Residents in Blyth have only a few days remaining to have their say on major active travel upgrades in the town centre. Northumberland County Council is working on proposals to create new pedestrian links between the new Bebside railway station and the town centre.
The local authority is also bringing forward proposals to improve Regent Street, making it more welcoming and accessible. Both schemes fall under the Energising Blyth umbrella - a £95 million package of regeneration schemes aimed at revitalising the port town.
The Bebside Active travel corridor aims to improve connections between Bebside Station and Blyth Town Centre by creating safer, more accessible and more attractive routes for walking, wheeling and cycling. The council say the proposals are intended to support everyday journeys, including access to jobs, schools, public transport and local services.
The walking and cycling scheme will be a 4km route to connect the new Northumberland Line to the town centre as well as key employment sites and residential areas in the north of Blyth. The proposals aim to provide wider footways and dedicated space for cycling, in a bid to make everyday journeys safer. Crossing points will be made safer and more visible, while local streets will benefit from better lighting, drainage and 'upgraded' public spaces.
The Regent Street improvements will introduce a new cycleway and footways to link with existing cycleways along Bridge Street, Market Place and the proposed Bebside route. The council say the proposals will upgrade access to the high street to make it easier to 'walk, wheel and cycle' to local businesses. It is also hoped the scheme will 'enhance the quality' of the shopping area to encourage more people to support local businesses.
Both schemes are being funded by central Government. The consultation has been running since mid-May, and will close on Sunday.
