Price hike at council-owned attractions and sports pitches in Leeds

The cost of entry into Temple Newsam Farm and Tropical World will rise by three per cent from February 1, as part of a raft of fee increases approved by Leeds City Council’s chief officer of parks and countryside.

An adult ticket to the farm will now be upped by 10p to £3.90, while adult entry into Tropical World at Roundhay Park will rise by 20p to £6.20.

Other approved increases include the cost of hiring sports pitches and changing room facilities for football and rugby clubs across the city, rising from £604 to £622 per season for a senior grass pitch.

The cost of using council bowling greens will also rise by three per cent, to £2.20 for a morning, afternoon or evening bowling sessions and charges to use golf courses will by three per cent, from April 1, to £17.50 for a weekend or bank holiday adult session or £13.90 mid-week.

The review also proposed introducing fees to fly model aircraft at Middleton Park, of £20 per adult and £9.70 for juniors.

A report to council said: “The proposed revised charges will help contribute towards the cost of keeping the sports pitches, bowling greens, golf courses, changing rooms, major visitor attractions and parks up to standard.

“The provision of such facilities increases learning, community engagement and aids the health and well-being of the participants.”

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We remain absolutely committed to ensuring that charges for parks and countryside services remain extremely competitive and affordable for the people of Leeds. These proposals are in line with Leeds City Council’s 2018/2019 budget expectations for the next financial year. A final decision on the council’s budget will be made at February’s meeting of full council.”