Leeds news LIVE: Pilot scheme launched to encourage coronavirus testing and help with self-isolation | Vaccine update

Local democracy reporter Richard Beecham is at Dewsbury Town Hall where Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin is hosting a press conference.

She tells the assembled media that “updated guidance slipped out on a Friday teatime is not good enough” after it emerged the Government changed its advice for Kirklees residents amid concerns about rising cases of the Indian Covid variant.

The mayor accuses the Government of “punishing communities by spreading anxiety and confusion” and stresses that neither her office nor the local authority were told when the guidance around travelling in and out of Kirklees was changed.

She goes on to say: “If today has highlighted anything, it’s the importance of having your vaccine.”

Here’s more on the events that led to the press conference being called: Only travel in and out of Kirklees if essential, say Government

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin is to host a Covid press conference following a change in Government guidance for Kirklees.

Guidance on the Government’s website says the public should avoid travelling in and out of areas where the variant is growing fastest, including Bolton, Blackburn and Darwen, Kirklees and Leicester, “unless it is essential”.

West Yorkshire Police has now provided an update on the crash in Meanwood that means Zucco expects to be closed for the foreseeable future.

A spokesperson said they were called shortly before 3.30am this morningto reports that a white BMW car had collided with a building in Meanwood Road.

“A man, believed to be the driver of the vehicle, was taken to hospital as a precaution but was not injured,” they said.

“An investigation into the circumstances of the collision is being carried out.”

They now want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the crash or who has dash cam footage that could help the investigation.

The team at Zucco have shared images of the destruction caused overnight when a car ploughed into the restaurant in Leeds.

They said it “breaks their hearts” to see the restaurant like this after just being able to reopen but they were thankful that nobody had been hurt.

We’re waiting to hear back from West Yorkshire Police about whether the driver involved was arrested.

Here’s what the restaurant has had to say so far: Zucco Leeds ‘heartbroken’ as restaurant is smashed up following car crash

Kirklees is among eight locations in the UK where the Government is advising people only travel in and out of the area if it is essential - but the change in guidance appears to have been made without any public announcement.

The guidance warns against meeting indoors and asks that people living there are tested for Covid twice weekly amid concerns about the rising number of Indian variant cases emerging there.

Newly elected West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin said the change could cause “anxiety and confusion”, adding that she planned to raise the matter urgently with vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi today.

Here’s more on this developing story: Only travel in and out of Kirklees if essential, say Government

After weeks of rain and dull weather, Leeds can expect some brighter days this weekend according to the Met Office.

With highs of 18C on Saturday through to Monday, there isn’t a rain drop in sight for the forecast this Bank Holiday.

The weather is set to get brighter and warmer as the week continues, with the rain expected today and tomorrow to be clear by Thursday.

The sun will make its appearance on Thursday and hide back behind the clouds on Friday before coming out in full force over the weekend.

The Met Office said there will be “warmer temperatures than recent days, but still some chilly nights”.

The Met Office forecast in full:

Tuesday: A rather cloudy start, with a few outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Cloud breaking through the day, with some brighter spells following, but also scattered showers developing, heavy and blustery at times. Feeling rather cool. Maximum temperature 14 °C.

Tuesday night: Showers easing during the evening, with clear spells developing for a time. Cloud then spreading south during the early hours of Wednesday, but likely staying dry for most. Minimum temperature 5 °C.

Wednesday: Cloudy morning with outbreaks of mostly light rain spreading south. A few brighter spells possible during the afternoon, but also occasional showers, heavy at times. Maximum temperature 17 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: A mostly fine, dry period, with variable amounts of cloud and sunny spells. Warmer temperatures than recent days, but still some chilly nights. Still the odd shower possible Thursday.

Saturday, May 29 to Monday, June 7: High pressure will be the largely dominant feature across the UK during this period. This will bring mainly fine and settled conditions across the UK, with temperatures recovering and feeling locally warm in southern and central areas. However, there remains the possibility of some slight showers for some and the potential for a return of cloudier, wetter and cooler weather at times early next week, generally pushing in from northwest of the UK. Mostly dry conditions are likely to then continue (or return) through this period especially towards the south and east, but there remains the risk of some brief interludes of rain or showers, most likely affecting areas in the northwest and far south. Temperatures overall are likely to be close to average for the time of year.

Welcome to the Yorkshire Evening Post’s live blog on Tuesday, May 25.

As the new West Yorkshire Mayoral Authority takes shape, we’ve learned a little more today about the role that each of the five local authority leaders in the county will play.

Leeds City Council leader James Lewis will take on the significant role of deputy mayor as well as leading on skills and employment.

Coun Lewis said: “Improving skills is key to helping our communities access well-paid secure jobs, improving productivity, attracting businesses to West Yorkshire and make sure those already here can thrive.”

His appointment is due to be confirmed at the annual Meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority on June 24.

You’ll find more on that announcement and the roles for other council leaders here: Leeds city council leader James Lewis set to be West Yorkshire deputy mayor

A criminal investigation has begun into the fire that broke out at AutoFix in Dewsbury Road during the early hours.

Officers were called to reports of a fire in Dewsbury Road at around 12.25am, with police now confirming that it is being treated as an arson.

Read the full story here: AutoFix fire being treated as arson - police update