Pressure builds in fight to make junction safer

The accident record at New Moor House Crossroads is in the spotlight after a car ploughed into the Wyld family’s home at the site in January.

In the wake of the crash, Northumberland County Council agreed to a series of measures, such as improving the existing road markings.

But the Wylds criticised the plans, believing they don’t go far enough, and want to see stop signage and rumble strips at the junction, where the B6341 road from Alnwick to Rothbury meets the A697.

The crossroads are in the boundary of Edlingham Parish Council and the group has discussed the issue. After the council’s recent meeting, chairman Chris Blythe said: “The council hasn’t got much jurisdiction over the A697, but we have expressed our opinion, via county councillor Kate Cairns, of what we think would be good measures. This includes rumble strips coming down the hill from Rothbury. A flashing sign has been discussed, but we aren’t in the position to provide that. The stretch from Morpeth to Wooler is renowned for accident blackspots and that particular junction is worse than anywhere to be honest. We hope we can put on enough pressure to put some relief measures in place.”

Coun Cairns said she will continue to raise the issue, but said a stop sign and rumble strips have previously been ruled out by county officers.