Spring taken out of the step for Brooke Park users

The Council says it has no choice but to block off the famous leafy avenue running down the North East of the park from Rosemount Avenue to Christ Church in order to allow for the completion of ongoing improvement works.

A spokesperson from Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: “Council really appreciate the public’s support to date and trust in their continued co-operation in the final stages of what is a major capital parks development project for the city.

“To date we have successfully managed to maintain an access route through the park over the past year.

“However, at this advanced stage of works and in order to commence the installation of essential utilities such as a gas main, ongoing work to gated entrances, contractor demobilisation, commissioning of new buildings and allowing for the establishment of the planted/grassed areas, the closure of the park is essential.

“This planned closure will be necessary to ensure the successful completion of the regeneration project within programme whilst maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for the public.

“Council would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and we look forward to the unveiling of what will be a beautiful new civic amenity which will benefit people from across the city and beyond.”

The planned closure of the pedestrian access will come into effect from February 1, until the park is reopened in early summer 2016.

Regular park users are being asked to use alternative routes external to the park to accommodate ongoing construction works.

The reopening of Brooke Park for public use is anticipated towards the end of May. However, the public are advised that this anticipated date is subject to weather conditions, given that the restored parkland will need a period of good weather to become fully established.