A group responsible for transforming a green space has raised concerns over the temporary closure of the park without prior warning or explanation.

Members of Hemp Garden Community Association (HGCA) arrived at Elvet Green, in Durham City, late last month to find that all three entrances to the park had been blocked with metal fencing.

The fencing displaying “no entry” signs was removed shortly afterwards, although Durham County Council has confirmed that it will soon be restored “to secure the area for construction access” as part of plans to replace nearby Baths Bridge.

The fencing, however, has angered HGCA members.

Simpa Carter, director of the Hemp Garden Community Association, at Elvet Green, in Durham.

placeholder image — Simpa Carter, director of the Hemp Garden Community Association, at Elvet Green, in Durham.

Executive director Simpa Carter said: “If Elvet Green is a public park, how can fencing it off to prevent unauthorised use not also prevent ordinary public use?

"The people the fences would exclude are the same people who have spent years visiting and caring for it."

According to HGCA, there has been an ongoing dispute between the group and Durham County Council over Elvet Green since January 2025.

Simpa continued: “It feels premature to put up fences without explaining what formal decision has been made to use it for construction access and storage, when or on what basis.

Fencing was put up blocking access to Elvet Green last month.

"We are not opposed to the Baths Bridge works, but we believe building the bridge should not mean destroying the park.”

HGCA has been caring for the former bowling green since 2017, clearing rubbish, repairing grassed areas, planting foliage, improving pathways and organising regular community work days.

The group’s work has been praised by City of Durham Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy.

She said members have “transformed” the area “from an overgrown and derelict site – and a magnet for anti-social behaviour – into a well-used public space for our community”.

She continued: “Despite their efforts, it would appear that the local authority seems determined that the group will lose their access to Elvet Green, regardless of the benefits for their members and the positive impact they have had on the city.”

Mrs Foy added: “I know that the local community is grateful for the work they have done and would back them continuing to maintain the land, and I would concur.

"This oasis of well-maintained public space, right in the heart of the city, is only there for us thanks to the efforts of Simpa and all of the volunteers. They have my full support.”

Kevin Lough, Durham County Council’s interim head of corporate buildings, said: “The fencing was installed on land we own to prevent unauthorised entry and use of the land and to secure the area for construction access as part of upcoming works to replace Baths Bridge.

“The fence has since been removed to allow further modifications and will be reinstalled at a later date as part of the development.

"We will continue to monitor the park and do everything we can to deter any anti-social behaviour or illegal activities taking place on our land in this area while this project is ongoing.”

Simpa said: “We do not dispute this is public land but this has never simply been about ownership.

"It is about community stewardship and whether local residents’ voices will be heard when decisions are made about the park’s future.

"There are so few public green spaces left in Durham City."