Notorious rat run through Bishopwearmouth cemetery to be blocked

Lib Dem councillors are celebrating victory after the city council finally agreed to prevent Bishopwearmouth cemetery being used as a through route between Chester and Hylton Roads.

Pallion and Ford Estate's Lib Dem councillors Colin Nicholson and George Smith have been campaigning for years to block the road through the cemetery being used by drivers to cut through between Hylton and Chester Roads.

Despite 'no through road' signs being present at each entrance to Bishopwearmouth Cemetery, the road has been fully accessible and used by speeding drivers as a short cut for many years.

Now Sunderland Council's Bereavement Services department will block access between Hylton and Chester Roads through the cemetery, as used to be the case several years ago.

Commenting, Pallion and Ford Councillor George Smith said:

"Blocking the road through the cemetery is long overdue - preventing it being used as a rat run by inconsiderate drivers, whilst maintaining access for mourners and funeral parties.

"The cemetery should be a peaceful place for people to mourn and pay respects to departed loved ones - but for years this has been disturbed by cars racing through to avoid the traffic lights on Chester Road and Hylton Road.

"It is fantastic news that the Council has finally listened and acted to make sure Bishopwearmouth remains a peaceful place where mourners and have the chance to grieve and pay their respects in peace."