A PARLIAMENTARY candidate for Leeds North West is demanding action to help the country’s town centres.

The Liberal Democrats approved a plan to ‘future-proof’ the UK’s high streets at its recent Spring Conference in York.

The party’s Leeds North West candidate Kamran Hussain says the proposals would give places like Otley and Yeadon the assistance they need.

He said: “Whilst it is essential that we embrace innovation and the benefits of the 21st Century economy, we cannot simply abandon our precious town centres to market forces.

“There can be no doubt our high streets are in crisis; the thousands of failed businesses and lost jobs are ample proof.

“We must empower local areas to reform their planning rules, support local entrepreneurs, and help retailers adapt to the digital economy - and to scrap the hated business rates system – so town centres can truly take back control.”