'˜We want white line back after failed trial'

The white lines on the road from Beadnell to Seahouses should be reinstated '“ that's the view of North Sunderland Parish Council.
The entrance to Seahouses from the south, on King Street, before the lines were removed.The entrance to Seahouses from the south, on King Street, before the lines were removed.
The entrance to Seahouses from the south, on King Street, before the lines were removed.

Earlier this year, the B1340 was resurfaced from Beadnell to the roundabout where King Street meets Main Street in Seahouses.

Before the white lines were repainted, parish councillors agreed to try something different in a bid to tackle speeding on the southern entrance to the village.

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Following a suggestion by county councillor John Woodman, at the June meeting, a majority of councillors voted to back a six-month trial of no central white line plus advisory cycle lanes on King Street. The idea is that it forces motorists to drive more cautiously.

However, the cycle lanes have never materialised and there is no central white line on the entire stretch to Beadnell, sparking calls for it to be repainted ‘for safety reasons’ now that the six months are up.

Coun Tom Orrin said: “I don’t think it seems to be working.”

Coun David Fordy added: “There’s been one or two crashes as well.”

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Coun David Donaldson said: “I have had representations from some elderly people who have found it difficult driving at night without the white lines.”

Coun Mick McCarthy described the situation as ‘disappointing’, given that the trial had been ‘a complete failure’.

Coun Orrin said: “I haven’t met anyone who has a good opinion of it.” But Coun McCarthy responded: “That’s because it was never implemented as we hoped.”

Coun Woodman explained that the county council is in the middle of a safety audit of the road between Beadnell and Seahouses, involving speed tests and an independent person taking a look at the stretch. He suggested waiting to see what recommendations were made, although he did also say that the county council would likely take a steer from the parish council as to the next steps.