CONCERNS over cars speeding past a new housing estate look as though they have finally been addressed.

Residents and councillors in Prudhoe have long taken issue to the fact that the 30mph zone in the east of the town did not extend past the new Cottier Grange estate.

Now, Northumberland County Council plans to extend the speed limit to cover the area, meaning the 404-home estate will see an improvement in road safety.

Speaking at last Wednesday’s meeting of Prudhoe Town Council, mayor Tracy Gilmore explained what would be done.

She said: “Northumberland County Council will be looking to extend the speed limit past the crossing point to the golf course.

“It will then be 40mph to the roundabout on the A695.

“There is no time limit on the work.”

Last year, Coun. Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, said he had received a number of reports of vehicles speeding past the entrance to the Cottier Grange estate.

Coun. Stewart and Coun. Ken Stow, who represents Prudhoe North, asked the county council to look at methods to improve road safety.

Their request followed comments made by residents about some vehicles being driven along the road at excessive speed, as well as about the location of the 30mph zone.

A feasibility report was completed last month and it is anticipated that a design brief will be completed by the middle of this month, before recommendations are considered.

The road has been the scene of tragedy in the past.

In 2013, a motorist was sentenced to five years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving after killing Kathleen Heslop (64) and her dog Trudy who were out walking near their home while speeding on the same stretch of road.