HeAL (Headingley Against Landlords) claim that the universities use Headingley's assets to attract students but put nothing back into the community in return.

However a spokesperson for Leeds University says: "We are supporting new strategies for student housing and trying to disperse the population to other areas like Kirkstall and Clarence Dock.

"There is no new student development planned for Headingley."

Community projects
Meanwhile the two universities both run schemes to encourage students to support the local community.

At Leeds University, Action is one of the largest societies in the student union, involving 800 volunteers with projects in the local community.

Action aims to break down barriers between students and local residents.

Some projects include: running Saturday clubs for local children, environmental projects with schools and mentoring school pupils.

Community Action at Leeds Met runs community projects including renovating houses for the homeless, reading programs with children and taking elderly members of the community shopping.

The universities have also launched schemes with Leeds City Council on community issues including a community liaison officer, devoted to issues in the area.