Trouser-sploshing spots in Alnwick among areas identified for funding bid to fix roads and pavements

Northumberland County Council has earmarked an extra £15million for its 5,000km network of roads in this year’s draft budget.

Alnwick Town Council has welcomed the extra funding and submitted its suggestions for local schemes via Coun Gordon Castle before Monday’s deadline.

Coun Martin Harrington said: “The condition of the pavements in certain areas of Alnwick never seems to get any better.

“There are paving slabs on Fenkle Street and outside Boots and WH Smith where the water sploshes up your trousers which are a continuing problem.”

Coun Peter Broom added: “The footpaths generally are very poor. The high school route all the way from Wagonway Post Office down the hill to the junction and right along the main street is really bad.”

Coun Sue Allcroft repeated concerns about the disintegration of Denwick Lane between the war memorial and The Alnwick Garden.

Meanwhile, concerns about the lack of gritting at the Greenwell Lane car parks and the need for a grit bin at Towergate were also raised.

The new investment, split equally over the next two years, is on top of this year’s overall funding for roads, walking and cycling in the Local Transport Plan of £18.5million.

Coun Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services at Northumberland County Council, said: “We know how vital our road network is and maintaining and improving it is a year-round task.“Our more rural roads are key connections between towns and villages and also attract thousands of visitors and tourists to our beautiful county.

“Many of our pavements and footways are also in need of long term investment to improve their condition and make walking easier and safer for our residents.

“Our latest residents' surveys have shown the condition of these roads and paths is one of their main issues and we are responding to years of under funding. We’re determined to make improvements right across the county.”

The extra funding will go before full council in March and a detailed plan of works will be implemented.