South Leeds Life 25 jan17

Your FREE community newspaper

Issue 25 | January 2017

What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton

In this issue:

Hamara awards

page 4

Let’s build community spirit in 2017!

Connect, learn & give January is a time for New Year’s resolutions and we are asking our readers to resolve to build a little bit more community spirit in South Leeds in 2017.

Community spirit is driven by connections. The more people we know in our neighbourhood the safer we feel and the more responsible we feel.

Go along and take part in something you’re interested in - a sport, gardening, a residents’ group - whatever floats tyour boat.

One person joining a group of ten people creates ten new connections in their community. Every small step makes a difference.

And the good news is that being more connected and doing more for other people is good for your health. It will make you feel better too.

There’s already a lot of good spirit around our communities with lots of groups and activities going on week in week out. Part of our mission at South Leeds Life is to publicise the great things going on and encourage people to join in make them grow.

As you read through this

newspaper you will find lots of opportunities to join in with groups or activities.

You could join the Holbeck walkabout (p3); take up Tai Chi at the Hamara Centre (p4); try drumming with People Matters (p5); sort out your CV at The Point (p6); volunteer with Asha Neighbourhhod Project (p7); go and find out about Middleton’s Baptist history, or sign up to Help People in Beeston (p12); take acting lessons with Red Ladder, or visit an exhibition at Basement Arts Project (p13).

Immerse yourself in pages 14 and 15 - our exhaustive What’s On guide. It really has got something for everyone.

We talk to a lot of volunteers as we cover the activities of community groups across the area. We praise them for giving up their time unselfishhly, but without exception they all tell us that they get something back from volunteering.

Maybe they meet new friends, or get the chance to learn a new skill.Whatever it is they feel better for it.

We’ve been inspired by the Five Steps To Wellbeing developed by the New

Economic Foundation. So here are some ideas: Connect: Don’t know your neighbours? Knock on the door and introduce yourself.

Ring a member of your family you haven’t spoken to this week.

Be active: If you made a resolution to start running this year get along to the Lakers’ free sessions for new runners.

If you have limited mobility find of the many chair-based exercise groups to join. Go for a walk in the park. Do some gardening.

Take Notice: Pause during your busy day and take in the scenery around you, be it natural or man made.

Keep Learning: By all means sign up to a course, but remember learning comes in all shapes and sizes. Try something new. Never done any gardening? Join an In Bloom group. Can’t cook? Try a Ministry of Food session.

Give: Not your money, your time. Join a community group, volunteer your time. Do something for a friend, or a stranger. Pick up a piece of litter each day.

Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily

Billy Elliot at Cockburn

page 8

Elvis spotted at Sharp Lane

page 15

Under 8s cup winners NEWS

SCHOOLS

FEEDBACK PEOPLE ARTS

page 16

p2-7

p8-9 p10

p12

p13

WHAT’S!ON p14-15 SPORT!

p16

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South Leeds Life | January 2017

2 News

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About us South Leeds Life is written by and for local people. People who live and work in the LS10 and LS11 areas of South Leeds.

The blog and newspaper are produced by South Leeds Life CIC, a social enterprise registered with Companies House.

Our aims are: To inform people of events, activities, issues and opportunities taking place in the South Leeds community; To encourage the involvement of the wider community in communicating their experiences; To foster community spirit and involvement; and To provide a platform for local people to contribute and respond to community life more fully.

South Leeds Life started as a blog in November 2010 and still posts news every day at: www.southleedslife.com

Contact us Email: info@southleedslife.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ southleedslife Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife Phone: 07894 583966 We would love to hear from you!

Tell us your news Tell us what you’d like us to report on Tell us about your local events

This issue has been funded by a grant from

Leeds City Council

Inner South Housing Advisory Panel www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages /HSG-Join-Area-Panels.aspx

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Looking forward to 2017

by Hilary Benn MP First of all, Happy New Year to one and all. I cannot pretend that 2016 was my favourite 12 months of all time so I am hoping that 2017 will represent a distinct improvement.

Talking of which, best of luck to Leeds United and their manager Garry Monk for the New Year. At the time of writing, Leeds are in a rich vein of form, and after quite a lot of difficulties and disappointment, could this be the season when Premiership status returns to Elland Road? Here’s hoping.

