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SCHOOL LIFE

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South Leeds Life is written by and for local people. People who live, work and play in the LS10 and LS11 areas of South Leeds. The website and newspaper are produced by South Leeds Life CIC, a social enterprise registered with Companies House, No 9998695. South Leeds Life is a member of the Independent Community News Network.

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Have your say on two South Leeds road schemes

South Leeds residents are being invited to comment on two new road improvement schemes.

The first scheme, known as M2D2L is part of a wider West Yorkshire Scheme to improve the transport corridor from Mirfield, through Dewsbury to Leeds.

It involves extending the new cycle route on Dewsbury Road in Beeston from the Tommy Wass junction down to the White Rose Shopping Centre and office park; and creating an outbound bus lane between Hunslet Fire Station and the Tommy Wass junction.

The plans, which have been developed in partnership between Leeds City Council and Kirklees Council, with the support of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, include new road layouts and updates which will improve both congestion and sustainable transport opportunities, with improvements for buses, cyclists and pedestrians.

In 2020, the first consultation on this project received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the public. However, concerns were raised about new cycling guidance which was not fully established at the time.

Updated plans have now been made with this new guidance taken into consideration, largely thanks to residents who gave feedback on the project last year.

The consultation is open until Tuesday 7 December 2021.

Anyone affected by updates to the M2D2L can view the plans and have their say on the new and improved plans at bit.ly/m2d2l, by calling Metroline on (0113) 245 7676 or by emailing yourvoice@westyorkshireca.gov.uk

The cost for the scheme will be met by funding from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund and developer contributions. Works are planned to begin in late 2022.

A second consultation is running on plans to deliver improvements on the A6110 Outer Ring Road in South Leeds between the White Rose Shopping Centre, A643 Elland Road M2D2L will extend the Dewsbury Road cycle route to White Rose

and A58 Whitehall Road.

The ambitious plans include improvements on the A6110 outer ring road that will reduce congestion and make it safer for people to walk and cycle. The proposed improvements will also make bus services quicker and more reliable to provide a more attractive alternative to the private vehicle when travelling this route.

The enhancements are expected to be delivered in four phases taking a junction-by-junction approach. Phase one of the scheme will be at the A643/A6110 south junction where the Churwell branch of Elland Road meets the ring road. This phase is proposed to be delivered by 2024. The remaining phases will be delivered when funding becomes available.

The consultation is seeking feedback on new cycle tracks, bus priority measures including bus lanes with junction upgrades, highway space adjustments and new pedestrian crossings with footway improvements. The scheme aims to reduce delays along this busy route improving the journeys of residents and commuters for all modes of transport.

The A6110 outer ring road is a key arterial route which experiences congestion during peak periods causing delays to general traffic, reducing bus journey time reliability, and increasing localised pollution and CO2 emissions. The A6110 is also a key route for several express buses, many of which serve the White Rose bus station. Therefore the addition of dedicated bus priority lanes along the corridor is a key element of the proposed improvements of the A6110 outer ring road scheme. Councillor Kim Groves, West Yorkshire Transport Committee Lead Member for Public Transport, said: “People living and working along the A6110 outer ring road are well aware of the issues caused by congestion and poor air quality. “This scheme will not only tackle The busy A643/A6110 south junction will be in Phase 1

HS2 rail line cancelled

Continued from page 1 transport infrastructure yet again, the Government has said it will fund a West Yorkshire Mass Transit System. It has committed £200 million to plan and start work on the scheme which could include trams or light rail. Early plans indicated lines running from the city centre through Beeston and through Hunslet–Belle Isle –Middleton to Tingley.

Commenting on this part of the Plan, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:"Of the £200m we've been offered, £100m is going to be spent on a Government investigation into how to make Leeds-Sheffield journey times quicker. I am absolutely astonished that we could potentially spend £100m and come to the same conclusion that we need HS2 from Leeds to Sheffield."

Both Leeds City Council and Transport For The North were very disappointed by the announcement. Council Leader Cllr James Lewis said:

“After more than 10 years of effort, investment and planning based on the government’s clear proposal to bring HS2 to Leeds, we have been left extremely disappointed and frustrated by today’s announcement which only offers more studies, reviews and uncertainty for high-speed connections to our city – but, sadly, we are not surprised.”

He went on to say that the existing station is coping with record numbers of passengers; that there is no scope for extra services to run on the existing lines running into Leeds from the west and called for an overhaul of national transport decision making. He concluded:

“We remain determined to make sure that this is the last time a major project benefiting Leeds is cancelled.”

Cllr Louise Gittens, Interim Chair those issues head on, it will also make travelling by bus more attractive.

“We know that reliability can often be a barrier to people using the bus but by providing priority bus lanes, we will be able to make a real difference to journey times.”

The ring road suffers from a lack of pedestrian and cycling provision which discourages the uptake of more sustainable travel choices for residents and others that use this route on their daily commute.

Have your say in the consultation, which closes 5 December 2021, and read more about the plans here: a6110.commonplace.is.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds city council’s executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, said:

“Now, more than ever, it’s important we reduce our collective carbon emissions. In Leeds, part of our commitment to this is an ambition to be a city where you don’t need a car. That means making public transport easier to use and promoting decarbonised travel.

“We know that people are willing to make small gradual changes from switching to electric vehicles to making more use of public transport and reducing their reliance on private cars.

