Councillor looks for links to secure future jobs

12.00.00am GMT Tue 2nd Dec 2008

Councillor Richard Brett (Lib Dem, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill) hopes the new East Leeds Link Road will secure future jobs for his ward.

Recently released figures show that Burmantofts and Richmond Hill has the highest number of unemployment benefit claimants in the city and the number is on the increase.

However Councillor Brett believes that the new road may go some way to answer the area's concerns.

Speaking on the Office for National Statistics figures, Councillor Brett said:

"The areas around Burmantofts and Richmond Hill have long struggled with worryingly high levels of unemployment but I believe that is about to change.

"The East Leeds Link Road has been a long time coming, however we should now begin to see the regenerative benefits of the improved transport links. I hope we see a resurgence of employers moving into the area, as part of the wider regeneration of the Aire Valley.

"The council will continue to work with employers, residents and organisations like The Catalyst to bring about real change within the local community."