A REFERENDUM could take place in Haltwhistle in a bid to solve traffic and parking problems in the town.

Parking spaces are at a premium along the town’s shopping centre, on Main Street and Westgate, while concerns over speeding motorists persist.

Four years have passed since Haltwhistle town councillor John Clark suggested a one-way traffic system – aimed at slowing traffic down, reducing congestion, and freeing up parking space.

But with no solution on the table, Haltwhistle Town Council could throw the debate open to the public.

At the council’s meeting on March 6, Coun. Annette McGlade said: “It might be useful to have a town referendum on this issue.

“There could be a meeting where we take a look at a wide range of related matters, including provision for shoppers with wheelchairs and pushchairs and any other needs that people may have.”

Chairing the meeting, Coun. Alan Sharp said: “On the subject of a one-way system, I have always said we should have a proper consultation in the town.”

Coun. Michael Ridley said the town council had let Coun. Clark down by not acting on his one-way suggestion to link Main Street and Westgate with the adjacent Avenue St Meen.

At Haltwhistle’s annual town meeting in May last year, the 50 members of the public who attended were divided over the one-way idea.

The traffic issue has also divided councillors.

Last July, Coun. Kevin Little said reducing the 30mph speed limit to 20mph through the town would slow down traffic, but local county councillor Ian Hutchinson said it would be difficult to police.