'Reopen the Duchess and fix traffic': Leeds locals share the one thing they would change about the city

Earlier this week, we asked Yorkshire Evening Post readers a simple question: If you were put in charge of Leeds for just 24 hours with the power to change one thing, what would be top of your list?

Unsurprisingly, the responses came thick and fast, sparking a lively debate covering iconic lost venues, city centre navigation, council spending, green spaces, and public transport.

Here are some of the most popular, creative, and passionate responses from our readers.

What would Yorkshire Evening Post readers change about Leeds if in charge for a day?

Bringing back legendary live music venues

For music fan Paul Cockcroft, the top priority would be using compulsory purchase powers on Vicar Lane to revive one of the most famous grassroots venues in British music history.

"I would organise a compulsory purchase order to be placed on the shop building on Vicar Lane - re-opening our very much loved and very missed Duchess of York live music venue," Paul suggested.

"The city of Liverpool allowed for the Cavern Club to be rebuilt - I would arrange for the venue to be run and operated as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company."

Reversing city centre road schemes and transport debates

City centre navigation, pedestrianisation, and road layouts proved to be major talking points across the board.

Paul Vincent called for decision-makers to "reopen the main thoroughfares to traffic," while Jamil Anwar suggested relaying the city centre traffic system back to its 1980s layout.

Meanwhile, opinions remained split on mass transit proposals for the city, with Andrew Esgate simply calling to "build a tram" while Brian Berry argued for "ending the idea for the tram."

Scrapping park parking charges and protecting green spaces

Recent changes to local green spaces and park infrastructure were also high on the agenda.

Reader Gee Barr voiced frustration over recent park parking fee implementations: "Parking charges on the previously free parks carparks that were given to the people of Leeds - and did not require additional taxation in the form of parking charges."

Meanwhile, Cheryl Ferris-Stewart suggested taking action on unsafe listed structures to create new green spaces: "If a listed building was found to be unsafe and posed a danger to the public, I would look at applying for permission to have it demolished, and use the space to create a green space with lots of trees, plants and vegetation."

Restoring traditional markets, heritage, and cleanliness

Cleanliness and high-street heritage were also prominent themes.

Anita Butcher called for strict measures to ensure "Leeds thoroughfares were kept clean," while Chris Carter urged a focus on traditional retail hubs: "Bring our famous market back to what it used to be, full of shoppers from all over this country bringing money into our city."

And for reader John Whitaker, the single change was straightforward: "Bring back Tetley's beer."

Do you agree with these suggestions, or do you have a different vision for the city? Join the conversation in the comments on the Yorkshire Evening Post Facebook page.