People divided on value of £9m new cycle lane

LOCAL residents in a Northumberland town have mixed feelings on a multi-million pound cycle route that is being constructed.

- JAMES ROBINSON

The cycle lane will provide a safe connection between Hexham and Corbridge, at a cost of around £9m.

Work is currently under way on the Hexham side of the scheme, with the cycle path being built on the side of the A695 and taking up a portion of the existing highway.

The road is being made significantly narrower, meaning there are plans to reduce the speed limit on it from 60mph to 40mph.

Traffic lights will also be installed on the Dilston Bridge choke point in order to allow cars to pass safely.

The scheme has proved somewhat controversial.

A post on the town’s popular - and often dramatic - Hexham Matters Facebook page on Thursday criticising the plans resulted in hundreds of negative comments before it was deleted.

But people on the streets of Hexham had a more mixed views.

Speaking to the Journal, Raymond Bewick said: “I know it’s Government funded, but I think they could have spent it on something more important.