ under the A-Z BEAUTIFUL: Thorner, top picture, and Horsforth (above)
NORTH EAST LEEDS
Community aid COMMUNITY groups are benefiting from cash seized from criminals thanks to a unique grant scheme across North East Leeds. The Proceeds Of Crime Act (POCA) recovers money from criminal activity and the scheme helps put it back into the community. Any community or voluntary group in the area wanting to do a local project can apply for up to £500. Successful groups include Bramham Junior Football Club, Tempo FM in Wetherby and Meanwood Valley Urban Farm. For more, call East North East Area Management on 0113 214 5835.
Just try it MORE children and young people are being encouraged to enjoy a range of out of school activities – including karate, dancing, swimming, arts and crafts. The programme, piloted by Alwoodley schools, is available to all children but helps those economically disadvantaged with costs. Similar schemes in the country show such activities improve health, well being and self confidence. The scheme is funded by the Training and Development Agency and both the Outer and Inner North East area committees.
Autumn 2009
Promises go into plan for community action A COMMUNITY charter for Inner North East Leeds is being launched this month. The charter – available for residents in Moortown, Roundhay and Chapel Allerton wards – sets out what local councillors want to achieve in the coming year. The councillors make up the Inner North East Area Committee, which develops an area delivery plan. The charter is a clear set of
promises from the area delivery plan and will also feature a wall planner, with important civic dates for the local community marked on. It is hoped the charter gets residents more involved, while holding services in their area to account. It will be available in community centres, schools, shops, doctors surgeries and other public buildings. If you would like to be posted
a copy please contact the East North East Area Management Team on 0113 214 5866. n THREE organisations in Moor Allerton are able to continue their community work with help from Outer North East Area Committee’s Well-being Fund. Maecare, who received £6,775, provide support for elderly people living in their own home. New this year is an intergenerational project with Alwoodley Primary
TRANSFORMING SERVICES: the centre provides Chapeltown with a range of health and council services under one roof
Diary dates Area Committee – Inner Chapel Allerton, Moortown and Roundhay: n 19 October, 4pm, Stainbeck Church
Area Committee – Outer Alwoodley, Harewood and Wetherby: n 21 September, 6pm, Harewood Village Hall n 26 October, 5.30pm, Leeds Civic Hall n For more information contact East North East Area Management on 0113 214 5866.
School to improve understanding and respect between generations. Northcall, awarded £25,278, mainly serves the Cranmer Bank area, while Open House, which received £11,250, serves the Lingfields and Fir Trees. Both organisations provide community facilities. These include welfare advice and guidance, over 50s groups, parent and child groups, play schemes, IT facilities and community cafés.
Making progress on Chapeltown centre
Dogs watched EVENING and weekend dog warden patrols will take place following dog fouling complaints from villages in the Harewood ward. Officers will patrol problem areas, issue fixed penalty notices, offer advice to dog owners and issue ‘poo bags’. The move is funded by the Outer North East Area Committee.
About Leeds 11
Staying active CHILDREN across North East Inner Leeds have been enjoying lots of activities provided by the council. Summer sports workshops at Thomas Danby, Roundhay High, Scott Hall Sports Centre and Carr Manor School provided affordable activities for young people over the holidays. Other activities will be starting soon, including a caged football project which up to 100 young people will be able to take part in. These activities have been funded by the North East Inner Area Committee.
WORK on a £13m, state of the art new centre for Chapeltown is well under way. Built on the site of the old Hayfield pub, the centre will be an iconic landmark, offering a range of health and council services, all under one roof. There will also be a new library with free computer access, a job shop, GP and dentistry services, credit union and council customer services desk. The walk in centre brings economic benefits to the community and complements other council-supported facilities, such as the Mandela Centre, Feel Good Factor, The Palace, Chapeltown Children’s Centre and local schools. It’s being developed by Community Ventures Leeds Limited for Leeds City Council and NHS Leeds and should be completed by the end of next year. Local initiatives involving residents will run alongside building work, including an art project and developing plans for a green space.
