Fury as Hastings Hill subway vandalised in middle of upgrade works

An eyesore subway between Grindon, Hastings Hill and Pennywell has been vandalised in the middle of upgrade works, sparking fury from the local community.

The Hastings Hill subway under the A183 (Chester Road) is being refurbished to provide a brighter, cleaner way to get between Grindon and Hastings Hill estates and the new ALDI supermarket on the former Dewhirst site at Pennywell.

But whist works aren't due to finish for another two or three weeks, the subway has already been hit by vandalism as rubbish has been dumped in the subway and set on fire, damaging newly painted masonry.

The attack has sparked fury from residents, and has led the local councillor for the area to demand an above-ground pedestrian crossing to replace the subway.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat councillor for Grindon and Hastings Hill Stephen O'Brien said:

"For years this subway has been notorious and I am delighted that upgrade works are finally in progress to make it brighter and lighter.

"Thankfully Sunderland Council are going to clean-up and re-paint the subway after this arson attack, but this just shows the problem with the subway which is too often full of rubbish and broken glass and is a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

"Other underpasses in the area have been bricked up and replaced with above-ground pedestrian crossings. It is about time we had a proper crossing so older and vulnerable people aren't forced into the subway to get to the shops or to catch the bus into town."