Leeds

New train strike dates announced for the end of the month by ASLEF drivers’ union

Travel disruption is expected all across the UK, including here in Leeds.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 16th January 2024

Industrial action is part of ASLEF's long-running dispute with the Government.

The dates for a fresh round of strikes by ASLEF union members at the end of this month have now been confirmed.

As part of what is a very long-running dispute with the Department for Transport (DfT) over pay and working conditions, train drivers who are members of the ASLEF union have agreed to stage another series of strikes towards the end of this month and the start of the next.

It has been announced that strike action will take place on the nation’s rail networks between Tuesday 30 January and Monday 5 February 2024.

ASLEF members will walk out from 16 train operators over a number of dates throughout that week.

First up, on Tuesday 30 January, members will strike at Southeastern, GTR Southern/Gatwick Express, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, SWR Island Line, and South Western Railway, with Northern Trains and Transpennine Trains to follow on Wednesday 31 January.

Then, on Friday 2 February, strikes will be staged on Greater Anglia, C2C, and LNER services, before on West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, and East Midlands Railway follow on Saturday 3 February, and Great Western, CrossCountry, and Chiltern close out the week of industrial action on Monday 5 February.

On top of these actual strike dates, an ‘overtime ban’ is also in place for the week, meaning further disruption to usual services is expected as drivers will also refuse to work overtime from Monday 29 January until Tuesday 6 February.

ASLEF strike dates January & February 2024

  • Tuesday 30 January – Southeastern, GTR Southern/Gatwick Express, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, SWR Island Line, South Western Railway Depot Drivers, and South Western Railway mainline drivers
  • Wednesday 31 January – Northern Trains, and Transpennine Trains
  • Friday 2 February – Greater Anglia, C2C, and LNER
  • Saturday 3 February – West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, and East Midlands Railway
  • Monday 5 February – Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, and Chiltern

“We have given the Government every opportunity to come to the table,” commented Mick Whelan, who is the General Secretary of ASLEF, as the fresh round of train driver strikes were announced yesterday.

“But it has now been a year since we had any contact from the Department for Transport, and it’s clear they do not want to resolve this dispute.“

Many of our members have now not had a single penny increase to their pay in half a decade, during which inflation soared, and with it the cost of living. Train drivers didn’t even ask for an increase during the COVID-§9 pandemic when they worked throughout as keyworkers, risking their lives to allow NHS and other workers to travel.

“The Government has now tried their old trick of changing the rules when they can’t win and brought in Minimum Service Levels legislation, but this new law, as we told officials during the consultation period, won’t ease industrial strife – it will likely just make it worse.”

Mr Whelan claimed there’s “no excuse” for the Government’s actions.

“The Government and train operating companies must come to the table with a realistic offer so we can end this dispute and work together to ensure the future of our railways,” he concluded.

Read more: Bradford Live announces first round of acts as part of 2024 launch season

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Leeds

North Star Coffee announces opening date for new site – and they’re giving away 200 coffees to celebrate

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.

Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.

North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.

They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.

One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.

Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.

Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.

Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.

"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”

Fancy it? Us too, we'll see you there.

Read more: An Italian-American ‘paninoteca’ and diner serving stacked subs has opened in Leeds

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.

We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.

The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.

So, what's going to be different?

Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.

Image: Supplied

The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.

Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.

There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.

Image: Supplied

Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”

“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."

To find out more, check out their website.

Read more: An Italian-American ‘paninoteca’ and diner serving stacked subs has opened in Leeds

Featured image - Supplied

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