Neighbourhood approach to target housing standards in Holbeck

A Leeds initiative to improve housing standards and target empty properties across the city is moving in to Holbeck.



The Leeds Neighbourhood Approach, led by Leeds City Council has already proved successful in other areas of the city.



With a range of occupied and empty properties that are owned or privately rented around the Recreations area, the council wants to ensure housing standards are at a good level and well managed.



Landlords heard about the Leeds Neighbourhood Approach at a recent forum meeting and now all local residents, landlords and property owners are being invited to a community engagement day.



Between 10am and 3pm on Tuesday 24 March, council staff and partners will be on hand in the digital inclusion bus on Recreation Street to chat to people about the approach, issues in the area and what the council and partners will be doing, as well as explaining the help and support available.



Councillor Peter Gruen, executive member for neighbourhoods, planning and personnel, said:



“This is now a tried and tested approach in other areas and we know we can make a significant difference.



“By working closely with our partners, owners, landlords and tenants we can improve the condition of homes and bring empty properties back into use which has the knock on effect of helping to build safer and stronger communities.”



The partners available to chat to on the community engagement day include Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Leeds City Credit Union, housing associations and Leeds Empties.



So far, the Leeds Neighbourhood Approach has seen 47 empty properties brought back into use in the Nowells area and 35 so far in the Edinburghs estate in Armley.



For media enquiries please contact:

Amanda Burns, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 395 1577

email: amanda.l.burns@leeds.gov.uk



ENDS