A new consultation report has been released in support of a nation-wide Mass Transit network.
The report shows that more than two thirds of people surveyed across the region are supportive of plans to create a tram system initially covering Bradford and Leeds.
The feedback will help the West Yorkshire Combined Authority select its preferred scheme later this year, before consulting on a detailed version of the preferred route in early 2026.
The route consultation for phase one took place last year, and saw 4,845 individuals and organisations have their say on plans for the region’s biggest proposed infrastructure project in decades.
Image: WYCA
A report now shows more than two thirds of people surveyed in West Yorkshire supported the plans for a line between Leeds and Bradford, while more than three quarters supporting a line from St James’s Hospital to the White Rose.
University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon said: "We wholeheartedly support plans for a clean, quick, reliable mass transit system, particularly one than connects Leeds and Bradford.
“Such a scheme will benefit students, workers, businesses and residents. It will help reduce carbon emissions and congestions, it will kickstart growth and entrepreneurialism and ultimately boost local, regional and national economies."
Image: WYCA
Whilst no decisions on routes have yet been taken, the route between St James’s Hospital and Leeds city centre supported most by respondents (L1) would run via the First Direct Arena, Leeds Beckett University, Millennium Square, East Parade and Infirmary Street, before heading past City Square and Leeds Rail Station towards Victoria Bridge.
This was then closely followed by the L2 line, running via East Parade and Park Row.
The most supported south Leeds route (L6) would run via Holbeck, Elland Road Stadium and Beeston Ring Road before finishing at the White Rose. This was followed by L7, which would run via Gelderd Road, Lowfield Road, Elland Road Stadium and Old Lane
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “The public has emphatically told us: ‘we want mass transit! This is our region’s biggest infrastructure project in decades and will help us deliver on the growth mission to put more money in people's pockets."
The Wombats aren’t just still going strong - they’re getting better. And honestly? Long may they reign.
The Wombats absolutely tore the roof off the First Direct Arena in Leeds last night, Wednesday 26 March and what a night it was.
From the second they hit the stage it wasn’t just a gig, it was a full-blown indie-pop spectacle, packed with infectious energy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of dancing.
They kicked things off with “Moving to New York,” and honestly? The crowd was in from the first note.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Matthew Murphy’s unmistakable vocals rang through the arena and suddenly, thousands of people were screaming every lyric like it was 2007 all over again. It was one of those moments where you could just feel how much this band still means to people.
Despite the massive venue, The Wombats somehow made it feel intimate. The lights? Pure chaos in the best way - vibrant, colourful, and totally in sync with the band’s wild, bouncy sound.
Murphy’s cheeky banter between songs made it feel less like a polished arena show and more like a jam session with a few thousand of your closest mates.
Setlist-wise, they nailed it. “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” and “Greek Tragedy” had the whole place losing it, while the stripped-down version of “Techno Fan” gave everyone a minute to breathe (and maybe get a little emotional).
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Those quieter moments just made the high-energy choruses hit even harder. It was a rollercoaster - in the best way possible.
Then came the encore. If you thought the crowd was loud before, “Kill the Director” took things to another level. Pure, chaotic indie bliss. The kind of moment you don’t want to end.
Here’s the thing about The Wombats: some might say their older songs hit harder than their newer stuff, but is that just nostalgia talking? Or maybe it’s a generational thing?
Either way, they proved they’re still one of the most exciting live bands out there. They’ve still got the hooks, the humour, and the ability to turn a massive arena into a sweaty, euphoric singalong.
Get Baked’s viral ‘Bertha’ cake has a sister on the way – and she sounds just as cheeky
Danny Jones
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”