Please find below the latest update:
Welcome to the latest bulletin with news and updates from across the city. There is news from Connecting Leeds, some important public health updates and a reminder of the safety guidance around open windows. The bulletin also includes a link to the latest cost of living update, along with local developments.
Connecting Leeds update
- Transpennine route upgrade (TRU) - Trains between Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester will be affected by TRU works on 31st August and 1st September. Train services between York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester will be affected by future TRU works up to 15th November. TRU are advising travellers to check their journeys in advance. Details of closures and impacted services are available on the TRU website.
- Driving around Leeds city centre - The city centre is transforming and while it’s still easy to drive to the city centre there have been big changes, including removing through-traffic from some locations, so drivers are advised to check this new website and to plan their journeys in advance.
- Mass transit plans – As a reminder, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has launched a consultation, which runs until 30th September, on its first phase of mass transit plans. The public are being asked for their views on the first two lines of the proposed tram network. To find out more, visit the Combined Authority's mass transit website.
Public Health update
- Mpox - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern because of the rapid spread of Mpox and the potential for the virus to spread further across Africa and beyond. The risk to the UK population is currently considered low. However, planning is underway to prepare for any cases that we might see. You can read more in this UKHSA news story and find out more about Mpox on the NHS website.
- Childhood immunisations campaign - The second wave of a childhood immunisation campaign has gone live and will run until early October. This is planned around children going back to school and aims to reduce the number of unvaccinated children and the risk of diseases like measles spreading. There is further information about childhood vaccinations here.
Window safety
Following the tragic death in 2022 of a Leeds toddler who fell to his death from an open window in his family’s high-rise home, Housing Leeds have been taking further action to improve window safety for residents. The service has produced a short window safety training video. The video is aimed primarily at people living in high-rise homes but the safety principles apply to all homes. The video aims to equip Elected Members and staff with the knowledge of what to do if they come across a window repair or safety concern in a council home.
Cost of Living Monthly Bulletin – August edition
The Financial Inclusion Team produce a monthly bulletin to go alongside the live Cost of Living dashboard, both of which can be accessed via the Leeds Observatory here. The bulletin is published to coincide with the release of the latest inflation data. If you have any queries email: [email protected].
Local developments:
- Local athletes have received a message of support from Leeds as they get ready to go for gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games. You can read more here.
- Council run museums and galleries in Leeds generated £41.7m for the local economy in the last year, a new report has revealed. Further information is available here.
- Park visitors have been reminded that barbeques are not permitted in Leeds parks. Full details available here.
- An update on the Kirkgate Road closure and regeneration activity has been issued. Further details are available here.
- Young people across Leeds celebrate their GCSE, A level and post-16 results. Full details available here and here.
- Five pollution hotspots in Leeds have been removed from an action list after showing consistent improvements in air quality. Further information can be found here.
