A PRUDHOE park is now more accessible than ever after a new path was created around its perimeter for the first time. 

Eastwoods Park, on the eastern side of Prudhoe, was originally known as the West Wylam Welfare and is more than 100 years old. 

The park, a regular Green Flag Award winner, is a popular local attraction, with a play area, football pitches, tennis court and pavilions. 

A new path has been made circling the park, meaning those with mobility issues or prams can now access the entire area. 

The work, costing around £150,000, was funded by Northumberland County Council and Thompsons of Prudhoe supported the project. 

It’s one of various park improvements including new woodland walks and tree planting schemes approved last year to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

More than 1,000 residents shared ideas on how to celebrate the Queen when the council launched a consultation following her death.

The council chose to reflect her love of the outdoors and countryside, setting aside £370,000 for town projects across Northumberland. 

The official opening of the path saw Council Leader Glen Sanderson joined by local member Cllr Gordon Stewart, local dog walkers and representatives from Prudhoe Town Council, Friends of Eastwoods Park, Prudhoe Plodders running group, Prudhoe Youth Club FC, the County Council’s Family Hubs, My Little Kingdom Children's Nursery and officers from the County Council’s Countryside and Green Spaces team. 

Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “We all felt the shock and sadness of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and I was moved by the huge response we got to our appeal for memorial suggestions. 

“We were delighted to agree on a range of memorial projects such as this one, which Councillor Stewart lobbied for, to give people the opportunity to reflect and remember while enjoying the health benefits of the great outdoors.” 

Prudhoe South County Councillor Gordon Stewart said: “This investment has already had a major and positive impact on the users of the park allowing more people to enjoy the facilities. A range of improvements over the last few years has transformed the area into an award-winning and much-loved park, not just for local people but visitors, and there is more to come. 

“This is a fine example of how councils and the community can work closely together to provide what the community wants and needs.”