Homeless people in Leeds are 'being forced' to choose between keeping their dog and having somewhere warm to sleep this winter, according to a local charity.
Street Paws, which provides veterinary care to homeless dogs in the north of England, has said "enough is enough" and that people should not be forced to choose between sleeping on the streets and leaving their dogs in 2021.
Figures from Crisis released earlier this year estimate that 200,000 experienced 'core homelessness' in 2020 - and that 1 in 10 people experiencing homelessness also has a pet.
Research has also shown that less than 10% of hostels are pet friendly - and less than 7% of pet owners will give up their dog in exchange for housing.
The charity shared the story of a man they helped called Dave* and his pet dog Lola. According to Street Paws, Dave suffers from psychosis and has complex needs
This, alongside previous experiences of being systematically abused and threatened by members of the community, means that he often sees things as a potential threat. So when he joined a schemed and attempted to settle Lola into a kennel, he became convinced others had access to it and she was being harmed.
Both Dave and Lola struggled with separation anxiety, having developed a very close bond over the years. This, combined with cold weather, fireworks, and an "abundance of sneaky cats" lead to "a few difficulties" - and as a result, Dave spent a number of nights in the kennel and some back on the streets rather than leave Lola on her own.
Ultimately, this lead to a decline in his mental health, sleeping pattern, and personal hygiene. Lola would also often shake and resist when Dave tried to return to the scheme, said Street Paws.
The charity works with hostels to help them become more pet-friendly and says that the main reasons given for not accepting the pets of vulnerable people include a lack of staff knowledge and training; 'No Pet' Clauses in hostel lease agreements; and a lack of pet-friendly permanent housing to 'move on', leading to longer stays for residents.
Now, in partnership with the south of England's Dogs on the Streets charity, Street Paws has launched a campaign for more hostels to become 'Dog Champions'.
The scheme offers hostel staff accredited training and support, plus advice on pet policies, owner agreements, a pet essential welcome pack for residents, full veterinary care, Street Paws patient registration, canine first aid training, and a first aid kit.
Street Paws founder Michelle Southern said:
"The nights are getting darker and colder, and it is essential that as many people make it to a shelter as possible, and we believe that skilling up hostels and helping them to become pet friendly is a giant stepping stone."
One of the best-preserved mills in Britain has been taken over by four new owners.
And they've got big plans for the place.
Will Habergham, Terry George, Michael Rothwell and Kirk Allen have taken ownership of Thwaite Mills - a Grade II listed site at Stourton, Leeds, that will start to undergo a full restoration this week, more than two years after the mill closed to the public in April 2024.
The work is expected to take around 12 months and will be carried out alongside volunteers from Friends of Thwaite Mills, the supporters' group the new owners are relaunching as part of the project.
Image: Supplied
No reopening date has been set yet, but early plans include reopening the mill as a working museum, a pub and cafe with canal-side seating, and fully landscaped grounds free for walkers, runners and dog walkers to use.
Not only that, but a programme of free family events is planned and the owners are exploring the return of the craft fairs and car boot sales that the site was once known for.
"Thwaite Mills was saved by its community once before, and it'll be brought back by its community now," said Will Habergham, director of Thwaite Mills.
"We're not going to disappear for a year and come back with a ribbon to cut. We want people watching it happen, turning up, and telling us what they want this place to be."
Built between 1823 and 1825, Thwaite Mills worked first as a flax mill and later produced whiting and paint, operating commercially until 1975, when a broken weir threatened its future. Local volunteers stepped in to save it the following year, and it opened as a museum in 1990, welcoming visitors until it closed in April 2024.
And now, Thwaite Mills is set to enter a brand-new era and you can follow the restoration journey here.
An après-ski themed beer house is opening on Leeds’ Call Lane this October
Clementine Hall
Lederhosen at the ready Leeds, because a new party bar is coming to the city.
Taking over the former Revolución de Cuba venue on Call Lane, the site will close for a major refurbishment before reopening in October as the seventh Barbara’s Bier Haus in the UK.
This isn't your average bar, guests can expect a proper themed experience with dancing bartenders in lederhosen, shot skis, DJs and interactive entertainment alongside beer and cocktail towers, shareable pizzas and wursts bringing the on-the-slopes atmosphere to the city.
Basically, it's time to cancel your upcoming skip trip as Barbara's will be bringing the slopes to you.
Image: Supplied
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said about the opening: “Leeds has a fantastic nightlife scene, so it’s the perfect place for Barbara’s Bier Haus.
"The city is known for its energy and its love of a good night out, and Barbara’s brings something a little different with its après-ski theme, entertainment and big party atmosphere. We’re really excited to bring Barbara’s to Leeds and can’t wait to get the doors open this October.”
Images: Supplied
The upcoming Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Barbara’s Bier Haus across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its core brands following its acquisition of 20 Revolution and Revolución de Cuba venues earlier this year.
Further details on the Leeds opening of Barbara's Bier Haus, including exclusive launch events and entertainment schedules will be announced ahead of October - and we'll of course be bringing you all the details.
Georgina Pellant -
22nd November 2021 
