CIVIC society members and traders are protesting about plans to turn shops in Horsforth into businesses.

They fear planning permission to turn two shops in New Road Side into a financial office and an employment agency could lead to the area slowly turning into a ghost street.

And they believe the applications before Leeds City Council should be refused on the grounds it would mean an increasing number of people having to do their shopping in Town Street.

Sheila Barlow, secretary of Horsforth Civic Society, said: "Residents are forced to visit the Town Street shopping area and this means that those with cars are adding to congestion on the roads and car parks in that part of Horsforth."

Mrs Barlow added it was useless to encourage people to shop locally if all the shops had been turned into offices.

"Leeds City Council is trying to encourage people not to use their cars but if no local shops are available what choice do they have?

"Mothers with young children and the elderly will be particularly hard hit if local shops are allowed to become offices so the society is hoping these applications will not be granted," she said.

Greengrocer Peter Barber of the World of Fruit, New Road Side, said trade on the road was quiet.

He said: "New Road Side is like a ghost street. There is plenty of housing in the Victorias and Newlaithes areas but those living there seem to go to the supermarket in Town Street or shop in Leeds."

Leanne Fitzpatrick, who runs an Italian menswear shop, said she had only been in New Road Side for six months and during that time a couple of shops had closed. "I am a little worried and I would prefer shops than more businesses," she said.

Councillor Chris Townsley (Lib-Dem, Horsforth), said he did not like the idea of shops being closed and the premises used for business.

"The New Road Side area has declined as a shopping area and could become a ghost street if we are not careful. I agree with the Civic Society's views.

"If people from this part of Horsforth start shopping in Town Street and travel there by car then there will be further congestion in that area.

"The Ring Road divides Horsforth so there is a need for two shopping centres. What we need are more retail shops in New Road Side, otherwise the area will die."

l One of the two applications before Leeds City Council is for the change of use of 93 New Road Side into a financial and professional services office for Mr J D Brown. The other is for the change of use of 123 New Road Side into an employment agency for Quicklink Group Ltd.

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