ACCESS: Action has been taken

It’s always good to get feedback and I appreciate him taking the time to write, although it was not necessary.

Secondly, I would like to thank staff and officers at Northumberland County Council for helping me to address concerns regarding accessibility in parts of Alnwick town centre.

In a letter I wrote to Northumberland County Council and Alnwick Town Council, which I made public in the Northumberland Gazette before Christmas, I voiced the concerns several residents had mentioned to me about town centre accessibility, including the need for the dropped kerb opposite Iceland, directly outside Skirrow Insurance, to have a Keep Clear sign painted on the road, as per the other side of the street.

This was causing numerous problems, mainly with cars parking and obstructing the dropped kerb, which was causing untold difficulties and hardship for anyone with slight mobility issues, wheelchair users, those with visual impairments and various other disabilities.

I’m pleased to say that after the letter was received by staff in the street works and highways departments at Northumberland County Council, the work was finally done last week, which I know will please many residents who have notified me of this many times over the past few months.

Thanks to the staff and officers in the relevant departments for taking action, and thanks again to those residents who continue to raise their concerns and issues with me through social media, emails, on the phone, or in person.

Just drop me a line at [email protected] or call in on any Saturday morning to see the Alnwick Labour team in the Market Place/town centre, where we will be holding regular open street stalls and surgeries.

Thanks again.

James Matthewson,

Chairman, Alnwick Labour Party