Work has begun to create a footbridge across the River Aire which will be a commemoration of a man who was racially harassed.
After his death, David Oluwale became the first successful prosecution of British police officers for involvement in the death of a black person, according to BBC reports. This historic moment has been commemorated so far through a string of moving books and plays, but Leeds City Council now want to add a bridge in his name to remember the importance of his legacy.
Sadly, David Oluwale was said to have drowned the River Aire in 1969 and was said to have been tragically targeted because of his mental health, homelessness and race.
Image: Leeds City Council
According to the charity, Remember Oluwale "From 1953 to 1969 he endured mental ill-health, homelessness, racism, destitution and police persecution, culminating in what we believe to be his drowning on 18th April 1969 in the River Aire, near Leeds Bridge, at the hands of two policemen."
They believe it's important to remember Oluwale because: "From 1953 onwards, the institutions of Leeds systematically failed David Oluwale. In the 1960s, as he slept rough and moved from prison to hospital and back again, and particularly when his brutalisation by two Leeds policemen was exposed, Leeds was being formed as a city marked by racism and abuse of the vulnerable. David’s story is emblematic of this urban abjection. We need to understand this period if we are to re-form the city."
Leeds City Council made the decision to commemorate David Oluwale with the new bridge and have been working alongside the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) and local partners.
The new bridge crossing the river from Sovereign Street to Water Lane in his memory, both to commemorate his death and demonstrate a lasting commitment to equality and inclusion in Leeds.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “David Oluwale’s story must never be forgotten and naming this bridge for him will stand as a lasting and poignant memorial to his profoundly tragic death and the legacy which he left behind.
“It will also act as a symbol of the diverse place that Leeds is today and our shared hope that it will always be a better, brighter and more inclusive city which is better connected in every way.”
Initial building work on the bridge has started, with the finished project forming one of the newest key elements of the ambitious South Bank regeneration programme.
According to Leeds City Council, it will also help fulfil one of the project’s integral and long-standing priorities to ensure better pedestrian and cycling connection between the city centre, the train station, Aire Park and other green spaces around the city centre.
The proposals for the regeneration of the city’s South Bank will provide 8,000 new homes and 35,000 new jobs, new educational establishments and a new city park.
A bold new street-food concept has just arrived at Meadowhall, and they're giving away free corn dogs to celebrate.
Introducing East Street, a high-energy Far Eastern street food brand designed for those on-the-go looking for a quick yet satisfying burst of flavour.
Inspired by neon-lit urban culture, customers can expect to be transported across the globe with dishes that are fast without compromising on quality.
Independently owned and backed by over 25 years of restaurant experience through the renowned Tampopo family, East Street has built a firm following over in Manchester and luckily for us has now opened in Sheffield's Meadowhall.
Images: The Sheff
So, looking for a delicious pick-me-up whilst doing your shopping? Here's what you can expect from the brand-new East Street. .
The menu is stuffed to the brim with satisfying dishes to keep you going, from crispy katsu curries and Pad Thai to irresistibly cheesy Korean corn dogs. Seriously, you won't believe that cheese pull.
Think big flavours, vibrant aesthetics, and the ultimate grab-and-go lunch spot.
Images: The Sheff
Simply order what you fancy from the interactive screens and before you know it you'll be served a piping hot meal in a flash, it really couldn't be easier.
There's noodle dishes, rice dishes and even beloved salt and pepper fries on offer, and if you don't fancy a main there's some great sides like vegetable spring rolls and Thai chicken wings.
The best part? With any main meal purchased up until Sunday 8 March 2026, you can grab yourself a FREE Original Cheese Corn Dog or the Triple Cheese Corn Dog.
Images: The Sheff
And it doesn't stop there, there's also a special BOGOF offer on until Tuesday 31 March where you can buy any dish and get one from the same section completely free of charge.
All you have to do is mention the offer to your server before ordering - we can't think of a better excuse to try out this new spot.
So next time you're at Meadowhall, don't compromise on flavour and get yourself down to East Street for a flavour-packed meal served in a flash.
You can find out more and view their full menu here.
Horsforth Brewery to takeover and save beloved Ilkley tap house
Clementine Hall
A renowned brewery have announced that they will be taking over the reigns of a popular craft beer bottle shop in Ilkley.
Fuggle & Golding opened in 2015 on Leeds road in Ilkley and quickly grew a loyal following with locals and visitors alike.
Sadly they announced last month that their last day of trading would be Saturday 28 February, news which was met with huge disappointment.
However this is no longer the case, as Horsforth Brewery is set to reopen the venue on Wednesday. Hooray!
Announcing the welcomed news to Instagram, Horsforth Brewery wrote: "When we saw they were going to close we were determined to not lose another great venue from the local beer scene.
"We owe a massive thank you to George and the landlord for getting a deal across the line in quick order.
"We’re going to take a few days to put our stamp on the place and then we will be open on Wednesday!"
"Obviously we will be stocking our beers here but as anyone who knows will know, we love the beer scene so we will continue to have a good amount of guest beer on as well. We’ll even been joining in with the biggest beer launches from around the country.
"Want to know the best news? We’re doing this solo. No outside interests, no investors, no debt. In the current climate being able to organically grow like this is so so hard and it’s thanks to all our team that we’ve been able to do this.
"We’ve always been determined to grow our business in a healthy and sustainable way; it may have (absolutely has) been tough over the years but we’ve got ourselves in a position to take us to the next level in a sustainable way."
Sophie Smith -
31st January 2022 
