Shaming those who should protect our history

I HAVE lived in the Leeds area all my life, in particular for 40 years in Oakwood.

During this time, I have witnessed a number of changes, mostly for the good of the area. Now I know that the Oakwood clock did not always reside on the site it now occupies, however it is and has been for a very long time the iconic representation of Oakwood.

Which brings me to the point of this letter. It saddens me to see such a structure erode on a daily basis with no apparent sign of restoration work being undertaken.

As always, Leeds City Council will have little or no money for such a project and when the clock and seating area below become a health and safety issue, it will be promptly fenced off and left indefinitely until such time as the Leeds public responds.

This will then become a restoration project paid for by the people of Leeds by donations from the public.

Of course, I may be guessing the above but it annoys me to see such decline.

Why is it not important to maintain and protect such history and heritage? I would personally, if possible, buy the clock tower, restore it and turn it into a profitable and worthy attractions of Leeds.

It could be part of a number of projects including tea rooms, market (permanent rather than the one at the moment), shops or museum of Leeds history and culture.

The possibilities are endless, so I am writing for your support and for wide coverage of this problem in Leeds to shake up the people responsible and shame them into action before it is too late.