Leeds City Council cannot kick ours sports field into touch - YEP Letters

Leeds City Councils plans and applications to build houses on the area of West Leeds known as the TV Harrison Sports Ground is a disgrace, with little thought for the people who live in that part of Leeds.

The name of the area gives a clue to what it has been, and should continue to be, for many years to come, to provide a facility for both young and old for different types of exercise.

I followed this campaign for many months and tried to help the valiant work put in to retain and improve what could and should be a jewel in the crown for physical activity in Leeds, serving an enthusiastic community. In the early months of 2020 the leader of Leeds City Council wrote an article in the Yorkshire Evening Post pointing out the imbalance across Leeds relating basically to the quality of life and the type of society we seek in the years ahead for young and old.

The increase in the use of cycle lanes throughout the city was obviously part of a new approach to life. The cost of this to the city was immense, costing millions, but the plus was lowering pollution and transport on our roads. The cycle lanes provided the public with a safer environment for cycling.I therefore cannot understand the logic of a council that adopts a policy whereby the area of Oldfield Lane which has for many years been used for sport is kicked into touch. This area could be brought up to scratch to improve facilities to accommodate not only football but also running track for all ages and a cycle track so young children could learn to ride bicycles safely before venturing onto the roads.

In my time sport in general has been the greatest way to teach discipline and increase abilities in whatever sport it be.

It also, more than anything, brings out the very best in society and after the last 12 months that is something we should cherish for evermore.

People who seek your votes at local elections, Leeds City Council, are the people who will pass judgement, it all depends on the type of society they really want.

Just watch this space... let’s all hope that it is for the community and sport.