A lack of youth facilities, erosion of the greenbelt and a poor police

presence were just some of the issues raised at a meeting of a new community group.

The Aireborough Community Forum, set up by Leeds City Council, will give residents the chance to have their say on life in the community.

Aireborough Youth Forum secretary Lynda Sheffield told the forum there are too few youth workers to man council-run facilities, and as a result, young people do not have enough places to meet.

Representatives of other organisations said although schools in the area were very good, little was being done to provide young people with leisure activities.

And some members of the forum said they felt Aireborough was being marginalised by Leeds City Council. They fear council money generated in the area will subsidise deprived areas of Leeds.

Those attending were asked to suggest 'quick wins' as short-term solutions to some of their concerns.

Improved bus services, including services to Guiseley Station and to Leeds Bradford Airport were suggested by several people, as was the

creation of a parish council. Aireborough ward councillor Graham Latty said this could be used to re-affirm the identity of Aireborough.

Members of the forum were also asked to come up with the most positive features of Aireborough, and agreed the area had a strong community spirit and good schools.

However, some were sceptical about the role of the new forum in the local authority.

John Steel, of Leeds Community Health Council, said: "If it is concluded that the local authority is not running a service efficiently or effectively, they might take it away from the local authority. I can envisage the wholesale privatisation of local services."

Others fear the voice of Aireborough will not be heard, as only one councillor will represent the views of all communities in Leeds on the council's new executive board, and fears were also raised over the possible privatisation of some services. The next meeting is on September 14.