Wooler councillors call for path improvements to be tied in with proposed infill works on former railway bridge

Historical Railways Estate (HRE) wants to carry out safety works on the bridge which carries the A697 between Haugh Head and Wooler.

Civil engineer Joel Wilson, in a planning report, stated: “Due to the deteriorating condition of the structure it is proposed to completely infill the structure.

"This will prevent future deterioration and remove the risk of structural collapse from overloading.

"Structural infilling will provide a cost effective and historically proven solution to the long-term support of the structure and road above.”

The proposal has been welcomed by Wooler Parish Council, although it has some concerns.

"I am over the moon that they are looking to address the problem,” said chairman Mark Mather.

“It’s been dreadful for years,” added Cllr Joyce Robertson.

However, the parish council has expressed disappointment that a wider ranging scheme to include improvements to the footpath does not form part of the current application.

The path was included in the parish council’s wish list for inclusion in Northumberland County Council’s Local Transport Plan last year.

Cllr Mather said: “It was put on the priority list but, believe it or not, that path has been looked at by a highways inspector and deemed safe. How that path on the side of the A697 on a 60mph road can be deemed safe is utterly disgusting.”

However, he revealed that a council highways officer had seen the path and agreed it needs to be improved. There are hopes the work could be tied in with the infill project.

It was also pointed out that a farmer with land on both sides of the road may need to be able to move livestock.

HRE is responsible for the historical railways estate on behalf of the Department for Transport.

The bridge was once part of the Alnwick to Cornhill branch line which closed to passenger trains in 1930.

Meanwhile, the parish council has welcomed plans to extend the Old Vicarage care home to provide an extra eight bedrooms.

The application was first submitted in October 2019 but withdrawn for a bat survey to be carried out.

"I fully support the improvements,” said Cllr Kevan Curry. “It’s a much needed facility.”

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