A COMMUNITY group has staged a final campaign against a new vehicle entrance as part of plans to build two new schools in Hexham.

Members of the Hydro Neighbourhood Group, a group of residents with concerns over plans to rebuild Queen Elizabeth High and Hexham Middle School together on the current high school site, campaigned outside the school on Monday morning.

Residents have objected to the plans for a new vehicle entrance to be created directly outside a house on Whetstone Bridge Road, where a 10-week-old-baby lives.

Group member Sarah Marshall said: "The increased traffic, exhaust fumes and lights from cars shining straight into the windows of the house – it will be quite an oppressive experience for those that live there."

Terry Eccles, whose daughter Annie lives in the house, said: "I can't believe that they have all of this space to choose from, but they choose directly opposite the house."

Campaigners believe the new entrance will see an increase in noise and engine fumes in the area with 235 cars and 1,500 students using the entrance per day.

"The decision for the school is going to county council on Tuesday and this is our last chance to campaign," Sarah Marshall said.

"More people are becoming aware of the impact the plans will have on this area. Our hope isn't that the schools won't be built, but we want the changes to the plans we have asked for to be listened to."

Campaigners believe the new entrance will see an increase in noise and engine fumes in the area with 235 cars and 1,500 students using the entrance per day.

Councillors are due to approve the plans for the redevelopment at a strategic planning committee meeting in Morpeth on Tuesday.

Sarah Marshall added: "The Neighbourhood Group won't be disbanding once this has been approved because there's two years of building work ahead which will cause a lot of disruption.

"Someone who lives near here passed by before and said they wish they had taken more notice of the plans, and how they will affect the area."

A spokeswoman from Northumberland County Council said: "There has been wide consultation on the proposals, both prior to and as part of the planning process.

"All views expressed through the planning process will be carefully considered by the strategic planning committee."

The Hadrian Learning Trust, which runs both schools, has been contacted for comment.