“Our commitment is to be a net zero city by 2030 and infrastructure improvement schemes like this one will help our goal, to give people real travel choices by making bus services quicker and more reliable, whilst also making local journeys on foot and by bike safer, more convenient and attractive.

“I would urge everyone to get involved with these consolations and make their views known.“

of Transport for the North commented

“Today’s announcement is woefully inadequate. After decades of underfunding, the rail network in the North is not fit for purpose. It is largely twin-track Victorian infrastructure trying to cope with the demands of a 21st Century economy. Leaders from across the North and from across the party political divide came together to ask for a network that would upgrade the North for this century and in line with the rest of the country. Our statutory advice asked for an over £40 billion network but the Government has decided to provide even less than half of that.”

Counting down to cutting the St Luke’s ribbon

Hilary Benn MP lead a cross section of church members, partner organisations and local people in cutting the ribbon (after a suitable countdown) to open the new community hub extension to St Luke’s Church in Beeston Hill on Saturday 13 November. Hilary Benn praised the project and commented that it had made the building even more beautiful and thanked all those who made it possible. “Buildings are wonderful” he said “but it’s the people inside the buildings that make them fantastic.”

No relief for Mafekings

by Ed Carlisle

Residents in Beeston this month celebrated the refusal of planning permission on two contentious rental properties in their neighbourhood – but now say they’re ‘deflated and heartbroken’, as the businesses continue to operate as if nothing has changed.

As reported here last month, the two properties – on Mafeking Grove and Avenue, just off Dewsbury Road – have been rented out on a shortterm (often daily) basisover the past 8 months, by a company called Aphrodite Suites, via websites including Airbnb and booking.com. The newlyrefurbished houses featuring jacuzzis, smart TVs, and other luxury fittings and furniture –and fetch up to £230 per night.

Residents allege that their previously quiet and neighbourly cul-de-sacs have been ‘ruined’ by the anti-social behaviour associated with the Aphrodite Suite lettings: regular late-night parties (with up to 25 attendees), sex work and ‘hookups’, prolific drug and alcohol use, and even aggression and intimidation. Residents – who have documented evidence, including photos and video footage – say it’s been ‘devastating’, ‘a misery’, ‘a nightmare’.

A bitter planning battle unfolded, with the business owners requesting back-dated licences for the properties, but dozens of objections were submitted. The properties have also been subject to a ‘partial closure notice’ via a court order, due to the anti-social behaviour. This month (10 November) saw the Council’s planning team turn down both planning applications – citing many of the concerns and issues raised by the residents.

However, the business owners claim that the residents are exaggerating the situation, and running a ‘hate campaign’ against them – so are appealing the decision.

Ozman Hussein, for Aphrodite Suites, told us: “I was out of work, so started letting these properties as superluxury serviced accommodation. I would not allow any of the things the neighbours have claimed such as prostitution and parties: I spent a lot on fixtures and fittings, which I took loans out for – so I can’t allow it to be destroyed in such circumstances.”

Indeed, the lettings continue as before, with bookings throughout the week, and parties running as late as 2am – and the properties are still listed online, for bookings throughout the festive period and into next year.

The case has been passed to the enforcement arm of the Council’s planning team – but they insist they cannot take action unless there is proof of ‘harm’, so are appealing for residents to continue gathering evidence of the planning decision being violated.

Furthermore, although fines of up to £20,000 can be levied for breaching planning enforcement notices, these can also be appealed against.

Local mum Emily told us: “It’s ridiculous: the planning system is so out-dated. They’ve been trading for 8 months without planning permission, and continue now, but aren’t facing any consequences: the recent decision seems to mean nothing. We – the local residents – meanwhile have really struggled to get clear answers and support.

“It’s extremely stressful and upsetting: we were happy it was denied, but I’m now feeling deflated and heartbroken, because we’re no better off.”

Cllr Angela Gabriel (Beeston and Holbeck) added: “Andrew, Gohar and I have been supporting the residents of Mafeking Avenue and Grove with this – but unfortunately planning is a very slow process and at times very frustrating. The applicant can now appeal to an independent inspector, and we all await their decision.”

The homestay ‘gig economy’ – characterised by companies like Airbnb – is booming: a multi-billion pound global industry, featuring millions of hosts globally. However, it is also facing considerable criticism for its unregulated approach – especially with situations like this.

Homestays taking place in someone’s own home (for instance, in their spare room) do not typically require planning permission; however, where the host isn’t resident, they normally do. If readers have concerns relating to shortterm lets, report to the police and Council, and also direct to the lettings companies – for instance, at: airbnb.co.uk/ neighbours.

Beeston Cemetery memorial works

Grave memorials laid flat in Beeston Cemetery by Rebecca Townesend

Leeds City Council have erected signs in Beeston Cemetery at the start of an ongoing programme to ensure the stability of graves memorials.

Memorials will be tested and if they are unsafe they will be immediately laid down.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson told us:

“The Council has a legal duty to act quickly where the condition of graves and headstones could present a safety risk to the public, and headstones that are at risk of toppling over will be sensitively laid down to ensure that our cemeteries are safe.”

If you are a grave owner and your headstone or memorial is laid down you have the option to contact a qualified registered monumental mason to have the memorial re-erected using an approved fixing system. In addition, if you wish to have your memorial independently tested you can contact a monumental mason of your choice to test the memorial, and then supply the cemetery office with a copy of your report.

