Residents in a Northumberland town have expressed mixed feelings about a multi-million pound cycle route currently under construction. The cycle lane, costing approximately £9 million, aims to provide a safe connection between Hexham and Corbridge.
Work underway on A695
Construction is ongoing on the Hexham side of the scheme, with the cycle path being built alongside the A695, taking up part of the existing road. The road is being significantly narrowed, leading to plans to reduce the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph. Traffic lights will also be installed at the Dilston Bridge choke point to allow cars to pass safely.
Controversy on social media
The scheme has sparked controversy. A post on the popular Hexham Matters Facebook page criticizing the plans garnered hundreds of negative comments before being deleted. However, opinions on the streets of Hexham were more varied.
Local resident concerns
Raymond Bewick, who lives near the route, said: "I know it's Government funded, but I think they could have spent it on something more important. I live near it and I see a lot of traffic along to Corbridge. It's very rare that you see bikes going along there – that could improve. I don't think they have kept us informed enough. A lot of it has been out of the blue, without any information. I think if they had kept us better informed, people might be more positive."
Ken Robinson added: "I think it's overpriced, and I think it's frustrating that the road was so wide anyway. I don't think there was a real danger to cyclists. Because of how narrow the road is now, if there's a couple of wagons or buses passing, it's going to be close. I think there's more risk to every road user now than there was before."
Council defends scheme
The council stated that safety assessments had been carried out and that it was working to national standards applied by central Government. Councillor Nick Oliver, a cabinet member and local ward member for Corbridge, has been a major proponent of the scheme. Responding to comments about a lack of information, he said: "There have been consultation events held in Corbridge and Hexham that were pretty well publicised, both on social media and in the newspaper. There has also been a lot of engagement with residents. I understand some people will have missed that, but it is impossible to consult with everybody. The council has made a genuine effort; we also consulted with Hexham Town Council and Corbridge Parish Council. I think there has been every effort made."
Positive reactions from newcomers
Eleni Michael, who recently moved from Norfolk, was far more positive. She said: "I think there should be more cycle lanes. I think there should be less driving; we should use the buses more too. It's very healthy and with Hexham, everything is within easy reach. It's good for the environment. I'm from Norfolk and all the front gardens there are given up to parking for cars. The more people cycle, the better. This area is good for transport. I don't drive, so I'm all for better public transport. I lived on the Norfolk Broads and we were losing more and more bus routes – to get the train I had to get two buses."
Andy Davison, also a recent arrival, was supportive. He said: "I'm all for giving cyclists the option. It's a very green way to travel. Looking at things in general, I think this stuff about oil and coal being a good option is ridiculous – we need clean energy and I don't see the problem. My dog is very reactive to bikes; she gets pretty scared when they ride at speed through the centre of town, but the adults that I have met tend to cycle more slowly or push their bikes, so I'm all in favour of giving them the option."
