#CouncillorMohammedRafique

EV charge point St Paul's Street
20th February 2026
2 mins read

Leeds Switches On First City-Centre On-Street EV Charge Point

Leeds has switched on its first public on-street electric vehicle (EV) charge point in the city centre, marking a new milestone in the city’s push for cleaner, low-carbon travel. The new charging facility on St Paul’s Street is expected to make it easier for residents, commuters and visitors to power up their vehicles as…
The Arium
20th February 2026
1 min read

Council garden centre installs 600sqm of solar panels to cut energy use

More than 600 square metres of rooftop solar panels have been installed at a council-run plant nursery and garden centre in Leeds in a move expected to cut energy use by almost two-fifths. Leeds City Council said the new solar photovoltaic system at The Arium, in Whinmoor, is forecast to reduce the site’s energy…
The Arium
22nd November 2025
1 min read

Yorkshire-Grown Christmas Trees Have Arrived at The Arium

Christmas has officially begun at The Arium, as thousands of Yorkshire-grown Christmas trees arrive ready to bring festive cheer to homes across Leeds. Each year, the council-run garden centre transforms into a winter destination for families looking to choose the perfect tree, and this season is no exception. All the Christmas trees on sale…
Alison Ogden-Newton OBE, Keep Britain Tidy, Councillor Mohammed Rafique.
26th September 2025
3 mins read

Leeds City Council Named Green Council of the Year

Leeds City Council has been officially recognised as Green Council of the Year, winning the title at the prestigious Political Purpose Awards. The accolade was presented by the Nature 2030 campaign, which celebrates organisations driving action on climate change through positive environmental and sustainability initiatives. Sponsored by Keep Britain Tidy, the award honours councils…
Tropical World Leeds
23rd May 2025
1 min read

Tropical World Welcomes Two Surprise Meerkat Babies

Last month, eleven-year-old meerkat Soya Bean gave birth to two pups, much to the excitement of keepers at the Leeds zoo attraction. The babies, born on 21 April, have already begun venturing out, with proud mum Soya Bean eager to introduce them to the world – far earlier than expected. A familiar face at…
BBQs
16th May 2025
2 mins read

BBQ Ban Reminder Issued for Leeds Parks as Summer Temperatures Rise

As summer temperatures rise in Leeds, park visitors are being reminded that barbecues are not allowed in any of the city’s parks or green spaces. The ban is in place to help protect the natural environment and the wildlife that call it home. However, visitors are still very welcome to enjoy picnics in the…
The Arium
16th May 2025
1 min read

How a Potting Robot is Brightening Leeds’ Streets

A state-of-the-art potting robot at The Arium is preparing two million spring and summer plants to brighten streets and public spaces across Leeds. The Arium, run by Leeds City Council, is the largest local authority garden centre and plant nursery in the UK. Most of the plants sold and displayed across the city are…
The Brooklands Avenue housing development in Seacroft.
7th March 2025
3 mins read

Council Housing Development Revitalizes Local Green Spaces in Leeds Community

In Leeds, a transformative council housing development is making significant strides in revitalizing local green spaces, contributing to both environmental sustainability and community well-being. This initiative, part of a broader effort by Leeds City Council, demonstrates a commitment to integrating urban development with green revitalization. The project, centered around the new housing development on…
Leeds Parks
9th February 2025
2 mins read

New Parking Fees at Leeds Parks Aimed at Funding Improved Facilities

Leeds City Council has announced the introduction of parking fees at five of its most popular parks starting 10 February, in a move to secure funding for improved park facilities. Leeds, a vibrant city in the heart of West Yorkshire, is renowned not only for its rich industrial history and cultural heritage but also…
Councillor Mohammed Rafique and Harriet Wood, aka HazardOne.
24th January 2025
2 mins read

New Mural Celebrates Community and Nature at Banstead Park in Harehills

Banstead Park in Harehills has been revitalized with the unveiling of a vibrant new mural, a celebration of both the local community and the natural world. This artistic addition, created by the acclaimed street artist HazardOne www.hazardone.co.uk, enhances the park’s appeal and stands as part of a larger initiative to make public spaces more…
Woodlea playground is one of many playgrounds across Leeds that have been updated in 2024.
8th November 2024
1 min read

Meanwood Playground Reopens with Fresh Look After Extensive Renovation

The Woodlea Playground in Meanwood has reopened following a substantial upgrade to its play equipment, marking it as one of the numerous play areas throughout Leeds to receive enhancements this year. Constructed concurrently with the neighboring estate about two decades ago, this was the playground’s first update since its original installation. In a 2021…
Lotherton's Wildlife World recently welcomed wallabies into their wide range of animals.
8th November 2024
1 min read

Lotherton Wildlife World Welcomes New Wallabies

Nestled within the expansive grounds of the historic Aberford estate, Lotherton’s Wildlife World offers a unique glimpse into the animal kingdom. This exceptional wildlife park is more than just a zoo; it’s a vibrant sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and education of wildlife, providing a haven for numerous species from around the globe. Lotherton’s…
Revive Leeds
26th September 2024
2 mins read

Revive Celebrates Grand Opening of Third Reuse Shop in Hunslet

Nearly 14 years after opening its initial reuse shop in Seacroft, Revive celebrated the launch of its latest retail outlet in Hunslet this week. The new store offers a wide range of items, including quality furniture, electrical goods, clothing, music, and books, all at significantly reduced prices. This initiative supports the community by providing…
Leeds PIPES
26th September 2024
1 min read

Leeds’ Heat Network Expansion to Reach Thousands More with Low-Carbon Solutions

Leeds’ South Bank is set to benefit from more affordable and sustainable heating solutions after securing £24.5m in funding to extend the Leeds PIPES district heating network. This significant expansion will potentially connect up to 28 buildings, impacting around 8,000 residents and various commercial entities. This marks the largest single investment in the project…
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
23rd August 2024
2 mins read

Leeds Parks Issue BBQ Reminder to Protect Wildlife Ahead of Bank Holiday

As the bank holiday approaches, visitors to Leeds parks are being reminded that barbecues are strictly prohibited to help protect the parks and their wildlife. While picnics are encouraged, Leeds City Council is stressing that barbecues and any other forms of open flames are banned in all parks and greenspaces across the city. Barbecues…
Pudsey Park kiosk
16th August 2024
2 mins read

Pudsey Park Kiosk Reopens: Sweet Refreshments Await Visitors

The cherished kiosk at Pudsey Park, the second most frequented public park in Leeds, is welcoming visitors again after extensive renovations. Nestled in the vibrant town of Pudsey, between Leeds and Bradford, Pudsey Park is a cherished oasis that has been a central part of community life since its opening in April 1928. Officially…
Declan Nortcliffe, Operations Director at HW Martin Waste Ltd, Mel Dinsdale, crew chargehand and Councillor Mohammed Rafique.
16th August 2024
1 min read

Leeds Launches Green Initiative: Household Glass Recycling Begins

Leeds initiates ‘Green for Go’ for glass recycling — for the first time, residents can deposit glass into their green household recycling bins. This initiative is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and aims to enhance recycling rates. Residents can now recycle any color of glass bottles and jars, ranging from…
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