Local residents who have any questions or need further information can call Leeds City Council Bereavement Services on (0113) 378 6002.

Ask For Angela safety campaign launched

The ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign was launched across Leeds on 11 November.

The scheme was originally developed by Lincolnshire County Council and is now being adopted as a localised initiative in Leeds to help keep people safe while out in the city. The campaign aims to help prevent and reduce violence and harassment, particularly in hospitality settings.

It is inclusive so that anybody visiting venues such as bars and clubs can ask for ‘Angela’ to discreetly signal to staff that they feel unsafe or uncomfortable and require assistance. Staff can then offer to help out without too much fuss, for example by calling a taxi or providing a safe space.

Leeds City Council has been working closely with partners such as Safer Leeds, Women Friendly Leeds and West Yorkshire Police, as well as with Bobbi Rae (@bearcubs), a local artist who has designed the colourful campaign artwork.

Currently, over 500 venues across the city, including many pubs in South Leeds, have signed up to participate in the scheme. View the venues on a map here and look out for posters and stickers while you are out in Leeds.

Ask for Angela is part of Leeds City Council’s wider ambition to promote night-time safety and address violence against women and girls. As well as engaging in ongoing work to tackle these issues, other upcoming campaigns this month include ‘16 Days of Action’ against domestic violence and the White Ribbon campaign.

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council Executive Member with responsibility for Safer Leeds, said:

“I am very pleased to see the Ask for Angela scheme being embraced by so many venues across Leeds, helping to make our vibrant city as safe as possible. It is important that everybody can enjoy the hospitality of Leeds without feeling unsafe or uncomfortable.

“I strongly encourage anybody who may find themselves in an unsafe situation while out in Leeds to reach out and Ask for Angela.”

Emily Turner, Women’s Lives Leeds VOICES Co-ordinator, said:

“Women and girls’ safety is an issue for us all, with initiatives like Ask for Angela being welcomed by women across Leeds, giving them the confidence that they will be listened to, supported, and will feel safer.

“We are delighted that so many venues have committed their support, demonstrating that all partners in Leeds are taking women and girls’ safety seriously. By working together, we will achieve our ambitions for Leeds to be the best and a Women Friendly City. Remember, if something doesn’t feel right on a night out, please Ask for Angela.”

For more information about the Ask for Angela campaign, visit womenfriendlyleeds.org /ask-for-angela

If your venue is interested in signing up for the scheme, please email AskForAngela Leeds@leeds.gov.uk for more information and all the campaign materials needed to help you get started. Twenty-six skilled jobs have been created locally in a key green industry as a result of Leeds City Council’s investment in low carbon upgrades earlier this year.

Energy and water services company Cenergist has recruited thirteen full-time employees and moved thirteen existing staff to a newly opened office in Millshaw, Beeston to work on two major council decarbonisation programmes.

Labourers, project managers, quantity surveyors and tenant liaison officers have all been hired by the company to help ensure the successful installation of low carbon heat pumps in multi-storey council housing, leisure centres, schools and homes for older people across the city.

Heat pumps use electricity to provide greener, cleaner and more reliable warmth and hot water. They are expected to become much more common and cheaper to install as the UK replaces fossil-fuel powered boilers with low carbon heating.

Around half of Leeds’ carbon emissions are estimated to come from the energy used to power and heat our homes and commercial buildings.

Leader of Leeds City Council, Cllr James Lewis, visited the company’s new Beeston office yesterday to meet some of the new workers. He said:

“Taking bold steps to cut our emissions is not only the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and others from a changing climate but it is also the best strategy for Leeds to prosper from the economic opportunities of a greener world.

“When we invest in local low carbon projects, we help businesses like Cenergist to invest in and upskill local workers. It was great to meet some of the new Leeds team at their Beeston office and hear what their roles mean to them.”

Alex Brown, Operations Director at Cenergist said: ”We have created new roles in the green economy including engineers, project managers and construction professionals. We are utilising local trades and merchants to create further jobs and apprenticeships wherever possible in the city. In addition, we envisage the creation of further labouring jobs which will be pro-actively promoted to the local community. We ensure that all suppliers and subcontractors pay at least the real living wage for their staff. The opening of our office demonstrates our commitment to working with Leeds City Council to support it in delivering its ambitious decarbonisation plans for the city.”

Council helps create green jobs in South Leeds

Council Leader James Lewis meets green workers at council partner Cenergist's new Beeston base

On Your Bikes!

Remembrance event for 57 expupils of Hunslet Carr School

by Jeremy Morton

David Dinmore, the Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Hilary Benn MP and Hunslet & Riverside Councillors joined about 60 local residents for a Remembrance event organised by Hunslet Carr Residents Association on 13 November.

The event was organised to remember the 57 ex-pupils of Hunslet Carr School who died in the First World War and are listed on the Roll of Honour.

The service included two poems, ‘Remember Me’ and ‘Poppies’, written by Stuart Bailey another ex-pupil of Hunslet Carr School. An interpretation board about the 57 ex-pupils was unveiled by members of the Britton family who lost three brothers in the war.

A two-minute silence was observed, sandwiched between the Last Post and Reveille bugle calls played by a member of the Salvation Army band. The Deputy Lieutenant laid a wreath and Councillors Iqbal, Nash and Wray laid a display of 57 poppies. Kenny Saunders, Chair of the Residents Observing the two minute silence at Hunslet Carr

Association read out the names of the 57 men.

