Parish council calls for police speed checks in Northumberland community

Concerns about the speed of traffic passing through Middleton have repeatedly been raised by Belford Parish Council.

Its request to Northumberland County Council for the 60mph speed limit there to be lowered has been refused because there are not enough properties, although ‘slow’ signs have recently been painted on the road.

"They haven’t made any difference,” said Cllr Kerry Noble.

“As I was cycling through Middleton there were three vehicles heading southwards and they must have been doing 70mph at least and not one of them paid any attention to those ‘slow’ signs. They’re absolutely useless in terms of what we are trying to do.”

Cllr Julian Cunningham suggested approaching Northumbria Police to ask them to carry out speed checks.

"The police are keen to get out and do more of that sort of thing so we can write to them,” agreed chairman, Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson. “They have stopped there in the past when prompted so we could certainly ask.”

Cllr Steve White said the problem is that any police presence would immediately be put on social media.

"But even if they turned up for the odd half hour they might be able to catch a couple,” said Cllr Cunningham.

Cllr Noble added: “We have to do something.”

It was also agreed to send a revised letter to Northumberland County Council.

It was reported that resurfacing works are due to take place on the Cragmill road near the railway line from May 4.

The £60,000 scheme is included in Northumberland County Council’s Local Transport Plan for 2021/22.

Cllr Renner-Thompson said the council was still awaiting delivery of a new electronic speed warning sign to be installed on West Street near the primary school.

Meanwhile, Cllr White noted some issues at the play park with chains being wrapped around the swing supports.

Thanks were expressed to MP Fencing for repairing the play park fence free of charge. Damage to the nets was also raised and it was agreed to contact the county council to see if it has any further information about the issue.

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