Leeds received some positive news on the cuts front last night when Chancellor George Osborne visited the city and confirmed that the government would be giving the go-ahead to the planned £15m new southern entrance at Leeds station.

The proposals had been put on hold pending the government’s comprehensive spending review. The news was welcomed by Metro chairman Chris Greaves. He said: “This is a project designed help boost economic recovery and growth by making the developing area to the south of the station more accessible to the 20,000 or more passengers using the station who would head to Granary Wharf and the south of the city centre.”

“Leeds station is at the heart of the Leeds City Region and this new entrance will create a faster, step-free route to the vibrant areas to the south of the city centre such as Holbeck Urban Village, Bridgewater Place, the riverside and canal basin.”

“It has received support from the city’s travelling public, city centre residents and local business and will play an important role in the city’s economic success.”