New measures have been introduced to ensure visitors can continue to safely enjoy Summerhill Country Park in Hartlepool.
The installation of metal barriers, mainly outside the visitor centre, aims to discourage motorised vehicles from accessing the 110-acre site.
Gary Allen, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community Based Services Committee, said: “Summerhill is a fantastic place and a real jewel in Hartlepool’s crown. We want to ensure that it stays that way.
“It has some great natural assets such as woodlands and wildlife-rich wetlands along with a range of excellent visitor attractions, including children’s play areas, a BMX track, a road cycling track, a boulder climbing park and a dedicated learn to cycle area for young children.
“We do, however, experience some problems with motorbikes, electric scooters and quad bikes being driven at speed around the site. People tell us that this can make them feel intimidated and unsafe. These works aim to address that and reassure visitors.”
Councillor Gary Allen with Claire McDonald, Senior Outreach Officer at Summerhill
The works are part of a wider plan to increase safety and improve the overall experience of visitors to Summerhill Country Park, and further measures to restrict unauthorised access are planned.
Meanwhile, visitors are also asked to only use one of four official entrances – Summerhill Lane, Dalton Piercy, Masefield Road and the walkway from Ward Jackson Park – when entering and leaving the site.