More Leeds playgrounds to reopen following Rachel Reeves MP letter to Leeds Council

Rachel Reeves - MP for Leeds West - posted on social media to highlight the announcement.

She said it was 'crucial' that families and children have a 'safe, fun space to enjoy' after a 'difficult few months of lockdown restrictions'.

The MP previously said she would 'continue to push Leeds Council' to reopen more playgrounds to support local families and children 'who want to enjoy their outdoor spaces again'.

Last week, she said: "Unfortunately, only seven out of two hundred parks have now reopened in Leeds, and playgrounds in key areas such as Armley are still out of bounds.

"I will continue to push Leeds City Council to reopen more playgrounds to support local families and children who want to enjoy their outdoor spaces again."

Now, it has been announced by the MP that many parks in West Leeds would reopen this week.

The full statement on social media by the MP read: "I’m very pleased that playgrounds across Leeds West will be able to reopen this week.

"It is crucial that families and children have a safe, fun space to enjoy, after a difficult few months of lockdown restrictions.

"With 26 blocks of high-rise flats across my constituency and many homes without gardens, it is vital that children have access to their local playgrounds for their physical and mental health.

"Central government have not given councils, including Leeds, the support they need over the last few months and councils are struggling financially.

"That’s why I wrote both to government and Leeds City Council about the re-opening of our local playgrounds and I am glad that they have now taken these positive steps."

According to Rachel Reeves, the following playgrounds are set to reopen this week:

Farnley & Wortley

• Farnley Hall Park, Hall Lane, LS12 5HA

• New Wortley Recreation Ground, Oldfield Lane, LS12 4DX

• New Farnley Park, Low Moor Side, LS12 5DZ

• Western Flatts Cliff Park, Green Hill Lane, LS12 4TE

Kirkstall

• Burley Park, Burley Road, LS4 2NY

• Wolseley Road Playground, Wolseley Road/Kirkstall Road, LS2

• Sandford Road, Sandford Road, LS3

• Cragside Recreation Ground, Crag Road, LS18

• Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Walk, LS5 3EH

Armley:

• Armley Park – Stanningley Road, LS12 3DG

Bramley:

• Bramley Fall Park, Leeds & Bradford Road, LS13 1HL

• Bramley Park, Westover View, LS13 3PG

• Rodley Park Recreation Ground, Town Street, LS13 1HW

• Stanningley Park, Half Mile Lane, Ls13 1BH

A message from the Editor: Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins