Gledhow Lake is drained of water

Lower levels of water in Gledhow Lake after the incident.

Vandals are risking local wildlife by deliberately draining a lake in Gledhow, the city council claims.

Residents near Gledhow Lake are now being asked to be on the look-out for anything suspicious.

The lake nestling in the woodland along Gledhow Valley Road has been in existence for more than 150 years.

It is home to many birds, including kingfishers, and other species, which are under threat from sabotage of the lake's drainage mechanism.

Gledhow Lake is found in Gledhow Valley Woods a ribbon of woodland and grassland running 1.5 km through a suburban area of north Leeds. The valley is surrounded by housing and the busy Gledhow Valley Road runs through its centre.

Known for its beautiful bluebell displays, the wood also features the 300 year old Gipton Spa Bath House.

Stranded on mud

In the latest incident the lake was was found to be almost empty after, what appeared to be, forced entry of a locked chamber to open a valve.

Opening the valve drained the lake's water leaving animals and nests stranded on banks of mud.

Leeds City Council staff were alerted to the lake's drainage by complaints that water levels flowing into the beck downstream were higher than usual.

As well as damaging the wildlife, this damage is costly to repair.

This was the second incident in recent weeks. Specialised man hole covers have also been taken. Both incidents were reported to the police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact

The Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0845 60 60 606
Or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.