A £250,000 project to make Yeadon Tarn more attractive to people and wildlife is underway.

As part of a major 18 month long improvement programme, a path will be closed for eight weeks for work to take place on safety measures and flood defences.

At the same time, a fish breeding area has been created by the Environment Agency in the shallow north-eastern end of the tarn.

Pete Mischenko, fisheries officer for the Environment Agency, said: "The tarn is very popular with the public and the work we've done should now also make it more attractive to fish and other wildlife.

"The fish will benefit greatly from the reed beds that we've begun to work on. We've laid the foundations of beds and will be going back next spring to plant the reeds, which will give fish somewhere to spawn.

"This will help to improve fish stocks and benefit the anglers who use the tarn. Birds and other wildlife are very keen on reedbeds too, as they provide cover and feeding areas."

He said the south bank of the tarn was subject to wind and wave erosion so wind break baffles had been created to reduce the damage.

"Out in the tarn itself, we've created two floating islands and anchored them to the bed of the tarn. These have been planted and will provide refuges both for fish and birds, helping them to thrive."

Leeds City Council's Parks and Countryside section, which is working in partnership with the Environment Agency, is making other improvements to the tarn's paths, car parks, signs and toilets.

The improvements at the southern end of the tarn are being done to comply with the Reservoirs Act to reduce the impact on surrounding land of surge and flood conditions.

The existing spillway will be rebuilt and the pathway reformed along with a bridge and safety guardrails

Councillor John Procter, executive member for leisure, said he was pleased that work had started on one of the 'best loved attractions in Leeds.'

"We apologise to anyone who is inconvenienced by this project, but rest assured, we will be doing our utmost to keep the level of disturbance to a minimum while it is being carried out.

"Yeadon Tarn is a fantastic place to visit and these improvements will make it even better and help to safeguard its long term future so it can be enjoyed by the people of Leeds for generations to come."