Great tree that you’ll always see
BEST YET: the heart of Chapel Allerton benefits from the tree lighting
THE heart of Chapel Allerton is looking its best yet for visitors to its variety of shops and cafes. The iconic tree, situated in the roundabout at the junction of Harrogate Road and Stainbeck Lane, has been fitted with uplighting. The tree will be lit all year round, with a different colour for each season. Local businesses will have the opportunity to sponsor the lights in the future. The Inner North East Area Committee has paid for the tree.
12 About Leeds Autumn 2009
NORTH WEST LEEDS
Success in safety quiz
SO MUCH ON OFFER: families were spoilt for choice at the Be Active, Be Sports fair
Hundreds flock to Be Active Be Sports fair THE Be Active Be Sports fair, which raises awareness of physical activity opportunities for young people locally, proved a huge success. Three hundred young people flocked to Leeds Trinity and
All Saints in Horsforth as 35 voluntary and private sector sporting organisations gave information on their activities. The sports on show included martial arts, cycling, BMX, horse riding, archery, cheerleading,
dance, rugby, football, tennis and cricket, among others. The event was supported by Leeds Rhinos’ Matt Diskin and Chris Taylor of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, who aside from signing autographs and having
their photograph taken, spoke of their sporting experiences. It was organised by North West Sports Alliance for Adel, Wharfedale, Horsforth, Guiseley, Rawdon and Yeadon.
Joining forces to solve street litter problem LEEDS has over 27,000 students living in privately rented accommodation, with Headingley, Hyde Park and Kirkstall the most popular destinations. Each year, when student tenancies end in June, huge amounts of waste can be a problem locally. This year, the council teamed up with Leeds University Union – named best UK student union at the NUS Awards and an Investors in Diversity award winner – to manage the problem. The ‘Green Streets’ project employed student wardens to run a recycling scheme, collecting unwanted goods from households to give to charity or local residents at ‘free shops’. During a two week period, dozens of van loads were collected, including over 1,200 pairs of shoes. As usual, the council’s Streetscene service worked flat out during changeover, picking up rubbish from the streets, made
BIN TATTING: the consequences are clear, the message is simple – any items containing sensitive material should be disposed of safely
worse by illegal ‘bin tatting’ when criminals root through bins to steal identities or valuables, usually at night. It’s estimated that 80 per cent of properties in Headingley have had their bins rifled through by bin tatters. Among the scattered rubbish,
council workers have found drivers licences, cheque books and letters containing sensitive information – all of which could be used in identity fraud. n LS6 is a popular area for students to live. Where usually there are no more than a couple of adults
per household, here there are up to six, creating one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in Leeds. Add to this the high number of bars and takeaways, the area poses a number of environmental challenges for the council, from providing enough bins to households to increased litter and noise. The Inner North West Area Committee is supporting the council’s Environmental Action Team by funding a dedicated officer for their area. A typical day for Mark Freer will start with a high visibility patrol in his ‘Crime and Grime’ van, investigating complaints of fly tipping. He might also issue a fine for littering, or speak to a household about leaving their bin on the street. If you have a complaint about fly tipping, litter or noise, call the Environmental Action Team on 0113 222 4406.
That’s better: Otley market works complete WE ACTED: residents’ views have been answered in the city council’s work in Otley
IMPROVEMENT works have been completed in Otley Market Place and Market Street. This follows a series of consultation events where traders, groups, shopkeepers and residents gave views. People will enjoy the improved
facilities including five CCTV cameras operating constantly and more level surfacing with re-laid stone setts in the Market Place and Market Street. There’s also new street furniture such as an information board, directional finger posts,
benches, bins, bollards and cycle racks. The Outer North West Area Committee contributed towards the cost of this work, which forms part of the Otley Town and District Centre Regeneration Scheme funded by Leeds City Council.
EXCELLENCE was on show once again when the Otley Road Safety Quiz ran for the seventh time in June. Two hours – and fifty questions – later, Bramhope Primary School emerged victorious by one point, from a very knowledgeable and high scoring field of teams from 15 local primary schools. Though Bramhope took home the coveted shield and engraved silver salver, every child was a winner, thanks to the generosity of Otley Road Safety Committee.
