Good news for drivers as Bowes Street in Blyth set to reopen

Church Street and Wanley Street have also undergone a facelift as part of the £70m Energising Blyth Programme to grow, renew and improve connectivity across the town.

The roads have been made safer and more accessible with new paving, street furniture, wider footpaths, increased on-street parking and improved lighting. 

Bowes Street is also now better protected from flooding and the one-way system, west to east, has also been reintroduced to encourage safe and sustainable transport in the area.   

The west end of Bowes Street and Wanley Street continue to be constructed ahead of the overall scheme being completed in spring 2023.

Further street furniture, including planters, will be added throughout the three streets during this period prior to spring planting of new floral displays. Disruption is planned to be kept to a minimum, and access to each premises will be maintained throughout the works.

Councilor Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for business, said: “These street improvements are an important first step in delivering our ambitions to reinvigorate Blyth town centre making the area more welcoming and accessible for residents, visitors and businesses. 

“I would like to thank local businesses and residents for their patience as we have delivered the scheme and I’m pleased to see the road re-open prior to the Christmas trading period.” 

The project is being delivered by the Northumberland County Council and funded in partnership through the Government's Accelerated Towns Fund and Blyth Town Council. 

Alan Ferguson, Blyth Town Deal board chairman and owner of Fergusons Transport, said: “It's fantastic to see this project reach this important milestone with much bigger things to come over the next few years,

including culture, leisure, education and innovation projects which will continue to build Blyth’s first-class reputation as the place for clean growth industry.” 

Prior to Bowes Street reopening, residents, businesses and workers in Blyth are also being invited a drop-in event to find out more about the town’s regeneration plans.

This will take place in the Keel Row Shopping Centre between 10am and 2pm tomorrow.