People power alive and kicking in East Leeds

12.00.00am GMT Thu 26th Jan 2006

Thanks to the combined efforts of local residents and ward Councillors, the Yorkshire Rider Social Club, Richmond Hill is staying open. Until recently the club was facing an uncertain future after being designated an 'under used asset' by Council developers. However a concerted campaign by the Saxton Gardens Tenants & Residents Association and other local groups has seen people power prevail. Local Councillors David Hollingsworth, Ralph Pryke and Richard Brett who have been heavily involved in the long running campaign, expressed their delight at the announcement.

Councillor David Hollingsworth (Lib Dem, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill) said: "This announcement is a huge boost for the local community. Local residents now have a guarantee that the Yorkshire Rider club's future is safeguarded. The club is a valuable asset in the fact it is one of the few remaining social venues in the area."

Councillor Pryke (Lib Dem, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill) commented: "I am delighted that the green space, around the club, has been saved. During community events the space in and around the club comes into its own. The club forms a vital focus point for the residents of the surrounding streets and is a perfect venue for fun days, fetes and special events for children."

Councillor Brett added (Lib Dem, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill) added: "Had the Yorkshire Rider club disappeared the local community would have lost one of the few oasis of green space in what is rapidly becoming a concrete jungle. The recent influx of student digs and high rise flats mean it is perhaps more vital than ever to preserve what open space we have. "

Notes to the Editor

1. The Yorkshire Rider Social Club is situated on Railway Street, Leeds, LS9

2. The campaign involved members of the Yorkshire Rider Social Club, Saxton Gardens Tenants & Residents Association, local Councillors and residents from Cross Catherine Street.

3. Campaigners lobbied Leeds City Council's Development department in opposition to plans to sell the club and surrounding land. Even when the council offered to sell the freehold interest whilst continuing to lease the club, campaigners refused to compromise.

4. Recent correspondence received from the Asset Management Department confirmed that the freehold for the club is no longer being considered for sale, meaning the club is no longer under threat.

5. The attached jpeg shows Burmantofts and Richmond Hill Councillors Richard Brett and David Hollingsworth with two members of the Saxton Gardens Tenants & Residents Association outside the Yorkshire Rider Social Club.

(Left to Right: Cllr Richard Brett, Cllr David Hollingsworth, Ann Denham and Stephen Morton. Both Residents live in The Garth, Richmond Hill)

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.