The original Roll of Honour was lost during the refurbishment of the school in the 1970s, but a new one was created and is displayed at Hunslet Methodist Church. Hunslet Carr Residents Association have researched the 57 men and produced a booklet with details which bring the names to life.

Amongst them are three brothers: Clifford, Leonard and James William Britton and members of the family helped with the research and were present at the event. Speaking to them after the event they told me that there were five brothers in the family. The eldest had poor eyesight and couldn’t join up.

The youngest was too young at the start of the war and when he tried to enlist when he was old enough he was not accepted because the family had already lost three sons. Their mother, I was told, wore black in mourning for the rest of her life.

Seven of the 57 died on the same day, 1 July 1916 – the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Of the 750 men of the ‘Leeds Pals’ who went over the top at 7:30am that day, 209 were killed and 24 died later from their wounds.

Two bothers from Hunslet Carr, Harold and John Lowes, aged 19 and 18 were killed by the same shell. Willie Place was another who died that day, he lived at 1 Belle Isle Road where it was decided this year to place a ‘Tommy’ light.

Martin Lumb, the Headteacher at Hunslet Carr Primary School, explained to me that the children had visited the Interpretation Board on Thursday (11 November). Some of the children even had the same surname as those on the Roll of Honour and had been very moved to hear that they sit in the same hall that those 57 men sat in as children. “It really made history come alive”

Town Team aim to improve shopping area

This month sees the official public launch of the Dewsbury Road Town Team, a partnership of retailers in Beeston working together to serve the wider community, and to make their shopping district the best it can be.

The group - one of several 'Town Teams' across Leeds - covers the bottom end of Dewsbury Road, between Hunslet fire station and Hunslet Hall Road. The district features over 70 independent businesses, including food stores and delis, a bakery, restaurants and takeaways, electrical and motoring retailers, greengrocers, chemists, barbers and beauticians, a furniture store, and more.

The team have been active behind the scenes for several years, but are now going public with a logo (designed for free by local graphic designer Alex Fleming), to build the profile of the business community there, and all that it has to offer.

Roy Walker chairs the group, and comments: "We're now looking to restart our work postCovid, for a better Dewsbury Road. We work closely with the Council and other agencies, to

tackle issues including antisocial behaviour, litter, highways problems, and more. And despite those challenges, we have a thriving and popular high street - so would encourage even more local people to come see what we have to offer, and to work with us to keep making things better for our community."

The launch coincides with Small Business Saturday on 4 December, when shoppers everywhere are encouraged to support local independent shops. High streets everywhere are struggling - but independent businesses are hardest hit, making up about 90% of shop closures nationally. Meanwhile, campaigners argue that independent retailers beat corporate retailers on all counts: generating more employment, better local accountability and democracy, and stronger community economies, with a typically smaller environmental impact.

For more info on the Dewsbury Road Town Team, including sharing your ideas, and how to get involved, email: drtownteam@gmail.com.

Beeston youngsters experience the Yorkshire Dales

by Jeremy Morton

The last thing you might expect to find as you approached the beautiful Goredale Scar near Malham in the Yorkshire Dales would be a group of teenage boys from Beeston mending the path.

But that’s exactly what visitors experienced one weekend last month. This was just one project to come out of partnership between local youth work charity Good Deeds and the Yorkshire Dales National Park called Generation Green.

The group of ten 14-16 year old boys (the charity is short of female leaders at present) had met with a National Park Ranger in Beeston and then attended a three day residential where they learned some basic outdoor skills including map reading, compass use, knots and rope work plus cooking on an open fire.

They returned a few weeks later to carry out some work on the path leading to Goredale Scar a spectacular ravine with waterfalls. The path had been improved to allow people with mobility issues – wheelchairs, frames, or pushchairs – to access the bottom of the gorge. However, wear and tear, plus erosion of the scree slopes, meant the path was uneven again.

The team worked to remove loose stones and relay four tonnes of limestone aggregate to fill the gaps and create a smooth surface. The young people were delighted with the reactions from walkers who thanked them for their hard work.

An impressed ranger, Simon Ashmore, commented:

“It was the most rewarding and enjoyable day and I hope the young men and adults from Beeston realise what a great asset they are to their community and to those who will enjoy the Yorkshire Dales for many miles on footpaths that these volunteers have repaired.”

The final leg of the programme saw them spend a day planting trees and building wooden fences at a site near Richmond.

Mahbub Nazir from Good Deeds said:

“I think it was a bit of a shock to the system for the young people. It’s a different world. They’re used to modern life, phones and computers and there was no network up there! But this initiative has allowed them to visit, engage and stay (in beautiful countryside) It’s made a huge impact on them, they want to go back and it’s inspirational to see that impact.”

Comments from the group included: “Enjoyed everything, including the walking.” “It was perfect.” “Could have stayed for longer.” “It was different to Beeston.” “The waterfalls were beautiful.” “The knowledge gained about history and the landscape was interesting.” “It was fun, active and enjoyable.”

Young People with Good Deeds leaders and National Park Ranger at the foot of Goredale Scar

History project to preserve Stourton memories

Hunslet and Riverside Ward Councillors have announced their plans to commission historical lecterns to remember the residential past of Stourton – ensuring a physical reminder is in the area for future generations.

