To: Countryside Partnerships and Northumberland County Council

In 2022/23, Countryside Partnerships, also known as Vistry Group and Linden Homes, undertook a project to reconstruct the primary access road to the St. Georges Wood housing development in Morpeth. Originally scheduled for 14 weeks, the project took 46 weeks to complete—32 weeks behind schedule. Despite the extensive duration, the road is not set to be adopted by Northumberland County Council until 2026 following further works in the area. Currently, the road remains under the responsibility of Countryside Partnerships until adoption takes place.

Upon completion of the road reconstruction, Countryside Partnerships removed several critical road safety measures, making the road unsafe for pedestrians and drivers. Countryside Partnerships claim these safety measures were not included in the plans provided by Northumberland County Council, leading to their omission. Countryside Partnerships are refusing to re-introduce safety measures as they claim they need to be requested by Northumberland County Council.

Issues Identified:

1. Speed Limit Increase:

• The previous 15mph speed limit has been replaced with the national speed limit of 30mph, which is unsuitable for this busy road.
• Absence of speed limit signs leads to drivers exceeding 30mph.

2. Removal of zebra crossing points.

• Two crossing points previously had painted zebra crossings which meant drivers would slow and stop to let pedestrians cross. These no longer exist.

3. Removal of Traffic Calming Measures:

• Raised traffic calming measures at the two zebra crossings were removed.
• New crossing points were installed with tactile paving, but placed on bends with poor visibility for drivers.

4. Lack of Warning Signage:

• No signage warns drivers of the hidden crossing points on bends and it is impossible to stop from 30mph in time should anyone step out at the wrong time.

5. Reinstatement of Double Yellow Lines:

• Double yellow lines were previously painted the entire length of the road to prevent illegal parking.
• Only a 100m stretch of double yellow lines has been reinstated near the NHS surgeries, this is not enough.
• Vehicles now park on a blind corner beyond the yellow lines, causing hazardous conditions for pedestrians and road users.

Impact on Community:

The route is heavily trafficked by residents, hospital staff, delivery drivers, Countryside Partnerships staff, building contractors, and numerous HGVs. The removal of the safety measures has heightened the risk of accidents, posing a significant threat to:

Children: Residents' children, including my 10-year-old child, face dangers walking to and from school without safe crossing points.
Pedestrians: Frequent near-misses with speeding drivers at crossing points pose daily risks.
Vulnerable Individuals: Patients from the NHS St Georges Hospital and elderly residents, who regularly use this route, are at high risk.

Urgent Call to Action:

Following a complaint to Northumberland Council, Robin McCartney, the Highways Infrastructure Manager, stated on 15th September 2023:

"There is no evidence to support the need for formal crossings on this road or for the speed limit to be any lower than the nationally accepted speed limit of 30mph in built-up areas."

Further complaints have been logged with Northumberland Council, the NHS, Countryside Partnerships, Local Councillors, Morpeth Town Council and the Morpeth Mayor, however nobody is prepared to take responsibility and act on this.

This response and lack of action is unacceptable. Waiting for a serious accident or fatality to prompt action is negligent. Immediate safety measures must be reinstated to prevent potential harm.

Petition Request:

We, the undersigned, urge Countryside Partnerships and Northumberland County Council to:

1. Reinstate the lower speed limit on the St. Georges Wood/Dark Lane access road.
2. Reinstate both zebra crossings so they offer a safer place for pedestrians to cross the road.
3. Reinstate traffic calming measures to slow drivers either side of the crossing points.
4. Install adequate signage to warn drivers of hidden crossing points and enforce speed limits.
5. Fully reinstate double yellow lines along the entire length of the road to prevent illegal parking and take enforcement action against offenders.
   
   

These measures are essential for the safety and well-being of all road users and pedestrians in our community. We need immediate action to prevent a serious accident or fatality.

Please sign this petition to demand the necessary road safety features on the St. Georges Wood/Dark Lane access road.