Read to the Beat – Summer Reading Challenge 2026

Leeds Libraries are asking us to help them spread the word about this summer’s Read to the Beat Summer Reading Challenge and encourage children and families in their wards to take part. The Challenge launched on 4 July and is already proving hugely popular. 4,518 children across Leeds have joined, putting us close to the total number who took part across the whole of last year’s Challenge. 446 children have already completed the Challenge by reading six books. There is still plenty of time for more children to get involved over the summer as the Challenge runs through to the 12th September.

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?
The Summer Reading Challenge is a free national programme for children aged 4–11, delivered in Leeds through Community Hubs and Libraries. This year’s theme is Read to the Beat, celebrating the connection between reading, music and creativity. Children can read whatever they enjoy – including stories, poetry, non-fiction, graphic novels and comics – and can also listen to audiobooks. They are encouraged to read at least six books over the summer and receive rewards along the way, with a certificate and medal when they complete the Challenge. The Challenge is completely free. Children can sign up using their library card, and if they do not already have one, they can join the library and get a card at the same time.

Why does it matter?

The summer holidays can be a crucial time for maintaining children’s reading habits and their enjoyment of books.

The Summer Reading Challenge:

• encourages children to keep reading for pleasure during the school holidays
• helps children discover new books, authors and different ways of reading
• supports families to access free cultural and creative activities
• helps children maintain their confidence and reading skills
• provides a positive reason for families to visit their local library
• connects children with their local library as a welcoming, safe and inclusive community space
• introduces children and families who may not currently use libraries to the wide range of free services available.

With national declines in reading for pleasure, encouraging children to read because they want to is more important than ever.

With 4,518 children already signed up, Leeds is on track for another hugely successful Summer Reading Challenge. We would love to see every ward playing a part in helping more children discover the enjoyment of reading this summer – and encouraging those who have already joined to complete the Challenge.

Find out more about Read to the Beat – including links to Summer Reading Challenge family flyers in multiple languages.

Leeds City Council is excited to announce the launch of this Commonplace public consultation to gather views on proposed woodland creation sites across the city for the 2026/27 period. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to enhance green spaces, promote biodiversity, and combat climate change.

Key details include:

• Consultation period: 28 th July 2026 – 28th August 2026
• Proposed sites: Various locations across Leeds, including urban and more rural areas.
• How to participate: You can share your views by clicking on the tiles, and filling in the short survey about any particular site.Have Your Say Today – Leeds Woodland Creation 2026 – Commonplace

Creating new woodlands is a key part of making Leeds a greener, healthier city for future generations. We want to hear your views to help shape these planting schemes, ensuring they meet the needs of local communities whilst delivering benefits such as cleaner air, increased biodiversity and valuable wildlife habitats.

We encourage everyone to participate and have their say in shaping the future of our city’s green spaces.

If you would like to find out more information about Woodland Creation please visit The Arium website.

 

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(2)
LEEDS CITY COUNCIL (ARTHINGTON LANE, POOL IN WHARFEDALE, LEEDS)
(TEMPORARY TRAFFIC) ORDER 2026

Please see emergency Notice published in respect of the above at https://one.network/?tm=GB151824936

All communications with regard to this Notice should be addressed to streetworks.coordin@leeds.gov.uk.

Leeds Local Plan – latest consultation 

About the Local Plan

The Local Plan will guide how Leeds grows and changes up to 2043. It will set out planning policies for the whole district and help shape decisions about homes, jobs, infrastructure, green spaces, climate, transport, design and the environment.

Why Leeds City Council are consulting now

The Government has introduced a new approach to plan-making. Leeds City Council is now progressing the Local Plan under this new system.

At this stage they are asking for views on:

• the proposed scope of the Local Plan
• how you would like to be involved in future consultations

 Responses from earlier consultations, including those received in 2025, are continuing to inform and shape the new Local Plan.

At this stage, Leeds City Council are not consulting on specific sites, detailed policy options or proposed site allocations. LCC currently expect the next main consultation to take place in winter 2026/27. This will give you an opportunity to comment on policy options and potential site allocation choices.

