Roads near park to be closed to traffic

Temple Newsam has experienced a "significant increase" in anti-social behaviour at night, according to Leeds City Council

Road closures are set to be brought in near a Leeds park in an effort to tackle vehicle-related anti-social behaviour.

Temple Newsam has been plagued by a "significant increase" in unauthorised traveller encampments, anti-social driving and damage to park grounds, according to a letter from Leeds City Council to nearby residents.

The attraction, which has a Grade I-listed mansion, parkland, farm and sprawling grounds, is popular with families and also hosts music festivals.

The letter, a copy of which has been seen by the BBC, revealed the council is planning to close Elm Tree Walk, which runs to the north of Temple Newsam, to motor vehicles at all times of the day.

Sections of two other nearby access roads, Colton Road to the west, and Temple Newsam Road to the north, will also close between 22:00 and 06:00 each night under the plans.

The letter said encampments and "illegal vehicular anti-social behaviour meetings" had become commonplace at the site, "particular during night-time hours".

Elm Tree Walk will be closed to traffic 24 hours a day, under the plans, while two other roads could be shut at night

It added: "These activities have not only caused substantial damage to the park's grounds, Temple Newsam House and adjacent farm building, but have also impacted the nearby community, raising safety concerns among local residents and park visitors."

The council said the proposed closures would help address the problem and encourage "legitimate park use during daylight hours".

The local authority told the BBC that a consultation was open until 16 September "so all views can be taken into account before a final decision is made".

The Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (Leeds Gate), said it was "extremely disappointed" by the council's comments, which it suggested "lumped in" travellers looking for places to stop with people committing anti-social behaviour.

A spokesperson said: "We understand that the council should have the powers and legislation it needs to deal with any so-called "anti-social behaviour" or any illegal acts.

"There is a shortage of pitches on sites and stopping places across the city (as well as nationwide), leaving people with nowhere else to go.

"An approach of constant enforcement evictions and actions such as these that escalate situations are only harmful to communities, not helpful."

The council has owned the Temple Newsam estate since 1922, when it was donated to the city by the last family to own the house.

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