A RESIDENT who highlighted how the A66 dualling project could lead to traffic problems in Startforth has agreed to join a new group which aims to address future concerns associated with the scheme.
Jennie White accepted Startforth Parish Council’s invitation to join a local community liaison group which is being set up by Highways England, the agency responsible for the A66 project.
Late last year, Ms White voiced concerns that changes to the layout and junctions of the A66 could lead to a large increase in traffic travelling through the village on the narrow B6277, posing a risk to pedestrians and adding to congestion at the County Bridge traffic lights.
Her comments prompted parish councillors in Startforth to ask that the Cross Lanes junction with the B6277 be made “local access only” as part of the A66 scheme. At their January meeting, members were told the project team from Highways England had been in touch asking for nominations to join a local community liaison group.
The parish council was told the community liaison groups – which would be set up along affected stretches along the A66 – would ensure “conversations and presentations focus on the local issues which impact most on the community” .
Highways England says the groups will meet throughout the planning process and on towards the construction period.
Startforth Parish Council clerk Judith Mashiter said the first meeting of the group was due to take place late last month.
She said they would be held online and in the early evening for the time being.
The frequency of meetings was to be discussed among those present at the group’s first get-together, she added.
Cllr Peter Worley said he was happy to put his name forward, while members also suggested asking Ms White if she would like to become part of the group. Cllr Chris Carr said if there were occasions when no-one was available, he would sit in on meetings as well.
After the meeting, Ms White said she was delighted to have been asked to join the group and was happy to take her place.
“It is always worth being involved in discussions if you can,” she said.
Up to date information on the A66 project is available online at www.highwayseng
land.co.uk/A66-NTP.
Meanwhile, parish councillors also said they were keen to have a say on the future signage on the A66.
They agreed to write to county councillors Richard Bell and Ted Henderson along with Durham County Council’s highways department asking to be involved and kept informed on the A66 signage strategy.
