00:01Plans for a new active travel corridor in Blythe have been approved by Northumberland County Council's Cabinet, with £6.9
00:08million set aside for the project.
00:11The scheme will link the town centre with Blythe-Bebside railway station on the Northumberland line, while also connecting local
00:18schools and important employment sites.
00:21Of the total cost, £4.8 million is expected to come from external grants.
00:27The route has changed since the plans were first developed.
00:30It was originally intended to follow Cowpen Road, but concerns were raised about the amount of traffic already using that
00:36route in and out of Blythe.
00:38The preferred option will now use quieter residential streets to the south of Cowpen Road, while maintaining a direct connection
00:46between the town centre and the station.
00:48Speaking at the Cabinet meeting, Deputy Leader Richard Weermouth said the corridor would improve people's ability to travel around Blythe
00:56and connect with the railway.
00:57He also highlighted the popularity of the Northumberland line, saying it was recording around 350,000 passenger journeys every quarter,
01:06well above expectations.
01:08The project will be delivered through five phases of design development and construction.
01:13The first phase is planned for Chase Farm Drive, with the remaining phases moving from west to east towards the
01:19town centre.
01:20The council says phasing the work should help minimise disruption while construction takes place.
01:25There will also be further engagement with residents as the project progresses.
01:29The third phase is made possible in � укways.
