Your Leeds local election 2018 A to Z: Headingley & Hyde Park
HEADINGLEY AND HYDE PARK - KEY ISSUES AND NUMBERS
The student heavy areas of Headingley and Hyde Park have now been combined into one ward after a boundary shake-up, increasing the size of the electorate by a third in the process.
But despite sharing that student heartland tag, the two areas have very different characters - from inner city heartland to trendy suburb.
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Hide AdIn Hyde Park, locals have been working on the Hyde Park Neighbourhood Plan, and they categorically “didn’t want to be lumped together” with their neighbours, according to one community campaigner.
Bringing a more balanced housing mix to the area has been a key priority for locals.
It’s not about getting rid of the students, says campaigner Sue Buckle, but about making the area more family friendly.
The perceived lack of green space in the area has also been a talking point for several years, with the saga of the former Royal park School site dominating headlines. That has now been resolved to some extent, with plans for a community garden with play facilities now at an advanced stage. But locals want to see further efforts to improve green spaces.
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Hide AdEnvironmental issues have been a long-standing problem, with bins left out in streets causing a headache for locals. Some residents have taken it upon themselves to send out reminder leaflets to their neighbours two or three times a year.
The upkeep of Woodhouse Moor is also a priority for locals. Says Sue Buckle: “It’s effectively the garden for people in Hyde Park and we want it to be kept for everyone to enjoy.”
Issues arise in the summer, and after major events, with locals often forced to clean up after the revelry is done.
Over in Headingley, one local election candidate told the YEP national issues like the state of the NHS and the shortage of funding for adult social care have been coming up the doorstep.
However a clampdown on rogue landlords is a big concern for many voters.
What will win your votes in Headingley and Hyde Park? Email [email protected]