YEP Says: Why cafe culture plan is good news for city centre

Greek Street, Leeds. Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

What better place to start than Greek Street? Already a popular place to drink and dine, it has in recent years become a high-end nightspot.

Now a six-month trial is to begin to try to improve the outdoor atmosphere of the city.

It will close from Thursday to Sunday between April 28 and October 30 with restaurant and bar owners expected to put tables out in the street.

What a great idea, and one with a precedent. There was a similar trial scheme in Merrion Street, which has become a key night-time destination in the city centre following a decision to close it to traffic in 2014.

Leeds City Council says this is great news for Greek Street and we agree.

There are nine restaurants and bars in Greek Street including some new names which are becoming established.

One Greek Street business has already said that this move will help make the area a key city centre destination.

Leeds City Council says this is part of a plan to give Leeds to have the most vibrant city centre.

All we need now is for someone to make sure the evenings are warm and dry.