Sheffield MPs have been long-standing opponents of plans for the entertainment venue, which they fear could damage trade at their city's existing arena.

Their lobbying bore partial fruit last week when the Government refused to approve Yorkshire Forward's proposed £18m investment in the Leeds scheme in its current form.

And, although Leeds City Council bosses are adamant the arena WILL still be built, one local MP says it's now time to hit Sheffield where it hurts – in the wallet.

Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "It is a disgrace the way some Sheffield MPs have sought to interfere.

"Everyone in Leeds should now boycott Sheffield Arena to show how we feel about that.

"Like many people living in Leeds, I have used Sheffield Arena – but I will not be doing so again."

Mr Mulholland has also tabled an early day motion in the House of Commons condemning the Government's stance on the Leeds arena.
Lord Mandelson's Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has said it will not approve Yorkshire Forward's investment unless further development work is carried out on the scheme.

It says the work is needed to ensure the project provides the "best possible value for money".

Yorkshire Forward, the region's publicly-funded development agency, needs BIS approval for investments of more than £10m.

As reported in last night's YEP, council bosses are working on a fallback funding plan in case ministers continue to block Yorkshire Forward's involvement after the requested work has been carried out.

Sheffield MPs have argued that the agency should not invest in a scheme that favours one part of the county over another, as its brief is to improve the economy of the region as a whole.