Cllr Elizabeth Nash said of the project: “Many former residents of Stourton – many who moved to the Hunslet –have long commented about their sadness at the loss of Stourton as a residential area in the 1970s but also that there is no physical record of its history in the area itself. Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, Cllr Paul Wray and I know how proud local people are of their history and therefore we have decided to commission this work to ensure there is a physical reminder of this areas past.”

Initial proposals, subject to the landowner’s approval, are to have a series of lecterns (examples of which can be seen at the Bile Beans sign on Balm Road/Belle Isle Road) placed around the area of the Stourton War Memorial at Thwaite Gate.

Once the location for the lecterns are confirmed, Councillors will commission a historian to capture the memories of former residents and other details from various sources – which will then feed into the design of the lecterns. There are exciting plans underway to develop a new woodland area in Middleton, South Leeds, which will open to the public in spring 2022.

The People’s Woodland will see over 9,000 trees planted to create a new green space is led by Leeds Hospitals Charity in collaboration with Leeds City Council.

People from our local communities can choose to sponsor a tree in the woodland through a one-off donation or by fundraising together with friends and family.

All funds raised through this project will help the charity fund initiatives across our NHS hospitals in Leeds to support our NHS heroes, patients and families.

Individuals can choose their own special reason to sponsor a tree, whether it’s in tribute to a loved one, to thank our NHS heroes, celebrate a special occasion or to help create a healthier city.

Once established, The People’s Woodland will include a wetland, an orchard and a wildflower meadow. It will provide a space for visitors to exercise, rest, and enjoy the natural world, not only to improve physical health, but also mental wellbeing.

The woodland will also have a positive environmental impact, helping to increase the biodiversity of the area and provide the variety of habitats needed for native wildlife.

Esther Wakeman, Chief Executive of Leeds Hospitals Charity said:

“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Leeds City Council on this wonderful initiative. ‘The People’s Woodland’ will create a new space where our local communities can come together to enjoy the outdoors and also feel-good knowing that they’ve supported their local NHS hospitals by sponsoring a tree.”

Councillor Salma Arif, executive member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles at Leeds City Council said:

“We hope that this woodland will create a space for people, whether it’s to pay their respects to those that sadly lost their lives during the pandemic, reflect and appreciate the key workers that worked tirelessly during this time or another special reason. This green space can become a real asset to the local community and Leeds alike. So we welcome any means of supporting its development.”

By sponsoring a tree in The People’s Woodland, you can not only make a difference across our NHS hospitals in Leeds but also help create a new green space in our amazing city.

Find out more and sponsor a tree at www.leedshospitals charity.org.uk/woodland

The woodland is being created on land next to Ring Road Beeston Park, near the Park Woods estate. The land formed part of the former South Leeds Golf Club and was absorbed in Middleton Park after the golf club closed. The Stourton War Memorial at Thwaite Gate

Sponsor a tree in the People’s Woodland

Riverside residents fight back against river fly tipping

by Rebecca Townesend

Since summer 2020 residents in the Riverside area have been reporting repeated dumping of rubbish in the River Aire adjacent to where they are living.

A local resident who didn’t wish to be named told South Leeds Life:

“Since August 2020, a business has been dumping numerous bin liners in the River Aire on a regular basis. In August 2020 they fly tipped at least 42 bags in a day, and again in May 2021 15 more bags. Now they are still throwing in at least 3 or 4 bags a day. We know from the contents of the bags that the business is a takeaway or restaurant. There are disposable Shisha pipe tips, half oranges, takeaway containers, plastic bottles, but no evidence of alcohol.”

The Canal and River Trust are the responsible authority and they told us:

“We’re already in touch with Leeds Council to determine details and together with other landowners in the area we’re working to stop this from happening as quickly as possible.”

Leeds City Council added: "We take waste crime extremely seriously and will always take enforcement action where sufficient evidence is available that we know will stand up in court. We are still investigating the aforementioned case and will contact the complainant once we have concluded our Rubbish bags in the lock by the Royal Armouries

investigation".

The ongoing dumping of rubbish is causing a great deal of upset. The local resident who spoke anonymously to us explained:

“These events are very distressful for our community; the culprits have been acting without consequence for more than a year, they are polluting the river and endangering wildlife.”

The Canal and River Trust echo the distress these actions cause and explained in more detail the impact such rubbish has on the local environment:

“Our charity is appalled that people are behaving in this way and dumping rubbish into the river. Our local canals and rivers are invaluable, providing vital habitats for some of our best-loved species and providing a space we can enjoy, relax and get away from life’s stresses, which so many of us have needed over the last 18 months.

“Selfish dumping of rubbish not only spoils people’s enjoyment of spending time by the water but it’s also really harmful to the wildlife that live on and by the water”.

The local councillors are aware of the situation and support the investigations and the efforts of the local community to protect their environment. Cllr Paul Wray, (Hunslet and Riverside) told us:

“Cllr Nash, Iqbal and I are aware of dumping of waste in the River Aire. Although Canal and River Trust (CRT) are the responsible authority in this case – council officers are supporting CRT to try and identify where the waste is entering the water system and who is doing this. We sincerely hope they face the consequence of their actions soon.

“We’d like to pay tribute to the volunteer residents and others who’ve removed some of this waste from the water system via their own initiative and thus helped to protect our local environment – indeed, we were very glad to have recently provided a MICE grant to the Friends of the Aire to support these efforts. If any residents have any information to help CRT identify the perpetrators –please contact them.”

