Facilities on Woodhouse Moor

Having seen the horrendous amount of litter that was abandoned on Woodhouse Moor, your local Liberal Democrats want to thank all the volunteers who gave up their time to help clean up the rubbish.

We must take care of our green spaces! They provide a beautiful space to enjoy nature within the city and to take a break.

We also need to make sure sufficient facilities such as bins and public toilets are available for everyone to use. There is currently a petition, launched by the local community group RWTG, calling for more accessible toilets for visitors to Woodhouse Moor. Brandon has signed the petition and encourages everyone to support this campaign.

Hyde Park junction

Following some great conversations with residents yesterday, Brandon has checked up on the ongoing works at Hyde Park junction and confirmed that the pedestrian crossings remain out of action. This has been taken up with the Council as a matter requiring an urgent fix.

This is a very busy junction for both pedestrians and vehicles. People should not have to gamble with their safety to cross this road. Temporary crossing measures can easily be put in place to ensure that the lives of pedestrians are not at risk, whilst works are ongoing.

Planters in disrepair

Broken, littered, forgotten about – this is what happens when schemes are introduced without consulting local residents.

Brandon has been out and about in Hyde Park today and found many of the low traffic neighbourhood scheme planters in a very poor state of repair. He has reported these issues to Leeds City Council to arrange for them to be urgently repaired and leftover street barriers to be removed.

These problems could have avoided if the Labour council had consulted with local residents to find a better way for introducing the low traffic neighbourhood scheme and one which they supported, rather than springing it on them with ineffective measures like they have.

National Reflection Day

It is a rare occasion that we take a moment to stop and reflect over the last 12 months. Today on National Reflection Day, at 12 noon, we dedicated a minute of the day to stop and remember those we have tragically lost to Covid-19 and those who continue to fight this terrible disease.

Today Brandon spent his minute outside Leeds Civic Hall, where flags were lowered to half-mast.

This time was also an opportunity to reflect on the amazing work and dedication shown by the NHS staff and care workers across the country, who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep us safe and healthy. It was also a chance to reflect on the renewed bonds of community, where neighbours and volunteers have come out in vast numbers to support one another throughout the lockdown period.

Our thoughts are with all of those families that have lost someone over the last 12 months and our thanks are with all of those who have shown true courage in the face of adversity by giving their time, their love, and their efforts to help others through this time.

Hyde Park Picture House

Penny and Brandon have been out and about around the ward. It is great news that the Hyde Park Picture House restoration is shortly due to begin following the Covid-19 pause, having also secured additional funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Culture Recovery Fund!

We’re looking forward to seeing the finished product, which will no doubt provide countless opportunities for the local community to enjoy great films and an improved community space.

Improving our local community hubs helps to keep the heart of our local community beating!