Major works to repair a landslip at a popular Durham City beauty spot are to begin this week.
Durham County Council has been carrying out detailed investigations into the slip at Pelaw Woods since the damage occurred following a period of bad weather in 2013. These investigations needed to be carried out over a period of time to allow ongoing assessment of any further movement in the land. With plans now finalised the council will start preparing the site from this week with the project itself getting underway later in the month.
As well as paths running through the site, some roads and paths in the surrounding area will also need to be closed periodically while the preparation and works are carried out however access will be maintained for businesses and residents at all time. Signs will be up around the site to keep walkers and cyclists informed and more information can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/pelawwoodlandslip
To ensure they are effective, the repairs will need to be carried out on one small area of the land at a time before moving onto the next to minimise the risk of another slip. Works will involve removing the slipped material before a slope will be built up using a more stable type of stone. The stone will be covered in top soil where vegetation will be allowed to re-grow before wildflower seeds will be planted. New trees have been specifically chosen to best secure the slope and they will eventually grow and blend in with the surrounding area.
Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “Pelaw Woods is one of the many beautiful areas that make Durham City so special and we’re delighted to be able to move forward with repairs that will allow residents and visitors to enjoy it for years to come. We appreciate the public’s patience while we carry out this vital work.”
It is hoped that the works will be completed in summer 2016, however the repair timeframe for the work needed is dependent on the weather.