Devastation as mindless thugs churn up Leeds beauty spot

Vehicle-driving thugs churned up a large part of Golden Acre Park carving out doughnut rings and tyre marks.

It is unclear whether those responsible were in a car or a quad bike when they targeted the park between December and December 21 managing to negotiate boulders and rubble to gain access to the grounds from the rear car park off Arthington Road.

Councillor Barry Anderson (Conservative, Adel and Wharfedale) says the damage was both “horrifying” and “devastating”.

“They are just mindless thugs who are causing no end of trouble. They do not care about other people’s property. Those who enjoy what Golden Acre Park has to offer will be absolutely horrified. It is an assault on the senses.

“A lot of dog walkers use the park and the damage means the ground is uneven and it is really marshy and churned up.”

He said i stalling CCTV would not be an easy option with no electricity to that part of the site.

“Where do yo put it?” he said. “It can be very dark in the car park at night.”

Coun Anderson called on the public to be vigilant.

”Please report anything which seems out of the ordinary and contact the police. The public need to take responsibility and the police need to respond.”

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Police were contacted on December 22 by a caller reporting that vehicles had been used to cause damage to grassed areas of Golden Acre Park.

“ The damage is believed to have taken place between 20 and 21 December and affected the top fields...”

“A crime of criminal damage has been recorded and anyone who has information about those responsible is asked to contact Leeds District Police on referencing police crime number 13250732509.

“Information can also be given online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”