Hull: Revised plans to reopen East Park to cars to be considered by council

Under plans, the Holderness Road entrance to East Park would be open to traffic from dawn until dusk

Revised plans to reopen Hull's East Park to traffic are to be considered by councillors.

Under the latest plans, cars would be allowed on a 1148ft (350m) stretch of road from the main Holderness Road entrance to Woodford Leisure Centre.

In addition, there would be space for 74 vehicles to park on the road, inside the park, with a new car park providing an extra 46 spaces.

Hull City Council closed the gates to traffic in 2020.

The revised council plans for East Park

According to a report, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the Holderness Road gate would be opened from dawn until dusk.

However, in an apparent u-turn, the gates on James Reckitt Avenue would remain closed, except to those accessing the park's model boat club.

Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: "We have listened to our residents and those who have contributed to our consultation."

The consultation was held in December, with all 79 respondents opposed to opening the gates on James Reckitt Avenue.

A petition calling for East Park to be kept car-free was signed by 587 people.

Campaigners claimed allowing cars back into the park would pose a safety risk, including to children.

The park's gates were closed during the pandemic as part of efforts to improve safety for people exercising during lockdowns.

However, people living nearby objected because cars were being parked outside their homes.

A report to the council's East Area Committee states the slight loss of green space in the park would be outweighed by making the park more accessible, including with new paths.

The plans are due to go before the committee on Tuesday.