Because I am now chairing the House of Commons Brexit select committee, I am spending a lot of my time in Westminster looking at the implications of Brexit. There is no doubt that we are leaving the EU – that’s what the British people

decided - but we do have to work out what kind of relationship we are going to have with our 27 neighbours once we have gone.

In particular, what kind of trade deal will we have and how will we be able to continue to sell into the EU things like financial services which support a lot of jobs in Leeds.

These are really important questions that will affect many people and businesses and we need to get it right in the exit negotiations that will start in April.

What we need to try and do is make sure that companies in Leeds and across the country can continue to trade and do business without having to face any tariffs, bureaucratic obstacles or extra paperwork. After all, Europe is our biggest export market.

Turning to matters closer to home, one of the great privileges of my job is getting to work with, encourage and support a huge

range of voluntary organisations in South Leeds. From Holbeck Elderly Aid to the Middleton Railway, from the Friends of Middleton and Cross Flatts Parks to the Asha Neighbourhood Project, and from the Hunslet Club to Health for All – to name just a few - we are really lucky to have so many organisations working for the common good in our community.

They rely a great deal on voluntary effort and participation so if you’re still thinking about your New Year resolution then why not consider giving a local voluntary organisation a hand? Volunteers are always very welcome and there’s a wide range of jobs to be done.

Finally, best of luck to the roundabout – I don’t think I’ve ever said that before! I was intrigued to read in South Leeds Life online that the roundabout near Asda and the St George’s Centre in Middleton has been shortlisted for a Leeds

Hilary Benn MP Architecture Award. This is thanks to the imaginative planting which last summer turned it into a beautiful wild flower meadow and a haven for biodiversity. South Leeds has quite a tradition in recent years of wild flower planting so as we peer out of the window at the winter gloom, it lifts our spirits to be reminded that summer, when it eventually comes, can be blooming marvellous.

Fines as Council cracks down on fly-tipping and dog fouling

Leeds City Council’s crackdown on fly-tipping and dog fouling has seen three South Leeds prosectuions in the last month.

In the first case a Beeston resident was hit with a three-month curfew as well as a fine after pleading guilty to a number of fly-tipping offences.

Mr Yadson Barroso of Westbourne Avenue was ordered to pay £200 towards costs and a surcharge of £60 at Leeds Magistrates Court after pleading guilty this month to four offences in relation to the dumping of rubbish, wood and household waste in three local streets.

As part of the court ruling, Mr Barroso will also be subject to a curfew for three months through a Community Order that will mean he cannot leave his property between the hours of 8pm and 6am. This was imposed by the magistrate as an additional penalty to meet the total costs of both the prosecution and level of his offences.

In order to secure the prosecution, the council used information provided

Fly-tipping in Beeston by a number of local residents who witnessed the waste being deposited on Rowland Road, Ingleton Street and Westbourne Place.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and sustainability, said: “We have a strict no tolerance policy of flytipping and anyone who is caught can be guaranteed they will face action from the council.

“This can include a fine, prosecution through the courts, and even as we saw in this particular case, the perpetrators also facing a

curfew through a Community Order as an additional means to meet the costs associated with their behaviour.”

Court action was also taken by the Council to fine a local van owner who had been using his van to illegally fly-tip rubbish in the Telfords area of Hunslet.

Alex Wormald of Cowper Street, pleaded guilty at Leeds Magistrates Court this week to five offences of allowing his vehicle to be used for fly-tipping and one charge of failure to produce waste documents. In total Mr Wormald was fined £4052.95, including costs and a victim surcharge, for

six offences in relation to the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

In order to secure this prosecution, the council provided evidence which included CCTV footage of fly-tipping offences being committed on Telford Terrace in Hunslet.

Cllr Elizabeth Nash (City & Hunslet) commented: “People in the Telfords and elsewhere in Hunslet are sick of people dumping their rubbish in our area.

“My council colleagues and I are very glad that this culprit has been caught and fined. We appeal to our residents to take the vehicle registration number if they

see anyone dumping rubbish so that we can pursue them.”

