Elderly residents "want our park back" after access road remains closed 4 weeks after BBC Radio 1s Big Weekend
“It’s our park, and we just want it back”
Elderly residents with mobility issues who use Herrington Country Park are angry that over four weeks on from BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend the access road to the park’s lake remains closed meaning they are unable to “feed the birds, enjoy a cup of coffee, and watch the wildlife”.
They are also annoyed about what they say is a lack of communication from the City Council over why the gate to the road remains locked and when it will be reopened.
After being contacted by Sunderland City Council yesterday, the Council confirmed today (June 23) that a programme of works was undertaken following the Big Weekend, which is “now nearing completion”.
Pensioner David Taylor, 82, arrived at Herrington Country Park yesterday (June 22) with his food for the birds only to find the gate still remains closed.
David, who lives in Washington and uses a walking stick, said: “I love to feed the birds and observe the wildlife. I did manage to get down to the lake once but I really struggled to get back.
“I had to stop going and I’ve missed out on seeing all the ducklings and cygnets.”
It’s a sentiment shared by Fulwell resident Gordon Wilson.
Gordon, 87, who has arthritis and also has mobility issues, said: “I used to go down to the lake a couple of times a week to sit and watch the wildlife and enjoy a cup of coffee, and I know a lot of people who would do the same.
“I would really struggle to walk down to the lake and particularly to walk back up. I drive down to the lake, but if you are needing to use a mobility scooter you would really struggle to get it through the cycle gate.
“It’s over four weeks since the music event and I’m just really disappointed to not be able to get down to the lake. The gate was closed during the week leading up to the concerts, which I understand as they were setting things up.
“But it has now been over four weeks since they finished. It’s our park, and we just want it back.
“After four weeks they should have finished any clear-up or work. If not, then why can’t any work take place alongside people still using the park? It’s a public park, it wasn’t closed before the concerts and I can’t see any any reason why it’s still closed.”
Both pensioners are also annoyed over what they say is a “lack of communication” from the City Council.
Gordon added: “I’ve phoned the Council three times and have got different responses. They said something about repairing fences and tarmac, but we need to know the extent of the repairs, why the road is closed, and when it will reopen.”
BBC Radio 1s Big Weekend is reported to have attracted 100,000 people to Herrington Country Park.
We have contacted Sunderland City Council about residents’ frustrations.
A spokesperson said: “Following the hugely popular Radio 1 Big Weekend at Herrington Country Park, which welcomed more than 100,000 visitors, a programme of works has been underway across the site.
“As part of this, the gate serving the boating lake access has remained temporarily closed while contractors completed essential works in the area.
“These works are now nearing completion, and the gate will be reopened once contractors have fully left the site.
“The park is continuing to undergo routine grounds maintenance and further works following the event.
“We appreciate the patience of residents and visitors while these are carried out and remain committed to ensuring the park is safe, accessible and well-maintained for all its many visitors.”