Middleton Park Labour councillors Stuart Bruce, Judith Blake and Geoff Driver have appealed for public support to help save the lakeside cottages and café from being demolished.

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The future of the historic landmark in Middleton Park is in doubt as it has fallen into dereliction and has become a target for vandalism, with one possible option being to remove it altogether.

The Middleton Park Labour councillors are backing the Friends of Middleton Park in opposing its demolition and have written a letter to the Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post calling on the public to support their campaign.

The lakeside cottages and café are believed to date back to the early 18th century, and had a variety of uses including being a classroom, a rest room and a bandroom. Reduced to three cottages from the original six, the central section was used as a café serving residents to the park with residential cottages on either side, until the building was vacated in 1998.

The cottages have since fallen into a state of disrepair, having become a target for anti-social behaviour and an arson attack in spring 2002. Despite security measures being put in place, the cottages continue to be subjected to attacks.

Discussions are currently ongoing over the fate of the building, which is owned by Wade’s Charity but was leased to Leeds City Council a century ago.

Middleton Park Labour Councillor Stuart Bruce said:

 “We are totally opposed to losing yet another major landmark in Middleton. The Tories have made a lot of noise about pretending to save the Mansion in Roundhay Park, which wasn’t even under threat of demolition, yet are happy to preside over the desecration of Middleton Park.”

Fellow Middleton Park Labour Councillor Geoff Driver added:

“I am sure local residents will feel very disappointed that an important piece of the history of Middleton is under threat like this.

“The cottages date back almost 300 years, so we need to do all we can to try and keep them for the benefit of present and future generations of local people. If the public get behind us and the Friends of Middleton Park, we can hopefully stop the demolishers moving in.”

Middleton Park Labour colleague Councillor Judith Blake said:

“This is a very emotive issue for local residents and we are opposed to another historical feature being removed. With enough public support I feel sure our voice can be heard, so I encourage anyone who feels strongly about keeping local landmarks such as this to show their support and help us try and save the lakeside cottages.”

Cllr Judith Blake, Cllr Geoff Driver and Cllr Stuart Bruce
outside the lakeside cottages and café in Middleton Park