WHAT DO YOU THINK? Click here to send us an email on whether you think the new landmark will help put Cross Gates on the map. We will publish the lot.

When it is in place, visitors to Cross Gates will be greeted with an illuminated 'crossing gates' feature.

The gates will be built on the roundabout linking Cross Gates Road with the ring road.

City leaders hope the new artwork will boost the area's identity as they work to regenerate Cross Gates.

That regeneration project has so far seen two new CCTV cameras installed, which it is hoped will improve security.

The roundabout feature has been backed by Cross Gates Traders' Association and local community groups, including the Cross Gates Forum.

The scheme was originally the brainchild of Jennifer Lancaster, who ran local florist Arts and Flowers and played a leading role in Cross Gates Traders' Association.

It was taken up by Jennifer's daughter, Kirsti Cale, after her mother died in 2005.

Kirsti said real progress started to be made when the forum, and local councillors Pauleen Graham and Peter Gruen, got on board.
She said: "We felt that Cross Gates needed some sort of landmark. You see places out in the suburbs saying 'welcome to our area,' but there was nothing in Cross Gates.

"This will let people know where they are and hopefully help raise the profile of the area."

Councillor Graham (Lab, Cross Gates and Whinmoor) said: "It will act as a landmark for Cross Gates. It is something that has never been there before, and while we looked at a number of different statues this was the most impressive and appropriate.
"It is a good example of a community working together to get something done."

Councillor Andrew Carter, Leeds City Council's leader, said: "This exciting new feature in Cross Gates promises to really enhance the town centre.
"Its key location on the roundabout will make it a recognisable gateway into the shopping district for people coming into the town, and help to foster a sense of identity among traders."

YOUR VIEWS:

Fantastic news and about time two. Jenny would be so pleased from all the staff at arts and flowers its about time crossgates was back on the map.

****