If you live in Armley you can't help but to have noticed the work going on at the West Leeds High School site over the summer. The cranes and the new structure show that next autumn we'll have a brand new high school – a merger of Wortley |High & West Leeds High into the Swallow Hill Community College. I'm fantastically excited by the new school which I know will be of huge benefit to our area.

Over the summer I've been meeting people across West Leeds. I went with John Healey MP, Minister for Local Government, to the Hillside Community Centre – doing great work in Old Farnley with a luncheon club, walking club, mums & tots group – and more! Thanks to Jessica for organising the visit & everyone else for joining us for tea & biscuits. We have taken on some case work regarding the reservoir, anti-social behaviour and grass verges & will get back to Jessica soon with an update.

I also went to the Armley Mosque on Sunday to enjoy the Ramadan festival with local residents. A huge thank you to the Mosque committee for making us so welcome.

This summer also saw a by-election in Farnley & Wortley following the resignation of a Green Party councillor. Although the Greens held the seat the Labour share of the vote increased and it was uplifting to talk to local residents about the difference that the improvements to social housing, new schools & investment in community policing is making to the area.

Finally, congratulations to Stewart Firth of Wortley based Elite Group and Dawn Newsome of Armley Helping Hands for winning the prestigious Leeds Awards for their community work. Stewart & Dawn are huge assets to West Leeds, and I personally thank them for their work.

Best wishes,

Rachel