Traffic calming options explored in bid to curb speeding in Northumberland village

Drivers were clocked speeding at over 50mph through the village’s 30mph zone when a survey was carried out last summer.

Northumberland County Council officers are looking at a replacement for the crumbling rumble strips at the entrances to the village.

Paul Jones, head of local services, said: “The design team are currently looking at alternative, more permanent, options for the rumble strips.”

Further discussions are planned before Bamburgh Parish Council is approached with a proposal.

Mr Jones, in a letter to the council, said: “Having looked at the speed survey data there is certainly scope for additional enforcement activity from the police.

“I am mindful that any physical speed calming measures will need careful consideration given the conservation status nature of the area and also the requirements of farm traffic and that this is a diversion route for the A1.

“In order to have a constructive meeting with Bamburgh Parish Council we need to have an internal discussion with colleagues at the AONB and also with Northumbria Police regarding speed survey data.

“We can then go back to the parish and agree appropriate next steps forward.”

However, the delay in tackling the problem continues to frustrate parish councillors.

Vice chairman Coun Andy Bardgett: “The parish council has raised the problem for years and years but there have been pathetic attempts at solving the problems.

“The rumble strips have just fallen apart, the markings they put on are a token gesture. It just seems to be a lack of will to do something constructive about this.

“They must recognise that there is a speeding issue. The speeding survey was done in August and it’s now January. Having seen the results, I would have hoped someone would have jumped on it and said ‘there’s a problem and we need to do something quickly’.”

Bamburgh ward county councillor Guy Renner-Thompson responded: “I don’t think it’s a lack of will. It’s just a very complicated situation. The conservation team, AONB and highways have been round this many times. One says you can do something, the other says you can’t. We need to be patient.”