In a third case, a Middleton resident has received a much larger fine after failing to pay a fixed dog-fouling penalty notice.

Peter Coulson of Throstle Terrace was ordered to pay in total £947.57 (£220 fine, a surcharge of £30, and costs to the council of £697.57) at Leeds Magistrates Court after being found of contravening two dog control orders.

This follows Mr Coulson ignoring payment of a fixed notice amounting to £75 after a council dog warden witnessed his dog walking unaccompanied without a lead and fouling in a ginnel near Throstle Terrace.

All dogs are required to be on a lead when on paths, pavements or verges next to roads under the order.As well as safety issues, the orders aim to ensure owners pick up after their pets.

You can report incidents of fly-tipping to Leeds City Council on 0113 222 4406.

The Council will remove the items and seek evidence to prosecute the offenders through the courts.

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News 3

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Holbeck benefits from a neighbourhood approach Intensive work in the Recreations and Cleveleys area of Holbeck has brought 61 empty homes back into use and helped seven residents into work.

One male resident from the Recreations found a job in healthcare after being helped with job searches and his CV. Whilst a single parent, who was juggling home life with 2 part time jobs, has found work in a primary school. She now only works during school hours so no longer has to pay for childcare.

Leeds City Council’s ‘Neighbourhood Approach’ focuses the work of various departments and partner agencies such as West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and works with private landlords.

To date 261 properties in the area have been visited and inspected. 450 health and safety hazards have been dealt with in rented houses. Whilst most related to fire safety and falls, other issues including food safety, excess cold and overcrowding have been dealt with.

Now a ‘Group Repair Scheme’ offering low cost external improvements is to be rolled out across the area.

Properties will be inspected individually and owners will be able to choose from a menu of improvements including new roofs, replacement guttering and downpipes, new double glazed windows, highly secure thermally efficient external doors and brick effect external wall insulation.

Works are subsidised with

New recycling bins

New Year’s resolution: Sponsor your community newspaper

South Leeds Life: your community, your news

Cllr Angela Gabriel with staff at the Pop Up Hub landlords expected to pay up to 25% of the costs, owner occupiers can get up to 100% subsidy. By organising the works centrally, the Council is able to achieve economies of scale making it a very affordable option.

The Council has also brought a range of services to the area via the Pop Up Hub. Staff from the Dewsbury Road One Stop Centre are available every fortnight on Crosby Road together with Neighbourhood Police, Employment & Skills, Connect for Health and Forward Leeds.

This month the Hub will be on site between 10am and 3pm on Tuesday 10 and 24 January.

In a pilot project led by the council’s Waste Management Service and Localities a communal waste and recycling collection facility was provided to five bin yards on Recreation Grove and Recreation Mount.

Initial results are promising – recycling has increased whilst fly tipping in these areas has decreased.

Regular Area Walkabouts are organised with Councillors and housing providers to identify housing, highways, environmental and other issues.The next walkabout will be on Thursday 19 January, meeting at St Matthew’s community centre at 9:45am.

Residents are welcome.

Roundabout up for an award

A roundabout in Middleton is on the shortlist for a prestigious architecture award.

The Middleton Meadows scheme was a joint venture between Enterprise Rentacar, Green Estates and Leeds City Council on the Middleton Ring Road near the St George Centre and Asda.

It saw the roundabout planted up with wild flowers, as well as bringing lots of colour and encouraging bio-diversity, the meadows require fewer mowings as so have lower maintenance costs.

The other project on the shortlist from South Leeds is the Leeds City College development at their Printworks campus. The college took over the Alf Cooke Printworks on Hunslet Road adding new buildings as well as renovating the listed building.

Both projects have been nominated for the 2016 Leeds

January 2017 | South Leeds Life

We run South Leeds Life on a shoestring budget: about £10,000 per year.

Our main expenses are the monthly print costs (£550) – and we pay our editor Jeremy Morton (who does South Leeds Life pretty much full-time) when we can, which isn’t very often.

(In the spirit of transparency, we’ve paid him £2,016 in the past year.)

