Businesses and shoppers in the Woodsley Road area of Hyde Park have long campaigned for investment in the tired shopping district.

Last year traders claimed long-standing problems with litter, lack of parking and other issues were contributing to a 30 per cent slump in trade for some businesses.

Now the new £65,000 funding – secured by the inner north west area committee, local ward councillors and the Groundwork Leeds scheme – is promising to transform the area and the local economy.

The raft of planned improvements include work to resolve parking problems, add new street lighting, resurfacing, new paving and public seating.

New signs and lines will also be installed as part of a new Traffic Regulation Order to make sure that parking is available for residents and shoppers at all times.

It is also designed to combat the long-standing problem of commuters leaving cars there during the day and then catching the bus to work or university.

Residents only parking permits and limited-time parking will also be introduced.

The work – some of it due to start in the next few weeks – had been welcomed by local Hyde Park and Woodhouse councillor Kabeer Hussain, who has long backed bids for improvements.

He said: "It's long overdue and I am delighted the council is pumping money into the ward.

"The crucial point is the scheme has been consulted with local people .

"The enhancements will help boost the local economy and give local residents a better shopping experience."

This month, street lighting along Woodsley Road and a linked stretch of Hyde Park Road will be replaced.

Other work will be done in April next year, when the road will be resurfaced and new paving, benches and planting will be installed.
Coun Ben Chastney, chair of the inner north west area committee, said: "We are very happy to be supporting this regeneration work.

"The concerns of the local residents have been listened to so I'm sure this road will become the vibrant, modern and accessible shopping area they need."