SAFETY FIRST: the proud winners celebrate with Spike, the road safety hedgehog
Let’s play WITH support from the Outer North West Area Committee, Aireborough Summer Activities Scheme continues to offer young people with disabilities opportunities to have fun, socialise with friends and gain play experiences. Various play activities will be organised for the summer, Christmas and Easter holidays for approximately 60 young people, aged from four-19 years old. For more information, please contact Jo Galasso, play scheme coordinator, on joanne.galasso@ leeds.gov.uk.
LET’S HEAR FROM YOU: there are plenty of activities on offer for young people with disabilities
Diary dates Area Committee – Outer n 28 September, 2pm, Aireborough Leisure Centre, Guiseley n 9 November, 2pm, Leeds Civic Hall
Area Committee – Inner n 17 September, 7pm, West Park Centre, Weetwood n 22 October, 7pm, Abbey Grange, Weetwood
SOUTH LEEDS
Autumn 2009
About Leeds 13
A host of schemes are benefiting south Leeds greatly. Here About Leeds details some of the work going on across the area…
Stars shine at festival MORLEY Literature Festival – 12-18 October – is packed with events for all. On Friday, TV chef Brian Turner will talk about his new book of favourite British recipes with compere Steve Smith. The weekend sees poet Wendy Cope host afternoon tea, John Hegley entertain on Saturday evening and Stuart Maconie talk on Sunday about his travels around the north and Midlands. Four Dr Who book authors will visit Morley library on the Wednesday. Other attractions include literary craft specialists Art Angels, comic Ian Billings, local history sessions, cartooning workshops and the welcome return of author Imran Ahmad. All 17 of Morley’s schools will hold events. Visiting authors include Rommi Smith, Antony Dunn, Tom Palmer, Emma Barnes, Penny Dolan and Skulduggery Pleasant’s Derek Landy. For more visit www. morleyliteraturefestival.co.uk.
MORLEY’S FAVOURITE: TV chef Brian Turner
Residents take pride in improving community SIX ‘Bright Ideas’ aimed at improving the Middleton community have received a share of a £30,000 funding pot. More than 200 residents gathered at Middleton Primary School to vote on how the money would be divided up on decision day in July. The most popular project was Middleton Elderly Aid’s application for almost £2,800 to fund gardening equipment, a new shop sign and improved community lunches for local people. Other successful applications were Dynamite Dance Cheerleading Squad’s bid for £605 to fund classes and displays for children and adults. Other beneficiaries included the Children’s Project’s Activity (£7,075) for the Park on Sunday Afternoons; Cloth Cat Studios’ bid for £4,170 to teach groups to play, perform and record music; and the Friday Night Project’s £5,352 application to fund art displays by young people. The scheme was jointly funded by Rothwell Neighbourhood Policing Team, Inner South Area Committee and Aire Valley Homes. n The Old Cockburn Improvement Project, meanwhile, is currently under way to transform the grounds of Old Cockburn Centre, located just off Dewsbury Road. The scheme, funded by Inner
DECISION DAY: residents vote on key community schemes in Lofthouse
SUCCESS: Manor Road improvements have been hailed by local residents
South Area Committee and Biffaward, will see outdoor improvements including a children’s play area, a crazy golf course and recycling, composting and vegetable growing areas. The project is being undertak-
Diary dates
Dogs’ foul play
Area Committee – Inner n 23 September, 6.30pm, Building Blocks n 3 November, 6.30pm, Belle Isle Family Centre n 7 January, 6.30pm, Leeds Civic Hall
Area Committee – Outer n 10 September, 4pm, Rothwell One Stop Centre n 19 October, 4pm, Lofthouse Methodist Church Hall n 30 November, 4pm, Drighlington Meeting Hall
Forum n Beeston Community, first Thursday of each month, (except November, 12th), 7.30pm, Beeston Village Community Centre.
