Leeds City Council unveils £400k scheme to protect Temple Newsam Park from anti-social behaviour
Fencing and barriers will be installed to tackle anti-social behaviour at a Leeds park as part of a £400,300 improvement scheme.
Leeds City Council said unauthorised traveller camps and illegal quad bike meet-ups were among problems at Temple Newsam Park.
Measures are planned to protect the park as part of a wider programme of green space improvements in the east Leeds community.
A council report said green perimeter fencing, height barriers and chicanes would be used to deter bikers after a “significant” rise in nuisance behaviour.
It 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.
“This issue has also been prevalent in more local spaces in the Halton area and beyond.”
An upgrade of play facilities near Meadowfield Primary School was also part of improvements for the Temple Newsam ward, 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.
The report said: “Leeds City Council is committed to providing high quality green spaces and recognise that people value and feel the benefit when there is good quality local provision near to where they live.”
Funds contributed by property developers as part of planning agreements would be used to pay for the upgrades.
The report said Temple Newsam was one of the city’s most popular parks, with an estimated 2.4m visits each year.
It said: “Enhancing green spaces can stimulate local economic activity by attracting visitors and supporting nearby businesses.”