TRAFFIC calming plans for an Alnwick street have been abandoned, sparking fury from residents who say the road layout is an accident waiting to happen.
Joan Moses, who lives at Highfield Park, was alarmed to receive a letter from Northumberland County Council saying that speed bumps and chicanes lined up for Weavers Way would not be going ahead.
It was back in June 2006 that residents expressed gra
ve concerns over local road safety during an application by the Duke of Northumberland's Estates to create a sports complex at neighbouring Greensfield.
The Estates suggested any development could be preceded by traffic calming, which was turned into a condition by councillors who agreed the scheme.
As of yet, no development has taken place on the site, and funding is still being sought.
County highways still brought forward a calming scheme, but it has now been axed after 36 objections were received from householders.
Mrs Moses said: "This was deemed as a 'significant' number and the traffic calming will now not be implemented.
"These plans were initially, as I recall, agreed at Alnwick District Council planning meetings, with regard to the development of a new sports facility at Greensfield.
"It was agreed that traffic calming would need to be introduced prior to any work starting on the development.
"We only have one solitary sign, 20mph signalling a bend, and this applies to only one direction.
"It can only be an accident waiting to happen, the way cars come tearing up and down that stretch of road.
"People from Highfield Park, Farriers Court, Fullers Walk and Arkle Court will just have to take their chances when trying to leave their estates."
A Northumberland County Council spokesperson said: "When traffic calming measures are proposed in residential areas the county council gives the local community the opportunity to share their opinions.
"Traffic calming measures, such as those proposed for Weaver's Way in Alnwick, must have the support of a high proportion of local residents before being installed.
"In this case there were a large number of objections from the community meaning that the physical traffic calming measures will not be installed.
"In response to comments from residents an additional warning sign and road markings are to be introduced."
She added: "If concerns continue to be raised by the community in future, then the county council would be willing to look again at the proposal for traffic calming measures."
Barry Spall, for Northumberland Estates, said: "Traffic issues were identified before our application was made, and these measures were taken forward by residents with the county council.
"We would be happy to be involved in any future consultation process, should another traffic calming scheme come forward."
