Durham County Council has issued the following statement
Work continues to progress well despite recent heavy rain, cold weather and snow over the Christmas period. The slipped soil and debris from the landslip has been removed to allow works to start on the steadying of the fallen section of slope. Our contractor has begun to replace the existing weak soil and debris with better quality stone, which is less likely to slip.
When the weak material has been replaced by structural stone material, the next phase of works will be to cover the slope with soils held in place by a specialist ‘geotextile’ mesh. The slope will then be restored with a specially selected seed-mix of mixed grasses and wildflowers to encourage biodiversity. It will then be allowed to naturally re-seed with trees over time.
We are working hard to ensure the riverside path can be re-opened as soon as possible. However, we do ask for the public to continue to be patient and avoid closed footpaths which are still inaccessible.
With good progress towards the stabilisation of the slope, it is estimated that the works will be finished in Spring 2016; with further updates closer to the time. However, the works can still be very weather sensitive and subject to the unknown ground conditions.
For more information on the scheme please visit www.durham.gov.uk/pelawwoodlandslip
Many thanks
Steph Cribbs
Communications and marketing
Neighbourhood Services
Durham County Council
03000 268 157
07469 402 579
