Bus station study under way, Cobbles update and other news from Alnwick Forum

The study aims to establish how Alnwick bus station and the surrounding area can be improved as a key gateway into the town.

Alnwick Town Council has previously called for the study to look into as many options as possible.

The update was given by Alnwick Town Council projects officer Tim Kirton in a report of a meeting of The Alnwick Forum last week.

He also revealed that the design team at Northumberland County Council will meet with Alnwick Town Council next week to discuss options for the Cobbles area.

Town councillors were told that asbestos removal from the buildings at the former Lindisfarne Middle School site will begin in March.

Coun Martin Swinbank raised the need to decide the future of the green space at the site which is currently not open to the public.

The recently refurbished Alnwick Playhouse was widely praised by Forum members.

Coun Swinbank enquired about the possibility of providing a cycle rack and disabled parking outside the venue.

Northumberland County Council reported that it is carrying out a review of its property portfolio in Alnwick town centre.

Additional double yellow lines have been provided outside The Chocolate Spa on Fenkle Street.

Mr Kirton also reported that the double yellow lines at bottom of Narrowgate will be curved up Fenkle Street.

Further solutions are being investigated for the bottom of Narrowgate to create a more effective boundary at this point as the present small planters have been moved about a number of times.

He added that A3 sized ‘banners’ are being prepared for Narrowgate to explain the pedestrianisation trial.

A meeting has also taken place to discuss a potential community-led housing project for Alnwick.

Representatives from Gallery Youth, Community Action Northumberland, Alnwick Partnership and Alnwick Town Council attended.

It was agreed to update the 2016 Alnwick housing needs survey and work to identify potential sites and funding for either new-build or the adaptation of existing premises.