Richard Hellwawell, who lives in the Kendals, said by-laws banning barbecues on the moor had to be enforced.

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Speaking at Woodhouse Community Centre Mr Hellawell said: "Woodhouse Moor is a beautiful open space, it is a wonderful lung.

"It is in danger of being destroyed by those who have barbecues, or by the councillors who will put concrete monstrosities on there.

"The existing by-laws ban barbecues, the police do not enforce them so it is up to the council to do it."

Leeds City Council is consulting on whether to build a barbecue area on the moor, in Hyde Park.

The authority's proposal has come about after repeated complaints from residents over noise, litter and other antisocial behaviour linked to parties on the moor.

One notorious weekend, nearly a year ago, saw branches torn from trees, benches set alight and tons of rubbish left on the moor.

The community centre meeting was organised by the Friends of Woodhouse Moor, South Headingley Community Association and Northside Park Community Association.

The 100 people present were overwhelmingly against the barbecue plans, which would see thick concrete blocks sunk into the grass with no-one saying they were in favour of the scheme.

Former student Amy Burdett, who now works in Leeds, said: "The problem is a cultural one because students will have barbecues on the park.

"Surely waste management could be better employed, better recycling facilities could be provided and people could be encouraged to use the park more responsibly?"

The meeting was attended by Hyde Park & Woodhouse ward's three Liberal Democrat councillors, Kabeer Hussain, Penny Ewens and Linda Rhodes-Clayton.