THE cold snap has led to the closure of one of the main approaches to a North-East council headquarters.

Public access to Sunderland Civic Centre is restricted until further notice after paving tiles became loose on the steps and ramps on the approach to the 35-year-old building from Burdon Road.

It will leave only narrow access from the Burdon Road area, and temporarily prevents wheelchair access from that side of the building.

Civic centre manager Trevor Stavers said: "The severity of the weather has made many of the tiles in the around the civic centre unstable underfoot and for the safety of the general public we have no further course but to close the steps until further notice."

Pedestrians are asked to use the remaining narrow access on the steps or the Park Lane entrance to the main doors of the centre, approaching from the Metro interchange, Cowan Terrace and Stockton Road.

Wheelchair users should use Park Lane entrance to the main centre doors.

Motorists using all levels of the civic centre car park can also make their way to the Park Lane entrance.

Visitors arriving at the reception point for weddings, the Registrar's office, or the civic suite, will not be affected. Steps at St George's House and near the gatehouse at the top of Burdon Road will be open as usual.