THEY say that community spirit is dead - but try telling that to the three Yeadon neighbours who heroically rushed next door to save the lives of an elderly couple whose chip pan was on fire.

As one man heroically beat down the flames in the smoke-filled kitchen, the other two got the elderly couple safely out of the house.

They risked their own lives to save their neighbours - and also ended up saving the house from severe damage.

And one of the most impressive aspects of this whole event is that they don't consider themselves to be heroes. They claim they were just doing what any other neighbour would do in that situation.

They are people who look out for others in their community. Their conscientiousness, bravery and community spirit is a lesson to us all as we try to prevent our towns and villages becoming part of the big city.

We need people like these to retain the unique character and spirit of our communities.

And if they don't consider themselves heroes for saving their neighbours' lives, they at least deserve recognition for that.

A BATTLE is looming on the horizon in Bramhope as the parish council prepares to fight plans that they fear will

dominate the village skyline and increase already heavy traffic on Breary Lane.

The parish council is enlisting the services of an expert planning lawyer to fight the development of two blocks of three storey flats - at considerable cost.

But what cost to the village if the plans are to go ahead?

Time, effort and money is being poured into the Village Design Statement and residents are adamant that Bramhope should retain its identity and not become a suburb of Leeds.

Developers Bellway Homes say that the luxury apartments will be in keeping with the calibre of the village. But the desirable penthouse living the flats will afford is likely to attract commuters hoping for a slice of suburban life without thought for the character of the village.

Approval by Leeds City Council might open the floodgates for similar applications and would add credence to the feeling that the city council ride roughshod over the concerns and hopes of villagers.

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