Free leisure card entry to two sites threatened

Senior councillors will look at a proposal to alter entry fees at Tropical World in Roundhay and Home Farm at Temple Newsam when they meet on Wednesday.

A plan to remove free entry for LEEDSCard and Breezecard holders to the two attractions and replace them with discounted admission will be discussed at the meeting of Leeds Council's executive board.

Both council-managed venues are free to visit for anyone who is a member of the council-run leisure membership schemes

LeedsCard and Breezecard.

The council says that it is no longer viable to continue the offer in its current form owing to budgetary pressures.

Under the proposal the entry fees for cardholders would change from January 2 2011 to match those offered at other council-managed venues.

LeedsCard members would be given a 20 per cent discount off the full admission price at Tropical World and Home Farm, while Breezecard holders and

LeedsCard Extra holders who receive income or disability-related benefits would be given a 50 per cent discount.

Admission would remain free for all under-fives.

Leeds Council executive member for leisure, Coun Adam Ogilvie, said: "We have reluctantly come to the conclusion that it is no longer viable to continue offering free access to Tropical World and Home Farm to LeedsCard and Breezecard holders.

"The financial pressures we are facing as a council meant we have had to take a hard look at every aspect of council services and facilities, and while no longer being free we think this proposal still offers good value for those wishing to visit these two attractions."

If the executive board approves the plans, the new price structure is due to come into effect on January 2.