Plans are ongoing to create a vibrant and revitalised Market Place in Hexham.
Led by Hexham Town Council, the aim is to have an area which is an attractive, safe place for people to go shopping.
As part of some of the options being considered for the regeneration of the Market Place, which will ultimately be decided on by residents, businesses and those who use the town centre, Hallstile Bank will temporarily close to through traffic and be a pedestrians only street for a trial period from 16th April for up to eight weeks.
This is to see if there will be any traffic flow problems caused by the potential closure of Hallstile Bank on a permanent basis.
Residents of Hallstile Bank have also petitioned the County Council to address various traffic issues, particularly the number of HGVs using this street. It is used as a ‘rat run’ by some people with around 2,200 vehicles going down the bank each day.
The nature and narrowness of Hallstile Bank also means that it can be very uncomfortable to share the street with cars and HGVs and many people have to walk in the road on occasions as there is only one narrow footway on part of the street.
The County Council will be monitoring various junctions around town during the trial period for any potential effects caused by traffic in other areas of Hexham as well.
Access will still be available for residents and businesses as far as the access road part way down Hallstile Bank opposite Sorella, but the road will be totally closed from this point onwards with planters or a similar temporary feature.
Vehicles visiting this access road will then have to come back up Hallstile Bank so pedestrians should be aware that very occasionally there may be cars coming back up the street which will be unfamiliar to most people. Emergency vehicles will still be able to access Hallstile Bank from either end if needed. Signed diversions will be in place along Priestpopple and Station Road.
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support this trial which has come about through local feedback and the wish to create a more pleasant area in this key part of the town.
“We are well aware of traffic issues in many of our popular towns and villages and continue to work with partners and the local community to find solutions which work for all.
Ward and town councillor Trevor Cessford added: “The closure is being put in to make sure that whatever option is finally chosen for the redevelopment of the Market Place it will not cause traffic flow problems in other parts of the town. It’s far better to do a test now than to have problems and regret later.
“This has been an open and transparent process since the start and I encourage everyone who has a stake and/or an interest in our wonderful town to make sure their voice is heard.”
Feedback, observations and comments on the trial and plans for the Market Place are still welcomed and can be recorded on the project website hexhammarketplace.stickyworld.