We’ve mainly scraped by on small grants until now, although – in the current financial climate – they’re becoming ever harder to get. Also, we really prize our journalist independence from bodies like the city council, so don’t want to become dependent upon

them.

The monthly newspaper is now enabling us to raise some income through advertising (about £200 per month), which helps. But we urgently need to find new ways to generate a consistent, reliable funding base.

Therefore we are asking you to consider becoming a subscriber to South Leeds Life.

Could you gift us £4 per month via a Standing Order?

We will then deliver you a personal copy of the paper each month to your home.

And you will know that you are helping to keep the local news independent and accessible to all.

Payment by Standing Order To: The Manager,

Your bank: ________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ ____________________________ Postcode: ____________________ Please pay a monthly payment of £4 (four pounds) until further notice starting on 1st February 2017 to: Co-operative Bank plc PO Box 250 Delf House, Southway Skelmersdale WN8 6WT to credit: South Leeds Life Group Sort code 08 – 92 – 99

Account no. 65591910

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Middleton Meadows in full bloom Architecture Awards, which look set to be the biggest and best yet; with nearly 80 nominations over seven categories the awards are back for their first ceremony since 2013.

The winners will be announced in March 2017 at a glittering ceremony in Leeds Town Hall.

Categories include best new building, best conserved building and best temporary

works as well as a people’s choice award. Also this year sees a special young people’s award, selected by a panel of young people who will choose their favourite building from this year’s award winners.

_________________________________________________________ _______________________________ Postcode: _________________ Please return to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW

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South Leeds Life | January 2017

4 News

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Middleton Councillor Midland Mills modernisation caught up in Council Tax contoversy

Cllr Kim Groves, who represents Middleton Park ward on Leeds City Council, has been caught up in a controversy between the Yorkshire Evening Post and Leeds City Council.

The newspaper had submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) about councillors not paying their Council Tax. The Council had initially refused to provide the information, even after the YEP appealed successfully to the Information Commissioner, but have now decided to reveal the full information.

address the credit was offset against the amount owed and the summons and costs were again cancelled.

“We would like to assure members of the public that in assessing any requests that are made through FOI the council will always endeavour to ensure they are responded to in an open and transparent way and fully by the criteria set out by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

“Sometimes we don’t get things right and we need to acknowledge that, apologise, and make sure we learn from it.

That’s what we are doing

Cllr Kim Groves Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council said: “In regards to the fourth member, Councillor Kim Groves, she moved house and whilst in the process of this move, a summons was issued for nonpayment of a single instalment of council tax due at her new address.

Once we were made aware that she had a credit of a similar amount for her old

today.”

The council released the following information concerning Cllr Kim Groves: 2015/16: Arrears outstanding at the time of the summons (based on “instalment plan” on last bill issued): £157:02.

Value of summons £157:02 (plus £70 costs): summons & costs subsequently withdrawn following contact from Member which identified a significant credit at her

former address which was used to offset the charge at her new address.

This credit was for £122.12 and left an amount outstanding of £34.90 which was settled immediately once this was known. Had we known about the two accounts that needed to be linked a summons for £157.02 would not have been issued.

Whilst an initial council tax bill and reminder were sent, Cllr Groves also experienced problems with postal delivery for her new address meaning she was not alerted to this issue until the summons was received. Prior to the change of address there has never been any council tax arrears owing whatsoever by the Member concerned.

Cllr Groves was quoted in the Yorkshire Evening Post saying: “This was an administrative blip on a previously unblemished account going back over 20 years.The Council Tax office tell me if not for the admin error no summons would have been raised.”

WHAT WE THINK It is the role of the press to ask difficult questions and hold those in public office to account so Yorkshire Evening Post was right to ask for the information.

It is understandable that Leeds City Council refused to provide it in regards to Cllr Kim Groves as there is no public interest in administrative mistakes that are corrected quickly.

However in hiding the information they helped create a story that wasn’t really there.

In our experience Kim Groves is a hard working and diligent councillor.

We feel that in this case she has done nothing wrong and has nothing to answer for.

A 200 year old mill in Holbeck that was central to the Industrial Revolution is the subject of a refurbishment plan that will include a 27 storey tower block.

