Burley-in-Wharfedale MP Chris Leslie has condemned the doom merchants for attacking the much-maligned Millennium Dome.

Mr Leslie is the parliamentary private

secretary to dome supremo, Lord Falconer.

He believes the controversial project on the banks of the River Thames should be

supported by his constituents.

"Whatever the feelings about the rights and the wrongs of the project, the dome is now

finished. It is spectacular and well worth a visit," he said.

Mr Leslie said: "The message has to be don't listen to all the negative publicity. I hope people take the opportunity to go and have a look for themselves."

He denied the government was in despair about the project after so many bad reviews, indeed he hinted the dome may be growing in popularity.

"There has been a lot said about poor ticket sales but I believe they have taken an upturn," said the MP.

A project planned in the dome for later in the year is a community project. He said it would be an ideal opportunity for both Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston to become directly involved in the dome.

"It would be fantastic to see something about both places in the dome," he said.

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