WALKING and cycling charity Sustrans is seeking local views as part of a new study to change a section of Hadrian’s Cycleway through Hexham and Corbridge, to make it safer and easier for more people to walk and cycle.

The charity is inviting anyone who lives locally or passes through the area to take part in a survey to get a better understanding of people’s experience of walking and cycling in the area.

Sustrans is working on a feasibility study with Northumberland County Council to look for ways to realign National Cycle Network Route 72, also known as Hadrian’s Cycleway, through Hexham and Corbridge.

During an audit of the entire National Cycle Network in 2018 a large section of the route in and between Hexham and Corbridge was found to not meet safety standards set out in Sustrans’ Paths for Everyone report.

The county council recently announced plans to improve the route between the two towns following a successful Levelling Up Fund bid which will see an active travel link created largely following the A695. The feasibility study will look to identify routes through both towns to link to this new section.

Danny Morris, senior project officer for Sustrans, said: "Approaching Corbridge on Hadrian’s Cycleway from the east at the moment means cycling on a 60mph road and once in the town there are some tricky junctions to contend with. In Hexham the route almost misses the town completely.

"If we want to encourage more people to leave their cars at home, we need safe and accessible routes so people can get to work or school or to the local shops on foot or by bike or in a wheelchair or mobility scooter."

To tke part in the survey, visit https://sustrans.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/hexham-and-corbridge-walking-cycling-and-wheeling-survey-3