Mulholland Disappointed by Arena Announcement

2.27.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 25th Sep 2009

Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West has expressed his extreme disappointment at the announcement that permission has not been granted for the construction of a multi thousand seat concert venue in the city.

Greg had been a leading campaigner for the arena having brought the case for the venue to the attention of the house of commons in a debate before the summer, challenging the Sheffield MPs who had voiced opposition to the prospect of an arena in Leeds.

Greg has also tabled a parliamentary motion in support of the arena and written to Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency, in support of the arena.

Commenting Greg said:

"The case for an arena is overwhelming; it will create jobs and provide the people of Leeds with a much needed venue at which they can watch live music and shows.

"Having worked very closely with campaigners for a long time to secure this arena I am of course disappointed and angered that this outcome has been reached.

"For no good reason it seems we have been denied a venue that would help us rival cities like Manchester and Sheffield in attracting huge stars to Leeds."

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