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Issue 104 | January 2024
Covering Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton, Riverside & Stourton
WHO KILLED OUR SWANS?
In this issue:
Christmas toy fundraisers
page 5
Intergenerational entertainment
page 7
Embracing challenges
page 10
Community anger at pointless destruction of wildlife
T
wo swans who have made their home on the lake in Middleton Park over recent years were found shot on Thursday 30 November. A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “Staff at Middleton Park were alerted … to a dead swan and one injured swan on Middleton pond. Having investigated, the team contacted Yorkshire Swan Rescue who attended site and took both birds. We are now working with the police to establish the circumstances.” Unfortunately, the female later died at the rescue centre. Charlie, one of the people who found the swans told South Leeds Life: “It was very sad to find them. “I'm angry that people which live around us would have this mentality, to do this in a space which we all enjoy safely. This threatens us, our park and everything in it and I hope the police find them very soon.” Alan Shaw, Chair of the Friends of Middleton Park, said on Facebook: “The Friends are absolutely devastated. Personally, I can’t understand why and how anyone could have done this. “Surely someone will know something … And that person should know that swans are
Practically perfect Mary Poppins
page 13
Put your skates on with Alison
page 24
NEWS The swans on Middleton Park lake. Photo: Charlie N protected birds so you can expect a hefty penalty when you are caught. And that person should also know that those swans were loved and the community is rightly very angry and upset. Come on someone, do the right thing and tell the police what you know. Very happy for people to
message us and we’ll pass it on anonymously if that helps.” On Saturday 2 December Police arrested a 17-year-old male. He was questioned and then released on bail. Then on Wednesday 13 December, Police confirmed that the youth had been released without charge having been ruled out
of the investigation and will face no further action. “Members of the public are asked not to speculate on social media regarding this matter and to report any information to the police” said a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police. Anyone with information
about the incident is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or go online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/ 101livechat quoting reference 0629 of 30/11. Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
2-9
SCHOOL LIFE
10-13
COMMENT
14-15
LIVES
16-17 18
ART LIFE WHAT’S ON
19-21
SPORTING LIFE
22-24
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