RESIDENTS of an estate which is undergoing a multi-million pound revamp are to get an upgraded park.

The King George V Park is being given a new look as part of the £17m facelift for the Pennywell area of Sunderland.

The first phase of the scheme, which is costing £225,000, got under way in July and included the installation of perimeter gates to control vehicle and motorcycle access.

Brick walls were replaced with fencing to improve safety and visibility, paths were upgraded, and a grass parking area was also established.

The second phase of the scheme has got under way and will include the development of a cycle trail, an area for teenagers, and play areas.

The scheme is part of the seven-year revamp for the Pennywell, which is being funded by Sunderland City Council and the Single Regeneration Budget.

Karon Purvis, Single Regeneration Budget III coordinator, said: "The project is what the community needs.

"An outdoor recreational facility will give the community something it has been lacking.

"The site will be more secure, and problems such as vandalism will be eased by this development.

"The community has been consulted at all stages of this project and it has been designed to give the community exactly what it wants."