If you live by the river and see any rubbish that has been dumped you can take photos and report it to the Canal and River Trust and they will fully support you:

“Thankfully, there are still many people that are helping us to protect and look after our canals and rivers by reporting incidents like this … We would love to hear from any members of the public keen to help look after their local waterway, please visit www.canalriver trust.org.uk for details of opportunities local to you.”

Save money and the planet with insulation

Climate change has been in the spotlight this month, with the COP26 gathering in Scotland - and insulation even more so, due to Insulate Britain's controversial protests. And the good news is: we can act, here and now.

Climate Action Leeds climateactionleeds.org.uk is a major new city-wide programme aiming to help the city do all it can to become planet-friendly.

It features community programmes including the Our Future Beeston project, and also a dedicated team looking to support and inspire people across Leeds to get serious about insulating their homes.

Insulation is arguably one of the most effective steps any of us can take to reduce our carbon footprint - and also saves us a load of money in heating bills. Although it is often rolled out via big community-wide programmes, it is also something individuals can undertake themselves.

For more info and advice on insulation, contact Lucy at People Powered Homes peoplepoweredhomes.org.uk, one of the key Climate Action Leeds partners.

As well as supporting individuals, Lucy and her colleagues are also looking at working at a neighbourhood level - for instance, they are looking to tackle a particular stretch of poorly insulated homes in Hunslet.

Lucy from Climate Action Leeds, with Ed Carlisle and Yemane Selomun, who are currently working together to fully insulate an old terraced house in Beeston Hill.

Street improvement scheme for Recreations

Astreet improvement scheme is setting the scene for residents in a Leeds neighbourhood to live healthier, happier and better connected lives.

Leeds City Council’s Streets for People scheme will see £900,000 being spent on transformational changes to the built environment in the Recreations area of Holbeck.

Plans include widened footpaths, enhanced green space, tree planting and segregated cycle facilities as well as traffic calming measures and junction closures.

It is hoped the changes will mean a reduction in both car usage and air pollution, encouraging people living in the Recreations – which is one of the most deprived parts of Leeds – to lead more active lifestyles by getting out and about on foot or by bike.

The scheme is also designed to strengthen the area’s sense of community – and help break its pattern of short-term tenancies – by making the local streets safer and more attractive places for children to play and residents to spend time with each other.

In addition, it aims to give people in the Recreations easier access to employment and education opportunities in the city centre by linking in with two major infrastructure projects – the recentlycompleted Elland Road cycle superhighway and the Ingram Distributor cycling and walking route, which is currently under construction.

The project also complements a programme of repairs and upgrades to hundreds of homes in the neighbourhood over the last five years, with more than £7m being spent on measures such as the provision of new windows, roofs and doors and improved external wall insulation.

The new plans were given the go-ahead at a meeting of the council’s executive board on 17 November. Work is now due to get under way in January, with a view to completion in the spring.

The area earmarked for the changes covers a number of streets near Ingram Road Primary School, including Brown Lane East, Cleveleys Avenue and Crosby Road as well as the Recreations themselves.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said:

“The residents in the Recreations will hopefully love the changes that are coming their way, with more greenery on their doorsteps and attractive new spaces where they can meet and interact with their neighbours. We want to give people of all ages an environment where they feel relaxed and happy about doing things – like walking and cycling – that will help their health and wellbeing.

Funding for the project was allocated to the council under the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Healthy Streets programme.

The plans have been further informed by the results of a wide-ranging consultation that highlighted concerns among local residents regarding issues such as narrow footpaths, speeding traffic and a lack of green space. Engagement with residents’ groups, community organisations and businesses will continue throughout the delivery of the scheme.

The Holbeck club’s first female President

by Rebecca Townesend

Ispent a great Sunday evening at The Holbeck meeting Caroline Turner, the first female president of the club in its over 140-year history and hearing from staff and club members about this historic moment.

As Vice President Caroline became President after the former President, Ian Pickup, stood down in September. She will be in post until February 2022 when the next AGM is held and she already plans to stand for another year’s term. Caroline has had a long relationship with The Holbeck having previously worked behind the bar fifteen years ago.

She is still working through her full plans for the club and getting used to the role but one of her first aims is to get more members in during the evenings. She wants to be there for members and help them if they need things sorting out in the club. She is going to work hard for them; “you have got to be there for members, you’ve got to fight for them”.

As to how it feels to be the first women president, Caroline says it feels “strange… especially because it is the oldest club as well…it has always been a man…but I will get used to it. There are things I want to do to it”. She thinks the culture has changed and would tell other women locally who want to be involved “to go for it” and has found members and staff have been happy for her.

Another former club President, Terry Nichols, is offering his full support and he thinks she will be a good President for the club. He told me “I will be there as a shoulder to lean on if she needs me.”

Members and staff were also positive about her election;

“I think it’s great…it’s fantastic to see the times are changing”. “I am all for women in power! ...I always see her, she always comes in”, “She represents the club really well… ”. “I think it is absolutely fantastic…there will be some people that perhaps don’t agree with it…but… having the first women president shows the club is moving on”.

