Leeds Liberal Democrats

Major Improvements at Yeadon Tarn.

Yeadon Councillors Cllr Ryk Downes, Cllr Colin Campbell and Cllr Graham Kirkland are pleased to reveal details of major improvement works to take place at Tarnfield Park.

Cllr Ryk Downes commented 'Yeadon Tarn has been neglected for a long time. This package of improvements will transform the Tarn, making it a much nicer area for users.' Cllr Campbell continued "We have been pushing for these improvements since being elected last year, and hope that they will be completed as soon as possible". Works will include; Refurbishment of the two car parks. Improvement to the picnic tables and access to them for disabled people, and major work on the paths to and around the Tarn. "By working with Parks and Leisure who conducted a survey

of users we have come up with the list of improvements to the Tarn to benefit all users" Concluded Cllr Graham Kirkland.

Details of works…

DESIGN PROPOSALS / SCHEME DESCRIPTION

The Tarnfield Park management plan (prepared by the Department of Learning & Leisure (Parks & Countryside)) highlighted a number of improvements required for the park.

These improvements were identified through an internal assessment of the existing facilities and a customer survey conducted of users of the park.

The key elements of the proposed improvement works are as follows:-

1. Bank restoration and conservation works along the north west edge of the Tarn

The banking along the north west edge of the Tarn will be reclaimed by the instalment of wood pole revetting and backfilling with subsoil.

Terram matting is to be used to prevent the subsoil leaching out into the Tarn through wave action. Existing large stones will be repositioned up against the revetting to further break the erosive effects of the waves.

270m of banking will be restored, requiring 300m² of subsoil. In areas where there are no fishing pegs but bank reclamation is to be

attempted, an additional lower bank totalling 85m in length with a width of 0.6m is to be created using wood revetting This lower bank will provide a boggy habitat that is just above the water level of the Tarn. To achieve the bog habitat, 35m² of subsoil is required along with 71 pallets of 0.8m x 1.2m coir matting for the top layer which will embed water edge species provided by the RSPB. Soil loss through wave action will be negated through containment by terram matting. The existing large stones in the locality will be repositioned against this lower revetting.

2. To establish a fish breeding area at the shallow north east end of

the Tarn. The depositing of subsoil into the water adjacent to the bank will create a shallow water environment (150mâ) conducive to establishing a reed bed and fish spawning area. Reeds will be obtained from Fairburn Ings. Floating reed beds (4 x 16mâ) will be provided as a refuge for young fish. The fish breeding area and reed beds will be protected from waves moving up the Tarn from a south westerly direction by the installation of 14 x 5m baffles.

These baffles consist of recycled plastic posts and horizontal slats

that protrude approximately 30cm out of the water. Canoes will be allowed to pass through and round the floating reed beds, by positioning the baffles in a staggered fashion across the Tarn which will create suitable gaps for movement of the canoes. Canoe activity will not be permitted during the fish breeding period.

3. Refurbishment of the two car parks

The existing surface will be broken up, re-graded and then resurfaced with sandstone aggregate.

4. Supply and install multiplay unit

A Parkdale 224 multiplay unit (DDA compliant) with safety surface will be provided within the existing play area to the south east of the Tarn. The equipment will be erected on the site of a raised rose bed, which will be removed as part of the project. Appendix 3 provides details of the equipment.

5. Improve the picnic tables and the access to them for disabled people. Six new picnic tables will be provided which are designed to allow use by disabled people.

The tables will be positioned on a new hard surface. A new tarmac path will be provided from the picnic site near the bandstand to the southern car park.

6. Restore the two gravel paths that link the Cemetery Road Car Park with the tarnside path

A length of 240m requires grading, entailing the addition of a crusher run base layer and topped with a golden gravel finish.

7. Tarnside path

Improve the tarmac surface of the entire tarnside path (1181mâ) by incorporating an additional layer of tarmac.

8. New Signage Interpretation boards, road signage for car parks, signs for indicating pedestrian and/or vehicle access.

The signage works will provide:-

4 interpretation/trail boards indicating the footpaths, access points, location of amenities and vegetation types in the park. The boards will also accommodate notices of forthcoming events

6 road signs indicating the approach and entrance to the northern and southern car park

7 signs indicating pedestrian and/or authorised vehicle access points into the park

A further 4 interpretation boards are also to be provided at the Outdoor Pursuits Centre and Tarn Activity Centre, which will be financed separately by the Sport Development section of Learning and Leisure Department.