{"id":852313,"date":"2026-03-26T20:27:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T20:27:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/852313\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T20:27:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T20:27:16","slug":"five-things-we-learned-from-armley-forum-this-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/852313\/","title":{"rendered":"Five things we learned from Armley Forum this week"},"content":{"rendered":"

By John Baron<\/strong><\/p>\n

Armley issues were debated by local residents attending last night\u2019s Armley Forum meeting.<\/p>\n

The meeting, chaired by Councillor Andy Parnham (Lab, Armley) saw speakers attend from the council and police on local issues \u2013 and gave residents the chance to have their voices heard.<\/p>\n

Here are five points discussed at last night\u2019s meeting.<\/p>\n

1. Crime causes concern<\/p>\n

Sgt Sam Naylor said there had been a \u2018significant increase\u2019 in burglaries from commercial premises in the Armley Town Street area. He said police were trying their best to tackle the issues and had identified a suspect. <\/p>\n

He also said Armley was mirroring a national increase in shoplifting, which he said was \u2018rife\u2019. He said police were working with businesses to tackle the issues and he encouraged owners to report all crimes to the police so they can pick up on trends.<\/p>\n

2. E-scooter trial debated<\/p>\n

E-scooters are now available to hire on the streets of Leeds as part of an expansion of the city\u2019s LNER Beryl Bike scheme<\/a> into parts of Leeds, including Armley.<\/p>\n

The move sparked concerns at the forum over increased accidents involving e-scooters in the area such as Armley Town Street, which is earmarked for a \u00a32.9 million improvement scheme<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Highways officers said that people hiring e-scooters must be aged 18 or over and have a provisional or full driving licence. The scooters are traceable, with registration plates, and are not allowed in pedestrian areas.<\/p>\n

One local resident raised concerns that legal e-scooters could increase the number of illegal ones on footpaths.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of us in this room are worried about being hit by e-bikes and e-scooters,\u201d added Cllr Parnham. He wondered whether measures to stop e-scooters could be factored into the new Armley Town Street project.<\/p>\n

3. Pride in Place<\/p>\n

Residents received a short update on the government\u2019s Pride In Place initiative, which will see \u00a320 million given to Armley and New Wortley for improvements. <\/p>\n

Residents are being encouraged the new local Neighbourhood Board, which will decide how the money is spent.<\/p>\n

The meeting heard that the Reverend Phil Arnold, from Christ Church, (pictured above) had been appointed chair of the board.<\/p>\n

To apply to be on the Armley & New Wortley Neighbourhood Board, completed\u00a0Expression of Interest forms can be sent by e-mail to PrideinPlace.Armley@leeds.gov.uk.<\/p>\n

A link to the expression of interest form\u00a0can be found here<\/a>\u00a0alongside the PiPP Board Member role description, which\u00a0can be found here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Hard copy completed forms can be sent to: Armley Community Hub & Library, Customer Services Desk, FAO Communities Team, 2 Stocks Hill, Leeds LS12 1UQ. The deadline is 10 April 2026.<\/p>\n

4. Victoria Park traffic scheme<\/p>\n

Long-running plans<\/a> to introduce traffic calming measures to reduce rat running and speeding in the Victoria Park area could be introduced in late spring or early summer, council highways officers said.<\/p>\n

Officers said a revised scheme was almost completed and that there would be communication with residents ahead of work starting.<\/p>\n

5. Centre for Warmth<\/p>\n

Rhea Bentley, from New Wortley Community Centre, spoke about work to help vulnerable residents stay warm while minimising household expenses. <\/p>\n

She said the Centre for Warmth<\/a> team at New Wortley Community Centre are here to offer free, friendly advice on anything energy-related, whether that\u2019s tips to save money on your bills or expert support with energy debt.<\/p>\n

Contact Rhea or Sarah via phone, text, e-mail or pop in to the centre, off Tong Road.<\/p>\n