Leeds City Council Leader Keith Wakefield has warned that scores of local properties could miss out on superfast broadband due to issues with a proposed new network.

Mr Wakefield is keen to meet with UK Communications Minister Ed Vaizey to find a resolution to the issue, which has been caused by the high-profile failure of the government's urban broadband plan, reports the Yorkshire Evening Post.

The coalition initially proposed funding the installation of an ultrafast broadband corridor stretching from the Aire Valley in Leeds into the city centre and further beyond, but the move has been derailed by fears that it contravenes EU rules on state aid.

Mr Wakefield wrote a letter to Mr Vaizey warning he is "very concerned" at the prospect of some local residents and businesses being left with below-average broadband speeds.

"This could lead to a digital divide whereby parts of Leeds and Bradford - including some of our most deprived communities - will have the worst broadband speeds in West Yorkshire," he added.

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