Arsonists have been slammed after fire damaged a Sunderland subway recently refurbished

The fire is understood to have been started at 2.30am on Tuesday, December 8, at the Hasting Hill subway under the Chester Road section of the A183.

The underpass – where upgrade work was carried out during the summer – connects Grindon and Hastings Hill to bus routes and the Aldi supermarket at Pennywell.

Cabinet Member for Dynamic City, Councillor Rebecca Atkinson, said: "A review of the city’s underpasses is planned for next year, when we will assess the condition and use, as well as any reported incidents at underpasses. This review will then allow us to plan further improvements or potential closures.

"It is very disappointing to hear that vandals have targeted the newly refurbished subway and we would ask any residents who witness this kind of anti-social behaviour to report it via https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/report-asb."

Lib Dem councillor for the area, Stephen O’Brien, has called for the local authority now install an overhead pedestrian crossing to replace the "eyesore” subway, saying this week’s “arson attack” has made the route difficult to navigate for certain residents.

The council’s representative for Grindon and Hastings Hill condemned the act and called for the underpass to be bricked up in light of the damaged caused by the incident.

Cllr O’Brien said: “For years this subway has been notorious and subject to regular vandalism, anti-social behaviour and arson which means many residents don’t feel comfortable using it.

“This week’s huge fire has been the straw that broke the camel’s back for dozens of locals who have to use the subway to get to the shops or to catch the bus into the city centre.

“Other underpasses in the area have been bricked up and replaced with above-ground pedestrian crossings. It is about time our area stopped being left out. We deserve a proper crossing so older and vulnerable people in Hastings Hill and Grindon aren’t forced into a dangerous burnt-out underpass.”

Northumbria Police told The Echo the was no record of the incident having been reported.

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