Leeds is set to get a new city-wide tram network as part of a 'transformational' mass transit plan for the region.
Incorporating historic tramlines uncovered by builders at the Corn Exchange last year, the new network will utilise some of the city's long-lost routes as well as creating some brand new ones.
According to reports, the inner-city network is being brought in instead of the long-promised High Speed 2 (HS2) railway link from Leeds to London, which was scrapped by government ministers at the end of last year.
Councillors have now been told that Leeds will now receive an inner-city tram network by way of 'compensation'.
The news follows the announcement that the Manchester to Leeds HS2 leg has officially been scrapped by government ministers, with some hoping that the new tram line will serve as an appeasement to locals.
The idea was first made public by The Mail on Sunday last November, with a government source telling the paper at the time: "We are considering improvements to bring Leeds into line with other cities.”
Back in 2019, Prime Minister Boris Johnson also said it was “madness that Leeds should be the largest city in Europe with no metro rail system”.
Now, it appears that the city is to be 'levelled up' as promised after all.
The old tram network in Leeds ran until 1959. / Image: Patrick Howley
Leeds of course did have a transit system that ran across the city from 1871 – 1959, using a combination of horse-drawn, steam and electric trams over time.
However, due to the trams being deemed unaffordable by the City Council following the Second World War, they ultimately closed – and have been missed in the city ever since.
At present, Leeds is the largest city in Western Europe without a built-in transport system, but if the Birmingham – Leeds line of HS2 is scrapped and new tram plans are approved by ministers, this could become a statistic of the past.
This is not the first time Leeds has been promised a new tram network, however. Plans for a network across the city centre have been going on for quite some time.
The plans were finally scrapped in 2005 by the Transport Secretary after budget issues, but the proposed track would have served the inner city, both Universities and Headingley.
Leeds supertram plans were disbanded in 2005 but the plans are still available online. / Image: Open Street Map
The three lines would have run from Tingley, Bodington and Grimes Dyke and joined in the city centre at stations on Albion Street, Eastgate, Boar Lane and City Square.
Last summer, builders unearthed historic tram tracks more than 60 years old -leading to calls from the public to restore the lines to their former glory.
Now, at last, residents' calls are being made into a reality - as Leeds City council has confirmed plans to restore the lines and bring trams back to Leeds as early as the end of 2022.
In a statement, Councillor Joe KS Mc'Gee said: "The people of Leeds have long called for the restoration of the city's historic tram lines, and today we can confirm that this desire is finally set to become a reality.
"We are thrilled that the decision has been made to reinstate this integral piece of the city's culture and Leeds is now being brought in line with other major citys across the UK."
Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.
After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.
The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.
The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.
The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.
Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council
The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.
“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”
Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.”
“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.”
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.
Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci spotted in Ilkley at local coffee shop
Clementine Hall
A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.
It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.
Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.
Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.
Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"
Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.
It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.
The Hoot -
1st April 2022 