en by young offenders from the Restorative Justice Programme, in partnership with Joseph Priestley College and their horticultural students. A mural competition will see the winning design painted on
the centre’s side. A community event in spring will celebrate the completion of the project. n There have been dramatic improvements to Wood Lane Estate’s retail area. Outer South Area Committee, Aire Valley Homes, Groundwork and Rothwell Tenants and Residents’ Association have worked together to improve the environment, increase parking and cut congestion locally. Improvements include new landscaping and the construction of car parking bays for the shops. Outer South Area Committee and Aire Valley Homes provided £35,000 funding. A spokesperson for Rothwell Tenants and Residents’ Association said: “Our Association is pleased with the new look at Manor Road shops.” n Lofthouse residents awarded £15,000 to three community projects. Carlton Scouts’ project, The Graveyard Shift, Lofthouse Brass’ On the Slide scheme and Groundwork were successful at the ‘Decision Day’ vote by residents. They will improve Lofthouse estate’s green spaces. Funding came from Aire Valley Homes with support from Outer South Area Committee. Residents, community groups and agencies suggested ideas for improvements.
LOVE-LY: hundreds enjoyed the annual festival
DOG wardens will carry out extra patrols across each of outer south’s four wards, in a bid to target fouling hotspots. This follows the Outer South Area Committee teaming up with the dog warden service to offer the new measures in addition to ordinary daytime service. The wardens will provide advice on responsible dog ownership and issue fixed penalty notices to those who fail to pick up after their dogs. For more information or to report a problem contact 0113 222 4406 or environment.action@leeds.gov.uk.
South Leeds, we love you… OVER the summer, hundreds of young people got active, showed off their star qualities or developed musical talents as part of Inner South Area Committee-funded I Love South Leeds Festival. The festival culminated in a Celebrate South Leeds event on
5 September involving winners of Junior Superstar, participants of South Leeds Olympics and young musicians from Turn It Up. For further details about I Love South Leeds, contact South East Area Management Team on 0113 224 3040.
MESSAGE: dog owners should act responsibly
Support MORLEY’S Town Centre Management has received commitment funding from Leeds City Council Outer South Area Committee and Morley Town Council. The work involves supporting the town’s Chamber of Trade so that they can develop in the coming years. Town Centre Manager Pete Mudge said: “This is a positive step for the area as a strong Chamber working with both councils to increase footfall, events and the crafts and leisure offer will ensure future success for Morley.
14 About Leeds Autumn 2009
EAST LEEDS
New centre transforms public service access A TURF cutting ceremony takes place in September for a state of the art centre for Harehills and surrounding neighbourhoods. The contract – signed in June between Leeds City Council, NHS Leeds and the development company Community Ventures – will see the £7m community facility up and running by the end of 2010. As part of the development, the old Compton Road Library will get an impressive new extension while preserving the historic frontage. Work has already started, with
TRANSFORMED: a range of health and council services will be under one roof
a mobile library providing services until completed. The new centre will transform residents’ access to local services
in Harehills by providing a range of health and council services in modern surroundings and under one roof.
These will include a 21st century library and local council customer services. Leeds City Credit Union will provide banking and residents will be able to access NHS Leeds services such as mental health advice, GP and dentistry. The centre will contribute towards the regeneration of the area, complementing recent investments in Shine, St James’s Hospital, local schools, parking and junction improvements as well as local initiatives to improve back streets, activities for young people and community ownership of local community centres.
Special events week salutes east Leeds’ senior citizens OLDER Persons Events week is a celebration of the contribution older people make to the community of outer east Leeds. Celebrations will be taking place in September and welcome all older people to the area. The series of events will provide residents with a fun day of activities including lunch, entertainment and information and advice from local services. The celebrations include:
n Monday 21 September – Village Hall, Great and Little Preston n Tuesday 22 September – St Gregory’s Youth and Adult Centre, Swarcliffe n Wednesday 23 September – Youth and Adult Centre, Micklefield n Thursday 24 September – Christ Church, Halton n Friday 25 September – Miners Welfare Hall, Garforth. For more information contact area management on 0113 247 4445.
