PEDESTRIANS can look forward to feeling safer on a busy Hexham road as large vehicles are set to be banned.

Northumberland County Council announced at the weekend that a vehicle length restriction would be implemented on Hallstile Bank to reduce the risk to members of the public using the area.

Once the order is put in place, the narrow road will be open to cars and small vans only.

The restriction was proposed after numerous residents complained they had nearly been hit by lorries and coaches struggling to negotiate the tight bend on the narrow road.

Because of the angle, many large vehicles were forced to drive on the footpath.

The concerns were raised by local people during a consultation carried out by the county council on the future of Hexham’s Market Place.

Trevor Cessford and Cath Homer, county councillors for Hexham Central with Acomb and Hexham East respectively, hand delivered letters to local residents at the weekend informing them of the ban.

Coun. Cessford said: “We had a trial closure of Hallstille Bank earlier this year as part of the consultation of the Market Place, and we had further conversations with people living on Hallstile Bank about their concerns over large vehicles using the road.

“A length limit is better than a weight restriction because it applies to all vehicles, not just goods vehicles.

“The main aim is to improve safety and make the place more pleasant for people who live there, and the feedback has been very positive.”

The restriction is expected to be in place within eight to 10 weeks, once the necessary traffic regulation order is prepared.

The trial closure of Hallstile Bank proved successful, and did not impact the flow of traffic in the town. A further discussion about the road’s future will take place at a later date.