Calls for more safety measures at 'scary' road junction in rural Northumberland

Beadnell Parish Council wants more done to improve the safety of motorists at the Swinhoe crossroads on the B1340.

Cllr John Rhind said: “The Swinhoe crossroads are extremely scary. I feel this is an area where something will happen soon. It’s a very difficult crossroads.”

The parish council has included it in its list of submissions to Northumberland County Council for potential inclusion in the Local Transport Plan (LTP) for 2021/22.

However, chairman Cllr Alison Nation, noting that the request was turned down last year, added: “They have said improvements have been carried out in recent years and there have been no recent accidents.”

The parish council has also asked for the creation of a path linking St Ebba’s Way to the rest of the village.

“It’s very much cut off so we would like to explore ways of connecting it to the rest of the village,” said Cllr Nation. “Perhaps it’s something we could work with Northumberland Estates on?

"If you live at St Ebba’s Way you have to walk half a mile down to Benthall and another half mile to the village.”

The parish council would also like a regular grass-cutting along the side of the B1340 to make it easier for walkers.

"We have asked several times for the footpath there but keep getting knocked back because it’s too expensive,” explained Cllr Nation. "This would be a natural footpath to aid walkers.”

Meanwhile, the parish council has objected to revised plans by Northumberland Estates for nine homes on a greenfield site off Swinhoe Road, at the southern end of the village. The developer has since submitted further amendments.

There were no objections by parish councillors to a proposed single storey extension including a first floor bedroom balcony at Dunes Court.

There had been a further case of damage to signs at the play park which has been reported to the police.

The council has appealed for photographs capturing the charm and character of the area for its website. Please email them to [email protected]

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