Narrowgate pedestrianisation scheme underway in Alnwick
04 Oct 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Work is underway on pedestrianisation of Narrowgate in Alnwick – to make the area safer and more welcoming to residents, shoppers and visitors.
The road will be replaced by granite blocks with new paving on the footways that reflect the high conservation status of this area, with improved bollards and new road markings at the Market Street end. As part of the overall pedestrianisation scheme the teams will also be making changes to the junction between Fenkle Street and Market Street.
The work will continue until December and will pause for the Christmas shopping period before teams return to finish in January 2025.
The work follows a trial from 2019, when the County Council and Alnwick Town Council agreed to pedestrianise Narrowgate after concerns the street was not wide enough to comfortably accommodate both pedestrians and heavy traffic.
County Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Improving our Roads and Highways, said: “The safety of pedestrians in all our towns is essential and concerns had been raised about mix of shoppers and heavy traffic on this narrow street.
“Following the trial we carried out a detailed consultation and it was agreed we’d take forward a permanent solution to pedestrianise the street creating an improved traffic free environment for shoppers and visitors and connecting into the Market Place via Paikes Lane.
I’m pleased this work is now underway and it will be a great improvement once complete.”
Alnwick County Councillor Gordon Castle said: “After public consultation, with a majority in favour, the decision was made to go ahead because just about every business on the stretch in question was strongly supportive and reported improved trade during the temporary closure period.
“There was also a very strong safety case made, given the narrowness of the pavements and the proximity of moving traffic.”
Alnwick County Councillor Martin Swinbank: “I'm very pleased to see the works to upgrade the paved surface of Narrowgate have started.
“This will be a huge improvement to the quality of the street surface, improve accessibility and give a lift to the whole area. A real community of largely independent businesses including both shops and cafes now fills the street and is thriving.”
Alnwick Mayor Councillor Geoff Watson: “It is good to see that work has commenced on this important town project.
“The increase in traffic volumes resulted in Narrowgate becoming increasingly hazardous for pedestrians and following consultation with a majority in favour of pedestrianisation the Town Council and Northumberland County Council have worked closely together on the design.
“I am looking forward to the completion of the work which will make the street safer and enhance Alnwick's historic town centre. Please continue to support the excellent businesses in Narrowgate."