Arts Centre Setback Mustn't Affect Gipton Community

6.05.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Aug 2006

Lib Dem Councillors in Gipton and Harehills are determined that the decision by Gipton Arts Limited to withdraw their application for funding to develop an arts centre in Gipton will only be a temporary setback for the local community. Councillors Javaid Akhtar and the Reverend Alan Taylor are pressing for extra resources for young people in the area - either through a brand new community centre or a major refurbishment of the existing South Gipton Community Centre. The Lib Dem/Conservative/Green administration running Leeds City Council had given Gipton Arts Limited a £750,000 grant to build a new centre next to the Epiphany Church on Amberton Lane, but the company has now decided not to go ahead.

Cllr Javaid Akhtar (Lib Dem, Gipton & Harehills) said "While the news that Gipton Arts Limited have withdrawn from the scheme is a blow, I'm confident that the administration will support an alternative scheme. One option could be a major refurbishment of South Gipton Community Centre, or possibly a new build elsewhere. Whatever form it eventually takes, It's vital that we secure the best possible provision of arts and community facilities, especially for young people in the area."

Cllr The Reverend Alan Taylor (Lib Dem, Gipton & Harehills) added "It's a real pity that the Arts Centre scheme didn't work out. It would have been an ideal opportunity for the Council and the Church to work together in partnership to the benefit of Gipton. We're now demanding that extra resources are provided to plug the gap that is left by this scheme. We're determined that young people in Gipton won't miss out as a result of this setback."