‘will be a nightmare’

COMMUNITY’S ANGER OVER ‘LACK OF CONSULTATION’ OVER A1 REPAIR WORK

practice how is that going to work? It’s the lack of communication and understanding of how people’s lives work.

“It will be a complete nightmare.”

Northumberland County Council is set to formally object to the planned roadworks, with council leader Peter Jackson calling for work to be halted until a ‘proper consultation’ has taken place with communities.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services, said: “While the council was made aware of Highways England’s intention to undertake these major repair works, we strongly advised that, prior to such disruptive works being planned, detailed consultation and engagement with the local community must be undertaken.

“Unfortunately, Highways England has left this essential local consultation activity until the last minute and appear to have already made decisions about the nature and timing of the works without any real consideration of what the impacts on local businesses and residents will be and how they can be avoided or reduced.

“This is not acceptable and the council will be formally writing to object to the proposed timing and nature of their planned roadworks, which we feel should not proceed until alternative options have been fully explored and proper consultation has been undertaken with the local community.”

Highways England’s David Wheatley, head of scheme delivery for Yorkshire and the North East, has apologised for the inconvenience the scheme will cause – but insists the full closure is necessary for the roadworks to be carried out.

He said: “This major reconstruction work will mean better journeys for people on the A1 between Wandylaw and Northumberland.

“We do understand the concerns raised, but can reassure everyone we have carefully considered the impact of the closures, and that includes avoiding any public and school holidays, and the main tourist season.

“We have to close the road as the whole carriageway, not just the top layer, is extensively damaged and to fix it we are using a special paving machine which takes up more than one lane.

“If we did the repair work overnight, it would take almost three months to complete; but, by closing the road 24 hours a day, we can use day and night shifts to do the work in around two weeks, the shortest time possible.

“We apologise now for any inconvenience caused and are writing to 11,800 residents and businesses in the local area to keep them informed.” Warenford in