Dismay as burnt-out car abandoned on refurbished Leeds running track

Members of a Leeds running club were left “devastated” after a car was found burnt-out and abandoned having being driven over a recently-refurbished track.

- by Charles Gray

The Mini was discovered a smouldering wreck on Saturday morning (August 9) by the side of the 400m running track at the Temple Newsam estate.

Tyre tracks and bits of metal, glass, oil and brake fluid were discovered along the track, which had only recently been completed after a refurbishment led by the Crossgates Harriers running club.

Fortunately there was a huge effort from volunteers to clear the car and reset the track in time for a 10km racing event held on the Sunday to mark its completion.

Secretary of Crossgates Harriers Richard Whitehouse said:

“We went from being devastated on Saturday morning to being really pleased by tea time after seeing everyone coming together and making a difference.”

Mr Whitehouse said that the car was discovered by a dog walker, adding: