A Leeds man says he is "sad" about the "hopeless" city centre in Leeds.
On Sunday, October 2, David Postle, who is from Leeds, and his wife headed into Briggate to do some shopping. But the excitement for their day out soon deteriorated when they were greeted by high parking costs, derelict shops, and "no retail buzz".
The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the retail industry, leaving the likes of big name stores such as Monsoon, Thorntons and Shoe Zone closed for good. What's more the rising cost of living has meant that people don't have the spare cash to spend on clothes and luxuries and shop owners' bills are rising more and more.
Shopper David said these setbacks have turned his home town into a "depressing place". Speaking about his experience shopping in the city recently, he shared a post on social media which gained over 700 likes and over 300 comments.
He said: "Just been into Leeds with Mrs P as she had some shopping to do. My god what a depressing place my hometown is turning into. Briggate, one in three shops empty, soon to include House of Fraser.
"Same on Lands Lane into Trinity - losing Arcadia always difficult to repair. All shops we went in had diminished stock, no staff actually selling and no 'retail buzz'."
He added: "Walking back to the car, it dawned on me that with the new traffic layout and the bus gates, you can't actually drive anywhere that you might want to go. With rubbish public transport why would you want to venture into town. On the Headrow, the Jubilee, and the shops next to it still derelict.
"Drove past the Town Hall all covered in sheets and passed the Old Victoria and the pub next door - both boarded up and looking hopeless. There was nothing in Millennium Square but bored pigeons. My car parking cost me £2.25 for an hour - on a Sunday.
"Before I came out I watched the London Marathon with its colour and excitement with people living some life. Leeds - nothing - not even a bonfire to look forward to. I'm getting old and sad."
His post has divided opinion with many saying they agree with him, adding that costs need to be reduced. Others said that there is lots of brilliant things going on in the city centre, including events, and up and coming independent stores to shop in.
Agreeing with David's comments, Paula Nash said: "I used to love a day out shopping in Leeds but was stood waiting with bags for a bus that cancelled or only going to Horsforth fleece.so I learned to drive and as you say its like a maze trying to get there and finding somewhere to park which doesn't cost the earth.
"I went to a comedy show at the wardrobe on a Sunday night and that cost me £12 just to park to watch it it
There is no atmosphere there anymore as people are rushing about .
"As bad as it sounds I feel better driving to the White Rose shopping centre now as I can get there easily, enjoy shopping and park up free of charge. If Leeds want to keep the city alive, they need to bring down the cost of rent, parking and make it more accessible with regular busses that actually go where there supposed to instead of only doing half a journey or totally cancelling."
Shaun Dolan said: "Leeds is a dying city and it wont be long before it is totally dead . I work in the market and every week you notice how quiet it is getting. Leeds City Council should be ashamed at what they are doing , soon everyone will be shopping out of town because we wont have a town centre to shop in."
Frances Hughes Ashford added: "It's getting worse all the decent clothes shops gone, Market looks empty people use to come from all over to use our market, especially Christmas time, butchers Row gone, I think we now have 1 butchers shop."
Minky Moo added: "The decision to close the loop east towards West from the Scarborough taps towards the grand Hotel and railway station could turn out to be the death knell for shopping in the city centre. I really don't think the council have thought this through to be honest."
Angela Ougham: "Quite often these comments appear to be made by people who go into town very infrequently and now mostly shop online or at outlet parks - so contributing to the change. People don't shop how they used to, making the centre more of a social hub (corn exchange area and soon city square) just means town is being used differently and moving with the times."
Amelia Radford said there is lots of newness in the city. She said: "There are so many publications like Leeds Live that tell you everything that’s happening in the city every single week. From new places opening, to one off events and markets.
"A lot of events that are held in iconic Leeds buildings like the Corn Exchange and the Tetley too. There’s is plenty going on all over the city centre at all times, for all sorts of hobbies and interests."
Regular Leeds shopper, Stacey Knight said: "I spend a fair bit of time in Leeds city centre and it is vibrant and happening and great fun. There are some wonderful eateries, bars and hotels. How long they can all survive in the current climate though is anyone's guess although, that isn't just a Leeds problem."
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