Asian Standard News - Leeds

07/04/2025

An American cookie chain is set to open in a city shopping centre after permission was granted to convert a shop unit. ✅

The company, which has branches in Manchester and Sheffield, specialises in warm cookies, baked goods and ice cream. 🍪 🍧

New double doors will be installed, along with a seating area, cooking equipment and air conditioning.

📎 Read the full story here: https://www.asianstandard.co.uk/insomnia-cookies-set-to-open-in-st-johns-centre/

Leeds City Council gave permission for alterations to the shop after a full planning application was submitted.

30/03/2025

Wishing all our readers who are celebrating Eid (whatever day you choose) a very Happy Eid from all of us

29/03/2025

Dr Javed Bashir is back with his column!

This week, he delves into the ongoing debate over Eid—why does the Muslim community remain divided on the date of celebration? What causes these differences, and is there a way to unite?

Will you be celebrating Eid on the same day as others around you, or do you follow a different tradition?

Join the conversation and read his column here.

As Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, concludes, Muslims across the UK and around the world prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” However, each year, a familiar debate resurfaces—why do British Muslims observe Eid on different days? The answer ...

27/03/2025

Leeds City Council said five machines were damaged at parks around the city and each could cost up to £3,500 to repair or replace. 💷

In February the council said parking meters at Otley Chevin and Golden Acre had been targeted.

At a full council meeting on Wednesday, Mohammed Rafique, executive member for the environment, said police investigations were ongoing. 👮‍♂️

📎 Read the full story here: https://www.asianstandard.co.uk/leeds-city-council-face-repair-bill-as-parking-machines-vandalised/

Leeds City Council said five machines were damaged at parks around the city and each could cost up to £3,500 to repair or replace.

25/03/2025

A fast food shop has been refused later opening hours after people living nearby raised fears over noise and litter. ❌

Deryck Piper, chairman of Little Woodhouse Community Association, said late night customers would disturb elderly and vulnerable people living in nearby Westfield Court.

He said: “They will be parking up there, having the radio on, talking on mobile phones. 📱

“As we get warmer weather it would be nice to have your window open at night.” 🪟

📎 Read the full story here: https://www.asianstandard.co.uk/leeds-fast-food-shop-refused-later-opening-hours-due-to-noise-and-litter/

NYK Fried Chicken applied to serve customers until 2am every day at its shop on Burley Road.

25/03/2025

A decision on whether a burger chain can open 24-7 on a notorious pub crawl route has been delayed.

The company wanted to extend its opening hours at 18 Headingley Central, just yards from a planned new McDonald’s. ⏱️

Those who objected said later opening could worsen noise caused by drinkers gathering on narrow Otley Road pavements.

📎 Read the full story here: https://www.asianstandard.co.uk/leeds-city-council-delays-burger-king-24-7-application/

Burger King’s plan for round-the-clock serving sparked concerns it would add to nuisance behaviour on the Otley Run.

23/03/2025

⚖️ Wahseem Fazal who orchestrated a violent armed robbery in Leeds, stealing rare Porsche Carrera GT parts worth £140,000 and then fled abroad to escape justice has finally been jailed after a relentless four-year international manhunt.

🔗Click the link to read the full story

A man who orchestrated a violent armed robbery in Leeds and then fled abroad to escape justice has finally been jailed after a relentless four-year international manhunt. Wahseem Fazal, 40, from Sheffield, went on the run after being charged over the 2015-armed robbery at a specialist car repair bus...

22/03/2025

It's been heartening to see workplaces supporting their Muslim colleagues during Ramadan, from accommodating those fasting from sunrise to sunset to opening their spaces for Iftar gatherings.

🤲🏽However, there is another sacred and significant night in the Muslim calendar - Laylatul Qadr, also known as the 'Night of Power'. Dr Javed Bashir , Lecturer at Leeds Trinity University, explains the importance of this holy night in Ramadan and how workplaces can support their colleagues in observing this deeply spiritual occasion.

🔗 Click the link to read his latest column https://www.asianstandard.co.uk/column-supporting-employees-during-laylatul-qadr/

As Ramadan enters its final ten nights, many Muslim employees dedicate themselves to increased spiritual reflection and prayer, particularly on Laylatul Qadr—the Night of Power. This sacred night, considered more rewarding than a thousand months, holds profound significance in Islam as a time for ...

20/03/2025

Wow - £125,000 raised by these amazing volunteers, while fasting.
More than 100 incredible Yorkshire businesses have donated to help with the cause.

This money will go towards helping Syrian and Palestinian refugees living in camps in Jordan.

To donate or find out more read the story here:

In a world often divided by borders, beliefs, and conflict, one organisation is proving that unity and compassion can overcome any divide. The Magic Wishing Well, in collaboration with SKT Foundation, has launched a powerful campaign to provide essential aid to Palestinian and Syrian refugees living...

19/03/2025

Leeds City Council hopes to improve road safety and cut delays for buses with a £13m roundabout safety scheme. 🚗

Pedestrian crossings, traffic signals and cycle lanes are also proposed under the Lawnswood Roundabout Improvement Scheme.

