Your Leeds local election 2018 A to Z: Temple Newsam

THE CANDIDATESCoupar, Debra - Labour Party Deacon, Neale Arthur - Conservative Party Hayden, Helen Elizabeth Mary - Labour Party Hayes, Elizabeth Mary - Conservative Party Hayes, Robert Scott - Conservative Party Love, Fiona Sarah Heather - Green Party Lyons, Mick - Labour Party Norman, Keith Cecil - Liberal Democrats
Date: 16th April 2018.
Picture James Hardisty.
Construction of Go Ape at Temple Newsam, Leeds.Date: 16th April 2018.
Picture James Hardisty.
Construction of Go Ape at Temple Newsam, Leeds.
Date: 16th April 2018. Picture James Hardisty. Construction of Go Ape at Temple Newsam, Leeds.

TEMPLE NEWSAM - KEY ISSUES AND NUMBERS

Temple Newsam ward is in the outer east area of Leeds and includes Austhorpe, Colton, Graveleythorpe, Halton, Halton Moor and Whitkirk as well as Temple Newsam itself in its boundaries.

The ward is the 16th largest in area, but the 3rd least populated in Leeds.

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It’s one of the few areas in Leeds that has shown a decrease in population numbers since the last census in 2011, from 21,500 residents to 19,300 approximately. One in five residents are under 15, but just one in 10 are 16 to 24.

The average house price of £168,500 (as of August 2017 according to council figures) is £10,000 below the city average.

Crime levels in the ward are high compared to many areas, and almost on a par with the city average. From April 2016 to March 2017, 601 crimes were recorded across the area. Anti social behaviour seems to be a particular issue, as the rate is higher than the city average.

According to the Business and Employment Survey 2015 there were 13,800 jobs based in the ward with business administration, construction and retail dominating.

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However unemployment in the area itself is high, and rates of benefits claimants and those on jobseekers’ allowance are both higher than the city average. Young people’s prospects are a little better, with a NEET rate (not in employment, education or training) slightly below the city average of 5.3 per cent.

The biggest talking point in the ward in recent weeks has been the arrival of the new Go Ape adventure course at Temple Newsam Park, which is in its final construction stages.

The plan moved to Temple Newsam after the original proposal for Roundhay Park was fought off by a vociferous local campaign.

There was a plethora of local objections to the Temple Newsam re-location, with fears raised about over domination of the park, potential for increased anti social behaviour and damage to existing trees.

The site opens to the public on May 5, and the new councillors - whoever they are - will no doubt be expected to ensure it is supervised properly.