John Baron

Leeds

Editor at West Leeds Dispatch

Journalist, lecturer and marketer. Ex-Guardian. Editor & founder @wldispatch. Sci-fi geek. @farsleycelticfc supporter

Articles

John Baron: It’s time to look at ‘alternative’ debt

2 weeks ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | John Baron

My column last month (‘UK stands to benefit from the great rotation’) reminded readers that, while the portfolios have been overweight UK stocks relative to benchmarks, they have been underweight equities for some time because of concerns previously highlighted which preceded President Donald Trump’s so-called “liberation day”. The threat of increased tariffs adds to these concerns. Usually, government and corporate bonds would be beneficiaries by way of increased asset allocation.
John Baron: What to buy for the great rotation

1 month ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | John Baron

Expert Portfolio: Our investment trust expert shares his thoughts on asset allocation in this changing worldPublished on April 25, 2025We live in interesting times. The introduction of tariffs by the US administration poses a key question about how portfolios should be positioned at a time of heightened economic and geopolitical uncertainty, when the world order may be in transition. No easy task.
Petition calls for investigation over Morris Lane delays

1 month ago | westleedsdispatch.com | John Baron

By John BaronA petition has been launched voicing ‘deep frustration and concern over the prolonged and unacceptable’ closure of a busy Kirkstall road. Morris Lane first closed on 9 October last year following a burst pipe which caused flooding between Abbey Walk and Hesketh Mount. Repairs were originally scheduled to be complete before Christmas, with further dates of March and then may provided by Yorkshire Water.
Anger as Morris Lane road closure to continue 'until August'

1 month ago | westleedsdispatch.com | John Baron

By John BaronKirkstall councillors are ‘beyond furious’ that roadworks on a busy main road are set to continue for another three months until August. A burst pipe caused flooding on Morris Lane, between Abbey Walk and Hesketh Mount, on 9 October 2024. It was hoped that work would last around ten weeks and completed before Christmas.
New social enterprise will help prevent flooding in Leeds

1 month ago | westleedsdispatch.com | John Baron

By John BaronSenior councillors are set to approve the formation of a social enterprise to help manage natural flood prevention measures in the Upper Aire catchment to prevent Leeds from flooding. The Aire Resilience Company Community Interest Company (CIC) would be a not-for-profit company wholly owned by the council but set up specifically to utilise a blend of public and private funding to deliver a catchment wide natural flood management programme.
Council set to cut Inner West Community Committee

1 month ago | westleedsdispatch.com | John Baron

By John BaronCash-strapped council chiefs are set to axe the Inner West Community Committee in a bid to save money. The committee, which makes decisions about services and priorities for the local area, is made up of nine councillors – three each from the Armley, Bramley & Stanningley and Kirkstall wards. But a report to senior councillors at next week’s executive board meeting outlines proposals to reduce the number of community committees across Leeds from ten to eight.
Late heartbreak denies Farsley Celtic Radcliffe draw

1 month ago | westleedsdispatch.com | John Baron

By John BaronOh, the agony of watching Farsley Celtic this season!The Celts looked to be heading to their first point since January after a superb 81st-minute equaliser by striker Justin Iwobi cancelled out George Glendon’s 63rd-minute opener. But Scott Duxbury’s 91st-minute header broke the hearts of the young Celts side, who slipped to their 16th straight defeat in a game again played over 70 miles away in Buxton due to ongoing pitch issues in Farsley.
Horsforth bungalow plans refused by council

2 months ago | westleedsdispatch.com | John Baron

By John BaronLeeds City Council officers have refused ‘unsympathetic’ plans to add an additional storey to a Horsforth bungalow. Retrospective plans by Mr P McFadden proposed the demolition of a raised terrace area, retaining wall, steps, conservatory, attached garage and the removal of a bungalow roof at Oliver Hill, Horsforth. The plans included a new first floor extension, including addition of new raised terrace area with and new render to all elevations.
Horsforth town councillor resigns - election could be triggered

2 months ago | westleedsdispatch.com | John Baron

By John BaronA by-election could be held in Brownberrie Ward following the resignation of a town councillor in Horsforth. Councillor Natalie Smith has stepped down from Horsforth Town Council – and an election could be triggered of ten people make a written request.
Farsley Celtic relegated after Oxford City defeat

2 months ago | westleedsdispatch.com | John Baron

By John BaronTroubled Farsley Celtic were relegated from National League North after a spirited 3-1 loss against Oxford City – their 13th consecutive defeat. Goals from top scorer Zac McEachran, defender Phil Croker and Josh Ashby sealed the win for the visitors in a game once again played at Buxton’s due to delays in installing a new pitch at The Citadel. Farsley’s goal came from a spectacular long-distance strike from the outstanding Joao Silva – only their sixth goal in 17 games in 2025.