Community to help name city footbridge

Residents will get to choose the name of city's multimillion-pound footbridge set to open this year.

The structure will link Keel Square with the Sheepfolds and the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

The city council said community groups would feed into a list of possible names which will then be put out to a public vote.

Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of the local authority, said people were already proud of the bridge.

"The footbridge is one of those developments that, as it's gone from vision to a reality, has captured the interest and imagination of local people," he said.

"From speaking to residents, it's clear there is an enormous sense of pride about this bridge already, and so it's important that they have a chance to select a name that really connects with them."

About £31m is being spent on the bridge which is hoped to alleviate pressure on the nearby Wearmouth Bridge on matchdays.

Last month the strand jacks used to lift the central section of the structure were removed and work to install the bridge deck is set to begin.

Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].