What a find! OPEN DAY: Mike Weaver, part of the Towton Medieval Display, and a young friend try the outfits for size
Community fun FIELDHEAD Community Centre in Whinmoor was relaunched in August . The management committee was established in January 2009 and since then volunteers have been working to support improvements and increase use of the centre. To celebrate the improvements made, an open day was held. It was a great success with displays from West Yorkshire Police Dogs, music production workshops for young people, face painting, tug of war competitions, rugby taster sessions, a display from the local Towton medieval group, West Yorkshire Fire Service and many more fun activities for the whole family. For further information about activities run at Fieldhead Community Centre call South East Area Management on 0113 395 0275.
STAFF at Garforth one stop centre have unearthed a number of artefacts dating from the World War II era. During an attic clear out at the centre on Main Street, staff discovered two plaques commemorating Garforth’s fundraising efforts during the Second World War. Along with these items, thousands upon thousands of old planning applications and Ordnance Survey maps were also found, together with a theodolite (an instrument used in surveying) and an old brass pump. Once the items have been catalogued, it is hoped that they will be put on display in Leeds City Museum and Garforth Library. n PICTURED: one of the items that may be exhibited in the future
Making sure it was a summer of fun YOUNG people across inner east Leeds had even more to do over the summer thanks to extra local activities provided by the council and its partners. The Area Committee used over £32,000 of its local budget to pay for additional arts, sports and adventure activities. Young people in and around Seacroft
took advantage of a programme of organised adventure play, football camps and ‘mad science’ activities. In Gipton, youngsters enjoyed Brazilian football sessions. Other neighbourhoods saw activities such as fishing, trips, photography and art clubs.
Games for all KIDS United are celebrating the completion of the eagerly awaited multi use games area (MUGA) in Kippax. The voluntary organisation is made up of local parents who came together to improve recreational facilities for children and young people in Kippax. Kids United has worked in partnership with the local councillors, Leeds City Council parks and countryside service and the Youth Service to deliver the games area. Work started this summer in Kippax Common. The site now provides an area for young people to play a range of sports.
Healthy eats SUPPORT is being given to residents who want to grow and buy more fruit and vegetables locally. As part of a healthy eating drive in Richmond Hill, a community greengrocer scheme has been encouraged to provide residents with reasonably priced products sold from the local community centre ‘shop’. Part of the funding comes from Inner East Area Committee.
Diary dates Area Committee – Outer n 27 October, 4pm, Leeds Civic Hall
Area Committee – Inner n 24 September, 6pm, Seacroft Methodist Church Hall n 22 October, 6pm, Harehills Primary School
Local Engagement Forums These events give residents the chance to prioritise actions for 2010: n Plan It Harehills, 30 September n Richmond Hill, 5 October n Burmantofts, 6 October n Killingbeck and Seacroft, 8 October n I Love Gipton, 28 October n For more information and confirmation of venues and times contact East North East Area Management on 0113 214 5866.
Forums n Halton, 10 September, 6pm. n Halton Moor and
East Osmondthorpe, 15 September, 6pm n Whinmoor, 21 September, 6pm n Cross Gates, 14 October, 6pm n Swarcliffe, 7 October, 6pm
WEST LEEDS
You loved it THIS year’s fifth I Love West Leeds festival was a great success. Partnership projects included the Farsley festival day with Farsley Youth Development Project, attended by over 4,000 people. The festival day included free workshops, a pamper zone, five-a-side football, arts and crafts. Highlights of the festival fortnight included a photography exhibition, bike-in movie, two new plays, music and dancing. The festival has been short listed for Regeneration & Renewal magazine’s award for culture-led project of the year.
Shopping local THE Shop Local campaign for Armley and Pudsey will see the introduction of a reward card scheme, where people collect six stamps from six different retailers in their town. They then either drop the completed reward cards off at their local one stop shop or post it back to the address given. All the correctly completed cards are then entered into a prize draw at the end of the month to win £50 of Shop Local vouchers.
