Axing LTN 'tremendous backwards step' - residents

Heaton's low traffic neighbourhood will be removed after 23 April, according to the council

The removal of a low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) in a city suburb would be a "tremendous backwards step", local residents have said.

Bollards which block drivers from using some residential streets in Heaton, Newcastle, will be removed after 23 April.

Residents protesting the move told the BBC other measures should be considered instead of scrapping the scheme.

Newcastle City Council said it was committed to working with the community and would use feedback to "help shape revised proposals for Heaton".

The council had previously said data gathered during the LTN trial showed 700 vehicles were using the back lanes of Heaton Park, which created "safety risks".

But residents claimed those vehicles were at "at least four" different locations and removing the bollards could open up Heaton Park View to 3,000 cars.

People have been protesting the decision to scrap the scheme

Resident Carol Bell said traffic in the back streets had slowed down and better signage should be used to deter it, instead of scrapping the LTN.

"I think it's such a disappointment and such a backwards step," she said.

"It's made such a positive difference and it's about improving some of the challenges, rather than [a] backward step to rip it all out."

A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council said it had "set out" options to address the issues of displaced traffic, but there had not been "enough support" in the community.

“However, we have set out a clear commitment to working with communities and we will use the feedback we have received to help shape revised proposals for Heaton which we will consult with residents on in due course," the spokesperson added.

'Really surprised'

The LTN in Heaton was put in place in October 2022.

Heaton resident Jonny Coates said residents were "really surprised" by the decision to remove it completely, as it was not among the options at a recent consultation.

"And all of a sudden, out of the blue, with two weeks notice, they tell us it's going to be completely ripped out," Mr Coates said.

Newcastle City Council said an "engagement exercise" in February received 237 responses out of 1,913 letters sent in total.

Its options included re-opening of Heaton Park View at Warwick Street, or closing all side roads from Heaton Park Road, with "many feedback forms" containing other suggestions from residents.

A consultation on the LTN also showed views were "almost evenly split" between those in favour of the measures and those against, the council said.

"These numbers show that there is insufficient community support for either the current scheme or both alternative options that have been presented," the local authority added.