Trams, potholes, and the one-way system: YEP readers have their say on the things they'd change in Leeds

What does Leeds truly need to take it to the next level?

We asked Yorkshire Evening Post readers for the one major thing they would change or introduce to improve Leeds, and hundreds of you responded with ideas that we’ve arranged into a seven-point blueprint you think would be befitting the city’s future.

From decades-long transport frustrations to urgent calls for safer estates and cleaner public spaces, our readers didn't hold back when we threw the question out on our social media channels.

While a few tongue-in-cheek respondents suggested moving the city "closer to the coast" or simply asking for "more sunshine," the vast majority of the feedback focused on practical, structural changes that could transform daily life in the region.

Seven ideas YEP readers would like to see take place in Leeds

1) The Endless Transit Dream: Trams and Undergrounds

Unsurprisingly, the single biggest talking point was the city's lack of a mass transit system, with a unified call for Leeds to finally join neighbouring northern cities with a modern rail or tram network.

Ann Ward kicked off a massive wave of agreement by calling for "Trams and a link to the airport." Melony Crumpet agreed, adding: "I spent a day in Manchester last week and the tram network was amazing."

For others, the solutions lie underneath the tarmac. Lawrence Law Nicholls argued for "A mass transit system that worked—ideally an underground network," while David Alan Taylor pointed out the historical frustration of the city's transport layout, noting the need for "Getting the 1900s planned underground built before the wars put an end to the plans."

Meanwhile, Danielle Mistry emphasised the need for a completely integrated layout: "A proper integrated transport system with connections to key places."

2) Fixing the Roads: Loop Systems, Potholes, and Parking

For those navigating the city on four wheels, the daily commute remains a major bugbear, with calls to sort out the city centre's restrictive road layouts and deteriorating infrastructure.

Janice Taylor pointed to three immediate fixes: "Parking, road surfaces and the loop system." The complexity of navigating the city centre was echoed by Cheryl Ferris-Stewart, who said: "The one-way system gets harder and harder every time the council messes with the roads." Lynda Dorsey was even more direct, stating simply: "I'd scrap the one-way system."

Meanwhile, Peter Kennedy spoke for many motorists on the maintenance front, highlighting the issue of "getting potholes filled in promptly when you report them. Some haven’t been attended to months after reporting them."

Cost was also a major deterrent for shoppers, with Eileen Rudkin highlighting the rising expense of a day out in town: "Parking. I and all my friends and family have stopped coming in. It cost us £22 for 5 hours when we went to a birthday celebration."

3) Bringing Back the High Street and Heritage Nightlife

A significant portion of readers expressed a desire to see Leeds reconnect with its heritage, moving away from hyper-modern developments and returning to a focus on community hubs, traditional shopping, and legendary nightlife venues.

Pat Walker lamented the changing face of our shopping districts: "More individual small shops, bring back the high street with grocers, greengrocers, proper paper shops... we have too many stylists, bars, and eateries."

Steven Mason called for a revival of our historic markets, wanting to see "The Leeds city market how it used to be," a sentiment shared by Christine Smith who wanted to "get the market back to how it was."

On the culture and nightlife front, readers deeply missed the independent venues that put Leeds on the musical map; Stuart Robinson called to "bring back famous nightclubs like Bananas, Rockshot, Rickys, After Dark, Mission, and the Warehouse club," while Dave Bollon kept it short and sweet, asking the city to simply "reopen The Duchess."

4) Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour and Boosting Safety

A prominent and serious theme among long-term residents was the need for a firmer handle on crime, pedestrian safety, and anti-social behaviour across both the city centre and surrounding residential areas.

Sharon Shaz Dianne raised a crucial point regarding public spaces, calling for the city to focus on "it being safe for women!" On the housing estates, Cate Wonnacott highlighted where the focus needs to be, writing: "Anti-social behaviour and how it's addressed on housing estates, as we feel that is the only thing wrong with living in Leeds for 62 years."

Other readers focused on pedestrian precincts in the heart of town. Les M called for tougher action against "stopping E-bikes and scooters speeding on Briggate and other pedestrian precincts, you take your life in your hands walking along these streets."

The general consensus for many was summed up by Billy Bucktrout, who simply wanted to "see police on the streets."

5) Demands for Council Accountability and Reform

Many respondents directed their feedback straight at local leadership, calling for a re-evaluation of how municipal funds are spent and how different corners of the Leeds borough are represented.

Mark Unsworth, Phil Garner, and Linda Fox all pointed directly to "The Council" as the primary area in need of change.

For others, it was about expanding representation outside the immediate city centre, with Lottie Howarth arguing: "The Council. Wetherby needs to be in charge of Wetherby. Leeds Council has no blooming idea."

Andrew Batty singled out "The mayor" for scrutiny, while Dave Furness called for "City councillors that knew what they were doing."

Meanwhile, infrastructure spending decisions faced criticism from Mike Hayes, who pointed out "the idiot who keeps spending taxpayers' money changing roundabouts into traffic nightmares like Dawson's Corner."

6) Creating a Cleaner, Greener, and More Liveable City

As urban development continues to expand, a distinct group of residents pleaded for a shift in focus toward the local environment, cleanliness, and public well-being.

Jane Thompson urged developers to bring "less concrete, more green spaces" to the local landscape. Everyday maintenance of our shared spaces was also at the forefront, with Ruth Aitken calling for immediate action on "litter," while Ray Milner provided a punchy, two-word solution for the city centre: "Wash it."

Beyond the physical appearance of the streets, some readers noted that community infrastructure needs to scale up alongside new housing developments.

Lynn Marie Aalbregt pointed out a need for "more doctors' surgeries and dentists to accommodate the overcrowding."

7) Big Multi-Million Pound Architectural Ambitions

Finally, several readers urged decision-makers to show real, unrestricted economic ambition, suggesting world-class infrastructure and venues to boost the local economy and put Leeds on the international map.

Mick Shooter pitched a massive multi-media hub centred around sport: "The city (should) invest in a new football stadium. 100-thousand-seater with a retractable roof... used all year round for regular concerts, car shows, motocross, and much more. Just needs some vision and investment."

Looking toward the entertainment and aviation sectors, Matthew Bailey suggested a complete overhaul to rival other major hubs: "A bigger international airport that does long-haul flights that would rival Manchester and Heathrow, a world-class horse racing track, and a bigger indoor arena for music events.

All the above would make Leeds the best city in the north of England and grow the economy substantially."