Barbecue area plans face the axe

Controversial plans to create a barbecue area in a Leeds park could be scrapped.

A designated trial area at Woodhouse Moor in the Hyde Park area of the city was due to be launched in April amid much opposition.

However, Leeds City Council's executive board will be asked to consider enforcement of existing byelaws at Woodhouse Moor park as an alternative to trialling a designated barbecue area when it meets on Tuesday.

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A report to be considered by the executive board says: "The presence of parks watch officers is proving successful in preventing barbecue activity at Woodhouse Moor and enforcing the byelaws.

"If funding is sustained then it is felt that enforcement activity could be a viable long term solution to address issues associated with barbecue use."

The planned trial was delayed because of disagreement with community representatives about a suitable barbecue support material.

As an interim measure, says the report, the parks and countryside service has been enforcing the byelaws prohibiting barbecue use, supported by funding from the North West Inner Area Committee.

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The Labour representative for Hyde Park and Woodhouse ward, Gerry Harper, said: "I am delighted that Leeds City Council has finally acknowledged what the local community has been telling them for a long time.

"Enforcement of the total ban on barbecues has proven to work and it is necessary to protect the moor. The former coalition that ran Leeds City Council trampled all over the wishes of the local community when it pressed ahead with these proposals.

"This area was a complete waste of money and impractical to boot. Credit is due to the local community which has fought determinedly against these plans. I will continue to work with the local community to ensure the byelaws which prohibit the lighting of barbecues on the moor and all other anti-social behaviour is tackled head-on."

The use of barbecues is prohibited on Woodhouse Moor and all other parks within the Leeds metropolitan borough under a city council byelaw, being only permitted in a designated area. But this has not stopped people from using them in the past.

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The parks and countryside service has been enforcing the byelaws prohibiting barbecue use using two parks watch officers since April on a daily basis from 10am to 10pm.

A total of 71 incidents involving "barbecue advise, set up, extinguish and remove" were recorded in April and May when parks watch officers have been present.

The report which will be considered by the executive board says: "Whilst there was considerable enforcement activity in April, with 58 incidents recorded, this had reduced to 13 incidents in May. The presence of parks watch officers is therefore proving successful in preventing barbecue activity at Woodhouse Moor and enforcing the byelaws.

"This provides evidence to support the option of continued enforcement of barbecues which could be a viable alternative should enforcement resources be available."

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Proposals for a designated barbecue area at Woodhouse Moor sparked fierce opposition when Leeds City Council asked for the public's views on the scheme, last year.

Opponents claimed that the proposed area was too large and would "desecrate" an open green space and spoil the natural appearance of the park.

They also feared that the area would lead to an increase in litter and that smoke would annoy other park users and residents.

Residents were also concerned about possible anti-social behaviour.