Rachel visited Northern Ballet at the West Park Centre this week. Alongside Kirkstall Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, she saw a fantastic example of the arts in our community. 

The invite to see the theatre at work followed active campaigning in the community on the future of the West Park Centre. When the Northern Ballet Theatre move to purpose built accommodation, Leeds' Tory/Lib-Dem coalition are threatening to sell off the site for housing. 

Rachel, alongside Labour candidate for Leeds North West Judith Blake, and Kirkstall Councillors Bernard Atha, Lucinda Yeadon and John Illingworth have fought to make sure that the centre remains open. It is a unique facility in the city, which attracts people from across Leeds. It hosts community, educational, religious and arts groups and is an invaluable resource.

Rachel commented: "It was good to see Northern Ballet's work on the site. It is disappointing that their departure may spell the end for a valuable resource in the community. I am already working hard to make sure that doesn't happen, as I think it would be very short-sighted indeed. That's why I've been helping collect signatures for a petition to keep the centre open, and continued to do so straight after the visit to Northern Ballet."

If you use the centre, we want to hear from you!