Senior councillors in Leeds will meet next week to consider plans to open up venues across the city as 'warm places'.
At it's meeting on Wednesday 19 October 2022, the council's executive board will meet to discuss reports on how the city will respond to the current cost of living crisis.
The first report will focus on the range of support that the council and it's partners will offer on welfare and financial inclusion, whilst the second is aimed at the impact of the current crisis on child poverty in the city.
One feature of the council's response to the cost of living crisis is to promote public locations such as community hubs and libraries as warm sites. These locations will act as places where people can be warm through the winter and reduce their home energy costs.
The council is working with partners across the city and with 36 sites planned, they hope to reveal their location and open them soon with further venues to follow.
The venues will offer a 'warm welcome' to those visiting, with free hot refreshments and activities for children and families to enjoy. These facilities will join the already existing services of free access to books, computers and Wi-Fi.
Image: Leeds Library
Leeds City Council executive member for communities, Councillor Mary Harland said:
“We know people across Leeds are really struggling due to the cost of living crisis, and the council is committed to doing everything it can to work together with our partners and stakeholders to help.
"Especially during the cold winter months ahead, we would encourage people to make use of the warm places around the city to help keep their home costs down and to make use of all free support and guidance available. By working together and looking out for each other we can help especially the most vulnerable people in Leeds to get through this challenging time.
Further support and free financial guidance is currently available in all council-managed community hubs whilst an overview of all the support available can be found at the council's dedicated website. This includes help across food services, health, housing, water and jobs.
You can also find low-cost and free events for children and families at the Leeds Inspired website.
It looks like even more new flats could be popping up in Leeds city centre.
The land in question is located near Leeds' Aire Park development, next to The Adelphi Pub in a prime location smack bang in the city centre.
It's looking like over 240 flats could be built on the site after the council has agreed to sell the coveted plot of land to a housing developer.
The current land that is surrounded by heritage assets has been sold by Leeds City Council to property developer Glenbrook.
A planning application from Glenbrook proposed mostly 246 one and two bedroom apartments in a whopping 24 storey development.
Around 20% of the homes would be classified as affordable housing, being rented out at 80% of the current private market rate.
The application will be discussed when the council's City Plans Panel meets next Thursday 14 May.
A council planning officer’s report said: “The emerging proposals present a significant opportunity to regenerate a prominent vacant brownfield site within the city centre.
“The development would deliver a substantial number of new homes, alongside the provision of some employment opportunities.”
A council decision report when selling the plot back in 2022 said: “It is surrounded by heritage assets in an area undergoing rapid regeneration and is widely considered to be a prime plot capable of supporting a high quality residential development.”
Well then Leeds, what do you make of these plans then?
An exhibition celebrating 70 years of Eurovision is heading to Bradford later this month
Thomas Melia
There's a brand new exhibition taking place in a major museum right in the centre of Bradford, celebrating 70 years of Eurovision.
Kicking off on Friday 15 May at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford this latest instalment is titled 'Setting the Stage: 70 years of the Eurovision Song Contest'.
This new exhibition is dedicated to spotlighting iconic moments that have occurred throughout the annual music event's seven decade history.
It isn't just a chance to see and learn about all things Eurovision, there's also opportunities for you to get involved as this is an interactive experience.
Anyone paying a visit to this museum in Bradford will be able to put on a performance or two with a pop-up stage as well as voting in the Nil Points Jukebox.
This new exhibition taking place in a major museum right in the centre of Bradford is celebrating 70 years of Eurovision / Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons via supplied
In true National Science and Media Museum style, this exhibition devles into the music that has formed Eurovision's legacy as well as showing off all the impressive technical innovations and advancements.
Get up close and personal with gadgets like a Shure Duraplex headset that helps artists deliver groundbreaking performances without the need of a handheld microphone.
And step back in time by observing a Marconi Mk III camera head, which was used for broadcasts during the 50's, a real revelation of its time.
There will be content from fans and professionals who have contributed to the live music show in many ways, from outfits to hosts and of course the varying performers who captivate us every single year.
The main focus of this exhibition is the evolution of technology and production throughout Eurovision Song Contest's history, however music and performance are also acknowledged too.
Officially, the Eurovision Song Contest final will take place on Saturday 16 May and this Bradford museum is hosting a 'Setting the Stage: Live' event on this very date.
Expect a big family party with live music, a silent disco and a range of engaging activities like crafts and face-painting to get you into the Eurovision spirit.
If you're interested in celebrating 70 years of Eurovision by checking out 'Setting the Stage', you can find tickets and more info HERE.
Clementine Hall -
11th October 2022 
