Row over East Park gates reopening plans continue as blows…

Reopening East Park's gates will see disabled people having to leave their cars further away from its cafe, a councillor has claimed while plans have been defended for improving access. Attention turned to the issue of disabled access to East Park as councillors debated the issue on Friday after approval of the plans was called in. Opposition Labour's Cllr Jessica Raspin, of Southcoates ward near the park, said putting disabled parking further away from its current location undermined the case for improving access. A spokesperson for the ruling Liberal Democrats on Hull City Council said they had worked with local people to draw up plans that would help the disabled and accused Labour of playing political games. It follows the signing off of the decision to reopen the gates in March. READ MORE: Plea to stop East Park gates reopening to be heard this week amid 'opportunist' claims Last-ditch effort to stop East Park gates reopening branded attempt to dodge 'practical solution' The approved plans would see cars allowed onto a 350m stretch of road between the entrances off Holderness Road and to Woodford Leisure Centre. Up to 70 spaces would be available for parallel parking on the road and a new car park would also be created. There would also be improved pedestrian crossing facilities installed and works to protect the park from potential terrorist attacks. The gates on James Reckitt Avenue will remain closed except to members of the park's model boat club following changes made to earlier versions of the plans after consultation. A map showing the plans to let traffic into East Park (Image: Hull City Council) The plans were drawn up to reopen the gates, closed in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic when Labour ran the council, following a complaint over disabled access. A campaign to stop the reopening has since been launched with those opposed raising concerns over public
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