THE first day of new traffic restrictions in Hexham have been described as a "mixed bag" by one of the town's county councillors.

Major traffic restrictions were introduced in Hexham town centre on Saturday, including a temporary one-way traffic system will operate every day of the week except Saturdays between 9am to 5pm, and a temporary road closure/ pedestrianisation of Market Place (except for access to off street premises) every Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Hexham Courant:

Coun. Derek Kennedy, who represents Hexham West, said that while the town had been very busy with visitors, drivers seemed to be confused by the new restrictions.

Coun. Kennedy said: "I went up three times on Saturday - once really early in the morning and then again later in the day.

"I think those who were driving cars had no idea of all this coming about, so there were loads seeing roads closed.

"You had people driving and not being able to compute that the road was closed. They were coming up market street and having to turn around, I law loads having to do that because they just weren't aware of these significant changes, so for car drivers I think it was really confusing.

"The actual town itself, with it being really sunny, there were loads of people out, and people walking around the town centre - so it was a bit of a mixed bag really.

"For Hexham, how busy it is depends on the weather, particularly on a Saturday."

Read more reaction in the Hexham Courant.