Council preparing recovery action plan for city

City centre footfall in Leeds is down by more than 90%, according to a series of reports on the response to the Coronavirus crisis issued by Leeds City Council.

The reports, which also outline the council’s planning to help the city return to normal life, also notes the council has supported businesses in the city by processing grants totalling £86m to date.

Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, said: “The level of work being undertaken by the NHS, the council, public health partners, our partners and stakeholders in every sector across the city, region, wider country and even with international partners is staggering.

“Leeds is known as being a compassionate city, and the way all of these organisations, charities and groups have come together to work with our residents, volunteers, businesses and communities to tackle this challenge together is amazing – it really is an incredible team for Leeds which is really making a difference.

“I’d like to thank everyone for playing their part, and would say that even though there are signs we may soon be through the worst of this we cannot be premature with relaxing our approach.

“So I would ask everyone in the city to remain resolute and follow all guidance to make sure this crisis is over as soon as it can be.

“Our task then will be to reset and restart the daily life of the city. We are already planning on that in terms of how we can support businesses to resume and people to find work so our economy can begin to recover and as much support as possible is available to everyone who needs it.”

The information released by the council shows traffic levels in Leeds are down by 60% during the week and 70% at weekends as people work from home and follow the rules to avoid travel.

Bus and rail use is down to around 10% compared to normal periods.

But a council spokesman added: “Work on essential council schemes including on infrastructure such as roads, bridges and flood prevention measures is continuing, but with all contractors required to fully observe all requirements in terms of site and public safety and social distancing.

“Recovery planning for the end of the lockdown is already underway, looking initially at business support to help businesses restart operations and to match those out of work with job opportunities through the council’s employment and skills team.”