TWO years after it was first lodged, an application to remove Corbridge Market Place from the official register of village greens could be just weeks away from being approved.

Since 2014, parish councillors in Corbridge have been hoping that a relatively new Act of Parliament would help them resolve long-standing parking problems in the village’s Market Place.

The Commons Registration Regulations act could allow the historic Market Place to be officially deregistered as a village green – paving the way for councillors to introduce formal restrictions on its use.

For decades, the site has been marked out with around 30 unofficial free parking bays, which are routinely ignored, with as many as 45 cars crammed into the area throughout the working day.

It is hoped removing the village green status would allow for the introduction of parking measures which could increase the turnover of spaces – improving the current situation for visitors and potentially increasing the footfall for local businesses.

Chairman of Corbridge Parish Council, Coun. Maurice Hodgson, said: “It looks like the application has got through all of the official hurdles and it is due to go out to public consultation.

“It’s good news and will hopefully make a big difference.”

Northumberland County Council confirmed that official public notices on the application had been issued this week.

“Anyone wishing to object must send a statement of facts to Northumberland County Council by Friday, November 25,” said a spokesman.

“All representations will be taken into account in making a decision on the application.”