Opened by Leeds Town Council in 1845, the cemetery was one of the earliest to be owned by a local council. In 1984 when it was virtually full, financial and maintenance considerations caused Leeds City Council to consider clearance and landscaping. Opponents of the scheme united to form a Friends group. After a 2 year campaign the proposals were withdrawn. The Friends drew up a management plan to encourage wildlife and this was accepted by the council but with continuing cutbacks in resources, the maintenance levels once again give cause for concern.