Woodhouse Moor Hyde Park: Anger as crowds gather for a second evening after warm weather

While some people chose to head home as the evening drew on, many people remained in the area - with a core group not observing social distancing.

There was widespread anger at scenes from the park on Tuesday, with huge amounts of litter left by visitors.

The Headingley and Hyde Park ward councillors revealed 5.7 tonnes of litter had been cleared after Tuesday.

They said: "There’s no amount of additional bins that could have taken this, and the bottle banks weren’t even full with glass abandoned all over the place."

Rubbish again was left strewn across the fields this evening (Wednesday).

Police were present in the area this evening, but appeared to be taking a hands off approach.

On Tuesday, armed officers were called to the park after machetes were seen - two 17-year-olds later admitted themselves to hospital with stab wounds.

Yorkshire Evening Post readers reacted with anger to the scenes.

Yvonne Grundy said: "So we’ve suffered the last year for nothing? What is wrong with these people? They all need hefty fines and the money should go to the NHS."

Julia Bailey added: "Absolutely ridiculous, all young ones with no respect, get ready for next wave of corona & lockdown."

Another said: "Regardless of restrictions not being enforced a lot of these people should at least respect their Park and take their litter home."

After Tuesday's scenes, a spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “Whilst recognising that people will be keen to meet up with friends and family in our parks and green spaces given the relaxation in some coronavirus restrictions this week, we are asking residents to still fully respect all of the guidance currently in place.

“This includes those rules relating to social distancing and gatherings.

"This is vitally important if we are to continue to protect the health and wellbeing of ourselves and others.

“It is important that those who have had a vaccination continue to follow the rules.

"The full impact of the vaccine on transmission of the virus is not yet known, therefore it may be possible to spread the virus, putting others at risk.

“We hope our residents can enjoy the good weather and our amenities while still adhering to the guidelines.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock issued a warning on Twitter on Tuesday evening, saying: "Let's enjoy the sun but let's do it safely. We have come so far, don't blow it now."

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