New ‘Love Leeds’ Programme to Enhance Local Neighbourhoods

Leeds launches community-led initiative to improve all city wards

Leeds City Council has introduced a new programme called ‘Love Leeds’ aimed at improving the appearance and atmosphere of neighbourhoods across the city. The initiative seeks to involve residents, community groups, and partner organisations in a collaborative effort to deliver visible improvements in all 33 wards.

Community Engagement and Partnership Working

The ‘Love Leeds’ programme operates on a rolling model, beginning with engagement and consultation in each ward. This process includes resident drop-ins, workshops, pop-up listening sessions, and close collaboration with community, volunteer, and third sector groups. The goal is to gather local views and identify priorities for improvement directly from residents, especially targeting grassroots groups and communities that are less often heard.

Alongside council services, the programme involves health partners, West Yorkshire Police, and third sector organisations. These stakeholders work together with residents to develop action plans responding to the issues raised during consultations.

Planned Improvements and Initial Wards

Once priorities are established, the programme will implement a range of improvements, which may include:

• Environmental clean-ups such as weeding, rubbish removal, and graffiti clearance
• Highways maintenance and improvements
• Measures to tackle and prevent fly-tipping
• Cleaning and maintenance of community housing
• Health support activities, including pop-up blood pressure checks and outreach work

The first ward to participate is Chapel Allerton, starting in early October 2026. This will be followed by Headingley and Hyde Park, Little London and Woodhouse, and Moortown during November and December. These wards were selected based on factors such as the presence of active community groups and strong networks that can support early implementation. The remaining wards will be included throughout 2027, with the programme intended to operate on an ongoing cycle.

Supporting Services and Partners

Several council departments are involved in the programme, including Housing Leeds, parks and greenspace, highways, Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team (LASBT), public health, Active Leeds, community hubs, waste management, jobs and skills, and volunteering services. West Yorkshire Police and various third sector organisations are also key partners.

Programme Identity and Communication

The ‘Love Leeds’ initiative has a dedicated webpage providing further information and updates: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/LoveLeeds. The programme’s branding features the tagline ‘cleaner streets, stronger communities’, which will be displayed across the city to raise awareness at the neighbourhood level. Progress and community stories will also be shared via Leeds City Council’s social media channels.

Council Statement

Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, commented on the launch:

“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.

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.”