Midland Mills on Silver Street in Holbeck nestles between Water Lane and the defunct railway viaduct.

The Grade II listed buildings dates from 1802 and once made machinery for the textile industry.

The buildings have been altered and added to throughout their history and Nick Brown architects plan to follow this tradition adding a glass roof between the buildings and a modern corner unit.

The development will also see a 27

storey (84 metres) tower block housing 180 mostly one and twobedroom apartments. By comparison Bridgewater Place (‘The Dalek’) is 110 metres tall.

A pre-application report was discussed by the City Plans Panel last week and a full planning application is expected to be submitted early in the new year.

Hamara bids farewell to Hanif

by Jeremy Morton

It was an emotional evening at the Aagrar restaurant on Thursday 8 December as the 7th Hamara Community Awards were given out, a new anti-bullying campaign was launched with Asian Express and Hamara bid farewell to their CEO Hanif Malik.

Hanif moved from the private sector twenty years ago to take up the leadership of what was then called South Leeds Elderly Group.

Since then Hamara has grown into one of the foremost third sector organisations in the city. Hanif was awarded the OBE earlier this year.

Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council and a ward member for Middleton and Belle Isle, spoke about the importance of Hanif Malik’s role and her friendship with him. In the wake of the 2005 London bombings Hanif played a key role in bringing together the Beeston community in condemnation of the atrocity.

As staff and Board members joined

Hanif Malik with Mohammed Farouk, Cllr Judith Blake and the staff of Hamara Hanif on stage, the audience gave him a standing ovation.

One of Hamara’s strengths is that they react quickly to events.When 11 year old Asad Khan committed suicide having been bullied at school, Hamara teamed up with Asian Express. Last night they launched

Hamara Community Award winners 2016

their joint anti-bullying campaign to try and stop such a tragedy ever happening again.

After some fantastic dancing and singing the highlight of the evening was the awarding of prizes to community champions from around the city. The winners were (L-R in photo): Lifetime Achievement: Grace Bennett, Keep Fit Association Special Initiative: James Tennant Service To The Community: Chief Superintendant Paul Money, West Yorkshire Police Young Persons Award: Muzdalfa Ahmed, Member of Youth Parliament Women’s Achievement Award: Priya Bhabra, LCC Migrant Access Project Community Organisation of the Year: Leeds United Football Trust Service To The Community: Fareshare

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January 2017 | South Leeds Life

News 5

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My blogging year Get to know People

by Ken Ingram

A year in my life as a South Leeds Life blogger and newspaper reporter.

Going back to December of last year, when I went along to some Christmas Parties. The first being the Cross Flatts Parkrun party held in the Phoenix bar at South Leeds Stadium. Awards were given out to people doing amazing things during the year.

We had a Buffet and a disco. I wanted to do ‘I’ve Got You Babe’ on the karaoke, but couldn’t find anyone to be my Cher.

The second one in December was held at The Hunslet Club, held on behalf of the Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust. A full Christmas dinner was provided

Boxing Day where I had a very enjoyable day before Christmas dinner, playing video games with their young son. I even came off my meds for the day, so I could have a few drinks (naughty).

This brings me onto the New Year, 2016 itself. My health continues to cause me concern.

I had a medical procedure when they took biopsies thankfully came back clear for cancer cells.

In September I had an operation, and again biopsies taken and later found to be clear of cancer. The operation itself was a success.

I saw my Psychiatrist through the year for Dementia/Alzheimer’s. He put me on medication and contacted DVLA about my new health problems.

DVLA cancelled my clean driving licence, and gave me one that

Ken Ingram at Cross Flatts parkrun and entertainment and I even won a Christmas hamper in the Raffle. Thanks go to our hosts for the evening Margaret Bingham and Nicky. I remember last year going out (for the same organisation) to Peoples house delivering Christmas lunches to those who could not get out and about. I really enjoyed doing that with instructions to spend 20 minutes with each person delivering a meal to.

The third one was on Christmas day itself. Again Margaret and Nicky organised a Christmas dinner for those who might not be able to cook one, or were on their own. It was a very rainy and snowy day when Nicky picked me up, and others to go to the Vale in Beeston for the dinner. A lovely Christmas dinner and a present to go home with.

