Empty properties that have been left vacant in Leeds are to be brought back into use and transformed into affordable homes as part of a move by Leeds Action to Create Homes (Latch) to provide more accessible housing in the area.
It is a welcome and much-needed move, considering that figures from the beginning of the year showed over 23,000 people to be on the council house waiting list.
Prior to the pandemic, Leeds was already gripped in a housing crisis - but new figures suggest the pandemic has worsened the situation.
It's now estimated that over 3,500 residential properties currently stand empty in the city, whilst even seven hours a family are finding themselves without a home.
Latch CEO James Hartley and team stand outside a newly purchased property in Harehills / Image: Latch
Those that are available are also often unaffordable to people on low incomes.
Derelict abandoned houses in Chapeltown, Harehills, and Burley are set to be transformed into affordable housing for families and those on low incomes as part of a new initiative, which first requires Latch to raise £350,000 to cover the costs of renovations.
These funds will cover the renovation costs of six currently abandoned and derelict properties which will then be made available to those most in need.
And once they have moved in, the charity doesn't just stop there. Rather, they're on hand to support people to get their lives in order with everything from financial advice to mental health support.
Latch also gives people job opportunities, giving those who have been long-term unemployed the chance to learn trade skills in construction by working on renovation projects alongside their team.
Latch tenant Ibrahima Barry stands outside the property in Harehills / Image: Latch
All funds raised from the public will then be matched by their traditional funding model which draws upon grants and loans.
“The Community Share Issue is a way for local communities to give back and make a real difference here in Leeds whilst also benefiting financially themselves," said James Hartley, CEO of Latch.
“This is the first time we will have raised funds like this in our 30 year history but it’s an established model in the social housing and wider charity sector with Leeds Community Homes leading the way here in 2018.
“More properties mean we can change more lives. Six new properties mean we could help six more adults and three more children on top of the 140 people already helped each year.
“Renovated houses also have benefits for the wider Leeds community, with derelict properties tending to be hubs of antisocial activity.
"We’re really proud of the long legacy of positive impact we have on both individual lives and those of the communities in which we work.”
As women around the world swoon over Jacob Elordi, he's too busy loving rocks and sheep.
In case you haven't been on social media over the past week and managed to avoid the influx of paparazzi images, the hotly anticipated 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation is out soon and with that comes heaps of red carpets, screenings and glamorous premieres.
Famously set against the brooding hills of Yorkshire, Wuthering Heights by our very own Emily Brontë follows the tumultuous love story of Heathcliff and Cathy.
Played in the upcoming film by Australian heartthrobs Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie.
During the recent London premiere where Elordi was seen wearing a rather dashing green three piece, the stars were asked what they thought the 'sexiest' thing about Yorkshire is by HitsRadioUK.
A valid question to which Jacob replies "rocks and sheep". I mean, he's got a fair point.
Margot Robbie went into a little more detail, she said "Sunrise and sunset in Yorkshire is a pretty dramatic experience. The sky is literally like red and orange. I honestly couldn't believe it when I was out there. The landscape is stunning."
Why thank you Margot, we absolutely agree. She continues to shower us with compliments stating that the "People are lovely. Pubs are great. I love it"
It seems like Margot has got Yorkshire pretty bang on there, and if she ever needs any pub recommendations then we'll absolutely help her out.
Jacob on the other hand, we know rocks and sheep are sexy but...have you ever met us?
Hopefully he fell in love with our county enough to come back, as we wouldn't mind bumping into him on a hike up the Yorkshire moors.
Popular Leeds gaming bar announces immediate shock closure after going into liquidation
Clementine Hall
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Georgina Pellant -
20th July 2021 
