Last week, Leeds City Council started unveiling its roadwork-free spaces across the city centre- and the new green space outside the Corn Exchange has been more than well received.
Holding a day of celebrations for the new city spaces, which are covered in trees and seats with no vehicle access, the corner of Call Lane was packed with arts, music and dance performances.
The events were all staged on the new pedestrianised area, which has been under construction for the past year. Including performances from Opera North, Foxwood Panyard with bhangra and breakdance performances to keep all ages entertained whilst they perched on a new seat to admire the greenery or take part in craft activities, face painting or learnt new circus skills.
Image: Leeds City Council
Forming an important part of a public realm scheme and a major package of Connecting Leeds highways improvements, (included as a component of the £173.5 million Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme)- if you haven't seen the difference the removal of the roadworks makes, you'll struggle to recognise the Call Lane corner.
Saturday's celebrations marked both the £1.2million public realm scheme and the wider £25m highways improvements project. This included seeing the likes of Regent Street Flyover finally open for full public use, which has been under construction since May 2022.
Regent Street Flyover opened on Friday 13 May 2022. / Image: Leeds City Council
In addition to this, Leeds City Council had been working in tandem with the construction on Meadow Lane, Cookridge Street and Greek Street and made these areas roadwork-free as construction finally came to an end last week.
According to Leeds City Council, the new unveilings “underline the council’s commitment to giving Leeds a greener, better connected and more inclusive city centre.”
During the event, speeches were given by Councillor James Lewis, the leader of the council, and Councillor Helen Hayden, the council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, as well as important figures from the construction.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, commented that “It was wonderful to see so many people out enjoying themselves at the event – there was a lovely atmosphere and we were delighted to receive plenty of positive feedback.
“We are really proud of the improvements that have been made around the Corn Exchange and this weekend’s celebrations were a great way of showcasing them to the public.
Image: Leeds City Council
Meanwhile, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin shared her excitement at the new space, stating: “It was great to see so many people making use of this new space to relax.
“Improving cycling and walking forms a key part of my pledge to tackle the climate emergency.
“I'm delighted that the Combined Authority is able to play its part, not only in these schemes but others around our town and city centres, to create more green spaces and space for active travel."
A viral apothecary shop in Yorkshire has warned visitors about huge queues forming outside its doors, urging people to visit during the week if they want to avoid the crowds.
The Cabinet of Curiosities in Haworth has become a popular destination for those looking to really get into the autumn spirit.
And it seems like there's a lot of people who are looking to do so, as huge queues have been forming along the quaint cobbled streets of Haworth.
So much so, that owner Carolin had to issue a statement via The Cabinet of Curiosities Instagram page.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It reads: "Weekends in Haworth have become particularly busy during Autumn and we are so grateful to all those lovely souls who have patiently queued to visit the shop.
"We are so honoured that you are happy to wait to come in to our magical apothecary shop, and I can’t quite believe it when I look out of the windows and see the queue snaking up the cobbles. Be assured that the queue does move fast and it makes for a far more pleasurable visit if there are fewer people in the shop at once.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"If you would rather avoid the busy times it’s best to visit during the week if you can. Our shop is open 7 days a week 10-5, but to make sure all the shops in Haworth are open then Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are probably the best days to visit.
"We are doing our best to keep up with restocking and our fabulous workshop witches are busy blending, filling and packing every day to keep to keep the shelves stocked. We are humbled and forever grateful that you love our little shoppe, and hope you enjoy your potions and your visit to The Cabinet of Curiosities."
Leeds Bradford Airport issue statement as 130 workers prepare to strike
Clementine Hall
Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers are set to take industrial action over pay.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Strikes will take place from 03:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
Strike will mean the entire airport will shut down.
Since the announcement, Leeds Bradford Airport have issued a statement: "Leeds Bradford Airport acknowledges the proposed industrial action due to take place between 16-18 October involving a group of operational colleagues.
"We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.
"The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
"Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.
"Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.
"We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution. Our focus remains on serving Yorkshire, supporting our colleagues and maintaining safe airport operations."
Sophie Smith -
16th May 2022 
