MAJOR works to remedy a landslip at a popular beauty spot will begin this week.

Durham County Council has been investigating the ground at Pelaw Woods, near the River Wear in Durham City, since bad weather caused a slip in early 2013 and since when diversions have been in place.

A spokesman said the investigation had to be carried out over “a period of time” to “allow ongoing assessment of any further movement in the land”.

Plans have now been agreed and the council will start preparing the site this week, ahead of the project commencing later this month.

Some roads and paths in the area will be closed during the work. Signs will be erected and full details are at durham.gov.uk/pelawwoodlandslip

A stone slope will be built, covered in top soil and planted with vegetation and wildflowers. New trees will also be planted.

Councillor Neil Foster, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “Pelaw Woods is one of the many beautiful areas that make Durham City so special and we’re delighted to be able to move forward with repairs that will allow residents and visitors to enjoy it for years to come.

“We appreciate the public’s patience while we carry out this vital work.”

The work should be completed next summer, weather permitting.

The original landslip started around Christmas 2012/13 when some trees started to move, with the full landslip occurring in May 2013 during poor weather.

At this point the path which runs along the edge of the Wear was blocked and closed to the public.

As part of a detailed investigation into the cause of the landslip, boreholes have been drilled and a ground investigation held.

Geo-technical engineering specialists were brought in to design a scheme to stabilise the slope.