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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Samuel Port

'Crimey' but 'sound': The best and worst things about life in Leeds from the people who live there

Leeds is a glorious place with lots of “buzzing” bars, shops and a rich variety of sports clubs to follow, according to residents who had their say on the city.

But there were also drawbacks to living in Leeds, with some saying it was “crimey” and needed a clean-up. The public transport system also came under fire.

Eleanor Davey and Laurenne Haselden, 21 and 22, are a pair of students living in Leeds and are both from Manchester. Laurenne said: “I came here to visit the university and I just loved it.

Read more: Leeds shoppers slam mounted police for not cleaning up horse poo

“I walked around the city, I thought it was busy but not too busy. Plus, it’s also not too far from home.”

Eleanor said: “I feel like there could be better transport into town. Like a metro, but I don’t know where they would fit it.

Laurenne said: “It’s a bit ‘crimey’ but I think that’s the student area. I think Hyde Park could be cleaned up, there’s graffiti everywhere and it’s a bit ratty.

"I think there also has to be a bigger variety of supermarkets, all I tend to see is Sainsbury’s and Tesco Express. There’s one big Asda but it’s quite far.”

Barrie and Christine Elsworth have lived in Leeds their whole lives (Samuel Port)

Terry Daley, 50, who is a retired builder, was visiting Leeds but says he’s been to the city many times. He said: “Leeds is sound. It’s a good night and has got a good buzz.

"We just like to go to the local bars and we meet at the Wetherspoons. I’ve made quite a few friends here. I like all the shops here and everyone’s really friendly. There’s an Apple store. Louis Vuitton.”

Married couple Barrie and Christine Elsworth have lived in Pudsey their whole lives. They have raised three children and have four grandchildren.

Barrie said: “There’s everything you want in Leeds and all our family is here. We follow Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos.” Christine said: “I’d say it’s the attraction of the rugby more than anything.”

Lamina Ndiage says he loves Leeds canal (Samuel Port)

Barrie said: “Transport could be improved.” Christine added: “It’s an issue on an evening as I don’t particularly want to use public transport. But driving a car in to Leeds now is really difficult.”

Lamina Ndiage, 29, from Senegal, has been in the city for two weeks visiting friends. He had nothing but kind words to say about Leeds.

Lamina said: “I like Leeds because it’s a peaceful city. I don’t know a lot of people. The canal is really nice. I really like Leeds Trinity.”

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