Calderdale youth justice team told to improve
A multi-agency team that works with young criminals has been told to “do more” to keep children and the community safe.
Leeds buskers reveal what it’s really like performing on the city’s streets.
A busker from Leeds says he faces “harassment” when performing in the city centre.
In Leeds, there is no busking license, making it a popular destination for upcoming performers. However, Ellis Robinson, a busker, says buskers are choosing to go to places like Manchester instead because of the “harassment” buskers face.
Other performers have shared similar experiences, including singer and songwriter Jason Allan whose story went viral on TikTok.
Leeds International Festival of Ideas sells most tickets in its history
More than 6,000 tickets were sold at the sixth edition of the Leeds International Festival of Ideas.
It marks the most successful edition as experts, celebrity speakers and crowd questionnaires returns to Leeds Playhouse for the fourth year in a row.
It marks the most successful edition as experts, celebrity speakers and crowd questionnaires returns to Leeds Playhouse for the fourth year in a row.
Interm director thanks ‘generous’ people of Leeds for support
Laura Bennett, interm director at Leeds Baby Bank, described how the “budget squeezes” was alleviated through financial “injections” and donated baby equipment.
However, Ms Bennett said: “While this [appeal] helps alleviates things, it’s not a solution. We are a charity that lives quite hands to mouth. We constantly needs to fundraise so our cost our covered.”
“We need to now start looking at new fundraising for the months after that.”
‘Very postive’ signs for rare cow breed born at Temple Newsam
Five Vaynol calves were born at a farm in Temple Newsam, growing to the size of a rare cattle breed.
Vaynol cattles are one of the rarest breeds in the United Kingdom, with fewer than 150 breeding animals registered.
The Rare Breed Survival Trust list them as ‘critical’, with the original herd being purchased by the trust, who found them a new home at Home Farm, Temple Newsam.
Vaynol cattles are one of the rarest breeds in the United Kingdom, with fewer than 150 breeding animals registered.
The Rare Breed Survival Trust list them as ‘critical’, with the original herd being purchased by the trust, who found them a new home at Home Farm, Temple Newsam.
The woman who donated 2,520 baby nappies
Robyn Olivia, mum of three, donated 2,520 baby nappies to her local nursery and Leeds Baby Bank which she brought when she went shopping in ASDA for her children.
Ms Olivia said: “They were on offer. And when I seen it was on offer, I couldn’t just say no. I had to wipe the shelves. And they had to go take them somewhere, that someone could get some use out of them and I could help somebody.”
Ms Olivia said: “They were on offer. And when I seen it was on offer, I couldn’t just say no. I had to wipe the shelves. And they had to go take them somewhere, that someone could get some use out of them and I could help somebody.”
Source: Robyn Olivia | All Rights ReservedGoat ‘lawnmowers’ introduced at Roundhay Grassland
Royal Golden Guernsey goats were introduced near Roundhay Park to encourage biodiversity on Asket Hill.
By grazing on the land, they will control the spread of shrubs and brambles even in steep terrain. This is to combat the decline of species-rich grassland with 97% of them being lost over the last 50 years.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “Asket Hill has been a challenge to look after due to it being very steep and uneven so getting these goats in is really brilliant and lets us protect our vital biodiversity. This is all part of our ambition to be the UK’s first nature positive city.”
The goats will be grazing on Asket Hill until 12 November.
By grazing on the land, they will control the spread of shrubs and brambles even in steep terrain. This is to combat the decline of species-rich grassland with 97% of them being lost over the last 50 years.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “Asket Hill has been a challenge to look after due to it being very steep and uneven so getting these goats in is really brilliant and lets us protect our vital biodiversity. This is all part of our ambition to be the UK’s first nature positive city.”
The goats will be grazing on Asket Hill until 12 November.
Leeds smoking rate was 70% higher than national average in 2025
According The Office of National Statistics, the United Kingdom’s smoking rates fell below 10% for the first time in 2025, being recorded at 9.8%, supporting the treading with smoking decreasing in popularity.
Follow up: Leeds Baby Bank
Last week, Anya Taxman covered a story on Leeds Baby Bank’s appeal as they were struggling with supporting 550 families across Leeds.
A week after, over “£1,500 in on-off donations” were made through the website, and 35 people signed up for monthly donations which is estimated to make over “£3,500 each year.”
A week after, over “£1,500 in on-off donations” were made through the website, and 35 people signed up for monthly donations which is estimated to make over “£3,500 each year.”
Good morning
Greetings, my name is Om Kumar – the editor for today. We’ll slowly fill up our blog with the stories for today, so please be patience.