Fencing to prevent quad bikes and illegal camps

4 hours ago

Don MortLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — Temple Newsam draws more than two million visitors a year

Nicola Rees/BBC A running track around the perimeter of a football pitch. The area is bordered by trees and grass on all sides. The scene is empty barring a dog walker on the track in the far distance. — Temple Newsam draws more than two million visitors a year

Fencing and barriers will be installed to tackle anti-social behaviour at a Leeds park.

Leeds City Council said unauthorised traveller camps and illegal quad bike meet-ups were among problems at Temple Newsam Park.

A report by the local authority said green perimeter fencing, height barriers and chicanes would be used to deter bikers after a "significant" rise in nuisance behaviour.

The measures are planned to protect the park as part of a wider programme of improvements across green spaces in east Leeds.

The report said: "These activities have not only caused substantial damage to the park's grounds, but have also impacted the nearby community, raising safety concerns among residents and park visitors."

Temple Newsam is one of Leeds' most popular parks, with an estimated 2.4m visits each year.

An upgrade of play facilities at nearby Meadowfield Primary School has also been planned, the council said.

A new footpath will be installed at Grove Road Recreation Ground and Whitkirk War Memorial is set to get new entrance gates and a memorial bench.

Funds contributed by property developers as part of planning agreements will be used to pay for the upgrades, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Proposed road closures put forward last year in a bid to tackle the issues at the park are likely to be imposed later this year, the council said.

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