Call for more pedestrian crossings in Alnwick town centre as council puts forward wish list

They also want a 20mph speed limit to be introduced across an expanded area of the town and a footpath created on the bridle way between the rugby club and Duchess’s Community High School.

The three suggestions have been put forward by Alnwick Town Council for potential inclusion in Northumberland County Council’s Local Transport Plan for 2021/22.

Cllr Martin Swinbank said the aim was to try and make the town safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

"We’d like additional pedestrian crossing points to be provided on Bondgate Within,” he said. “Within the cobbles area there are three or four informal footways but when you get to the edge of the cobbles actually crossing the main road is difficult.”

As well as the town centre, a 20mph zone could include the section of South Road between Barter Books and The Oaks, Wagonway Road, Prudhoe Street and Lisburn Street.

However, the section from the A1 roundabout to the Sainsbury roundabout which had previously been mooted for inclusion has now been ruled out.

“We want extra protection on routes used by school children,” explained Cllr Swinbank. “We’ve also had extensive representations from residents of Prudhoe Street, Lisburn Street and Green Batt who are in favour of a 20mph limit.

"The town centre is included in a temporary 20mph zone but we would like that extended, including on to housing estates.”

Councillors were told that plans to provide a crossing near the Co-op on Victoria Road and create a footpath between the football club and rugby club are still scheduled for this financial year.

"We’d like to see that footpath extended,” said Cllr Swinbank. “There’s a bridleway runs from the St James’ roundabout towards the entrance of the Duchess’s Community High School. Lots of students use it. Over the summer it’s not too bad but in winter it’s a muddy track and there’s a ditch which is usually dry but can fill with water.”

Calls for the resurfacing of the footways on Alnmouth Road were also considered but it was felt alternative funding could be secured.

Cllr Gordon Castle, local ward member on Northumberland County Council, suggested his small schemes funding pot could be used towards the work.

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