Keys to prosperity in the north’s great cities | Letters
by Letters from on (#427ZY)
Readers respond to Preston's success, Channel 4's move to Leeds and Simon Jenkins' proposal to move parliament to the north with ideas for a new political landscape
Channel 4's move to Leeds must be just the beginning (Channel 4 chooses Leeds as its new UK headquarters, 1 November). The ambitions of this public service broadcaster must go beyond relocating 200 staff up the M1. To make a truly significant contribution, it must act as an "anchor" of a fairer and more sustainable local economy.
This means working with other anchor institutions like the city council, universities, NHS trusts and the police to pay fair wages, buy local, and to invest in the city and its people. By adopting this approach, Preston council and their anchors have generated 200m for the Lancashire economy. This strategy undoubtedly played a role in Preston being named as Britain's most improved city.
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