Alan Lane, the Artistic Director of Slung Low based at The Holbeck said “As managers of the club, Slung Low takes great pride that the members still have a real sense of ownership and with Carol’s presidency that is clearly demonstrated for all to see. Our hope for her presidency is that the club continues to welcome all through the doors in whatever way they can find joy here whilst still honouring those who have been members for many years”.

Caroline was clear new members are always welcome whilst never forgetting former ones, saying; “You lose members but you can also gain new ones and still remember the older ones”.

Membership forms can be collected from behind the bar at The Holbeck and you can find out the latest news on their Facebook page ‘The Holbeck Holbeck WMC’

Leeds For All celebrates disabled people

by Christine Smart

International Day of Disabled People is about celebrating disabled people while highlighting issues we face and having people join in conversations who can affect change.

This year’s event by Leeds For All ticks every one of those boxes. Leeds For All is a working group comprised of representatives from organisations including Leeds City Council, Forum Central, The William Merritt Centre and Advonet.

The group plan and run events to celebrate the International Day of Disabled People on 3 December each year.

Thgis year’s events started on 29 November with accessible events on zoom and in person.

The events showcase talented disabled people while the events through the week offer support group, Autistic question time, sensory Tai Chi, comedy with Luke Poulton and much more. Check out the full programme at: forumcentral .org.uk/idodp21 (accessible versions available)

The theme for this year is “Leeds for All – Recovery from Covid-19”; to acknowledge and highlight people with disabilities and how we can champion those rights to create a city friendly for those with disabilities. It will be a space for celebration, reflection, connection, acceptance, and challenge.

A theme that is always relevant for disabled people will have a focus on listening and including us in conversations around accessibility for those with physical and learning disabilities and neurodivergence.

There will be a quieter hour 10am to 11am at the City Museum event on Friday 3 November for those with sensory issues with noise.

Everyone is welcome to the weeklong event and information about finding support will be available at the Leeds For All marketplace.

Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council said: "I am delighted to see such a wide variety of events taking place across Leeds in celebration of the International Day of Disabled People. It’s fantastic to see the collaboration between Forum Central, The William Merritt Centre, the Council and the voluntary and community organisations involved in creating this week of accessible events.” Terry Nichols and Caroline Turner

‘Don’t pave it, save it!’ campaign to cut flooding risk

Leeds City Council has published its ‘Don’t Pave it, Save it’ guidance, which encourages residents to consider the environment and their impact on flood risk when renovating their front garden or driveway.

The hard surfacing of front gardens for parking and reduced maintenance is increasingly popular, with over a quarter of front gardens now completely paved, however, such changes are often made without considering the impact on the environment and flood risk to surrounding areas.

Front gardens of all sizes affect how attractive our roads and streets look, where rainwater drains to, and can protect and support local wildlife. They can help tackle climate change by capturing carbon and helping to deal with hotter and wetter weather. They can also enhance our quality of life by creating a more attractive environment.

That’s why Leeds City Council have published a web page with information on the benefits of a green front garden, as well as a range of ideas for how to create a space that allows off street parking and a space for charging electric vehicles, but is also environmentally friendly, aesthetically pleasing and low maintenance, whilst reducing flood risk.

Ideas include using permeable or porous materials, like asphalt or gravel, planting hardy low-growing plants between wheel tracks on driveways, using hedges instead of fences or installing raised planters.

The front garden design guidance can be found on the Leeds City Council Website at bit.ly/DontPave.

Cllr Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s Executive member for Infrastructure and Climate, said:

“Over the last twelve days, COP26 has showcased just how important it is to take action against climate change. Domestic gardens play a huge role in our urban green spaces and are a simple but important way that individuals can play a part in Leeds becoming a net zero carbon city by 2030.

“Green spaces act as natural sponges, soaking up water and helping to keep it from entering our homes. The creation of more natural flood management will assist our efforts to reduce flood risk across Leeds.

“As you only need planning permission to pave over your front garden in specific circumstances, ultimately the choice is with homeowners, and we understand that people need a place to park and charge electric vehicles, and some would prefer not to maintain a demanding garden, but we hope that our guide can help to encourage everyone to make a green choice that still meets their needs.

“As with many actions that we take to prevent damaging Climate Change, the actions of the individual might not seem important, but gardens make up about half of our urban greenspaces so if everyone does their bit then it can add up to huge results for everyone in Leeds.”

Keep your front garden green

Lord Mayor’s Tea Party

Members and staff from MHA Communities South Leeds enjoyed afternoon tea with the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Asghar Khan, at the Civic Hall last month. After a guided tour of the Civic Hall chambers, they enjoyed refreshments and conversation with the Mayor for over an hour. They also received a Certificate of Recognition to commemorate the visit and for all the outstanding hard work of our members, volunteers and staff in the community.

New game will help teenagers make better choices about alcohol

Decide the Night, a new, immersive game designed to encourage young people in Leeds to make safer choices around alcohol, is now available to play online.

The game was co-created with young people by Leeds City Council, NHS Leeds CCG and Forward Leeds, the city’s alcohol and drug service, and launched ahead of Alcohol Awareness week last month.

Designed with young people, for young people, Decide the Night invites the user to take part in five different drinking scenarios, with the aim of enjoying a full night out with their friends. Each scenario is story-based and focuses on a different drink and situation that was suggested by Leedsbased 14-15 year-olds.

Manager of the Young People’s Team at Forward Leeds, Damien Frain said:

“Decide the Night is a fun way to run-through the kind of decisions you might make on a big night out, before you ever go on one.

