Food for thought

[Spackler]

Phill_dvsn wrote: Spackler wrote: I went to Old Trafford (cricket) to watch England vs Australia in the Twenty20 last year. The ground was an absolute disgrace and to think that with all the history that they were deemed not fit enough to hold an Ashes Test. So they dont get everything right.Also I'm not sure with the incredible influx of students into Leeds we can consider that people dont want to visit. Clearly its a big draw for them I think the statement about the Students in Leeds doesn't really say that people want to visit Leeds because it's great.It's merely the fact that the University is here in Leeds (Leeds is just one amongst many other big cities to have a University). Move that University anywhere else, and the students will follow. It could be Thorner, Bardsey or even Barnsley. The students will be there for the campus.Thousands of people visit Auschwitz every year, But it doesn't mean it's a nice place.                 I dont see the relevance in the Auschwitz comparison and I know defending Leeds is out of vogue on this thread. However I feel obliged to put up some sort of defence for the place. I had always thought that the University of Leeds was steeped in local history and was closely linked and part of Leeds development over a long period of time. Its not fair I dont think to say you could just move it and people will follow as you could then apply this to any building or organisation. The fact is that the universities are an integral part of Leeds development and their success and world standing should be a source of pride to our city. Having known a lot of students who come to Leeds I dont think that if it was moved to Barnsley or wherever people will follow. Leeds is renowned for its night life and festivals and that amongst other things (rightly or wrongly) is a big draw for students when choosing a place to go to. I dont have the exact stats but I thought Id read that Leeds has more students than other cities, is that right?I notice my point that Old Trafford Cricket ground is a dump and a disgrace to their city was ignored.

[Phill_dvsn]

Yes exactly as i say. You hit the nail on the head Spackler. Move the University, the students go with it. Just the same with any organisation based in Leeds. Your spot on!!There here beause the Uni is here. Pretty obvious I know. It doesn't say anything about Leeds been any good though. The Students like Leeds because it's noted for cheap beer, the pub crawls and manic nights that go with it. Very good for the local pub and night club trade, late night takeaways and Taxis. But also detrimental to Leeds on the other hand. More Anti Social behaviour in the city centre on a night. Puke and pi** everywhere from young kids who don't know when they've had enough. Filthy, littered streets. Young kids away from home for the first time, not giving a monkeys about Leeds. Areas like Hyde park. The locals are up in arms about the disgraceful state of that area. Unscrupulous landlords renting out squalid accomodation in neglected properties.On second thoughts. I think Auschwitz sounds quite nice compared to Leeds t.b.h     The point of this thread was asking what Leeds is noted for, has it anything any good?The majority consensus so far is no it hasn't got anything going for it. It lags miles behind other cities, it's noted for nothing of any great merit. Drunken students been the exception to the rule.                

[Spackler]

Phill_dvsn wrote: Yes exactly as i say. You hit the nail on the head Spackler. Move the University, the students go with it. Just the same with any organisation. Your spot on. There here beause the Uni is here. Pretty obvious I know. It doesn't say anything about Leeds been any good though. The Students like Leeds because it's noted for cheap beer, the pub crawls and manic nights that go with it. Very good for the local pub and night club trade, late night takeaways and Taxis. But also detrimental to Leeds on the other hand. More Anti Social behaviour in the city centre on a night. Puke and pi** everywhere from young kids who don't know when they've had enough. Filthy, littered streets. Young kids away from home for the first time, not giving a monkeys about Leeds. Areas like Hyde park. The locals are up in arms about the disgraeful state of that area. Unscrupulous landlords renting out squalid accomodation in neglected properties.On second thoughts. I think Auschwitz sounds quite nice compared to Leeds t.b.h     The point of this thread was asking what Leeds is noted for, has it anything any good?The majority consensus is no it hasn't got anything going for it. It's miles behind other cities, it's noted for nothing of any great merit. Drunken students been the exception to the rule.         They spend a hell of a lot of money on other things as well as late night stuff. Just ask the more upmarket cafes and shops who buy their stuff, the one thing students dont mind is spending money. A lot of the problems on nights out (as in any place) are not necessarily to do with them but I suppose its convenient to blame them.And although you chose to misinterpret my comment about moving the university I will make it again. Leeds Univeristy is an integral part of Leeds history, it grew with the city. If you moved it to Barnsley the students would not automatically move with it. Leeds seems to attract a lot of the wealthier students from the south and abroad and I dont think they would flock to Barnsley. I may be wrong, I dont particularly care. I love Leeds, I think it has improved massively from when I was young. I dont think everything in the past is better than it is now as I think Leeds City Centre was a dump when I was young. I find it a vibrant place with good pubs, a great variety of quality restaurants and plenty going on. I think the council has got many things wrong but having lived in other major cities I consider this to be a trend amongst authorities. The Clarence Dock development is a shambles I agree. But again failed developments during our recent building and property boom again is no different to other cities.I think Leeds will continue to get better and better. The wealth here is enormous and as the rich continue to get richer and the poor get poorer, cities such as Leeds will continue to thrive and places such as Bradford will get worse.We may not have an iconic statue but people come here and they dont do it for no reason.

