CHANGES have been made to Hexham's controversial one-way system.

Northumberland County Council have made the alterations as a result of local feedback.

The measures were introduced to allow more space for people visiting the town, and make it easier to adhere to coronavirus restrictions.

Following the changes, the one-way system now starts just before the pinchpoint where Beaumont Street goes into Market Street.

Previously, it had started opposite the Abbey Car Park.

This means that Beaumont Street is reopened to two way traffic and enables drivers to park in Market Place and to have the option of turning right or left when they wish to drive away again - so they can either go back up Beaumont Street or continue through the pinch point and follow the one way along Market Street and onto Gilesgate.

The county council said the latest changes were made following dialogue with Hexham Town Council, local county councillors and representations from the business community.

CCTV footage and speed survey data had shown that the one-way system is working to reduce speeds, making it easier and safer for pedestrians to step out onto the road to social distance.

However some concerns had been raised about the numbers of vehicles using Market Street so this change should help to reduce traffic flows on this road and make it easier to get into and out of the Market Place.

The temporary road closure on Hallstile Bank remains in place, as does the temporary pedestrianisation of the Market Place on those Saturdays when there is a Farmers Market.