DISRUPTION to roads in Prudhoe will continue for longer than expected as developer Gentoo has announced delays in work to its Cottier Grange site.

Gentoo is currently constructing a spine road through the development, on the former Prudhoe hospital site, but has announced that the work has suffered setbacks.

This means construction traffic will continue to use the temporary entrance to the site from Moor Road, as the main entrance off the B6395 cannot be used until the spine road is complete.

At a meeting of Prudhoe Town Council last Wednesday, Coun. Jennifer McGee raised concerns that no date of completion had been given, along with no explanation of the setbacks.

Councillors also stated that the construction vehicles using Moor Road had caused damage to the road surface.

Coun. Graham Robinson added: “Being a user of the road, I concur about the damage to the road.

“That road was never built for the traffic on there now, and there should be an opportunity to put some traffic calming in place.”

Councillors agreed to write a letter to Gentoo asking for a date of completion, clarification about what the setbacks have been and whether Moor Road will be repaired when the rest of the work is completed.

Anthony Lowther, assistant director of Gentoo Homes, said: “Our Cottier Grange development presents a variety of complex infrastructure challenges, including the construction of new highways, sewers and utilities networks.

“Although we have experienced delays on all of these items, we are working towards opening the main site entrance to construction traffic by spring 2018.

“We have been working closely with Prudhoe Town Council, Northumberland County Council and local councillors to help mitigate any inconvenience caused to local residents.

“We always aim to ensure the local community is kept up to date with our progress and have had dialogue with local residents regarding our work on the site, as well sending newsletters to all households in Prudhoe.

“We are aware of historical issues regarding the condition of Moor Road. Once construction access to the site reverts to the main entrance, the temporary site entrance will be closed and re-instated.”