No timeline for 'complex' repairs of park bridges

Three bridges, including the crossing at Coleman's Field, have been closed for months

A council has said it is "unable" to confirm a timeline for the repairs of bridges in a city park.

Three of the 15 bridges at Jesmond Dene in Newcastle have been closed as a "safety precaution" - with one of the crossings being shut for nearly two years.

Newcastle City Council said repairs could take a "significant number of months", with alternative access routes in place.

Friends of Jesmond Dene treasurer Jacki Holmes, who visits the park daily, said the closures had caused disruption with some people facing a longer walk than usual before they can cross over.

"I think it's inconvenient for people, that's for sure," she said.

Bridges at Cherry Tree Walk and Dene Terrace closed earlier this year, while the crossing at Coleman's Field was closed in early 2024 by Urban Green, who was looking after the park at the time.

More assessments

Although repairs of the Coleman's Field crossing were commissioned by Urban Green, the city council said they could not be finished because more defects were found when the initial repairs began.

Further structural assessments took place in June.

The Cherry Tree Walk bridge was closed in the summer, followed by the Dene Terrace crossing several weeks later.

Newcastle City Council said it had been checking maintenance requirements since it took over running the city's parks in March.

The Labour-led local authority said the assessments were likely to continue into the new year.

"At this time we are unable to confirm any dates for repairs or when the bridges might re-open," a spokesperson said.

"Unfortunately, works of this nature over water can be complex to undertake and it is likely to take a significant number of months, working with planning, external agencies and appointing suitable specialist contractors before any visible progress can be made."

The spokesperson added the council acknowledged the inconvenience and signage on alternative access routes was in place.

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