Anxious wait after plans announced to shelve Leeds red light zone - YEP Comment

The Managed Approach, which allows sex workers to operate in a non-residential area of Holbeck at certain times without fear of arrest, has been dogged by controversy.

Introduced back in 2014, the intention was to make communities safer and, crucially, increase the amount of support received by sex workers.

Now council chiefs say they are scrapping this model and the city’s most senior police officer has warned kerb-crawlers are not welcome.

Asked if the scheme had been a success, Leeds City Council deputy leader Debra Coupar refused to be drawn and said it was up to residents to decide.

This may come as a surprise to them as many have long-complained that nobody asked for their views in the first place and their worries have gone unheard.

While they are no doubt relieved by the change in approach, both they and local charities will be waiting anxiously to see how it works in practice.

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