Vandal-hit priory trials night access 20 years on

The gates to Tynemouth Priory were shut overnight in 2005 in response to antisocial behaviour

Twenty years after its gates were closed at night in response to antisocial behaviour, a ruined priory is to reopen them for a trial period in an effort to reconnect with the community.

The outer gates at Tynemouth Priory and Castle will remain open overnight on weekdays as part of a two-week pilot, English Heritage said.

A decision to protect the site from damage was made in 2005, but English Heritage said it was "keen to rebuild trust by reopening the space with a renewed sense of shared responsibility".

North Shields resident Rachel Lilley, who uses the site as a vantage point to watch for dolphins, welcomed the change saying: "I won't have to worry about getting locked in now."

The ruins of the medieval monastic church sits atop a headland overlooking the River Tyne as it enters the North Sea.

Mrs Lilley said: "It's a great viewing point, as I'm up high so can see further.

"Let's hope everyone acts responsibly and doesn't spoil it for the majority."

English Heritage said it was trialling access to the moat "because we believe in the community and want to offer a safe, respectful place for everyone to enjoy the summer evenings".

The gate at the bottom of the site will also be opened as part of the trial.

The charity asked people to avoid smoking and littering and has banned barbecues on the moat.