And it’s not just the roads, either
Gordon Castle in Fenkle Street.
Work will begin next spring to replace Alnwick town centre’s ‘patchwork quilt’ road surfaces with a new uniform covering.
The county council’s highways department had been due to begin operations in November, following pressure from local councillor Gordon Castle.
But after discussions with traders, who were concerned about the impact of the works during the crucial pre-Christmas period, it has now been agreed to delay the start date until April 8.
In keeping with the town’s Conservation Area status, the new surface will be in Biddlestone red asphalt, which has been agreed with officers even though it is the more expensive option.
And utilities companies will be required to use the same material whenever they dig up the roads in future.
The first phase of works will include Bondgate Within, Narrowgate, Fenkle Street and Lagny Street.
Coun Castle said: “Following representations from traders, it has been agreed to hold off the start of the project until April.
“On balance, this is a better deal than starting in November, as work would have to halt for Christmas anyway and it means that everything will be done at once with the least amount of disruption to traders and road-users. I think it’s an improvement on carrying out works piecemeal.
“It is also much better from a financial perspective to get all the work done at once.”
Coun Castle said he would endeavour to limit the closure of the Bondgate Tower to no more than four days, to minimise traffic delays.
The next phase of works will include Lower Barresdale, Queen Street and part of Hope House Lane. Resurfacing of Clayport and Chapel Lands, together with some other smaller schemes, will be undertaken in the following year.
Coun Castle has also won approval for improvements to the Shilbottle road exit from the new Hog’s Head Inn and filling station.
He is also calling for a proper reinstatement of the road surface beneath the A1 underpass linking the Willowburn roundabout with the A1 southbound.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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