New ‘Love Leeds’ programme launched to improve neighbourhoods across the city

A new programme to improve the look and feel of neighbourhoods across Leeds has been launched.

The community-led “Love Leeds” programme will see Leeds City Council and partner services working with residents “in a more integrated way than ever before” to deliver improvements across all 33 wards of the city.

The programme aims to build on the power of community and volunteer action, the council said, working with local organisations and resources to strengthen a sense of belonging and pride in neighbourhoods, with residents directly involved and engaged.

Launching the programme, Leeds City Council executive member for environment Councillor James Gibson said: “We are delighted to be getting ‘Love Leeds’ underway, as it will bring services, community groups and residents together in a more integrated way than ever before to identify what people want to see and feel improved in their area, and to quickly get on and deliver it.

“It will follow a rolling operating model, starting with engagement and consultation with local groups, stakeholders and residents in wards to listen, understand and identify priorities for improvement.

“The council is particularly keen to hear from grassroots groups and lesser-heard communities to help find out their views on what will help improve their neighbourhood and to provide opportunities for residents to get involved.

“After hearing local views, action plans will then be developed to address the issues raised, before ‘intensive action’ is carried out on the ground to make changes which residents ‘will be able to see and feel’.”

Examples of improvements include environmental clean-ups, weeding, cleaning, graffiti removal, work to tackle fly-tipping and other local issues.

The first ward selected is Chapel Allerton, with work beginning in early October. It will be followed by Headingley and Hyde Park, Little London and Woodhouse, and Moortown through November and December.

The wards have been chosen based on factors including currently active community groups, strong relationships with community and voluntary sector organisations, and existing neighbourhood networks that can support early implementation.

All other wards of the city will follow in 2027.

Cllr Gibson added: “The tagline ‘cleaner streets, stronger communities’ reflects the aim to not only make a difference residents will be able to recognise, but to strengthen relationships at all levels to provide a sustainable new way of working in localities across Leeds, with everyone pulling together to make things better. Let’s get started.”