[Phill_dvsn]

As Ravey says. We need a Boris Johnson type figure in Leeds to get a grip and shake this city. Were plodding along Spackler. Were miles behind the big boys. Where is our music arena? Construction is supposed to be starting in November, that's where it is. Years behind everyone else.Where is our intergrated transport scheme fit for a big city?It's purple slugs, a few hundred yards of guided busway, and various pictures of T.bus in the Y.E.P. Harvey Nichols came to Leeds, they put a glass roof on the arcade and called it Victoria quarter. The council paved a few pedestrian areas around Briggate. Suddenly were told we 'Are the knightsbridge of the North' PAH It's people who care about this city are the ones most hacked off at watching the other cities leave us behind. Even Croydon has a light rail/supertram system up and running. Other places go ahead, make things work. We have pictures and plans in the Y.E.P.    

[Spackler]

Phill_dvsn wrote: As Ravey says. We need a Boris Johnson type figure in Leeds to get a grip and shake this city. Were plodding along Spackler. Were miles behind the big boys. Where is our music arena? Construction is supposed to be starting in November, that's where it is. Years behind everyone else.Where is our intergrated transport scheme fit for a big city?It's purple slugs, a few hundred yards of guided busway, and various pictures of T.bus in the Y.E.P. Harvey Nichols came to Leeds, they put a glass roof on the arcade and called it Victoria quarter. The council paved a few pedestrian areas around Briggate. Suddenly were told we 'Are the knightsbridge of the North' PAH It's people who care about this city are the ones most hacked off at watching the other cities leave us behind. Even Croydon has a light rail/supertram system up and running. Other places go ahead, make things work. We have pictures and plans in the Y.E.P.     I do agree with a lot of the criticisms Phill but I think there is a lot to like as well and I still believe much is wrong with other cities. I also actually like the Victoria quarter and the other shopping areas. Leeds city centre is different to a lot of places due to its very compact nature.I agree on the music arena and it would be a massive boost. It simply has to go ahead.And I still wish to point out that I had a throughly unpleasant stay in Manchester and trip to Old Trafford last year. But its my fault for crossing over to the wrong side imo

[Phill_dvsn]

I do really feel Leeds has been short changed over the years Spackler. We always loose out to others, were always sidelined, having to accept second best, by a seemingly gutless set of City Fathers. Leeds has improved over the years of course, Just the same as any city. You can even say that about Bradford (big hole or not) But it's not the kind of fighting talk we should be aiming for in Leeds like we have been doing.We shouldn't be accepting second best anymore. We should be fighting tooth and nail to get only the very best.A bit of Churchill bulldog spirit is what the city fathers need. A good old Yorkshire kick up the backside!!     

[Spackler]

A good old Yorkshire kick up the backside!!Ok Ill agree on that!

[raveydavey]

Leeds has lots going for it, but the point that grates is that with a bit of effort and a touch of foresight it could (and should) be so much better.That is the bit that sticks in my throat.

[cnosni]

raveydavey wrote: Leeds has lots going for it, but the point that grates is that with a bit of effort and a touch of foresight it could (and should) be so much better.That is the bit that sticks in my throat. Nail on the head RaveyNail on the head.