In March 2005, Gateshead Council took action to close the riverside area at Saltmeadows to the public after the surprise discovery of high levels of contamination within the soil.

Samples originally taken as part of a soil study by Newcastle University as part of a study into the possible contamination by dioxins from the former Byker incinerator showed unexpected contamination of the riverside site. A lengthy and more detailed examination of the whole site was then ordered which showed significant levels of dioxins across the site, and very high readings in some areas.

In the interests of public safety, Gateshead Council urged the public to stay off the Saltmeadows Riverside site, not to touch any exposed soil or riverside mud there, and not to fish from the riverside. Footpaths across the site were closed and the Keelman’s Way cycle route which also crosses the site was temporarily diverted.

March 18th 2009
Re-opening of Keelmans way - NCN 14
at Saltmeadows Riverside - Gateshead

Councillor Michael McNestry, Cabinet member for the Environment, waves though
cyclists from Bill Quay primary School and Sustrans Volunteer Rangers on the
newly re-opened Keelman’s Way NCN 14 through Saltmeadow Riverside.

Press Release by Gateshead Council

A £2m scheme to restore an area of heavily- contaminated riverside land and return it to public use has been completed. Specialist contractors completed a difficult and lengthy reclamation programme at Saltmeadows Riverside earlier this month.
Now, the popular riverside picnic area has re-opened to the public and the previously-diverted Keelman’s Way - a long distance cycleway which is part of the national cycle network - has reverted to its original, but much improved, riverside path.

Saltmeadows Riverside was closed to the public by Gateshead Council in 2005 after serious contamination was discovered on the site.

It is understood that the contamination may have been caused by chemical industries dating back to the Victorian era. It is known that the area was formerly the site of the Alhusen Alkali Works, which was operating in the 1890’s and closed in 1924, though it was not suspected that the works could have been depositing dioxins into the site during this time.

The area was derelict for many years before being reclaimed by the former Tyne and Wear County Council in the 1970’s. It transferred into the ownership of Gateshead Council on the dissolution of Tyne and Wear County Council in 1985.

This week’s re-opening - by Councillor Michael McNestry, Cabinet member responsible for the Environment, was accompanied by children from nearby Bill Quay Primary School and by Sustrans Representatives and Volunteer Rangers - also offers people their first glimpse in four years of Gateshead’s unique Kittiwake Tower, which provides a home to around 100 nesting pairs of Kittiwakes and which is believed to be the UK’s only aerial Local Nature Reserve.

10 year old Bill Quay Primary School pupil Victoria Rose has the honour of
officially re-opening the Keelman’s Way - NCN 14 at Saltmeadows Riverside.

The last 18 months have seen small areas of heavily-contaminated soil removed and other areas rendered safe to the public by sealing in the contaminated soil under a deep layers of clean soil and grass.

The car park and other access routes - the Keelman’s Way national cycle route - have also been completely tarmaced to lock contaminated soil underground and a completely new drainage system ensures that contaminated soil will not wash out of the ground.

Access to some areas of the Riverside - mostly steep, heavily wooded areas which are not be easily accessible to the public - have had their access further restricted by fencing and hedges.

Councillor Michael McNestry, Gateshead’s Cabinet member responsible for the Environment, says: “This is a great day, and its been a long time coming.”

Children from Bill Quay Primary School enjoy the
re-opened Keelman’s Way at Saltmedows Riverside

“In recent years, the Saltmeadows Riverside has been a popular place for local people to visit, to walk their dogs and to fish from, so we knew that by closing it we would affect a lot of people. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a choice.

“This week’s re-opening of the riverside, and the completion of this long and difficult reclamation scheme, means that local people can once more take full advantage of this delightful urban oasis.

“The reclamation scheme we have carried out conforms to the latest best practice. It’s actually very simple - we have completely sealed in the contamination where it can do no harm, and by simply restricting access to other areas we can prevent people from getting contaminated soil on their shoes which they then walk into their homes.

“Fortunately, the type of contamination we have had to deal with at Saltmeadows Riverside is only a potential risk to public health if it is ingested through the mouth - so putting the contamination beyond human reach is enough to render the area safe.”

He added: “This has been a popular riverside area for some time, and I am delighted that we are at last re-opening it to the public.”

It is understood that the contamination may have been caused by chemical industries dating back to the Victorian era. It is known that the area was formerly the site of the Alhusen Alkali Works, which was operating in the 1890’s and closed in 1924, though it was not suspected that the works could have been depositing dioxins into the site during this time.

The area was derelict for many years before being reclaimed by the former Tyne and Wear County Council in the 1970’s. It transferred into the ownership of Gateshead Council on the dissolution of Tyne and Wear County Council in 1985.

The site and the cycleway was officially re-opened by Councillor Michael McNestry, Cabinet member responsible for the Environment, on Wednesday 18 March at 10.30am.