'Relief' after outdoor gym plans scrapped

Proposals for gym equipment at the former bowling green had caused anger among some locals

Campaigners say they are relieved and "ecstatic" after plans for an outdoor gym at a former bowling green were scrapped.

Durham County Council said it would not install the equipment at the site in Elvet, which has since been turned into a community garden, after a consultation had "inconclusive" results.

Simpa Carter, from the Hemp Garden Community Association, which has been renovating the area near the city centre since 2017, said he was "elated".

The Reform UK-led authority said it would make new plans for the area but added a popular idea for a play facility could not go ahead due to its proximity to the River Wear.

It said it would develop new proposals once the future of a nearby toilet block was clear. The structure, which has been disused for over a decade, is going to be sold, with hopes it could become a cafe.

"We are ecstatic to learn that the council will not be installing the equipment and that they are now prioritising the sale of the toilet before seeking to do anything with the bowling green," Mr Carter said.

Designs for the proposed equipment were shown at a drop-in session

In July, the gym equipment plans caused anger when residents and parish councillors said it was not wanted and criticised the consultation process.

A one-day drop in event, where people could see designs, was branded a "show and tell".

"Any future proposals will be subject to a full consultation process, including both face-to-face and online engagement, and over a longer timeline than the recent exercise," Durham County Council said.

Durham parish councillor Victoria Ashfield said there had been more than 70 objections to the plans and the "right thing" had been done by scrapping them.

However, she called the council "disingenuous" over its reasons for refusing a play area.

"That is ridiculous," she said, adding: "I've checked out parks in other areas, I walked around a lake in Berkshire where there was a play park right at the edge of the lake.

"There is a safe gate preventing children running out, so their excuses for not making it for children are foundless."

Graham Wood, the county council's economic development manager, said the option had been "carefully considered" in line with safety guidelines.

"Unfortunately, due to the site's proximity to the fast-flowing River Wear, this location is not a safe site for a play area, even with fencing," he said.