Residents call for urgent changes to West Northumberland cycling route

The active travel corridor between Corbridge and Hexham will largely follow the A695 between the two towns’ train stations, forming connections with the hospital and the high school.  

Northumberland County Council (NCC) successfully secured £14.7m from the previous UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to upgrade active travel routes in both Bedlington and between Corbridge and Hexham.

The funding is ringfenced for active travel schemes and can't be used for other projects.

The route combines a mix of shared and segregated pedestrian and cyclist usage, with some short connecting paths.

Residents fear the changes will impact the nature of the hamlet (Image: Supplied)

It's hoped the route will improve local connections within Hexham and encourage active travel trips between Hexham and Corbridge.

However, residents in a hamlet near Corbridge fear that the proposals will adversely affect the area, with 'stop-start traffic', 'idling emissions', and a 'negative impact' on homebuyers' perceptions of the properties.

The works also include upgraded street lighting, new signage, new road markings, path and drainage improvements, bus stop shelter and seating replacement, tree trimming and surface treatment. 

The travel corridor prioritises cyclists travelling unimpeded alongside the highway, which is used by many people travelling between Hexham and other towns in the Tyne Valley and beyond.

To achieve this, the council proposes implementing a one-way flow for vehicles on Dilston Bridge near Corbridge, to be controlled by traffic lights, introducing a 30mph speed limit, and new street lighting in the hamlet of Dilston Haugh.

A county council spokesperson said: "Extensive public consultation has been carried out since the scheme was first approved in March 2023. The early designs always envisaged and included a proposed traffic light system for Dilston Bridge, operating in a similar fashion to Corbridge Bridge.

"Engagement on these proposals was also undertaken with Active Travel England, who were present at the early feasibility level discussions.

"Since that time, we have met with Dilston residents in person on several occasions. We have adapted the designs where possible, based on their feedback to the current design.  

"Dilston Bridge is an important local Grade II listed structure, and we have engaged with our Design and Built Heritage Officer in view of the works. They confirmed that Listed Building Consent would not be required."

Active Travel England, an executive agency of the Department for Transport, collaborates with local authorities in cities, towns, and rural areas across the country to help them make walking, wheeling, and cycling a safe and attractive option for everyday trips. 

More: Construction underway on Hexham to Corbridge active travel route

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Residents called for changes to plans for the corridor at the Grade II listed bridge, warning that these proposals will 'lead to chaos on the busy A695 and damage the hamlet’s historic character'.

Despite repeated requests, residents say no feasibility study has been shared with them.

They also believe many people are unaware of the full implications of the active travel corridor and describe Dilston Bridge as a “critical pinch point” in the new segregated route under construction.

The A695 crosses the river known as Devil’s Water at Dilston, with the bridge seeing the road narrow considerably and making a safe route for active travellers challenging.

One resident said: “I am a keen cyclist myself, but the current proposed solution, whilst being well intentioned, is being presented as a ‘fait accompli’, insensitive to the needs of both motorists and residents."

Residents claimed that the county council was aware that Dilston Bridge would be a critical pinch point, yet it was 'not prioritised' in early planning. They argue the current plan will 'frustrate motorists and create a pollution hotspot, harming the setting of listed buildings'.

Residents on the bridge (Image: Supplied)

Locals proposed instead to create a dedicated cycle and footbridge crossing the Devil’s Water in parallel with the historic bridge, which they believe would offer a 'more sensitive solution'.

David Burdus lives at one of the properties in Dilston Haugh. He said: "The proposal to reduce Dilston Bridge to a single‑lane, signal‑controlled flow is a late addition by the county council. It was not part of any early proposals or discussions with residents.

"Earlier versions retained two‑way traffic with the bridge not touched with signals giving cyclists priority. At no stage were residents shown or consulted on a one‑way system across the bridge."

Residents say a ‘well-designed’ crossing could provide ‘enhanced views’ of the bridge, connect with the Dilston Heritage and Tyne Valley Trails, and link to the nearby Dilston Physic Garden, which has received Heritage Lottery funding, creating a scheme they believe would protect heritage while delivering modern transport benefits.

Another resident added: “This is about protecting the hamlet while embracing the future. Traffic lights are a blot on the landscape. A parallel crossing would deliver the active travel corridor objectives in a way that enhances, rather than diminishes, this beautiful part of Northumberland.

"Northumberland deserves safer travel routes that don’t cost us our clear skies, clean air, or historic landscapes – even Active Travel England would not condone an intervention that damages heritage and creates pollution.”

An aerial view of the Dilston Bridge area (Image: Supplied)

The community said they support safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians, but reject plans that 'threaten local heritage', urging Northumberland County Council, Active Travel England, heritage bodies, and local cycle groups to collaborate on a financial plan that delivers a 'longer-term, environmentally sensitive, and socially viable solution'.

They believe that investing in a parallel cycle and footbridge would balance accessibility with conservation, allowing cyclists, motorists, and residents to coexist harmoniously while celebrating Dilston’s unique heritage.

An AI-generated image of what residents envision for the bridge (Image: Supplied)

County councillor for Corbridge and Riding Mill, Nick Oliver, explained that steps are being taken to 'mitigate any inconvenience'.

"The new cycling and walking route being built now and largely funded with a grant from central Government will connect Corbridge and Hexham and bring tourism and health benefits to both places," Cllr Oliver said.

"I have met with residents of Dilston and council officers, and all efforts are being made to mitigate any inconvenience. Extensive modelling has been carried out, and improvements in vehicle detection technology do help, as has been seen on Corbridge bridge."

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