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.”
The most affordable Christmas Markets for drinking mulled wine have been revealed – and Leeds does not make the cut.
With Christmas markets across Europe preparing to welcome millions of visitors, festive fans looking to enjoy a warming cup of glühwein without breaking the bank might want to take note of the latest findings.
Festive experts at Christmas Tree World have analysed mulled wine prices at Christmas markets around the world to discover where visitors can enjoy the seasonal favourite for less.
Topping the rankings is Brussels’ Winter Wonders, where mulled wine is available for as little as £2.14 – about a third of the price of a mulled wine at the Leeds Christmas Markets.
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Markets and Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik share second place, with starting prices of just £2.56.
Other European favourites also feature prominently in the rankings. Budapest’s Christmas Market at the Basilica takes fourth place, with mulled wine costing £3.19, while Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas Market comes in sixth at £3.55.
Germany makes another strong appearance, with Dresden’s Striezelmarkt and Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt (which handily just launched new direct flights from Manchester) both offering mulled wine for £3.85.
Meanwhile, Vienna’s Christmas World rounds off the European entries in ninth place, with prices starting at £4.28.
For those planning a festive adventure further afield, Tokyo’s Christmas Market also makes the top five, with mulled wine costing £3.22.
However, not every destination offers such a bargain. Across the Atlantic, New York City’s Winter Village takes the title of the most expensive market in the study, with mulled wine costing a rather less festive £11.74. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket isn’t far behind, charging £8.80.
Manchester Christmas Markets start on Thursday 19 November – we’ll see how our prices stack up then.
Inside Leeds’ newest late night bar dedicated to Guinness and gaming
Clementine Hall
Get ready for plenty of craic at Leeds' brand-new bar.
If you like Guinness and you've got a competitive spirit, then we can guarantee this is the spot for you.
Introducing Love Jackie, your newest late night destination that is officially opening in Leeds next Thursday 12 November.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, Love Jackie has taken over a 7,000 sq ft space and promises proper prints, late nights, live music, and plenty of Irish charm.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Pouring is undeniably the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
These are also served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
They'll be opening next Thursday just in time for the festive season, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Georgina Pellant -
20th July 2021 