How to take part

The consultation is open from Wednesday 24 June to Wednesday 5 August 2026.

View the consultation online

You can view the consultation material and make comments online at:  https://leedslocalplan.commonplace.is

Other ways to respond

If you cannot respond online, you can also send your comments by email or post:

• Email: leedslocalplan@leeds.gov.uk
• Post: Leeds Local Plan Consultation, Policy and Plans Group, Merrion House, Leeds, LS2 8BB

All consultation material is also available to view at Libraries, Community Hubs and Merrion House.

 Supporting information

The attached Statement of Representation provides full details of:

• the scope of the consultation
• the topic areas being considered
• how to make representations

Additional information, including summary of previous consultation activity, the Notice of Intent to Commence Plan-Making and the Local Plan Timetable is available online via Leeds City Council’s website.

If you need this information in another format, please contact Leeds Local Plan who will be happy to help. You can contact us by telephone on 0113 378 7993 or by email at leedslocalplan@leeds.gov.uk.

Breeze is back and heading to a park near you this summer! 

From giant inflatables to amazing entertainment, arts, crafts, games, sports and more, Breeze in the Park is the ultimate day out for children in Leeds. 

With 25 events (and 12 relaxed sessions for children with additional needs), it’s local, low-cost, and full of high-energy fun.  Tickets are just £1 per child and all activities inside are FREE. No pressure. Just a chance to play, explore and enjoy. 

Want to skip the queues? Grab a Breeze Pass for fast-track fun and summer-long discounts across loads of places for the kids! 

Find your local event and book at breezeleeds.org and get ready for fun that fits around you, your family and your summer. 

 

 

 

Breeze 2026 all dates poster

The Adel and Wharfedale Ward Councillors have set up a new website and Facebook page.

If you would like to hear the latest news from the Ward Councillors, there is a link on their website to sign up.

or you can email them cllrs@adelwharfedaleward.uk 

 

There will be a temporary road closure on Arthington Lane, Arthington on 12th June between 7.30pm and midnight.

Further details can be found on the Causeway One Network

The Lord Mayor’s Civic Celebration for Small Charities and Community Groups in Leeds 2026

Date: 25 June 2026
Time: 12.30 pm – 3 pm
Location: Civic Hall, Calverley Street Leeds LS1 1UR

This event is an opportunity to say thank you to small groups and charities for the contribution and the work which has had a positive impact on the lives of Leeds residents.

This event is organised by Leeds City Council and Voluntary Action Leeds to provide small groups and charities with an opportunity:

• For your group/charity to receive a certificate of recognition from the Lord Mayor, with the opportunity to take a photo with the Lord Mayor.
• To receive a commemorative leaflet including details of all the groups and charities attending.
• To find out about advice, training, funding, and other support to help you run your group.
• To sign up for newsletters and email alerts about training, funding, events and see what the Doing Good Leeds website can link you into.
• To be better informed and influence what is happening in Leeds.
• To find out about the networks and forums that your group can be part of.

Places are limited to 4 people per small group or charity.  This is usually a popular event, so booking is essential by 11 June 2026.

Your details will be held by Leeds City Council and Voluntary Action Leeds for the purpose of this event only.

By completing registration, you are confirming your small group or charity meets eligibility criteria of an annual income of less than £25,000 and provide support to communities in Leeds.

Please complete the following details:

• Name of your organisation
• Names of people attending
• Tell us about your group (in 50 words or less) for example “Our luncheon club supports older people in Leeds by providing a weekly luncheon and social events at the community centre. We are run by volunteers and welcome everyone in our neighbourhood to come and get involved”.

You can book tickets for the event via their Eventbrite: The Lord Mayors Civic Celebration | Eventbrite

For any enquiries and help with booking please contact Voluntary Action Leeds on 0113 297 7920

 

There will be a temporary road closure on Creskeld Lane between 22nd and 26th June 2026, between the hours of 8.00am to 5.00pm

 

Further details can be found on the Causeway One Network.