Call to open delayed park's 'blocked off' walking trails

A conservation volunteer has called for a "blocked off" path along a delayed city park to be opened so walking routes leading to a riverfront can be accessed.

Riverside Park, in Sunderland, was expected to welcome visitors on 21 July, but dry weather postponed its opening and a new date is yet to be announced.

Janice Timmins said fencing prevented access to the riverfront and cut off parts of some walking routes, including the Stephenson Trail.

But Sunderland City Council said the park was "a live construction site" and had to remain closed for the safety of the public until work had been fully completed.

The 47-acre (19-hectare) facility will include walking routes, exercise zones, play areas, community spaces and a skate park.

It is being completed in phases, with other areas, including Galley's Gill, Lambton Riverside and Wearmouth Riverside yet to be developed.

Timmins, from Durham, volunteered in the area before construction began and returned a number of times while doing various walks.

She said she was disappointed to find the park was still closed on her latest visit earlier this month.

"We thought, 'Surely by now it'll be open' but it wasn't," she said.

The 63-year-old said fencing should be adjusted to still protect growing plants, but open up access to the path leading to the river banks.

"Instead it's just completely blocked off," she said.

A council spokesperson said it would not be possible to fully open the route until further parts of the park were complete.

"Works to the wider park have yet to commence and the council is actively seeking additional funding support to secure its delivery," they said.

"This area of the park will remain closed until future phases are delivered and can be safely reopened."

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