My fourth Christmas Dinner was at a friend’s house on

renews every year on the say so of the doctor.

Now the good stuff. In January 2016 Chris Simpson (CEO BITMO) asked me if I would take a photo of Leeds City Centre from Belle Isle. The picture was framed and given to Judith Blake (Leader of Leeds City Council) for all her help with the BITMO board.

John, another BITMOs GATE centre regular, presented a water colour painting of the city to Judith along with the picture I took of the City Centre. Judith tells me both pictures are on her office wall in the Leeds Civic Hall.

On Valentine’s Day in February 2016 I did a 5k fun run with others in Middleton Park to raise money and awareness of Bone Marrow Charities. This was in memory of Skye Sutcliffe who died of a rare form of Leukaemia.

February also saw me take part in the walk a mile for Sports Relief.

During the year I also blogged about our community nurse, Amanda Binns who set out to run twelve 10k races in a year for charity. I can report that she completed her target.Well done Amanda!

In September I reached my goal of completing 100 parkruns. It was also my last as I’m under Doctors orders now, do no running, just walking.

During the year The BITMO GATE Walk and Talk Group had its first birthday and also became Dementia Friendly. We meet every Wednesday at 12pm if you would like to join us.

Finally on the activity front I took part in the Temple Newsam Memory Walk for Alzheimer’s. I aim to do one fundraising event a year and this is one I chose for 2016. I raised over £100 for this very important charity.

Queen’s Birthday Honour for Rothwell Man. My good friend Peter Smith got a gong in the Queen’s birthday honours list for his work around dementia.

He helped me set up the Parnaby Pals dementia café which meets every Wednesday 2-4pm at the Parnaby Tavern.

Another regular at the GATE centre is Maureen who is a carer for her Mum June. When she made a speech about being a carer and met Princess Anne, I made sure it got into South Leeds Life.

Well that’s about it.The above is just a taster of my many stories and blogs - 450 over the last two years. I continue to blog appeals on behalf of West Yorkshire Police, especially when someone goes missing.

These blogs can reach 5000 hits, which means more of a chance people are found and of course most, I’m pleased to say, are.

In 2016 I have met a lovely young lady, Susan. We can often be seen out and about at Memory cafes and BITMO GATE. Susan has a great sense of humour and really makes me laugh. I’m waiting for her life story, so I can blog it - get typing Susan!

My thanks must go to many people this year and in no particular order Amanda Binns; Peter Smith; Carla, Lynne, James and Chris Simpson at BITMOs GATE; Julie and Chris Holmes; Jeremy of South Leeds Life; and everyone at Cross Flatts parkrun. Sorry if I have missed you by name, blame it on my memory. God bless you all.

Matters at drop ins

If you have never been in touch with People Matters before why not come to one of their New Year ‘get to know you’ sessions?

Starting in January People Matters are launching a new range of adult learning courses that you can find out about.

Current members have said that it can be a big thing to take the first step to get involved with a different organisation but they have found that the people they have met have welcomed them and being involved has boosted their confidence.

Anyone who thinks they might want to meet other local people and to find out more about what is going to be available is welcome to come and talk at one of the drop in sessions being planned across South Leeds.

There is no commitment

needed just come, chat and see what you think.

Sally Jude, the Learning and Community Manager at People Matters reports ‘we won’t pressure you to join, you can just find out more for the future if that is right for you.

She went on to say ‘all our courses have been designed so lots of people, who maybe haven’t done a course for years, can take pleasure from getting involved in a friendly, supportive and local organisation doing something that is right for them.

Dates and venues for the drop in sessions will be publicised on the organisations website, www.peoplemattersleeds.co. uk, on their facebook page www.facebook.com/People

MattersLeeds/ or via twitter @PeopleMatterLds where you can also find out more too. Come and look at the new prospectus, you can even download it too or give us a ring on 0113 234 6896.

People Matters, is a social enterprise and is soon to take the step to be a charity.

Everyone involved is a member and gets a say in what the organisation does and how it works. Its based in Holbeck just off Domestic Street.

