COUNCILLORS have been warned that their campaign for road safety improvements on the A69 at Bardon Mill and Henshaw could fail to attract funding.

A new report published by Highways England has concluded that the two mile stretch between the neighbouring villages does not require “immediate intervention.”

And the report, compiled by consultants JMP, says the stretch of trunk road does not have a high enough accident rate to secure Government capital for improvements.

The report is a blow for members of parish councils at Bardon Mill, Henshaw and Melkridge, who launched a joint campaign two years ago.

They believe the stretch of road is dangerous, with several junctions, pedestrian crossing points, a cafe and garage by the roadside.

But despite coming up with a list of possible options, including a new 40mph speed limit and a pedestrian footbridge, consultants said cheaper alternatives were more likely.

Their report said: ”A high cost scheme on a road which does not have a high accident rate will have a very low benefit cost ratio (BCR) score for this type of road safety scheme, meaning that funding would not be forthcoming.“

The report includes a recommended scheme, to introduce double white lining to prohibit overtaking in some areas, install solar studs, and warning signs for pedestrians crossing the road.

Members of Henshaw Parish Council reacted angrily to the report at their meeting on January 25.

Chairing the meeting, Coun. Jeff Oliver said their concerns had been ignored, despite site meetings with highways officials.

He added: “They have come back to us with a number of points, but in terms of the questions we have asked, they have not really been answered.”

The parish council has now submitted a formal response to Highways England.

It reads: “The report only focuses on statistics of traffic and pedestrian flow. It does not take into account the fears expressed about this stretch of road.

“Statistics for pedestrian flow are low because residents are too scared to attempt to cross. There is no mention of junction improvements and the problems of access and egress.”

Councillors also reiterated their fears over an increase in traffic flow, expected next year when The Sill landscape discovery centre opens at nearby Once Brewed.

Their response added: “We feel that the study and conclusions are not satisfactory.”

As part of the road safety study, the consultants carried out speed surveys, and also considered the views of pedestrians who cross the road along the stretch.

They also considered various possible options for improvements, including the reduction of the existing 60mph speed limit, to 40mph.

Other options included a pedestrian footbridge, the introduction of a speed camera, a vehicle activated sign, and a pedestrian refuge or island to assist them while crossing.

Consultants decided that the volume of pedestrians are insufficient to justify a footbridge; while a pedestrian refuge or island within the carriageway would potentially become an additional hazard.

A reduced speed limit was ruled out by the consultants due to the low number of accidents.

The possibility of kerbed islands incorporated at junctions, was considered not viable due to large costs and site constraints.

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman is concerned about road safety along the A69 between Hexham and Carlisle, and is currently leading a campaign for the trunk road to be dualled.

Last October, Mr Opperman met roads minister Andrew Jones at Bardon Mill and Henshaw to make him aware of the dangers on the A69, which has been plagued with accidents for decades.