Government Blocks 'To Let' Sign Ban (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Government Blocks 'To Let' Sign Ban

March 21, 2003 12:00 AM

John Prescott has rejected the Council's proposals to ban 'To Let' signs in Headingley, Kirkstall, Hyde Park, Woodhouse and Meanwood.

Labour have let down residents over the banning of multiple 'To Let' signs, leaving five years of campaigning in tatters. Councillors and residents groups are furious that John Prescott has rejected the Council's proposals to ban 'To Let' signs in Headingley, Kirkstall, Hyde Park, Woodhouse and Meanwood.

Councillor David Morton (Lib Dem, Headingley) said "This is a real blow for residents of the area, but its not really a surprise. Labour Councillors had promised that the ban would be in place for the beginning of this year's letting season (March 11th), but when we hadn't heard after 6 months it looked like bad news."

"It's now over 2 years since the Council started the formal process towards a ban and 5 years since residents started campaigning on the issue. These delays have had a devastating effect on the result."

"When they clearly weren't going to make their own New Year deadline for a ban Labour panicked and pressured the Inspector to visit in January when there are very few to let signs! It's no wonder he didn't see the need for a ban!"

Councillor Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) said "The real victims in this are the tenants and their neighbours who have to put up with free advertising displayed on their properties for much of the year. To let signs also attract burglars - advertising shared housing with expensive electrical items to steal."

"One thing is clear , the whole process has been mishandled by Leeds Labour. Councillors in Headingley will be studying the inspectors report in detail to see if we can salvage something from this debacle".

notes to editors.

1. This is not just a Headingley issue. The proposed ban area covered large parts of Kirkstall, Weetwood and University wards.

2. The ban had received support from every local community group, all 3 MPs for the area, the local CIT , West Yorkshire Police and both Universities and student unions.