East Leeds Councillor makes case for EASEL regeneration

12.00.00am GMT Thu 12th Jan 2006

Burmantofts and Richmond Hill Councillor Richard Brett has highlighted the unique opportunity the much anticipated EASEL project has for the deprived areas of East Leeds. Speaking at Full Council, Cllr Brett stressed the need to address the housing problems of the run down terraces of Richmond Hill, Cross Green and East End Park as well as those along Harehills Lane and Roundhay Road.

Councillor Brett (Lib Dem, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill) speaking at Full Council said, "The EASEL scheme is bigger than any previous housing project in Leeds and very ambitious in seeking to regenerate huge areas of our city over a 20-year period. In these terraces, that have been neglected for years, we need to find way of encouraging young families to stay. Homezones, blocking streets to discourage rat running, planting trees and improving street ambiance must all be on the agenda. If as well as this we improve the infrastructure of schools, leisure centres and shops people will want to continue to live in these areas. EASEL is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss."

Notes to the Editor

· An announcement as to which consortium has been appointed to deliver the EASEL project is expected in the next few days.

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.