“The game uses authentic situations, recognisable to many teenagers in Leeds, so they can make smarter choices and have a good time whether they choose to drink or not. The game doesn’t say ‘don’t ever drink’ or suggest that alcohol is evil, it’s about being informed enough to make adult decisions.”

After selecting a drink, players go on a virtual night out with their friends. Unwise choices lead to their night being cut short, and they are out of the game.

Councillor Arif, Executive Member for Public Health & Active Lifestyles said:

“Local data shows that the numbers of young people who drink alcohol fell steeply from 2008-2018, with around 50 per cent of secondary school pupils in Leeds now reporting they have never drunk alcohol. However, some young people do still use alcohol in ways that could be harmful to their health.

“This interactive digital tool is an engaging way to reach teenagers who are making choices about how best to live their lives. As well as offering educational content about the risks associated with drinking, Decide the Night encourages positive behaviour change.”

The game is designed to be fun and engaging, while also educating players by providing them with a range of health and educational facts, as well as persona-based endings.

It can be used for targeted drugs and alcohol education in school, youth work and youth justice settings as well as for young people to discover and use independently. To view the game, visit www.decidethenight.com

Junk food project closes

The acclaimed Real Junk Food Project (TRJFP, www.trjfp.com) have wound down their ‘Kindness Warehouse’ in Stourton – but will continue their work across the region, and aim to reopen further local venues soon.

TRJFP first started in Leeds in 2013, led by Hunslet lad Adam Smith. With the mantra ‘Feed Bellies, Not Bins’, they set out to help tackle the huge issue of food waste, by diverting good quality but unwanted food into communities.

They work on a ‘Pay As You Feel’ basis, with ‘customers’ typically paying whatever they felt was reasonable.

Last year (2020) saw them take on a 12,000 square foot warehouse at the former Copperworks site in Stourton, which became dubbed the Kindness Warehouse – and was the centre of their busy regional operation running through much of the Covid-19 pandemic. They turned around about 100 tonnes of surplus food per month, with the support of scores of volunteers.

In a statement they said:

“We’ve had 15 incredible months at the #Kindness warehouse in Stourton, through some of the most challenging times of our lives. We took a space that was derelict and forgotten – and with the hard work of the dedicated staff and volunteers, we showed the place some love and kindness, and placed it on the map! This isn’t the end, but now is the time to recoup, build a new identity in a new space and prepare to continue radically changing the face of food waste!”

New trees for Hunslet ward Career opportunities in care

Hunslet and Riverside Ward Councillors have announced the Council’s Woodland Creation Team have secured funding for 64 new standard (semi-mature) trees to be planted between Brickfield, Pepper Road and Hunslet Lake Parks - plus thousands of new whips (saplings) for sites across the ward.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal welcomed the funding saying:

“Each of the standard trees cost between £500-600. This covers the cost of their initial growth, planting, and maintenance until they fully

Cllr Wray at Pepper Road

established.

“This represents a minimum £32,000 investments in improving tree coverage in the ward with all the benefits they bring, and this isn’t including the several thousand pounds of investment in whip planting planned this planting season as well.

“Cllr Elizabeth Nash, Cllr Paul Wray and I are committed to raising the tree canopy cover in the ward from its current 13% to 33% in line with the Council’s targets. We will continue to lobby for more money to achieve this as quickly as we can and where we can, we will focus on obtaining as many standard trees as possible.”

The final positions of each tree in the parks will be formalised over the next few weeks and the planting work itself will take place between the end of November and February – subject to staff and volunteer numbers.

Sponsored content

On 3 November, the government launched the Adult Social Care Recruitment Campaign, where people across the country will be encouraged to explore a rewarding career in the care sector.

The campaign follows the announcement of £5.4 billion of additional funding to reform social care over the next three years, including £500 million to support training and career development for the workforce.

A growing sector, there are expected to be 500,000 extra job opportunities in adult social care expected over the next fifteen years.

Pennington Court is a care home based in Beeston providing residential, nursing and respite care as well as Extra Care support in independent apartments for older people. Part of the Westward Care group it is one of their three locations based in Leeds.

They are on a recruitment drive to encourage local people looking for a job and a new career opportunity to contact them. They are looking for caring people who are willing to learn and interested in being part of an outstanding team caring for older residents at Pennington Court.

Whatever your background and experience they are interested to hear from you.

Westward Care’s Managing Director and Trustee for Leeds Care Association, Peter Hodkinson, said:

“During the pandemic, so many of us were thankful for the dedication, compassion and resilience of those in the care profession. I would encourage anyone who was inspired to peruse that passion and join our growing sector.

“Not only does the care

profession offer rewarding roles in personal care, but there are opportunities for those who want to explore careers in activities, outreach and administration. “At Westward Care, we also ensure that our staff have plenty of opportunities to progress how they want to – as well as access continuous professional development.” Current roles at Pennington Court include Registered Nurses, Care Assistants and Catering / Waiting staff. All staff must be doubly vaccinated, be prepared to take Covid tests three times a week and wear masks and PPE whilst in work. For details of specific vacancies and details of how to apply visit Westward Care’s website Helping residents with activities such as baking at: bit.ly/WestwardCare Alternatively, you can email recruitment@westwardcare .co.uk outlining your experience, availability and type of role you are interested in, and they will be in touch.

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