Report on former Royal Park School welcomed by local councillors

12.21.00pm GMT Wed 15th Aug 2007

Local councillors Martin Hamilton and Penny Ewens have welcomed a council report recommending that the former Royal Park School site in Hyde Park be retained for both community and private use.

Councillor Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) said, "When Royal Park School was closed I was an opposition councillor and there was a huge depth of feeling against the closure. The future use of the site has remained an issue close to the hearts of the local community for the past three years.

"The report going to the executive board contains recommendations for the site that will breathe new life into the area. I'm delighted that such a prominent local landmark will once again be brought back into community use."

Councillor Penny Ewens (Lib Dem, Hyde Park & Woodhouse) added, "I am particularly pleased about proposals for a new library and retirement flats. A library will offer many benefits to the local community, whilst the retirement flats will provide much needed accommodation for those people who wish to stay in the area that otherwise would not have been able to do so.

"As local councillors we will ensure that there will be full consultation on how the proposed community space is used. There are already lots of ideas, but it is important that everyone has a say before any decision is made."