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South Leeds Life | January 2017

6 News

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Bus improvements and rail station for White Rose Centre

Leeds City Council has announced £180 million of improvements to bus services in the city and three new stations including one at the White Rose Centre in South Leeds.

The plans form part of a new Leeds Transport Strategy that has been created following public consultation on how to keep the city moving in the wake of the failed Trolleybus scheme.

A new Park & Ride scheme will be built next to the M621 at Stourton taking 1,000 cars off city roads.

Operator First West Yorkshire has pledged to invest £71m to provide 284 new state-of-the-art buses for its Leeds fleet by the end of

Elland Road Park & Ride 2020. This will offer a better experience as well as the new buses being low Euro VI or zero-emissions vehicles which will improve air quality in the city by reducing NOx emissions by 87 per cent.

Leeds City Council is also in talks with other bus operators about additional investment in their services.

This partnership approach,

including all bus companies, is aiming to increase demand, encourage more people to use public transport and improve air quality in the city.

A new rail connection for the White Rose Shopping Centre and office park forms part of transformational proposals to make £270million of improvements to transport in Leeds.

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Need a job? Get to The Point!

Community jobs and training help is right here on your doorstep.

The Point Jobshop based in the White Rose Centre, Beeston is a useful free community resource if you are looking for work or training.

Qualified Careers Guidance Advisors can help you with producing effective CV’s, writing covering letters and application forms whether online or on paper.

They can also help you with your interview skills. Over the past 6 months staff have helped support 172 people move into part time or full time employment as well as move into self-employment.

The Jobshop promotes many vacancies across a wide range of career opportunities, including within Leeds City Council and retail employers based in the White Rose Centre. There's usually something to suit everyone whether you are looking at flexible working options or a permanent full time job. In addition The Point also provides a place to learn new skills. You can brush up on your Maths and English, learn IT skills or attend a ‘Get into Retail’ course.

At the last recruitment fair that are held annually in late summer, there were 1,500 vacancies advertised by 31 employers, including 25 retailers and nearly 700 people attended.

Following the event 266 attendees on the day subsequently went on to secure full and part positions which were on offer. Employers present at the jobs fair included;

Marks and Spencer; Royal Mail; Debenhams; Nando’s; Primark; McDonalds; Frankie & Benny’s and Argos.

The Point is open Monday to Friday 9 till 4pm (shuts 12.30 till 1pm on Fridays) and is located at the top of the escalators, in the corner, next to New Look.

No appointment needed so drop in and come and see us soon!

The Point Jobshop at the White Rose ShoppingCentre

BITMO!bench makeover

restored bench will continue to be a well-used playground resting place for many more years to come.

Broomfield’s old bench A well-used bench in the playground of Broomfield SILC caught the eye of Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (BITMO) Chief Executive, Chris Simpson.

He was out flyering last month with Jo Wood, one of our Housing and Estate Management Officers.

The blue bench, curled around the big tree in the playground, had clearly been a favourite spot for staff and children to rest and was in need of a bit of restoration. Chris and Jo contacted their quick acting, multi-talented Estate Caretakers Darren and Neil who paid it a visit… take a look at its makeover!

Belle Isle TMO were really pleased to be able to help Broomfield SILC, and hope that their

Broomfield’s new bench

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January 2017 | South Leeds Life

News 7

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Asha celebrates successful year

by Tahena Ahmed The Asha Neighbourhood Project held an open Annual General Meeting at the Building Blocks centre on the Wednesday 30 November 2016.

The community, students and volunteers came to receive certificates, learn about Asha’s progress and share their volunteering stories and experiences.

Neighbourhood Asha Project was founded in April 1985. Over the last 30 years, the Asha Neighbourhood Project has been supporting women from the community in Beeston to live more fulfilling lives and achieve their potential. Initially the project was set up to provide services and activities to support and empower Bangladeshi women and children.

Asha has evolved over the years and now works with women and their families from all sectors of the South Leeds

Community.

At start of the AGM Management Committee member Afia Khattun presented a card and chocolates to Helen Bishop as a thank you for her long service on the Management Committee as Treasurer, and to wish her well for the future.

A film showing the journey of the Prerona volunteers and beneficiaries was shown and copies of the DVDs was presented to the volunteers.