n 9 September, 5pm,
Stanningley Rugby Club, Bramley n 21 October, 5pm, Armley One Stop Centre, Armley
Area Committee – Outer n 11 September, 2pm, Farnley Hall, Farnley n 16 October, 2pm, Pudsey Civic Hall, Pudsey
Business forum – Armley n 29 September, 6-7.30pm, Armley One Stop n 27 October, 6-7.30pm, Armley One Stop n 27 November, 6-7.30pm, Armley One Stop
Business forum – Pudsey n 16 September, 6-7.30pm, Café Atlanta n 28 October, 6-7.30pm, Café Atlanta n 25 November, 6-7.30pm, Café Atlanta
About Leeds 15
Pudsey bus station set to be state of the art WORK on a new bus station for Pudsey is due to start on site this autumn. It will include level access boarding, real time information, undercover waiting area, improved CCTV and better pedestrian safety features. Disruption will be minimised, particularly over the Christmas period through careful phasing of the works and Metro will ensure that the public are kept informed about the scheme. It complements recent investment in the market, park and West Leeds Country Park Visitor Centre.
FARE DEAL: Pudsey bus station, based in Market Place
The Visitor Centre will be dedicated to the wildlife of west Leeds. The new collections will contain only native British spe-
cies which can mainly be seen in and around the West Leeds Country Park. There will be six new aquari-
Youngsters take ownership
Diary dates Area Committee – Inner
Autumn 2009
GOOD WORK: junior wardens make a positive impact
Hi-tech way to battle crime AN ELECTRONIC version of the business or neighbourhood watch scheme is set to be in place by August, at the time About Leeds is being produced. One person warns other businesses or residents at the push of a button. The town centre manager was looking for a scheme that would help with retailers’ concerns over crime in Town Street, Armley. This scheme is the first in the north and will help to reduce antisocial behaviour and low level crime, such as shoplifting, creating an even greater community spirit among retailers.
AHEAD OF THE GAME: town centre manager Nigel Conder explains how the Alert scheme works to a local shopper
FIFTEEN junior environmental wardens, made up of local young people, will work in Farnley and Wortley ward. They will work alongside Groundwork and the three tenants and residents’ associations in the Bawns, Gambles and Heights estates. Over a ten week period their activities will include litter picking areas identified by the residents’ associations, fruit and vegetable growing, hanging basket and window tub planting. The scheme sees young people take ownership of their area.
All join in FOLLOWING a successful open morning organised by West North West Area Management, Swinnow Community Centre now has a strong management committee and range of volunteers. Repairs have been carried out and a new kitchen is to be installed thanks to the Outer West Area Committee. Activities now include street dancing and Youth Service groups. To hire the centre call 0113 256 1553. Meanwhile, Calverley Mechanics will be receiving a bit of a new start in the coming months. Funding has been approved to redecorate and resurface the supper room. The main hall is also going to be replaced, allowing the successful productions to continue.
ums, enlarged aviaries housing native birds and mammals, an interactive woodland area and ‘Nectar Corner’ housing an observation beehive. There will also be a community area in which activities will be run throughout the year, including bird box building, arts and craft sessions, learning to be responsible and safe when fishing and “meet the wildlife” sessions. The centre is due to open in Spring 2010. n In the previous edition of About Leeds we gave the impression work was at a more advanced stage. We apologise for this.
Roadworks begin in Armley WORK is under way on a major refurbishment of Armley Town Street. The refurbishment will see a number of improvements including paving the footpaths and replacing kerbs, street furniture, public art and the installation of heritage style lighting columns. This scheme seeks to improve the vitality and viability of Armley town centre for workers, residents and visitors by improving the general appearance of Armley town centre and increasing the popularity of the area as a desirable place to work and shop. The scheme will complement the proposed Townscape Heritage Initiative grant scheme, which is focused on the gateway sites at Branch Road and Town Street, and is jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Leeds City Council. The Townscape Heritage Initiative seeks to strengthen the heart of the town by repairing and replacing the shop frontages to commercial properties and reviving the town centre.
16 About Leeds Autumn 2009
Chance to get involved EVER wanted to get more involved in your community, have your say about the services you use or find out how the council makes decisions? The ‘Get Involved’ area of the council website helps you find out how. You can: n Find out about current and future public consultations n See the results of our consultations with residents n Find out how the council is run and how you can get involved n Find out about your local councillor, public council meetings, decision making, and local Area Committees n View all planning applications n Find ways to volunteer. We know not everyone can or wants to use the website. So, we’re planning to use About Leeds to give a summary of the opportunities to get involved and tell you what happened as a result of people taking part in our consultations. The first thing we’ll do is feedback the results of the survey about this newspaper we ran in the summer edition.
