A CARAVAN parked on the side of a Haltwhistle road is a hazard for motorists and could be an obstacle for emergency services.

Those are the concerns of residents and councillors, who are calling for the mobile holiday home on Fairholme Avenue to be removed.

But police neighbourhood inspector Pam Bridges told a meeting of Haltwhistle Town Council on Monday that the caravan’s owner is not breaking the law by parking it there.

Speaking from the public gallery, a Haltwhistle resident said: “Drivers have to go on the wrong side of the road to get past it, so there’s no doubt it is causing an obstruction.”

Coun. Annette McGlade said: “It’s 50 metres from a main road junction and it could be difficult for emergency services to get past.”

Local county councillor Ian Hutchinson said: “It’s been parked there for six months or more.

“It’s potentially a safety hazard because it is blocking the highway. It’s an eye sore and it’s a real mess.”

Attending the meeting to discuss policing issues in the area, Insp. Bridges said: “I am aware of this caravan.

“However, whilst it is parked on the side of the road, it is not committing any offence.

“However, I understand that it is parked where people do not want it to be, and clearly concerns are being raised.”

Insp. Bridges said she would speak to Northumberland County Council to see if any steps could be taken for the good of the community.