Coronavirus: Meet the residents living on ‘lockdown road’ in Leeds

This is an ordinary street in an ordinary city in extraordinary times.

Just like millions around the UK, residents living on a road in Leeds are dealing with life in lockdown.

Several households on the street are keeping video diaries for Sky News, and will be sharing their experiences in the days and weeks ahead.

Number 11

Name: Saf (aka) Faji

Age: 34

Occupation: Property Agent

Saf, known by everyone as Faji, lives with his mother and two sisters. He works in the property business doing up houses and renting them out, but that’s come to a halt during the lockdown.

Builders aren’t working, suppliers are shut and one of Faji’s tenants says they can’t pay the rent as they are out of work. He’s navigating his way through this and letting off steam by getting fit in the outdoor gym he’s created in the garden of number 11.

He helps out in the community going shopping for the family and other residents who need help. Faji isn’t taking any risks – he’s got gloves and wears masks when he goes out into the community.

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Number 25a

Name: Liz and Phil

Age: Both 67

Occupation: Retired

Liz and Phil have lived in their four bed detached house for 40 years, and have seen the road become increasingly diverse over the years.

Phil has a software background and Liz was a yoga trainer and still does a weekly yoga class with a friend online. Lockdown for Liz and Phil means a combination of sewing, baking, reading and photography. Whilst Liz’s regular running club is not on, they are both enjoying keeping fit.

They are in touch with their wider family and read about the news online. They shop once a week at the local supermarket and pick up shopping for vulnerable people on the street.

Number 33

Name: Sadif

Age: 35

Occupation: Fish and chip shop owner

Sadif lives in a busy home with her husband and six children. During lockdown everyone is at home including her husband, Muddassar, who runs the fish and chip shop, which is currently closed.

Sadif is a stay at home mum – and loves it. The children are out in the garden, playing board games, reading together or watching TV or films. She’s enjoying having her whole family under one roof for a while – it’s the first time in a decade her husband has been home so much.

Sadif goes to the shop behind her house once a week and is fully up to date on coronavirus news. She is heavily involved in community action groups and is taking daily deliveries to vulnerable people.

Number 40

Name: Clare

Age: 62

Occupation: Retired teacher

Clare is a retired special needs teacher who lives with her dog, Rory. Originally from Surrey, she brought up her two children on the road and has lived there for over 30 years.

She has two grandchildren, who she video calls every day. Clare is enjoying keeping her mind and body healthy during lockdown by doing yoga and qi gong classes online, practising meditation and doing lots of singing. She tries to avoid going out as she is recovering from chronic fatigue, which she has suffered from for 18 years.

Fortunately, Sadif and other neighbours have been able to assist with shopping here and there, although Clare does visit the local supermarket when necessary. Clare is optimistic about lockdown and hopes that we can learn some positive lessons from the experience.

Number 92

Name: Peter and Hilda

Age: 76, 71

Occupation: Retired primary school teachers

Peter and Hilda are retired primary school teachers who have lived at number 92 for over 40 years. They are in their seventies, so are taking extra precautions during lockdown on account of their age.

Fortunately, all four of their children live a short drive away, which means that they have all of their essentials delivered to them. They miss going to the gym and seeing their family, as well as spending time with their nine grandchildren.

Hilda is spending her time doing pilates and zumba online, and Peter is practising his golf-putting in the garden and painting the skirting boards. They are glad that the government has extended the lockdown, but have questions about what is going to happen in the future.

(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: Meet the residents living on ‘lockdown road’ in Leeds