Funding for the scheme, just over £13m, was being provided by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and central government. 💰

📎 Read about it here: https://www.asianstandard.co.uk/leeds-city-council-set-to-impose-13m-roundabout-safety-scheme/

the Council hope to improve road safety and cut delays for buses which are often held up at the roundabout.

14/03/2025

Leeds City Council is planning to keep 33 ageing vehicles it would normally have disposed of to meet rising demand. 📈

This is due to a sharp increase in the number of children needing school transport. 🚌

A council report said demand for school transport rose by 27% in 2023/24 and was expected to continue to increase. ⬆️

📎 Read about it here: https://www.asianstandard.co.uk/leeds-city-council-to-invest-in-its-minibus-service/

With rising demands, Leeds City Council are planning to keep '33 ageing vehicles' and invest £900,000 to help combat these pressures.

14/03/2025

📢 Calling the UK’s boldest business leaders, especially trailblazing South Asian women!

The search is on for The LDC Top 50, celebrating the UK’s most inspiring entrepreneurs and CEOs. This year, organisers are calling for more nominations from South Asian female leaders. Could you or someone you know be recognised among the best?

Previous honourees include trailblazers like Nisha Katona MBE, Barinda Hothi, and Kavita Parmar, women who have transformed industries and communities.

Nominations are now open!

📎 Click the link to find out more:

https://www.asianstandard.co.uk/search-begins-for-the-uks-most-ambitious-business-leader-with-a-call-for-more-south-asian-women-nominees/

A nationwide search has been launched to find the UK’s most ambitious business leaders, with organisers calling for greater representation of South Asian female entrepreneurs. The annual initiative, led by private equity investor LDC in partnership with The Times, aims to recognise and celebrate f...

13/03/2025

Holi celebrations have begun today.

Holi is a two-day ancient Hindu festival also known as the Festival of Love or the Festival of Colour, popularly associated with the legend of King Hiranyakashipu, signifying the triumph of good over evil, of devotion overpowering egoistic ambition.

Click the link to find out where Holi is being celebrated across the UK

Wishing all who celebrate a very Happy Holi

Hindus across the UK and around the world have started to begin celebrating Holi. Originating in India, Holi is a two-day ancient Hindu festival also known as the Festival of Love or the Festival of Colour, popularly associated with the legend of King Hiranyakashipu, signifying the triumph of good o...

09/03/2025

🏏 In a nerve-shredding final under the floodlights of Dubai, India edged past New Zealand by four wickets, clinching their third ICC Champions Trophy title in dramatic fashion.

📎 Click the link to read the full story

In a nerve-shredding final under the floodlights of Dubai, India edged past New Zealand by four wickets, clinching their third ICC Champions Trophy title in dramatic fashion. A tense chase, a captain’s masterclass, and a final-over finish – the match had it all. Chasing a competitive 251-7, Indi...

09/03/2025

DREAM OF BEING A JOURNALIST?

Have you always wanted to be a journalist but don’t know where to start? No formal qualifications? No worries! If you have exceptional writing skills, a strong command of English, and a passion for storytelling, we want to hear from you!

We’re looking for bold, confident individuals with fire in their belly - people who can spot a great story and bring it to life.

Full time, part time and freelance roles available!

Full training provided!

📩 To apply: Send your CV and a sample of your written work (max 1,000 words) to [email protected]

09/03/2025

He has survived two heart attacks, raised more than half a million pounds for charity and built mosques across the globe.

Leeds man Aihtsham Rashid is now living his second life developing his most successful brand Halal Pet Food 🐈

📎 Click the link to read about the 'visualiser's' incredible story of giving and building

https://www.asianstandard.co.uk/i-was-told-i-was-within-half-an-hour-of-dying-but-i-got-up-and-restarted-my-life-meet-halal-pet-food-entrepreneur-aihtsham-rashid/

08/03/2025

"Our news headlines have often been filled with the phrase ‘first female’—the first female mayor, the first female train driver, the first female CEO. To the trailblazers who reached those milestones, and to the women who followed in their footsteps, IWD is a tribute to you."

Wishing all our readers Happy International Women's Day.

🔗Click the link to read our Fatima Patel - Editorasnews ' latest column on what IWD means to her.

https://www.asianstandard.co.uk/column-international-womens-day-a-celebration-of-progress-perseverance-and-our-sheroes/

Every year on 8 March, International Women’s Day (IWD) is marked worldwide, a day that sees heads of state, governments, and commercial brands alike sending out messages celebrating women’s equality and empowerment. Yet, sometimes I feel the commercialisation has somewhere led us to overlook the...

07/03/2025

Repairs are set to be carried out on Leeds city’s roads with a £11.6m investment by the council. 💷

The maintenance programme includes work on bridges, tunnels and other structures around the Leeds road network. 🛣️

It is classed as a “key” decision, worth more than £500,000, so could be subject to scrutiny from cllrs.

📎 Read about it here: https://www.asianstandard.co.uk/leeds-citys-roads-to-recieve-11-6m-investment/

The Leeds Inner Ring Road (LIRR) is included in the repairs scheme as part of a wider improvement programme over the coming decades.