New measures planned as anti-social behaviour threatens popular Leeds park
Plans to protect Leeds park’s playing fields from nuisance drivers
Barriers and bollards are set to protect playing fields at a popular visitor attraction from nuisance drivers.
Leeds City Council has drawn up plans to prevent damage to parts of Roundhay Park from anti-social behaviour.
The council said Soldiers Field and Connaught Field at the grade II-listed park were at risk from vehicle damage, fly-tipping and illegal encampments.
A council report said measures could include sandstone boulders, bollards, earth mounds and vehicle access barriers.
It said: “As a large, unfenced and highly visited public landscape, Roundhay Park faces modern pressures including unauthorised vehicle access onto playing fields and parkland.”
The council said boulders would be locally sourced and chosen to blend in with their surroundings.
The report said: “The boulders will be positioned along the site boundary, near to existing mature trees, to create an informal physical barrier.”
The earth mounds would be seeded with grass and wild flowers, the report said.
It said: “Earth mounds will form a natural, low-impact barrier that restrict vehicle access while appearing as part of the landscape.”
The council has lodged a full planning application for the proposals which is out for consultation until June 23.
The report said: “Works will be carefully undertaken to avoid harm to existing trees and other landscape features that contribute to the park’s significance.
“The proposals are considered appropriate and consistent with the park’s continued conservation and management.”