Real Journalism by Leeds Hacks

Leeds Now live blog – Monday 4th October 2021

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Welcome to the Leeds Now live blog. My name is Brett Poskett and I'll be taking you through todays stories in Leeds as well as bringing you those from members of our team.

15:00 – We’re underway

It’s 15:00 and it’s time for the main programme.

14:50 – Ten minutes until the programme

Our reporters have been working relentlessly throughout the day to make the 15:00 programme. Join us in ten minutes as we cover a range of important issues across Leeds.

14:45 – Seacroft siren expected Wednesday

West Yorkshire Police have informed residents in Seacroft that an alarm at the Unilever site will sound on Wednesday between 09:00 – 15:00.

The test will be carried out as a matter of health and safety, ensuring that it works in the event of an explosion. The site carries flammable substances used in deodorant meaning regular tests are required for everyone’s safety.

14:32 – Caitlin and Mia report

Reporters Caitlin and Mia are looking into safety concerns raised by people across the city when using local taxis. Join us at 15:00 to hear more on this.

14:30 – Final Row4Rob update

The team are still out in the water as they continue their journey along the Leeds-Liverpool canal. The journey will end on Saturday when the group will deliver the ball to the pitch at Old Trafford before Super League’s Grand Final.

At the time of writing, £2,966 has been raised as they edge closer to the target.

14:15 – Louisa & Erin report

Our political correspondents Louisa & Erin are keeping up with the developments at the Conservative party conference that took place this morning. Join us at 15:00 as they take us through the days headlines.

14:10 – Vidit & Dan report

Sports correspondent Vidit Mitra, alongside Dan Flynn, have spoken to Bradford City CEO Ryan Sparks on his ambitions for the club going forward and his aims to take Bradford City back to the Premier League.

14:05Emmie Penckett reports

Sports bulletin reader Emmie Penckett is all set with the news for the main programme. Join us at 15:00 to see all the days major stories in the world of sport.

14:00It’s the final bulletin

The final bulletin is just about to get going. Stories on the expected announcement over updates to the UK travel list and a look at a accident hotspot in Leeds that is affecting a local café.

13:44 – Leeds United youngster called up to England under 21s

Joe Gelhardt, 19, has been called up to the England under 21’s setup following his recent performances for Leeds United’s academy sides.

The forward was signed from Wigan Athletic in 2020 and has represented England 28 times at numerous levels.

England will take on Slovenia and Andorra in the upcoming fixtures.

13:35 – Rishi Sunak says ‘now is time to turn to the future’

Rishi Sunak claims he has ‘unshakeable optimism about the future’ following his speech today at the Tory party conference.

The chancellor refused to rule out tax increases despite calling himself ‘a low-tax tory’. This comes days after the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he will not increase taxes if he can avoid it.

13:15 – ‘Red list’ countries expected to be reduced

An announcement is expected in the coming days that will see the number of countries on the red travel list reduced to just nine.

Countries such as Brazil and Mexico are expected to be put on the amber list, meaning holidaymakers will be able to travel to these countries without needing to isolate upon return, as long as they are double jabbed.

13:00 – Bulletin three underway

The third bulletin of the day is underway. Only one more left before the main programme at 3pm.

bulletin readers in place for bulletin three
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12:50 – Row4Rob update

Jamie Jones Buchanan and Keith Senior are in the lead as they arrive in Kirkstall. The pair are leading a pack of Rhinos legends as they aim to raise money for the MND foundation.

£2,814 has been raised currently, with an end goal of £7,777 in sight. You can donate to the MND foundation by following the link on the tweet below.

12:30 – Conservative Party news conference

The Conservative Party conference is underway. Chancellor Rishi Sunak hasn’t ruled out the possibility of unemployment rising after the end of the furlough scheme.

The Chancellor aimed to ease peoples fear over job losses claiming to be ”throwing the kitchen sink” at helping those to find new jobs and learn new skills to get back into work.

Erin and Louisa will have more on this in the programme at 3pm.

12:17 – Leeds diversity report released

A report into diversity in Leeds has been released. An independent group have done research into diversity across the city and there is hope that it’s findings are a conversation starter for people across the city on important topics.

12:00 – The second bulletin underway

The second bulletin is just about to start. Find out about what’s happening in the Conservative News conference as well as the safety of passengers in taxis.

11:33 – Former Rhinos player Stevie Wards donation page setup

A GoFundMe page for former Leeds Rhinos player Stevie Ward has been launched. The second rower retired from Rugby League following numerous head injuries which left him unable to walk for an extended period of time without suffering from dizziness.

The GoFundMe page was setup by a Leeds Rhinos fan, Kay, who goes on to say that Stevie is transferring to NHS neurological treatment, as he is unable to afford private healthcare. It is hoped that the money raised will help him get the treatment that he needs in order to make a full recovery.

11:10 – Kaveen & Alyssa report

Kaveen & Alyssa are back inside the rose bowl for Newsday two and are looking into a very important issue. With students returning to the city for university, student safety, particularly in women, is a huge priority for universities.

They will be bringing us a statement at 3pm today

11:00 – The first bulletin underway

Hadiyah and Emmie are in position and ready for the first bulletin of the day. Hadiyah will be taking us through the news and Emmie will be going through the sport.

bulletin readers about to read the 11:00 news
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10:55 – Fin Green reports

Witnesses in an area of Leeds are noticing a pattern in the increasing number of traffic incidents taking place near their homes.

Fin will be reporting on this, speaking to those who live close by as well as a employee in a local café, who speaks on how they have had to close too often if an accident takes place outside of the café.

10:40 – West Yorkshire Police appeal to identify suspect

West Yorkshire Police are asking the public to help identify a man they believe to be connected to a theft in Leeds.

Anyone with information should contact CrimeStoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111

10:27 – Row4Rob underway

A charity rowing event along the Leeds-Liverpool canal is underway where participants are aiming to raise money for legendary Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow.

The money raised will be put towards the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and will include former Rhinos players; Barrie McDermott, Keith Senior, Danny Maguire and Kevin Sinfield.

At the time of posting, £2,742 has been raised with a target of £7,777 set.

10:24 – Leeds United pick up first win of the season

Leeds United picked up their first victory of the Premier League season at the seventh time of asking, after they beat Watford 1-0 at Elland Road.

Diego Llorente scored the games only goal from a set piece with Leeds going on to dominate large periods of the game, and keeping their first clean sheet of the season to ease the pressure after a poor start.

The result also spelled the end for Watford manager Xisco Munoz, who was sacked less than 24 hours after the game.

10:13 – Government rethink ongoing with Leeds leg of HS2 in doubt

Transport secretary Grant Shapps has called for a discussion to be had on the HS2 railway line, with concerns raised that ministers could no longer follow original plans due to how long ago they were put together.

This comes after an expected announcement that there is set to be a delay to a part of the line between Birmingham and Leeds, as priority is instead being given to the line between Leeds and Manchester in order to strengthen connections between the two northern cities.

10:00 – Good morning

Welcome to the Leeds Now live blog. My name is Brett Poskett and I’ll be taking you through todays stories in Leeds as well as bringing you those from members of our team, who are working tirelessly throughout the day to bring you the stories that matter in time for the 3pm programme. Stick with us throughout the day for our hourly bulletins, on the hour every hour up until 3pm.

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