Traffic diversion in Morpeth could be extended to the spring

Works are being carried out on a road off the A197 which runs to newly-built homes on the Saint George estate in Morpeth and the St George's Park mental health hospital.

They started in August and residents were told they would last for a minimum of 14 weeks.

As a result, traffic is being diverted via Cottingwood Lane as a private road that follows from the top of the lane to the hospital site has been opened up.

A site meeting took place last month as problems predicted by residents – particularly once the new term started at the town's King Edward VI School – have materialised. For example, heavy goods vehicles struggle to use the narrow route during peak hours.

The work is being carried out by Linden Homes, the home sales division of Vistry Partnerships North East.

A newsletter was delivered to locals last month and said the task ahead was bigger than anticipated, partly due to “several unchartered and unrecorded utility services and variable ground conditions encountered during groundworks”.

It said the road was not likely to reopen to vehicular traffic until the end of January.

However, an updated statement issued by Countryside Partnerships this week, which the scheme now falls under following Vistry Group’s acquisition of Countryside Partnerships PLC, says: “We thank all of those affected by the works for their patience and co-operation.

“Further to the newsletter, a further detailed analysis and work planning is now underway to keep as close to that schedule as possible. However, at this stage, it may be that the project could extend to spring 2023. As soon as this analysis is complete, we will communicate directly with residents.

“In partnership with Northumberland County Council and the Highways Agency, our priorities throughout are pedestrian and vehicular safety.

Local resident James Elliott, who attended the site meeting last month, said: “Since the publication of the newsletter In October, we have not had any further direct communications from Vistry to advise us on the duration of the works, including the projected dates for completion.

“We understand that the duration has been extended again and we await the next newsletter update from Vistry.”