Four volunteers were presented with certificates of appreciation. Two of the volunteers spoke about their experience as Asha volunteers.

Certificates from The Vera Media, Learning Curve, Leeds City Council, and Cardigan Centre were presented for Childcare Level 1, First Aid, ESOL Beginners, and ESOL: Communication and confidence, Online Jobs & skills certificate, Computers in everyday life and Introduction to sewing.

Women’s Lives Leeds: Jackie

Offord spoke about the new Women’s Lives Leeds initiative.

Councillor Nash introduced herself and said all 3 x local Councillors could be contacted by members of the public if they were suffering any problems relating to the Council.

Before the food was served Afia Khattun told the community, in the future Asha Neighbourhood Project will continue to provide the same services and look for more ways of working in partnership with other organisations.

She explained Asha Neighbourhood Project’s new joint partnership with the 12 citywide women’s projects ‘Women’s Lives Leeds’ aims to reach a greater number of hard to reach vulnerable women and to provide joined up, holistic support and other partners. Vera Media, the Cardigan Centre, Learning Curve and other providers have enabled the community to access a wide variety of courses and training

Planning ‘go’ for Works

Artist’s impression of new container-based building Young people in Leeds who struggle with mainstream learning will soon be able to benefit from a pioneering education facility created from shipping containers.

Planning officials gave the goahead for The Works charity, based in Hunslet, to provide an “eco school” – a solarpowered, unique education experience which focuses on practical training and skills, rather than standard classroom-based learning.

The new facility, which has already attracted interest from education partners in the city for its innovative approach and eye-catching design, follows success of the charity’s existing skate park, which is used to

engage people of all ages through sport.

Charity Chief Executive Elliott Turnbull said the facility will change the face of education.

He said: “The skate park has always been a centre for kids and people of all ages, but we just kept developing and it even became integrated into the sports curriculum in schools.

“We realised some of these young people are not supported enough and they need a different approach to learning. They are switched off from the journey that education is currently providing them with.

“I want these kids to be motivated to show up and feel valued. We need them to help

build the economy going forward and if it’s just about league tables, that doesn’t do anything for them if they don’t learn best in that way.

“Inside the containers will be workshops for construction and engineering, teaching practical skills such as joinery or plumbing.

“We will ensure all learners have the opportunity to progress in line with their aspirations, whilst following the national curriculum.

“We’re also encouraging employers to be a part of our provision, mentoring young people to be confident to take advantage of the city’s opportunities.

“We are elated to get this far and it’s going to change education.”

The shipping containers will help form the structure and it will be fitted out to the highest quality standards, including green features such as solar panels and water recovery systems to link in with the “eco school”.

The existing skate park covers 25,000sq ft and includes professional and bespoke ramps used for BMX biking, skateboarding, rollerblading and scooter riding for all abilities.

Students receive their certificates at Asha’s AGM throughout the year. Business In The Community and the Cranfield Trust will support Asha with its long term sustainability plans.

The Matrix quality mark has been renewed for a further 3

years, ensuring that we provide continued quality of information advice and guidance Afia made an open offer to the room for anyone interested in joining Asha’s

Management Committee or any volunteering opportunities, email Tahena Ahmed at tahena@ashaleeds.org.uk or call (0113) 270 4600. Asha Neighbourhood Project is also on Facebook.

Learn English in South Leeds, taught by a qualified, experienced tutor in comfortable, accessible premises in the heart of the community.

ESOL FOR WOMEN a weekly course in speaking and listening, reading and writing At Hillside, Beeston Road, Leeds LS11 8ND Wednesday mornings, from 11th January to 22nd March 9.30am to 12.00pm FREE for all women who claim benefits (including Tax Credits, Job Seekers' Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Universal Credit and more) or whose husbands or partners claim. Please bring evidence of benefit with you.

FREE for asylum seekers, and women who have no incomes.

Register on the first day of the course.

Contact Al Garthwaite on 07957 152107 or jon@vera-media.co.uk Vera Media, Hillside, Beeston Road, Leeds LS11 8ND

Funded through the European Social Fund, Skills Funding Agency and Leeds City Council.