A massive project is set to get under way this month in a bid to tackle a landslip problem that has plagued a community for decades.
It is hoped the “complex” scheme will tackle the active landslip at Todstead on the B6344 in Northumberland once and for all.
A local councillor said the problem had been an issue for him since he had been elected and for the wider community for the last 40 years.
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However, Northumberland County Council say a long-term solution for the landslip has now been developed. Coun John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Local Services at the county council, explained why the work was being carried out.
He said: “It has been clear for some time we need a long-term solution which will protect this road for future generations and we’re now in a position to implement this major engineering scheme. Such are the constraints of the area that the teams will be working in, disruption to traffic is unavoidable so we’ve a clear diversion route in place for traffic travelling to and from Rothbury and the Coquetdale.
“We’ve also been working to ensure as many local residents, councillors, businesses and other organisations know what the plans are for the next few months. I want to thank people in advance for their patience while we carry out this vital repair work which is crucial to avoid losing this section of road altogether in the future.
“Once complete the works will protect this stretch of road for generations to come.”
The council has said the landslip is caused by the ”complex geology” of the valley and is an “extremely difficult” site to work in, partly due to the physical constraints of the site as well as the environmental sensitivity of working closely to the River Coquet.
The project will involve extensive civil engineering works, including the construction of a 180m length of retaining wall, riverbank realignment and bank protection works.
Traffic lights will initially be in place from April 24 while preliminary works, including clearance of trees and other vegetation, takes place along with service diversions. The road will then be closed completely over the length of the landslip from May 30 until the works are finished, forecast for spring next year.
Coun Steven Bridgett, Independent councillor for the Rothbury ward, welcomed the project but was concerned it would be ultimately unsuccessful.
He said: “Obviously I’m pleased that the council is eventually getting round to delivering a more permanent solution, but whether it will be permanent remains to be seen. But I’m happy to stand corrected!
“This has been an issue for me since I became a councillor and for the community for 40 years. The amount the council has spend resurfacing the road every time it cracks is ridiculous.
“It is appreciated as long as it works.”
Coun Bridgett is also concerned about the impact the closure of the road will have on businesses in Rothbury and the wider Coquet Valley. The council has said it will put up signs reminding drivers that the area remains open for business, but Coun Bridgett is worried it will not be enough.
He added: “It’s going to have a big impact on businesses. The B6331 carries most of the traffic in and out of the village on a daily basis.
“I’m concerned that the measures that the council are putting in place are such that it will still have a negative impact on businesses here. I don’t think they’re doing enough, they should be doing a lot more.
“It’s going to have a big impact at the busiest time of the year.”
Coun Bridgett called for more signs as well as publicity via the council’s communications team.
Responding to Coun Bridgett’s concerns, a spokesman for Northumberland County Council said: “We are very confident this repair will make a permanent improvement to the road at Todstead.
“As we have already indicated, extra signs will be incorporated in the diversion signage reminding drivers that Rothbury and the wider Coquet valley is open for business as usual. We are always mindful of the impacts that long term works may have and we will continue to keep this signage under review as the scheme progresses.”
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