Petition against travellers' site at dinosaur park

Teessaurus Park is a popular family attraction

A dinosaur park could be relocated to accommodate a travellers' site, according to new plans.

Council plans could see Teessaurus Park in Middlesbrough used to accommodate 14 Gypsy or traveller pitches, needed to meet government targets.

The recently regenerated 10-acre plot of land hosts an array of steel dinosaur sculptures, which would remain publicly accessible - but not necessarily at the same site.

Hundreds have signed a petition urging the council to keep the dinosaurs where they are.

'Cherished'

The petition was started by Sue Martin, who says she is "deeply concerned" about the council's draft local plan.

She said: "This park is not just a piece of land, it is home to our beloved dinosaur sculptures that attract hundreds of families all year round.

"These dinosaurs are loved by everyone who visits them and they form an integral part of our local community."

The campaigners are calling for Middlesbrough Council to look into alternative solutions to accommodate the traveller community that do not involve "disrupting the natural habitat" at the park or relocating the "cherished sculptures".

A "turbocharged" plan for the park was announced in 2021

In 2021, Middlesbrough's then-mayor, Andy Preston, unveiled plans to take the park to "the next level" with a £250,000 upgrade.

It was hoped the funding would help to increase footfall and position the park, which is adjacent to the River Tees on Riverside Road, as a centrepiece of river walking routes.

The sculptures have since received new paint jobs, while playground equipment, signage and a zipline have been installed.

Mr Preston said: "Most Middlesbrough residents feel that moving people onto this special site to live, whether that’s in caravans or posh flats, or anything, will damage its unique tranquillity and industrial beauty.

"I share their strong feelings."

Public consultation

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said its draft local plan sets out a policy for development in the town up to 2041.

He said: "The government requires councils to identify land for Gypsy and Traveller sites, with an assessment concluding that 14 additional pitches will be needed during that time."

If the plans are approved, he added, the public would still be able to access the sculptures on site or at "another park or open space".

Next week, the council's Executive will vote to approve the launch of a public consultation to give residents a say on the proposals.

The park was previously saved from extinction in 2014, when the council abandoned plans to sell the land.