Park bridge repairs to start as closures remain

1 hour ago

Evie LakeNorth East and Cumbria

News image — The crossing at Coleman's Field has been closed for more than two years

Jacki Holmes Grey fencing with a red, yellow and blue sign surrounds the Coleman's Field bridge. The bridge itself is hard to make out but there is silver metal scaffolding on both sides of it. The grass and the leaves on the path are covered in frost. There are scatterings of leaves on the ground. There are trees behind the bridge, most with no leaves. — The crossing at Coleman's Field has been closed for more than two years

A council has said it aims to start repair work on a long-closed city park bridge later this year.

Three of the 15 bridges in Jesmond Dene, in Newcastle, were closed over safety concerns.

While bridges at Cherry Tree Walk and Dene Terrace closed in early 2025, the crossing at Coleman's Field was closed in early 2024.

Cabinet member for local services and neighbourhoods at Newcastle City Council, Peter Lovatt, said he hoped repair work to the Coleman's Field bridge would begin soon, but work was ongoing to assess "the best options" for the other two closed bridges.

Friends of Jesmond Dene treasurer Jacki Holmes said in December 2025 the multiple closures were causing disruption for park users.

Newcastle City Council A metal gate is blocking the entrance of the wooden bridge at Cherry Tree Walk in Jesmond Dene. A red sign reading FOOTPATH CLOSED AHEAD is place behind the gate, where the narrow wooden footbridge begins. The structure is surrounded by trees and shrubs. — The Cherry Tree Walk footbridge was closed in early 2025

Lovatt, a Liberal Democrat councillor, said the repairs to Coleman's Field bridge were being covered by the council's £1.4m investment in Newcastle's parks.

"Officers are aiming to start work later this year once the necessary agreements have been secured with partner agencies and options secured," he said.

"Work remains ongoing to assess the best options for the other two closed bridges in the Dene, which is being considered as part of our overall citywide investment."

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