The latest Leeds update is below:
*NEW*Here is a quick additional update about incidents in the city today caused by the weather, just so that you are aware what the council and partners are dealing with and you can use your communication channels to help with messaging.
- Leeds Bradford Airport - you will have seen reports of a plane that left the runway. All passengers are off and safe. However, the airport is closed whilst the plane is cleared and the runway made safe and operational. Inevitably, the cancellation of flights and closure of the airport is causing significant disruption, so it is best to avoid the area if possible. Relevant council departments are aware and supporting eg Highways, comms etc.
- Flooding risk – you will have seen the emails about this, and warnings in recent days. Again, relevant council services are aware and continually and actively assessing the situation in high risk areas and supporting other agencies. Please encourage everyone to take note of the weather warnings and local flood statements.
- Risk of loose pontoons – there is some risk of loose pontoons on the River Aire, but relevant emergency services and resources on the scene, with relevant council services are aware and supporting where needed.
The out of hours number to ring is 0113 3760399.
Thanks to all council teams for the work they are doing in difficult circumstances, and to many of our partners who are also having a very busy day. Particular shout out to Resilience and Emergencies Team for their work coordinating across all these incidents.
Leeds is a proud, multicultural city that works towards peace and harmony for all. Our sincere and deep condolences go out to all families who have lost loved ones in the horrific events in Israel and the ongoing escalation in Gaza. We strongly condemn any violence against unarmed civilian populations, and we pray for an end to the ongoing attacks, injuries and loss of life. We are continuing to focus on supporting our diverse communities within the city, recognising that they may have different views, whilst looking to bring people together as an inclusive city through supporting vigils and other peaceful appropriate expressions of grief and solidarity.
We are aware of the potential impact on inter-faith relations, increase in hate crime incidents and for some individuals to exploit the situation by spreading polarising and hateful narratives. In case of any anti Semitic or anti-Muslim incidents as a result of this, you may find the below links useful:
- Stop Hate UK support individuals and communities who have been impacted by hate crime. Any incidents of hate crime can be reported here Report all Hate Crime - Stop Hate UK
- The Community Security Trust (CST) has published a number of resources on their social media feeds, including guidance on how to communicate about Israel in a non-antisemitic way. A host of other resources can be found on their website here: Educational Resources – CST – Protecting Our Jewish Community. CST also has a national emergency number which should be used to report antisemitic attacks, alongside calling 999: 0800 032 3263.
- Tell Mama is a confidential support service for those suffering from anti-Muslim hate and discrimination across the UK. Their website features a number of different ways to report anti-Muslim incidents, including via phone or WhatsApp: Report in Anti-Muslim Hate or Islamophobia (tellmamauk.org). The site also hosts useful resources, including on mosque security.
Bus Reform Consultation: The West Yorkshire Combined Authority and local councils believe we need to change the way local buses are run to achieve the ambitions for better buses in West Yorkshire. Buses are the most used form of public transport in West Yorkshire, with over 1.7 million bus journeys taken each week – but the number of passenger journeys are in long term decline and the industry faces many challenges with the way buses are currently run. The information in this consultation explains why the Combined Authority recommends bus franchising is the right way to do this, based on its assessment of the Proposed Franchising Scheme. The Consultation Document sets out their plan for franchising in West Yorkshire and how this could be introduced. This consultation runs from 10 October 2023 to 7 January 2024, please promote through your local channels.
Leeds Winter Coat Appeal: The Leeds Winter Coat Appeal aims to collect and redistribute donations of great quality, second-hand winter coats. Last year over 6,500 items were donated to families for free. This year we'd like people to share the winter coats they no longer want or need. It's such a great way to help each other, good for the environment, and great for families who don’t have to worry about the cost of coats. The appeal launches on 16th October with the final date for donations on Friday 26th January 2024. All coats will have been distributed by the end February 2024. The list of public donation points (incl opening times and addresses) can be found on the website.
Voluntary Action Leeds: Voluntary Action Leeds and the Volunteer Centre are working alongside third sector organisations across Leeds to promote volunteering across the city in the many forms it takes. To do this, a portfolio of volunteer profiles are being collected showing a diverse range of volunteering roles across the city. The profiles include photos and interviews with volunteers from a range of roles and charities across the city. The interviews look at people's experience, reason for and why they value volunteering. By telling these stories the aim is to inspire those who haven’t previously considered volunteering to take a deeper look at the opportunities available. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and to support communities, it’s a win win for those that volunteer and those they volunteer for. Full information on this can be found here.
COVID 19 Update: There has been a lot of questions about the new COVID (BA.2.86) variant, as people would like to know how it compares to other variants and what the implications might be. The new variant is a sub-variant of Omicron, whilst this is being monitored closely this is not a variant of concern, however this may be causing some of the growth but evidence is still emerging. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced the winter vaccination programme has been brought forward as a precautionary measure to deliver greater protection against the potential impact of the new Covid variant, BA.2.86. The key messages are Vaccines remain our best defence against severe disease and hospitalisation from flu and COVID-19. everyone eligible to take up the vaccine when offered, wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day, especially after you cough, sneeze or blow your nose, and before you eat or handle food. Remember you are no longer required to do a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test if you have symptoms but advice if you have symptoms can be found here and the WY ICB have a FAQ page for any further questions you may have.
Local and National developments:
- Pipes fit for a queen as organ’s golden years return. The magnificent decorative pipes of Leeds Town Hall’s stunning organ are being restored to their former glory as part of a once in a lifetime renewal project. Full information on this can be found here.
- Three more schools in Leeds will benefit from having a School Street this September, joining 12 other schools who have had them since 2020. Full information can be found here.
- Leeds City Council has launched a new network to support large businesses across Leeds to drive forward positive social outcomes and contribute to the delivery of inclusive growth across the city. Full information can be found here.
- The first phase of highways improvements along the A6120 Outer Ring Road are already underway, with the second phase of work programmed following a positive response to the consultation. Full information can be found here.
- The ambitious plans, along A660 Otley Road, Headingley Lane and Woodhouse Lane, have moved into delivery after the public consultation received a 62 per cent positive response. Full information can be found here.
- Leeds City Council has confirmed that it will follow a process set out in national government legislation and guidance while dealing with recent applications from Leeds Bradford Airport relating to night-time flying. Full information can be found here.
- A classic case of not judging a book by its cover took librarians in Leeds on a fascinating photographic journey through a daring Antarctic rescue mission. Full Information can be found here.
- A major four-year project to upgrade equipment providing emergency telecare alarms and support to people in Leeds has now been completed. Full information can be found here.
Light Night’s dazzling return is a dream come true for Leeds. One of this year’s showpiece installations saw the unmistakable white facade of Leeds Civic Hall become the canvas for Theatre of Illumination by artist Will Simpson. Full information can be found here.
