Progress urged on plans for 'deadly' junction

There have been at least five accidents at the four-way junction on the B1340 near Swinhoe since 2020

Campaigners have criticised the "slow progress" of plans to change a junction which has seen at least five accidents since 2020.

More than 1,000 residents signed a petition in 2023 asking for improvements to the B1340 near Swinhoe, in Northumberland.

The man behind it, John Rhind, said: "A year on and it feels we are not a lot closer to work starting on what is a deadly junction."

Northumberland County Council says a feasability report into potential options is being prepared which will be shared as soon as possible.

Campaigners said the first recorded accident at the junction took place in 1928, and at the time Belford Rural District Council recommended demolishing the smithy - a workshop used by blacksmiths - on the corner to improve visibility.

However, councillors declined to spend the £400 required.

Campaigners say there have been countless near misses at the crossroads

In April, Northumberland County Council allocated £20,000 to design a scheme to improve safety on the road.

Mr Rhind, from Beadnell, says he was told, via a freedom of information request, the redesign would be completed by "the end of October".

"I hoped that this junction would be treated as a priority," he said, "but I just don't feel enough urgency and transparency."

He has welcomed some changes at the junction, with an extension to the 30mph zone and more cautionary road markings, but says they are "just a sticking plaster".

Campaigners have welcome an extension of the 30mph zone but say it is not enough

Tim Edwards, who lives in a house near the crossroads, said many local people approached it with "a raised heartbeat".

"It is not surprising that people wonder who has to die before something will be done and it is just a matter of time," he said.

"I appreciate a new road layout is going to cost a lot of money but there have been so many near misses."

In a statement Northumberland County Council said: "At a meeting earlier this year, NCC committed to have a feasibility report prepared in order for potential options to be included in a future Local Transport Plan (LTP) programme.

"The report is currently being finalised and will be shared with the local Parish Council and County Councillor as soon as possible".