DESPITE the downturn the boss of Leeds-Bradford Airport says he's confident of getting its major refurbishment project off the ground.
Thank goodness for John Parkin. At last, someone who can provide a ray of hope through the current doom and gloom.
Of course, there's no denying that the looming recession is causing concern among big business.
But here's a company that has don
e its homework, factored in the effects of the economic climate and had the courage to stick to its guns.
The fact is that if Leeds is to attract international business then it needs the best transport links it can get – and that means an airport worthy of the name.
To some, axing the multi-million pound terminal redevelopment at Leeds-Bradford may have made sense in the short-term.
But Leeds must look to the long-term if it is to ride out the bumps in the road and emerge from the slump with minimal damage.
Now is the time for steady nerves and stout hearts.
This is a refreshing sign that at least one major Leeds business is in it for the long haul.
Garden senseNEW guidelines drawn up by council officials in Leeds will demand that over half the new homes built outside the city centre have a garden.
Developers may not be overly pleased with the idea but it makes perfect sense.
More gardens mean more families moving in – which should result in stronger communities.
Not only that, but such measures are vital if we are to protect Leeds from the growing flood threat.
A recent study by scientists at Leeds University blamed the trend for paving over gardens which means there is simply nowhere for the rainwater to go.
In the last 30 years it's estimated that the worst-affected areas have seen the proportion of paved drives and similar surfaces increase by 13 per cent.
It may sound minor, but insisting that 65 per cent of new homes come with a garden will help lessen their impact.
Good to see that city planners are thinking smart.
Getting on boardFANCY buying Leeds Town Hall? How about Millennium Square?
Monopoly fans will be able to snap up famous city landmarks when the Leeds version of the famous board game hits the shops later this year.
The new Yorkshire Cancer Centre will be on there, as will the Yorkshire Evening Post building.
Who says London has the monopoly on great landmarks?
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