BUDGET
Take part in our council budget survey – you could win shopping vouchers worth £100!
Help set the budget LEEDS City Council wants your views on setting our budget for next year and beyond. At the heart of our financial planning is a pledge to build upon this city’s track record of providing highly regarded services and efficiency savings. We also know the current economic conditions are making life tough for Leeds people. It’s a question of the council making tough
BUDGET SURVEY
choices in tough times. That’s why we want your views. They are important to us. You will find a list of our budget priorities below. Please take the time to complete and return this survey. All the entries will be reviewed in preparation for setting our budget for next year starting April 2010. A contributor will be selected at random to win £100 in high street vouchers. Don’t forget to include your name and address.
Leeds City Council has identified the following priority areas for spending in the coming year. It’s important you put a circle round the one you consider the top priority. Please also indicate whether you think each one is a high, medium or low priority. High
Improve the following: a Support for business and enterprise to improve the economy and reduce local unemployment b Skills of local people c Education and training opportunities for children and school-leavers d The number of vulnerable people in education, training or employment e Getting around the area safely and easily without using a car f Green spaces and the physical environment in local neighbourhoods g Support and care for vulnerable children and adults h The ability of local people to afford to live in a decent, warm home i Sport and Culture Helping in the following ways: j Helping people to reduce their impact on the environment through energy efficiency and reducing the amount of waste that is land filled Please cut out the completed form and post it to FREEPOST RSCS-ZTJU-CLXH, Leeds City Council, Merrion House, Leeds, LS2 8DT – you do not have to put a stamp on the envelope. Alternatively, you can complete this form on-
Medium
Low
High
Medium
Low
k Helping people to get involved in their community and decisions that affect them l Helping people to lead healthy lives m Helping people to feel safe where they live Further questions: Are there any other issues not listed above which you think should be priorities for the council? If so, please provide details: ............................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................
Is there anything you think the council should spend less on? If so, please provide details: ............................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................
Name and address for draw for vouchers: ............................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................
line at www.leeds.gov.uk/budgetquestionnaire. You can also email any comments you may wish to make to consultbudget@leeds.gov.uk The deadline for entries is 16 October. You can view more information about the current year’s
budget in the council’s annual financial plan at www.leeds.gov.uk/budget. To check how the council spent its money last year, have a look at www.leeds.gov.uk/accounts. The accounts also show you the wider financial picture.
Contacting Leeds City Council Detailed information on all our services can be found at our website, www.leeds.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can contact us by phone or internet as detailed here. If the service you require is not listed, please call our general enquiries number on 0113 222 4444.
Adult Social Care Antisocial Behaviour Children and Young People’s Social Care Council Housing (for registration and bids) Council Tax and Benefits Customer Relations Electoral Services Environmental Services Highways Housing Options (for homelessness advice) Planning Registrars (for births, deaths, marriages) Minicom (for all services)
0113 222 4401 0113 222 4402 0113 222 4403 0113 222 4413 0113 222 4404 0113 222 4405 0113 222 4411 0113 222 4406 0113 222 4407 0113 222 4412 0113 222 4409 0113 222 4408 0113 222 4410
Housing repairs and tenant enquiries: Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (repairs) 0800 389 5503 (office hours) 0113 376 0499 (out of hours) bitmo-enquiries@belleisletmo.co.uk Belle Isle TMO (general) 0113 214 1833 East North East Homes Leeds 0800 915 1600 enehl.enquiries@enehl.org.uk Aire Valley Homes Leeds 0800 915 6660 avhleeds.enquiries@avhleeds.org.uk West North West Homes Leeds 0800 915 1113 wnwhl.enquiries@wnwhl.org.uk Emergencies outside of opening hours: Highways, street lights, signage and building repairs 0113 376 0499 Noise problems 0113 242 5841 Adult Social Care and Emergency Accommodation 0113 240 9536
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