TRADERS says they were not consulted over controversial changes to the traffic system in Hexham town centre.

A temporary one-way system was introduced last week, with business owners and residents informed by receiving letters from Northumberland County Council.

The measures also include the pedestrianisation of the town’s Market Place on Saturdays. The local authority said the restrictions would help create a safer environment for pedestrian movements in and around the Market Place, as the local economy reopened following lockdown.

But while traders insisted they were not against change, they said they were not among the ‘key stakeholders’ which included Hexham Town Council and Hexham Civic Society, consulted before the measures were introduced.

Natalie Paxton, of Paxton’s Fish & Chips, in the Market Place, attended Hexham Town Council, which took place via videolink on Monday.

She said: “The key stakeholders did not include the business community.”

After the meeting, Natalie described the move as an unnecessary change for businesses, who had enjoyed a surge in trade following lockdown.

She added: “It hasn’t affected business so far, because the weather has been good this week. My concern is that older people, those with mobility issues, and families with young children, who rely on their cars, will not come into the town centre.

“We are not resistant to change. We just feel as though businesses should have a say in these types of decisions. We want to work with the authorities, not against them, and would like to help ensure the right decisions are made.”

Angela Wilson, of the Small World Cafe in the Market Place, said: “We weren’t consulted, but I don’t think the one-way system has put people off coming into Hexham.

“I think the pedestrianisation on Saturday worked well in the nice weather. People enjoyed sitting outside without traffic going past. It’s early days, and I believe we have to give it time to see how it pans out.”

The temporary traffic system affects Beaumont Street, Market Place, Market Street, Hallstile Bank, Hallgate, and Back Row.

There was notable confusion among some motorists in Market Place and Market Street about the one-way system, but on Tuesday, shoppers in Hexham said they were still getting used to the changes.