Boggy and icy footpath in Cramlington popular for dog walking will be resurfaced

The path in Barns Park is used frequently by dog walkers but is known to regularly flood, particularly in winter.

Colder conditions make the problem even worse as the path is known to ice over, making it virtually impassable.

The work is being funded by Northumberland County Council along with a contribution from the small member’s schemes fund of local ward councillor Mark Swinburn. Cllr Swinburn said he expected the work to start in the coming days.

He said: “When the estate next to Barns Park was built, there was some gravel path laid down through the green area. Over the last forty years it has been well-used by dog walkers, but the gravel has washed away.

“It becomes really boggy in the winter, and in cold weather it ices over and you cannot use the paths. Residents have been asking us to sort them out.

“It’s a nice walk, I go regularly with my dogs, but not when the mud and water goes over the top of your boots.”

Cllr Swinburn continued: “The paths in the park that are not currently tarmac surfaced will be resurfaced with a 20mm dust mix whinstone aggregate, rolled and compacted to a firm level surface.

“Prior to the new surface being laid, the paths will be scraped clean of the built-up vegetation and soils back to the original width and to the firm stone base.

“It is hoped that this work can start in the week commencing September 4, or soon after.”